Trauma Therapy for PTSD & Addiction at MARC
Experiencing trauma can have profound and lasting effects on your mental health and well-being. For many, these effects manifest as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance abuse – and it can often happen at the same time. At MARC, we understand the complex interplay between trauma, PTSD, and addiction. Our specialized trauma therapy program is designed to address these interconnected issues, providing a safe and supportive environment for people to begin their journey toward healing and recovery.
What is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help you process and recover from traumatic experiences.[1] It focuses on addressing the emotional, psychological, and physiological effects of trauma, which can manifest as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues (including substance abuse). The primary goal of trauma therapy is to help survivors understand their experiences, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and ultimately regain a sense of safety and control in their lives.
Effective trauma therapy employs a variety of techniques tailored to each person’s needs and experiences. These methods aim to help you process traumatic memories, change negative thought patterns, and reduce the intensity of trauma-related symptoms.[2] Additionally, trauma therapy often incorporates strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation. By providing a safe and supportive environment, therapists guide clients through the process of confronting and integrating their traumatic experiences, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.
MARC’s trauma therapy program is rooted in trauma-informed care principles. This approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. Our therapists are specially trained to create a safe, trusting environment where clients can explore their experiences without fear of re-traumatization. We design our treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, integrating various therapeutic techniques to address both trauma and addiction concurrently.
How (and Why) Trauma Therapy Works
Trauma therapy works by addressing the root causes of trauma-related symptoms and helping to process these experiences in a safe, controlled environment. The effectiveness of trauma therapy is based on many different principles:[3]
- Safety and trust: Establishing a secure therapeutic relationship allows patients to explore painful memories without feeling overwhelmed or re-traumatized by their providers.
- Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to form new neural connections is harnessed to create healthier thought patterns and responses to trauma triggers.
- Emotional regulation: Patients learn techniques to manage intense emotions associated with traumatic memories, reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being.
- Cognitive restructuring: Trauma therapy helps people identify and challenge distorted beliefs about themselves and the world that may have resulted from trauma.
- Exposure and desensitization: Gradual, controlled exposure to traumatic memories helps reduce their emotional intensity over time.
- Integration of experiences: Trauma therapy aids in processing and integrating traumatic events into one’s life narrative, reducing their disruptive impact.
- Skill-building: Patients develop coping strategies and life skills to manage stress, improve relationships, and enhance overall functioning.
- Body-mind connection: Addressing the physical manifestations of trauma helps alleviate somatic symptoms and promotes holistic healing.
By employing these principles, trauma therapy effectively reduces PTSD symptoms, improves emotional regulation, enhances self-esteem, and helps people regain a sense of control over their lives. For those struggling with addiction, trauma therapy is particularly crucial as well, addressing the underlying causes of substance abuse and significantly improving the chances of long-term recovery.
The Efficacy of Trauma Therapy For PTSD & Addiction
Trauma-informed addiction treatment and interventions have proven to be highly effective in treating both substance abuse disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders, particularly for people who are struggling with both.[4] Research consistently demonstrates the strong efficacy of various trauma-focused psychotherapies in addressing PTSD and related conditions, which often co-occur with drug use.
Evidence-based studies support the use of individual and group psychotherapy as the main and first-line treatment for PTSD.[5] These therapies typically involve 12-20 weekly sessions, each lasting about 60 minutes. The strong evidence backing these approaches underscores their importance in addressing trauma, which is often at the root of both addiction and mental health issues.
Several specific modalities within the realm of trauma therapy have shown particularly promising results:[6]
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (based on elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Written Exposure Therapy
- Narrative Exposure Therapy
- Prolonged Exposure
For those with dual diagnosis – the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and drug abuse – trauma therapy is critical. Many people with addiction have underlying trauma that contributes to their substance use. By addressing this trauma directly, these therapies can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, which in turn can alleviate the need for self-medication through substances.
Moreover, trauma-informed mental health treatment helps people develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience – all of which are crucial for long-term recovery from both mental health issues and addiction. By treating the root cause of these interconnected issues, trauma therapy provides a comprehensive approach to healing that goes beyond symptom management.
