Trauma can affect anyone regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that trauma is common among people with substance use and mental health conditions. To learn more about trauma treatment in Argyle, TX, call Santé Center for Healing at 866.238.3154.
What Is Trauma and What Are Its Effects?
Trauma is the emotional reaction to a distressing or life-threatening event. Many people who experience a traumatic event recover quickly and have no lingering negative effects. Others may have emotional difficulties that lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Examples of traumatic events include:
- Sudden death of a loved one
- Natural disaster
- Combat and war-related experiences
- Childhood abuse
- Assault and violence
- Rape
- Extreme poverty
- Domestic violence or witnessing domestic violence
- Accidents and serious injury
- Chronic or fatal illness diagnosis
- Bullying
Untreated trauma can lead to both physical and behavioral health conditions, risky behaviors, and substance use. The behavioral concerns related to trauma can negatively impact a person’s career, education, and relationships.
Symptoms of Trauma
When trauma is unresolved, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fear
- Anger
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Numbness
- Reliving the traumatic event (flashbacks)
- Violent behavior, emotional outbursts
- Avoiding people, places, or events that are reminders of the traumatic event
- Physical responses like a racing heart, sweating, or digestive problems
Hyperarousal is also associated with trauma. During hyperarousal, an individual is in a constant state of alertness, as if they are waiting for something bad to happen.
What Are the Best Practices for Trauma Treatment?
Trauma treatment, or trauma-informed care, is a specialized approach developed to avoid re-traumatizing individuals when they seek health care or other social services. People experiencing trauma can feel invaded or triggered when, for example, a doctor touches them without warning.
The best practices for trauma treatment seek to increase providers’ sensitivity and make their approach to care more effective. Trauma experts have developed best practice guidelines to help healthcare workers provide quality care for traumatized individuals.
Safety
Ensuring that all clients feel psychologically and physically safe while in treatment, regardless of their mental health or legal status, is key. Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere and maintaining professional boundaries between clinicians and clients builds a foundation for successful trauma treatment.
Trustworthiness and Transparency
Building trust with clients through honesty and involvement with their treatment plans is one of the most important best practices for trauma treatment. Without trust, clients are less likely to follow treatment plans.
Peer Support
Connecting clients with other people who have gone through similar experiences is a valuable part of treatment. Peer support provides a non-judgmental environment where clients can share their successes and challenges with others who understand them.
Collaboration
It’s important for all care providers to be on the same page and collaborate with one another. When possible, they should share information and combine treatment appointments to reduce the client’s stress.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Recognition
All providers must understand their own stereotypes and biases and work to overcome them. Respecting any special circumstances regarding a client’s culture or gender is essential.
Empowerment
Trauma-informed care seeks to empower clients and validate their experiences. Clients who feel more confident participate more fully in their treatment and enjoy better success.
Call Santé Center for Healing for Trauma Treatment in Texas
The caring professionals at Santé Center for Healing understand the impact of trauma and how it can prohibit an individual’s ability to participate in treatment. We offer specialized therapy techniques for treating unhealed trauma no matter its source.
If you’d like to know more about the best practices for trauma treatment, contact Santé Center for Healing today at 866.238.3154.
