Psychological and emotional trauma responds to an event that is very disturbing or stressful and challenges a person’s sense of security. During a traumatic event, the body’s natural defenses take over and create a stress reaction known as the fight or flight response. This leads to a variety of physical symptoms and intense emotional reactions. How each individual responds to a traumatic event is unique. Generally, the symptoms of trauma ease over time as the mind processes the event. Sometimes, however, the brain gets “stuck” in the trauma leading to several possible mental health disorders. It is best to seek professional treatment from a trauma therapy program at Harmony Hills when this happens. Reach out to learn how overcoming past traumas can benefit your mental health by calling 855.494.0357.
What is a Traumatic Event?
Typically, traumatic experiences often involve threats to life or safety, but that is not always the case. Any situation or event that leaves someone feeling isolated and overwhelmed, even without the threat of physical harm, can lead to trauma. Examples include emotional abuse, bullying, or the death of a significant loved one. Traumatic events that pose a threat to one’s physical safety include, but are not limited to:
- Physical abuse or neglect
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Long-term illnesses
- Accidents or significant injuries
- Natural disasters
- War or acts of terrorism
- Being the victim of a violent crime
For many, witnessing events that cause harm to others can result in trauma, especially if there is repeated exposure. This type of trauma can affect police, EMTs, firefighters, or children who witness domestic violence. It is not the objective circumstances of an event that determine whether or not it is traumatic but rather an individual’s subjective response to the event. In other words, it is not the event that causes trauma but how a person reacts to and processes the event.
How Can a Trauma Therapy Program Help?
Traumatic events can happen to anyone at any time. Individuals under a great deal of stress or who have previously been traumatized are more likely to experience new trauma. Children who have experienced trauma are especially at risk. Childhood trauma typically has severe and long-lasting effects, especially when left untreated. In fact, any trauma that is left untreated has the potential to develop into a mental health disorder such as:
A majority of individuals who do not seek trauma therapy turn to drug and alcohol use as a way to self-medicate or cope with their mental and emotional duress. Often, this creates a chain reaction of substance abuse, dependence, and addiction, which can exacerbate trauma symptoms. Research indicates that a statistically significant number of women and teens who seek substance abuse treatment have a history of trauma and abuse. At Harmony Hills, we understand the connections between these events. We provide mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment programs designed to treat dual diagnoses simultaneously, offering the most effective results.
What Happens in a Trauma Therapy Program?
Trauma therapy at Harmony Hills begins with meeting with treatment specialists to discuss your past personal, medical, and substance use history. The information gathered during this comprehensive assessment forms the basis of your treatment plan. We understand that everyone reacts to trauma differently, so your unique needs determine the course of trauma therapy. Treatment can include any of the following:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
Our knowledge and understanding of how current or past traumatic events can influence maladaptive behaviors direct us in providing evidence-based treatments designed to help you overcome the effects of trauma.
Contact Harmony Hills for Effective Trauma Therapy
Untreated trauma often results in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of unhealed trauma, help is available in the trauma therapy program at Harmony Hills. Call us today at 855.494.0357 to learn how you can overcome trauma in a safe, compassionate, and therapeutic environment.