What to Expect from Trauma Therapy For PTSD & Addiction at MARC
At MARC, you can expect a supportive and compassionate environment for your healing journey. Our approach is client-centered, meaning you will have an active role in your treatment process. From the start, our clinicians will work closely with you to establish a strong, trusting relationship, which forms the foundation of effective trauma therapy. Everyone begins their journey with a trauma assessment to identify specific needs and tailor the therapeutic approach accordingly. Throughout your time in trauma therapy, you can expect ongoing support and regular check-ins about your progress.
In the early stages of therapy, you’ll focus on developing coping skills to manage trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional dysregulation. Techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), brainspotting, CPT, and various forms of experiential therapy and pyschodrama will be introduced to help you feel more grounded and in control, both during sessions and in your daily life. These methods are tailored to your specific needs and preferences, providing you with practical tools to manage your symptoms effectively.
As you progress and feel ready, your therapy will involve processing traumatic memories and experiences. This process is gradual and conducted at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Evidence-based techniques will help you confront and reprocess these memories in a safe, controlled manner. Throughout this journey, you’ll be encouraged to express your feelings and thoughts openly, without fear of judgment.
Trauma therapy at MARC emphasizes understanding the impact of trauma on your life, thoughts, and behaviors. You will gain insights into how past experiences may be influencing your present and learn how to challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns or beliefs that may have developed as a result of trauma. Elements from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt therapy, and Relational Trauma Repair are integrated into our therapeutic approaches to offer a comprehensive understanding of your trauma and support your healing process.
Healing is never linear, and there may be challenging moments. However, your therapist will be there to support you, adjust approaches as needed, and celebrate your progress as you work towards reclaiming your life and building resilience. The community living aspect of MARC also contributes to a holistic healing environment, ensuring you are supported every step of the way.Start Healing With Trauma Therapy for Addiction & Mental Health at MARC
MARC’s specialized trauma therapy program is designed to address the interconnected issues of trauma, mental health, and addiction, providing you with the tools and support you need to overcome your past and build a brighter future. Taking that first step can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Our compassionate staff is here to guide you through every stage of the process, from your initial consultation to your ongoing care. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, addiction, or both, our trauma-informed approach can help you find the path to lasting healing and wellness.
Contact MARC now to schedule a confidential assessment and discover how our trauma therapy program can transform your life and behavioral health.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions ✦
About Trauma Therapy for Addiction and Mental Health
Trauma therapy can be highly effective for many types of addiction, especially when trauma is a significant underlying factor or concurrent with mental health concerns. It addresses the emotional and psychological wounds that often drive addictive behaviors. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances, the nature of the trauma, and the specific type of addiction. It's crucial for therapy to be unique to each person’s needs and to be integrated with other treatment modalities as necessary for integrated treatment.
Therapists assess whether trauma is contributing to addiction through a comprehensive evaluation process. This typically includes clinical interviews, where therapists ask about personal history, substance use patterns, and any traumatic experiences. They may also use standardized assessment tools and questionnaires designed to identify symptoms of trauma and their impact on addiction. Additionally, therapists may explore the client's coping mechanisms and how trauma might be influencing their substance use, along with any co-occurring disorders.
Yes, several alternative and complementary treatment programs can enhance trauma therapy. These may include:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques that help you stay grounded and manage stress and emotional responses.
- Yoga: Provides physical and emotional benefits, including relaxation and improved body awareness.
- Art Therapy: Allows for expression and exploration of emotions through creative outlets.
- Support Groups: Provide social support and share experiences with others who have similar struggles.
Combining these approaches with trauma therapy can offer a more holistic and personalized treatment outcome, supporting overall well-being and recovery.
[1] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2019). Trauma-Informed Care: A Sociocultural Perspective. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207195/ on August 2, 2024
[2] Menschner, C., & Maul, A. (2016). Key ingredients for successful trauma-informed care implementation. Center for Health Care Strategies. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/childrens_mental_health/atc-whitepaper-040616.pdf on August 2, 2024
[3] Yadav, G., & Gunturu, S. (2024). Trauma-Informed Therapy. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604200/ on August 2, 2024
[4] Watkins, L. E., Sprang, K. R., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2018). Treating PTSD: A review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12(258), 1–9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6224348/ on August 2, 2024
[5] Treatment (US), C. for S. A. (2014). A Review of Literature. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207192/#section1.s72 on August 2, 2024
[6] Schrader, C., & Ross, A. (2021). A review of PTSD and current treatment strategies. Missouri Medicine, 118(6), 546–551. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8672952/ on August 2, 2024