TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY
Expert Trauma-Informed Care To Help You Heal and Find a Path Forward
Trauma-informed therapy gets to the root of your experiences so you can process and work through the pain, fear, and beliefs that have stayed with you. This evidence-based approach acknowledges the widespread impact of traumatic events on mental health and creates a safe and supportive space to grow and heal.
WHY TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACHES MATTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
The Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says trauma-informed care is key because 70% of adults have experienced traumatic events. When mental health professionals use trauma-informed practices, trauma survivors get
- Safety: Physical and emotional safety becomes the foundation of the therapeutic process
- Trust: Transparency, peer support, and collaboration rebuilds trust broken by past traumas
- Empowerment: Voice and choice are given back to trauma survivors throughout their healing journey
- Cultural Awareness: Recognition of historical trauma, racial trauma, and cultural factors that impact recovery
- Better Outcomes: Reduced traumatic stress symptoms and improved long-term mental health outcomes
Research shows trauma-informed organizations see up to 50% reduction in crisis interventions and significantly better patient outcomes than traditional mental health services.
OUR TRAUMA-INFORMED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Individual Trauma Therapy
Our trauma-informed therapists work with trauma survivors experiencing various trauma-related disorders. We treat post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and complex trauma through evidence-based interventions.
Specialized Treatment Areas:
- Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Sexual abuse and domestic violence recovery
- Combat trauma and first responder traumatic stress
- Medical trauma and chronic pain-related psychological trauma
- Secondary trauma for healthcare professionals and caregivers
Trauma Services for Complex Presentations
We treat trauma survivors with co-occurring mental health disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. Our trauma-informed organization fully incorporates trauma theory into treatment planning and therapeutic interventions.
EVIDENCE-BASED TRAUMA-FOCUSED TREATMENTS WE OFFER
1. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Gold standard treatment for trauma-related thoughts, behaviors, and coping strategies. Especially effective for childhood trauma in children and adolescents.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Processes traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, helping trauma survivors integrate past traumas without overwhelming traumatic stress symptoms.
3. Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Gradual exposure to trauma reminders in a safe and supportive environment reduces avoidance and helps trauma survivors take back their lives.
4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Skills-based approach teaching healthy coping mechanisms for emotional regulation & distress tolerance. This approach also incorporates mindfulness and improving interpersonal skills/relationships; especially helpful for complex trauma.
5. Cognitive Processing Therapy
Addresses trauma-related beliefs and thought patterns, helps trauma survivors develop new perspectives on their traumatic experiences.
6. Somatic Experiencing
Body-based trauma therapy, recognizing how trauma affects the nervous system and physical health, addresses trauma stored in the body.
7. Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Explores different aspects of Self affected by traumatic events, promotes internal healing and integration.
8. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-based approach helps trauma survivors accept difficult emotions while committing to valued actions.
9. Narrative Exposure Therapy
The storytelling approach is especially effective for multiple trauma survivors and complex trauma histories.
10. Expressive Arts Therapy
Creative therapeutic interventions for non-verbal processing of traumatic experiences support spiritual well-being and holistic healing.
OUR TRAUMA-INFORMED TREATMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Comprehensive Trauma Assessment and Safety Planning
Our trauma-informed therapist conducts a thorough evaluation using validated tools from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and trauma-specific assessments. We identify trauma histories, current traumatic stress symptoms, and existing coping skills, and prioritize safety throughout the assessment process.
Assessment Components:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) screening
- Post-traumatic stress disorder symptom evaluation
- Substance abuse and mental health co-occurrence assessment
- Cultural factors and historical trauma considerations
- Current support systems and healthy coping mechanisms evaluation### Step 2: Treatment Planning
We work together to create individualized treatment goals addressing each trauma survivor's unique needs. Our trauma-informed approach ensures full client participation in treatment planning, honoring choice and empowerment principles.
Components:
- Trauma-specific service selection based on trauma type and severity
- Cultural responsiveness and individual strengths integration
- Coordination with other professionals when needed
- Crisis intervention and safety planning protocols
- Family involvement and support system activation
OUR TRAUMA-INFORMED TREATMENT PROCESS
Step 3: Phase-Based Treatment
Our trauma therapy follows established phases so trauma survivors feel safe and supported throughout their healing journey:
Step 4: Ongoing Support
Recovery from trauma is an ongoing process. We offer booster sessions, relapse prevention planning, and connection to trauma-informed resources.
Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization
- Building a therapeutic relationship based on trust and transparency
- Teaching coping skills and emotional regulation
- Creating a safe environment for future trauma work
- Addressing immediate safety concerns and crisis needs
Phase 2: Trauma Processing
- Processing traumatic memories using trauma-focused treatments
- Addressing trauma-related disorders and co-occurring mental health
- Working through trauma triggers and reminders systematically
- Integrating a new understanding of traumatic experiences
Phase 3: Integration and Future Planning
- Developing long-term coping skills
- Strengthening therapeutic relationships and support networks
- Planning for continued growth and recovery
- Connecting with community resources and ongoing support
TYPES OF TRAUMA WE TREAT
Single Incident Trauma
Single traumatic events require immediate attention and evidence-based treatment. Our trauma-informed therapists provide rapid response and trauma-focused therapy to prevent chronic traumatic stress.
Complex Trauma
Multiple traumatic experiences, often beginning in childhood, require specialized trauma-informed approaches. We address the widespread impact of complex trauma on mental health, relationships, and daily living.
Historical and Intergenerational Trauma
Recognition that trauma affects communities and families across generations. Our trauma-informed practice addresses racial trauma, cultural oppression, and historical traumatic experiences affecting entire communities.
Secondary and Vicarious Trauma
Healthcare professionals, first responders, and caregivers often experience secondary trauma through their work. We offer specialized support for those affected by others' traumatic experiences.
TRAUMA-INFORMED VS TRADITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH
In trauma-informed therapy, we ask "What happened to you?" instead of "What's wrong with you?" as in traditional therapy. We prioritize physical and psychological safety, whereas traditional therapy focuses on general therapeutic safety.
The power dynamic in trauma-informed therapy is collaborative and shared decision-making between therapist and client, whereas traditional therapy is expert-driven. Cultural awareness is a key component of trauma-informed care, addressing historical trauma and cultural factors that impact recovery, whereas traditional therapy focuses only on the individual without considering cultural context.
Trauma-informed therapy includes universal trauma screening and awareness of trauma in all interactions, whereas traditional therapy only addresses trauma if the client brings it up. Treatment planning in trauma-informed therapy integrates trauma-informed principles into all interventions, whereas traditional therapy offers trauma-specific services only when indicated.
Finally, trauma-informed organizations fully integrate trauma knowledge across all staff and practices, whereas traditional therapy relies on individual therapists having trauma training without broader organizational adoption.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A trauma-informed therapist has specialized training or certifications in trauma interventions and treatments, recognizes signs of traumatic stress, and creates safe and supportive environments for trauma survivors. They understand how trauma affects mental health and use trauma-informed practices in every interaction.
Start Your Healing Today
Take the First Step
Seeking help for traumatic experiences takes courage and strength. Our trauma-informed therapists understand how trauma affects mental health and provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive space.
Whether you experienced childhood trauma, recent traumatic events, or ongoing traumatic stress, trauma-informed therapy can help you develop healthy coping skills and take back your life.
Get started today. Contact Beyond Therapy Group to book your first appointment with one of our trauma-informed therapists.