Trauma Focused Continuing Care

Continuing Your Trauma Treatment

After you complete a treatment program for trauma, you will need to adjust back to your daily life. This process can be complex and anxiety-inducing – sometimes, leaving the safety of a residential program can feel overwhelming. While things will be markedly improved, life will still happen. As time goes on, you will inevitably encounter some triggers or stressful life events. This is why ongoing, long term treatment is a vital component of your recovery from trauma.

 

Seek Professional Help

Perhaps the most important first step for long term trauma treatment is to arrange regular meetings with a local therapist, preferably one who specializes in your area of concern. In these sessions, you will have the ability to check in with a medical professional and receive advice about how to handle daily stressors. They will equip you with even more coping mechanisms and calming strategies, which can ease the transition from treatment to home life.

Canyon Crossing and other treatment centers have relationships with many local providers. If you need a referral or would like help finding a therapist, your center’s team will be happy to help. These sessions are often covered by insurance, and don’t be afraid to try a few different counselors before you find the person who’s right for you. Together, you’ll strengthen your resolve and ensure your ongoing safety.

 

Types of Trauma Therapy

When selecting a counselor, many different therapeutic approaches will become available. You will have probably experienced some of these during your program. Types of long term trauma treatment include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

You may also have the opportunity to find specialists who offer alternative therapies, such as art therapy, music therapy, nature therapy (ecotherapy), and mindfulness training. All of these approaches are invaluable to improving your mental health in the long term.

 

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have an official diagnosis of PTSD, your brain processes threats differently than those of untraumatized people. The fight-or-flight response is triggered much more easily, and the brain’s neurotransmitters are off, resulting in a chemical imbalance that can affect mood. If you struggle to overcome insomnia, depression, or anxiety after treatment, consider speaking with your doctor about pharmacological options.

 

Care for Yourself First

You may have heard the expression you can’t pour from an empty cup. This is especially true when you are in recovery from trauma or a substance use disorder. Long term trauma treatment hinges on your self-esteem and mental health. In order to feel your best after treatment, be sure to prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, be sure to eat balanced meals, and try to stay active with friends and family. If you find yourself getting stressed, take some time to yourself and recharge.

 

Stay in Touch with Your Treatment Center

Centers like Canyon Crossing offer transitional living and outpatient treatment programs for those who would benefit from additional support in their recovery. These are particularly recommended for those in treatment for a substance use disorder, but they can also be helpful for women who don’t want to return to a chaotic home environment. Talk to your provider to see if they recommend additional treatment.

 

Conquering Trauma: Becoming a Woman with Integrity and Grace

If you are concerned about what steps to take after initial trauma treatment, look no further than the helpful staff of Canyon Crossing. Our team members are available by phone, 24/7, to provide advice about your specific treatment plan. Call 1-800-651-7254 to learn which long term treatment options are right for you.