If you have dealt with trauma in your life, you may have heard the term trauma-informed treatment. However, you may not be sure what it means or how it can help you in your recovery journey. Trauma-informed care is a relatively new approach to treating trauma that recognizes the impact that past traumatic experiences can have on present mental and emotional well-being.
Skywood Outpatient’s addiction treatment center in Royal Oak, MI includes a trauma-informed approach. This means that the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma are at the focal point of the treatment approach. The goal is to help individuals process their past traumas and learn coping skills for managing triggers and symptoms related to the trauma. When such skills and tools are learned, the desire to self-soothe with substances decreases.
If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma and addiction, reach out to Skywood Outpatient at 248.617.6237 to learn more about our addiction therapy programs. Skywood Outpatient’s trauma-informed treatment program in Royal Oak, MI exists to assist folks as they heal from their pain so that they can lead the healthy, happy life they so deserve.
The Emotional Weight of Trauma
Millions of Americans have experienced trauma in their lives, whether it is through abuse, natural disasters, war experiences, or other harrowing events. These traumatic experiences can have lasting effects on mental and emotional health, often manifesting in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Regardless of the type of trauma experienced, it can leave deep emotional wounds that may not be easily visible to others but can greatly affect one’s daily functioning and relationships. Without proper support and treatment approaches that address these underlying issues, individuals may turn to substance use.
What Is Trauma-Informed Treatment?
Essentially, trauma-informed treatment means that the therapist or healthcare provider recognizes and considers the role that past traumatic experiences may have played in an individual’s current difficulties and symptoms. This approach centers on the individual’s unique needs and seeks to address any unresolved trauma as part of their overall treatment plan.
Trauma can take many forms, including physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, neglect, car accidents, and combat experiences. Trauma can also be interpersonal and include emotional or psychological abuse. Research shows that individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop substance use disorders as a means of self-medicating and numbing painful emotions related to the past trauma(s).
The Benefits of Trauma Counseling
Incorporating trauma therapy into addiction treatment can greatly benefit individuals who have dealt with past traumatic experiences. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved mental and emotional well-being
- Enhanced coping skills for managing triggers and symptoms related to past traumas
- Improved relationships with others
- Decreased desire to self-medicate with substances
- Increased feelings of empowerment and self-confidence
- Overall improved quality of life
The benefits of trauma-informed treatment can extend beyond the individual receiving therapy. Their loved ones may also experience improved relationships and an increased understanding of the individual’s past traumas and their impact on current behaviors and emotions.
Trauma-Informed Care at Skywood Outpatient
Skywood Outpatient’s treatment program offers trauma-informed care as part of a comprehensive approach to treating the whole person. The trauma-informed treatment program in Royal Oak, MI includes a range of therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to assist individuals in processing their past trauma.
In addition to individual therapy, Skywood Outpatient also offers group therapy where individuals can connect with others who have dealt with similar experiences and receive support in their healing journey. In addition, family therapy is available to address any dynamics or wounds within the family system that may be impacting the individual’s recovery process. It is not always easy to confront past traumas, but at Skywood Outpatient, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way. Recovery from addiction and healing from trauma go hand in hand, and we are committed to helping you achieve lasting recovery and peace. Reach out at 248.617.6237 or via our online contact form to learn more about how trauma-informed therapy.