Trauma can cause individuals to feel disconnected from themselves and others leading to feelings of mistrust and fear. Rebuilding trust is an essential part of the recovery process for these patients. Trauma-aware therapy is an effective way to help clients rebuild trust and create healthier relationships in recovery.
Trauma-aware therapy focuses on understanding the impact of trauma on an individual’s life. We know that trauma can have a lasting effect on a patient’s mental and emotional health. Without clinicians developing an “underneath understanding” of these issues, it becomes difficult for patients for us to help them address their past, a key ingredient for recovery. Trauma-aware therapy helps clients to identify and process their traumatic experiences and, more importantly, develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms.
In the same way any therapeutic relationship starts, the trauma-aware therapist builds a good rapport with the patient creating a safe environment for them to do the work. In and of itself, this becomes a microcosm of the real world teaching patients that they can feel comfortable and secure, and begin to trust themselves and others. The therapist also helps the client to identify and understand their trauma triggers, and to develop strategies to go down a different path and manage them in healthier ways. This helps the patient feel more in control of their emotions and reactions. This is a good first step in building healthier relationships.
In time, therapists work with the patient to explore their beliefs and values. This is akin to doing a mini Step 4 in a 12-step fellowship. Step 4 says “We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” How do I make a moral inventory when I have no idea what my morals are? Beginning to define what is acceptable to me also develops a sense of self-worth. This can help the client to feel more confident and secure, rebuilding trust in themselves and others. We do many things that breach our moral code when drinking and using. Understanding the why and how is important to long-term recovery.
Finally, the therapist helps the client to develop healthy communication skills. Expressing our needs and feelings is often lacking in active addiction. Beginning to do this in a safe and respectful way, for ourselves and also allowing others the same respect by hearing them out will build stronger relationships with the people around us.
Trauma-aware therapy is an effective way to help clients rebuild trust and create healthier relationships in recovery. The aim of any therapy aimed at getting people into and staying in recovery is the goal of any addiction therapy.