How We Tackle Trauma At The Fullbrook Center
Trauma is defined as a distressing emotional response to any terrible event, experiences from childhood, family of origin, past relationships, etc. It can result from a single occurrence, a series of events, or even a set of repeated circumstances. We experience the same physiological symptoms when we experience shame as we do with trauma. At The Fullbrook Center, our substance abuse program is integrated with shame resilience work and trauma informed and focused treatment. Our goal is to address the shame connected with addiction and trauma to provide a sustainable path of healing and freedom.
Prior to Beginning Trauma Work
Prior to guiding clients through trauma work, we first allow for a detoxification period. The safety and success of clients’ treatment depends on the completion of detoxification. It is extremely important to note that the end game of trauma therapy at The Fullbrook Center is not to be cured; the goal is integration. Focusing on integrating emotional response around the trauma gives clients the ability to healthily handle the impact of trauma in their daily lives and activities.
What Trauma Therapy Looks Like
Trauma therapy comes in various forms; to determine which form is best for the client, we must first identify the trauma or traumas. The Trauma Egg exercise is an activity that gives the client an opportunity to draw or label all disturbing, painful events in their lives and notice connections to their parents, family role, and household. They then participate in a presentation of the egg where the body and brain become stimulated. They notice patterns of arousal or reactors, also known as triggers. It is common to have a physical response to a triggering event after an experience has ended, which is why it is important to practice desensitizing responses to these triggers. Any memories that continue to cause moderate or severe disturbance can be further processed in an EMDR or CBT session or Psychodrama.
Reactors are connected to a negative core belief, and behaviors including but not limited to substance abuse, connect to these core beliefs. The idea is to desensitize reactors by making the connection and recognizing negative core beliefs and their present-day triggers.
Treating trauma can be done with methods such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodrama. EMDR helps the brain make the associations and neural connections needed to integrate or process negative memories. CBT brings awareness of the connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviors; especially noticing that behaviors are used to manage thoughts and feelings. Ineffective behaviors, or coping skills, are replaced with effective behaviors. Psychodrama is an experiential therapy that allows for spontaneity and creativity .It allows clients to act out scenarios while experiencing intense emotions to assist with processing grief, loss, and trauma. psychodrama allows both participants/actors, and observers, to experience emotions, empathy, healing, and connection.
Traditional group and individual therapy are other avenues through which The Fullbrook Center treats trauma. Group therapy takes place daily, while both individual sessions happen once a week. Family therapy is also offered in addition to group and individual therapy. Equipping families with the skills and understanding of what to expect once clients finish the program is a critical part of a client’s success.
Our Promise to Clients
We take the time to learn about a client’s trauma and decide collaboratively,the best approach to treat the trauma. Every client has their own journey to freedom and we are here to walk alongside them and equip them with the tools, skills and support system they need to heal and create deep, effective connections.
To learn more about treating trauma at The Fullbrook center contact us today. Our team of experts are available to answer any questions.