Trauma is one of the leading causes of PTSD, substance use disorders, and other types of mental health disorders. In the case of childhood trauma, adults may not even realize that their past trauma is affecting them today and will often turn to drugs and alcohol for relief. Complex trauma is a series of traumatic events that happen over an extended period of time and can have a negative, long-lasting effect on your mental health.
At Roaring Brook Recovery, we work with adults who have developed PTSD, substance use disorder, or other mental health issues caused by past or recent traumas. Our participants work closely with a professional therapist to uncover the original trauma and begin processing those feelings in a healthy manner. We combine behavioral and holistic therapies with medical support to create a whole-person recovery experience.
To learn more about our trauma therapy in Lexington, call 855.590.9944 today to speak with one of our caring team members.
Understanding Complex Trauma
Did you know there are three different types of trauma? Complex trauma is one of the more severe cases, as it is not just a single traumatic event, like the sudden loss of a loved one. This type of trauma involves multiple traumatic incidents over several weeks, months, or even years.
Domestic abuse is one form of complex trauma. Other types of complex trauma include:
- Childhood abuse, neglect or abandonment
- Repeatedly witnessing violence or abuse
- Repeat combat experience
- Continual in-person or online bullying
Symptoms of complex trauma may not show themselves right away. Adults who grow up in abusive households may not experience any symptoms until they are in another abusive situation. When symptoms do appear, it can feel like they are reliving the original experience all over again.
Symptoms of complex trauma can include:
- Suddenly feeling anxious
- Having flashbacks of the original traumatic event
- Lapses in memory
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Social anxiety
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
Complex trauma can also cause people to have a distorted sense of self and make it difficult to control their emotions. People living with complex trauma will have more relationship challenges the longer they ignore their symptoms.
Roaring Brook is a full-service mental health treatment facility that welcomes adults from all walks of life who are struggling with past traumas. Our team has experience treating all types of trauma and works closely with each participant to understand the type of trauma so we can develop a personalized treatment program.
What to Expect While Healing from Trauma
Enrolling in a trauma therapy program can be a stressful experience for those who do not understand the benefits of talking with a professional therapist. If this is your first time enrolling in a trauma therapy program, here is what you can expect while healing from trauma:
Mental health education
One of the first steps in the recovery process is to gain a better understanding of how trauma affects each person and what it takes to build healthy coping skills to better manage symptoms and triggers. The effects of trauma can last a lifetime, and you will need the appropriate skills to learn to cope with those feelings, emotions, and memories of the event.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
One effective treatment method for easing trauma-related symptoms is medication. This treatment option is especially important for those who develop a substance use disorder as a result of their trauma. While participating in therapy sessions, participants will be given specific dosages and monitored for any adverse side effects. As symptoms diminish, so will the need for the medication.
Behavioral and Holistic Therapies
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the leading therapies for treating all types of trauma and any associated mental health disorders. It works by identifying specific triggers and the negative behaviors they create, like drug and alcohol cravings or panic attacks. Therapists work one-on-one with each participant to replace those behaviors with more positive actions, like reciting a personal mantra, deep breathing exercises, or other healthy coping skills.
Relationship Counseling
People living with trauma have a difficult time building close relationships and may not understand why. Therapists will work closely with couples and all family members to help them build strong, supportive relationships and learn how they can play an integral role in the recovery process.
Enroll Today in Roaring Brook Recovery’s Trauma Therapy in Lexington, KY
Participating in trauma therapy is the best way to gain a better understanding of your symptoms and triggers and find new ways of coping. While there is no permanent cure, there are several holistic approaches that can ease disruptive symptoms and improve your overall mental health.
At Roaring Brook, we welcome Kentuckians whose mental health is suffering due to past traumatic events. Our outpatient programs include a number of therapeutic treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma therapy.
If you or a loved one needs help healing from trauma, call 855.590.9944 today or use our online contact form to tour our facility and meet our dedicated team.