At Seaglass, to guarantee exceptional counseling and care, our clinicians are skilled in a range of trauma therapy practices. In doing so, we are especially equipped to help men and women in early recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Trauma therapy is a crucial aspect of addiction treatment, as many individuals who struggle with substance abuse have also experienced trauma in their lives.
Royal Life Centers’ clinicians are trained in research-based practices that have been proven effective in treating trauma and helping individuals process their experiences in a healthy way. Our goal is not just to help our clients overcome their addiction, but to address the more root causes of their substance abuse and promote long-term healing.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Traumatic events can include anything from physical or emotional abuse, natural disasters, and accidents, to witnessing violence or being in combat.
The goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals work through the intense emotions and negative effects of the trauma to find healing and move forward with their lives. Trauma treatment often uses evidence based therapies focused on safety and stabilization to support recovery and improve mental health. It is important to note that everyone responds to trauma differently and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to trauma therapy. Therapists also create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore emotions.
What Is Trauma Therapy?
There are different types of trauma therapy techniques that can be utilized as part of broader mental health care, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. Our clinicians utilize research-based techniques from trauma therapies such as:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
At Seaglass Recovery Arizona, we understand the importance of utilizing various treatment modalities for trauma recovery. That’s why our team of therapists are trained in several different types of trauma therapy techniques. We take a holistic approach by addressing both physical and emotional well-being alongside the cognitive effects of trauma, which supports the healing process and long term healing.
Types of Trauma Therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It helps clients develop coping skills to deal with current problems and process past traumas. Therapists often build coping strategies before processing traumatic memories. Through trauma-focused CBT, clients can learn how to identify and challenge their negative thoughts, as well as develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing anxiety, depression, and other symptoms related to trauma, while supporting emotional regulation and restoring self esteem or addressing low self esteem. Some structured trauma-focused treatments may be completed in 6 to 15 sessions, depending on the person and treatment plan.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for trauma is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions and their reactions to them. It was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but has been found to be effective for those struggling with trauma as well, especially when past experiences continue to affect current coping. DBT is based on the idea that individuals with emotional dysregulation, or difficulty managing strong emotions, can benefit from learning specific skills to regulate their emotions in a supportive environment and improve their relationships through personalized care that helps them manage stress and build healthier relationships. Over time, trauma therapy can also help people rebuild trust in themselves and others.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy, which originated in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, is a form of psychotherapy that uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help clients process traumatic memories and distressing memories. This therapy aims to help individuals reprocess traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to heal from the emotional distress associated with those memories. It is recognized by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related concerns. EMDR can also support recovery from post traumatic stress by helping reduce PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive memories, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances.
How to Treat Trauma
Many people who struggle with substance abuse have experienced trauma, such as sexual assault and domestic violence. More often than not, past trauma plays a significant role in drug and alcohol abuse for individuals who are still haunted by the painful memories. Some people who have undergone traumatic experiences will also turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate and cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. This pattern can also contribute to substance use and worsening mental health symptoms. Trauma therapy groups allow men and women to share their experiences without fear of judgment and less of an emphasis on how others will perceive them. Dual diagnosis treatment can address co-occurring disorders in addiction and trauma, including conditions such as bipolar disorder.
In addition, people who have suffered at the hands of a partner often have a difficult time opening up in a regular group therapy setting. At Seaglass Recovery, our therapists and counselors understand these unique difficulties and have training in trauma-informed treatment practices. For this reason, we provide a safe and supportive environment of trust and respect, because therapy in a supportive environment promotes healing and personal growth.
Treating traumas like these experiences can be challenging without the proper knowledge or education around trauma-informed therapy. Seaglass at Royal offers a variety of trauma-informed psychotherapies and techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Other trauma-specific therapies are usually offered on an individual basis to keep our guests feel as safe and comfortable as possible when opening up about these topics.
Trauma Therapy at Seaglass
At Royal Life Centers’ inpatient rehab, our therapists provide trauma-informed care at a licensed treatment center to deliver personalized trauma therapy in Prescott AZ with the highest quality counseling and support. Guests work closely with their primary therapist to develop a mindful, present-focused, and solution-oriented mindset. Through trauma therapy, they identify and address the impacts of trauma and negative thought patterns, fostering personal growth and healing.
Specialized clinics in Prescott also offer outpatient services for diverse trauma-related needs.
Our mission is to help you rebuild a life rooted in happiness, health, and purpose in sobriety. We are dedicated to your success because we believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the beauty and fulfillment of a meaningful life.
If you or a loved one would like more information about our residential inpatient program in Prescott, AZ, where a peaceful setting may support the healing process, or any of our addiction treatment programs, please reach out to our admissions team. People looking for trauma or PTSD therapists in Arizona are encouraged to reach out.
If you would like to learn more about Royal Life Centers