Trauma Treatment Plan

Trauma informed treatment is a healing journey that requires a unique approach for each person suffering from some type of trauma. Through treatment, adolescents learn coping skills that can be helpful in managing the symptoms of their trauma. A treatment plan is essential to address thoughts and feelings triggered by symptoms of trauma that can continue to plague those who have suffered traumas in myriad ways.

A comprehensive therapeutic approach to trauma treatment begins with an initial assessment. This assessment may lead to a clinical diagnosis for some patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through this assessment, a personalized plan will be made using therapeutic modalities that help individuals address and overcome thoughts and feelings associated with experiences of trauma.

Therapeutic Modalities for Trauma

Mental health professionals use several different therapeutic approaches to address the needs of individuals suffering from trauma and PTSD. These modalities include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Trauma informed therapy
• Individual psychotherapy

Treatment for trauma will always be focused around helping individuals address and cope with the lasting effects of traumatic situations that have led to intense emotional thoughts and feelings. With outpatient treatment, adolescents have the ability to practice these therapeutic approaches and coping skills in day-to-day situations.

Trauma That Requires Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows adolescents to continue with school, work, and other daily activities while seeking help overcoming trauma. Unlike residential treatment, adolescents have the option to seek treatment privately, without others in their lives needing to learn about their need for treatment. This leaves the choice of whether and how to explain their situation within the hands of the individual seeking treatment.

Not every person suffering from trauma requires outpatient treatment. In some trauma and PTSD cases, an individual may need residential treatment or hospitalization care. Outpatient treatment works best for individuals who want to seek help privately and individuals whose feelings still allow them to maintain their day-to-day life. Every person who has had trauma and needs help should receive a thorough clinical assessment to determine the right course of treatment.

Trauma Signs and Symptoms

If you are concerned that your child or an adolescent you know suffers from trauma, it may require therapeutic intervention to get them the help that they need. Not every adolescent will come forward to seek help with their trauma. There are some tell-tale signs and symptoms of individuals suffering from trauma including:

• Always being on their guard
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble focusing
• Decreases in academic or work performance
• Becoming socially distant
• Self-destructive behavior
• Being easily startled

 Sudden behavioral changes after a traumatic event could signify PTSD. Any concerns with someone who may suffer from trauma should be addressed by a mental health professional, such as a board-certified psychiatrist, who can provide them with a clinical diagnosis or determine the best therapeutic approach to help them.

Treating Trauma Related Dissociation

Trauma-related dissociation is a feeling of disconnect that a person with trauma experiences from the world around them. Trauma-related dissociation often results as a means to protect oneself from feelings associated with a traumatic event. Tell-tale signs of someone suffering from trauma-related dissociation include daydreaming, spacing out, or having a glazed look in their eyes. Addressing the emotions that someone has been dissociating from could result in a drastic change in behavior.

At New Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, our team of mental health professionals help adolescents address and treat all symptoms of trauma. If you or someone you love is seeking help for trauma, call us at (781)498-6426 or fill out our client & family pre-screen questionnaire.