Trauma-Focused Therapy in Oviedo, Florida

What is Therapy?

Therapy is a form of treatment that uses communication and specific interactions to help heal various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder. Rehabs use therapy to help individuals dependent on substances develop coping strategies and change their behavior.

At Orlando Treatment Solutions, we provide comprehensive addiction treatment which includes therapy for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Our programs include individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Our staff is experienced in addiction therapy and each session is tailored to the individual.

What is Trauma-Focused Therapy?

SAMSHA defines trauma-focused therapy as an evidence-based treatment approach to address how traumatic experiences affect an individual’s mental health. The purpose of trauma-focused therapy is to help individuals understand their trauma and process it. This type of therapy focuses on reducing symptoms of trauma using various techniques and interventions, such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and skill building.

This is individual therapy, meaning a therapist and affected person meet for one-on-one sessions to discuss trauma and learn how to process it. This form of therapy is common in the treatment of PTSD but is also used in addiction rehab to help address abuse and traumatic experiences that may lead to or result from alcohol and drug use.

What are the Benefits of Trauma-Focused Therapy?

The benefit of trauma-focused therapy is that it offers a specialized and evidence-based approach to processing traumatic experiences and helps individuals overcome post-traumatic responses. In addressing trauma carefully and uniquely, trauma-focused therapy also offers these benefits:

• Long-term healing: This type of therapy creates a sage and supportive environment for individuals to address, process, and heal from trauma in their life. By confronting the way traumatic experiences affect the individual emotionally and psychologically, people can overcome these feelings and recover.
• Symptom reduction: Trauma-focused therapy is designed to relieve symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. Reducing distressing symptoms of trauma greatly improves one’s quality of life.
• Improved relationships: Trauma can have a negative impact on personal relationships, but this therapy promotes healthy communication and emotional regulation that can be instrumental in learning to trust others and improve interpersonal relationships.
• Increased self-awareness: Self-awareness is a way of connecting to and understanding yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually. By confronting and processing trauma, individuals can identify triggers, personal biases, and patterns of behavior. Doing this facilitates and increases personal growth and self-acceptance.
• Prevention of trauma-related issues: If untreated, trauma can contribute to the development of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder. This type of therapy helps prevent the development of these disorders and reduces symptoms so that any existing disorders don’t worsen.

What are Examples of Trauma-Focused Treatment Activities?

Individuals may engage in many different activities in trauma-focused therapy sessions. A therapist will tailor the activities and interventions to the individual so that they can address the patient’s unique needs and experiences. Examples of trauma-focused treatment activities include:

• Psychoeducation: Psychoeducation for trauma-focused therapy involves a therapist providing information about trauma and its effects so that individuals can understand the impact traumatic events may have on their life.
• Cognitive Restructuring: This is a process of identifying negative thoughts and beliefs relating to a traumatic event and then reframing thought patterns to develop healthier responses, thoughts, and behavior patterns.
• Exposure Therapy: This activity involves confronting triggers and revisiting aspects of a traumatic event in a controlled and safe setting.
• Art Therapy: Creating art to express emotions is a useful activity for trauma processing. Individuals may express themselves through many types of art, and this is a great activity for children and teens affected by trauma.
• Skill-Building Exercises: Trauma-focused therapy often includes skill development when a therapist teaches coping skills, communication, and self-regulation skills to help manage symptoms and build resilience.
• Relaxation Techniques: Therapists use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to help individuals manage anxiety and stress that are caused by trauma.

How Do I Know if a Therapist is Trauma-Informed?

Trauma-informed care is an approach that you can recognize by how a therapist conducts a therapy session. Trauma-informed therapists are transparent and ensure that patients feel secure in their environment. They inform individuals of what to expect and slowly engage them in activities and talk therapy. There are certifications that a therapist can earn after completing trauma training. It’s important to find a therapist who is experienced in trauma-informed care if you’re seeking help for any trauma-related issues.

Orlando Treatment Solutions Offers Trauma Focused Therapy in Oviedo, FL

Our team offers mental health care for adults, adolescents, and young adults who experience trauma. Orlando Treatment Solutions also has a grief counseling program that can address types of trauma.

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma symptoms, contact our admission team and learn more about how we can help you recover and improve your quality of life!