Are you asking yourself, “What is trauma therapy?” If so, we have answers. At Apex Recovery San Diego, we utilize both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to help patients remember, articulate and heal from past traumatic events. Whether the trauma originated in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, we employ proven psychological counseling methods that help patients recover from emotional wounds. Through this healing, they’re able to better tackle addictions and mental illnesses resulting from trauma. For more information about a trauma therapy program, call us at 619.458.3435.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is not necessarily easily identified. The National Comorbidity Study revealed that as many as 51% of women and 61% of men had had a traumatic experience of some sort. The type of trauma tends to vary by gender, but women experience a broader range of trauma.
It’s easy to recognize that exposure to or witnessing assaults, rapes, combats, violence, near-death experiences and accidents are traumatic. However, trauma can also be neglect, rejection, abandonment and emotional abuse. Trauma can happen once or over a period of time. It usually makes individuals feel afraid, less trusting and maybe guilty, ashamed or incomplete.
Negative symptoms of trauma are anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, self-blame, irritability, agitation, insomnia and difficulties with concentration. When individuals don’t deal with their trauma, it can have a crippling effect on their lives. Consequently, they are more susceptible to developing addictions in an attempt to self-medicate.
Several techniques and therapies provide ways of approaching trauma in addicted individuals. In fact, Apex Recovery San Diego uses a variety of them:
CBT
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that delves into the intricate nature of negative and self-defeating thought patterns, which often drive individuals toward addictive behaviors. By thoroughly examining these patterns, CBT aims to identify and replace them with constructive alternatives, fostering positive change and empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a non-traditional psychotherapeutic approach. It has been mostly used with individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), associated with events such as combat, assault, rape and car accidents. Its goal is to weaken the effect of negative emotions and make disturbing memories less disabling.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a therapeutic approach. It strives to assist patients in not only accepting pain and past experiences but also in cultivating new thought patterns and emotional responses. By providing individuals with the necessary skills and strategies, DBT empowers them to achieve two objectives:
- Navigate life’s challenges more effectively
- Achieve meaningful change in their overall well-being
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy that includes music and art can also be beneficial in encouraging patients to get in touch with their suppressed emotions. These therapies can also enable the patient to learn how to express their emotions and deal with them in a less destructive manner.
Apex Recovery San Diego is also one of the few addiction treatment centers in San Diego that include the Rock to Recovery technique. This is a form of songwriting therapy that allows patients to learn new ways of expression and relaxation while enjoying and having fun.
Get the Help You Need From Apex Recovery San Diego
At Apex Recovery San Diego, our team of experienced therapists and staff are committed to helping individuals heal from trauma and overcome addiction. We offer a range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs, including CBT, EMDR, DBT, and experiential therapies. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their past trauma and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
Contact us today at 619.458.3435 to learn more about our trauma-informed addiction treatment programs and begin your journey toward healing. Together, we can help you reclaim your life and achieve lasting recovery. So if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We are here for you every step of the way.