a woman cries in her trauma therapy programTrauma is one of the major contributors to substance use disorder. Many people turn to substance use as a coping mechanism to deal with the symptoms of trauma. It can be difficult to sustain sobriety if past trauma is not addressed during addiction treatment therapies. For the most effective addiction treatment, a trauma therapy program should be included in the treatment plan.

At Olympic Behavioral Health, we realize the significant impact of past trauma on substance use disorder. Our slate of addiction therapy programs includes trauma therapy to ensure that you can heal and move on from trauma rather than suppressing it. Give us a call at 844.983.3916 to learn more about how we help clients recover from trauma and addiction using the Seeking Safety method at our trauma therapy program in Boynton Beach, FL.

What Is Trauma?

It is helpful first to define what trauma is to understand better how trauma therapy works. Essentially, trauma is the result of a stressful event or series of events. Many people may assume that trauma is only caused by a significant event such as a violent attack, sexual assault, or war. However, many different types of events can cause trauma, ranging from seemingly minor to catastrophic.

Because some trauma-inducing events are not viewed as significant, you may not even realize that you are suffering from trauma. You may assume just because you have not experienced a significantly stressful event that stands out in your mind, that trauma is not a part of your life. To help you get a better idea of the wide range of events that could lead to trauma, take a look at this list of potentially traumatic events:

  • Abuse or neglect as a child
  • Bullying
  • Car accident
  • Natural disaster
  • War
  • School shooting or terrorist attack
  • Rape or domestic violence
  • Death of a loved one
  • Living in a dangerous neighborhood
  • Life-threatening illness of yourself or a loved one
  • Divorce or break-up
  • Witnessing any of the above or viewing them on TV or online

Some of the above events may be surprising instigators of trauma. You may not have realized that you can experience trauma from an event you have not personally experienced. Considering this, you may begin to realize how easily trauma can weave its way into your life and ignite the spark for substance abuse.

How Can a Trauma Therapy Program Help You Recover?

Trauma therapy aims to help you process the pain caused by your trauma so that you can release it and move on. There are different types of trauma therapy programs, each with its own approach to dealing with trauma. As you can imagine, bringing up painful memories from the past can be intense, and for some people, this is not a place they are willing to go again. The Seeking Safety method was designed specifically for these people and approaches trauma healing from a different angle:

  • Focusing on the life you desire
  • Cultivating a feeling of safety in the present moment
  • Prioritizing self-care
  • Building healthy relationships
  • Coping with triggers
  • Making healthy choices

Seeking Safety is future-focused, making it an ideal therapy modality for those whose trauma is exacerbated by traditional trauma therapy methods. As part of an addiction treatment plan, you can address and heal from the root of trauma and substance use and move on to a brighter future.

Olympic Behavioral Health: Overcome Past Trauma With Trauma Counseling in Boynton Beach, FL

At Olympic Behavioral Health, we know that untreated trauma can hold you back from the happy, healthy life you deserve. Our trauma therapy program in Boynton Beach, FL can help you heal from even the most debilitating trauma using the Seeking Safety method. To experience the difference we can make in your recovery, give us a call today at 844.983.3916.