Most people will experience some form of trauma during their lifetime. 70% of adults will suffer a traumatic event and 20% of them will be affected enough to develop a mental health disorder or a trauma-related response because of it. This often leads to them self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. Trauma therapy, a form of talk therapy, can help alleviate some of the pain and confusion caused by these circumstances. Some of the symptoms of trauma are sleep problems, flashbacks, and nightmares. Psychological counseling is indispensable in treating these symptoms. That is why contacting a mental health treatment center is a good choice to address these issues.

Those suffering from PTSD can mark the place in their past where the trauma occurred but with developmental trauma, a form of childhood trauma also known as adverse childhood experiences, it is much harder to connect the dots due to the inability of children to adequately understand and process traumatic events. By putting the work in during therapy sessions the link between past traumas and current substance abuse can be identified and ameliorated. It is sometimes considered wise to move beyond these experiences but they inform who you are. By returning to these past episodes and experiences, you can not only get past them but better understand them and how they have molded you. To enjoy a brighter future you must reckon with your past.

Connect with Virtues Behavioral Health at 855.579.8599 to learn more about our California trauma therapy program.

What Therapies Are Effective in Treating Trauma?

There are a variety of trauma therapy options that can help those who are struggling to work through trauma and become their healthiest self. available. These include:

• Psychotherapy – This involves counseling sessions where the client can discuss their past trauma experiences and better understand how it affects them today. By developing a bond between therapist and patient these painful memories can be explored. This is also known as talk therapy.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – By looking at ways to manage emotional responses, DBT has proven to be effective in combating PTSD and alleviating suicidal thoughts.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT helps identify the connection between our thoughts, actions, and feelings. Without making sense of these connections it is difficult to affect change within ourselves.

The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Trauma and addiction, for many, go hand in hand. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the lasting impact of trauma. However, while drugs or alcohol might provide short-term relief, substance abuse in the long term can exacerbate the effects of trauma. A trauma therapy program is a necessary approach to helping those with co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders heal.

Reach Out to Virtues Behavioral Health Today

Most traumas that people experience go unaddressed for years whether it was being the victim of a violent act or losing a parent as a young child. When these traumas fester over time they can lead to self-destructive behavior that may manifest into substance abuse. By participating in psychological counseling sessions with a licensed clinician you can connect the dots to how your traumas have affected your life and possibly contributed to alienation from friends and family and developing a substance abuse problem.

Some of the treatment programs offered at Virtues Behavioral Health include:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment

At Virtues Behavioral Health in Los Angeles, California we provide comfortable private therapy spaces, lounge areas with games, modern group session rooms, and coffee, tea, and refreshments. We are located in West Los Angeles and provide a warm and welcoming space to attend to your recovery and rejuvenation. We can be reached online or at 855.579.8599 for you to take the first step on your journey to wellness and recovery.