The Response Summer 2021 - 11

How does knowing about trauma
inform our treatment?
It is essential that treatment providers understand trauma and
how it affects those who have experienced it. Considering the
large percentage of people with substance use disorders who
have experienced trauma, it is highly likely that the individuals
we are treating have been through at least one traumatic event.
Trauma-Informed Care
Because of the large numbers of individuals in substance abuse
treatment who have also experienced trauma, it is essential that
we as treatment providers work to understand and address the
trauma in order to holistically treat the person.
There are several evidence-based treatments for PTSD and
associated trauma disorders.
Prolonged exposure therapy,
trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and Seeking
Safety have all been shown to decrease symptoms of trauma
and substance abuse. These approaches highlight decreasing
avoidance of the trauma and associated stimuli, developing
healthy coping mechanisms, and changing beliefs about self
and others that may have developed from the trauma.
Trauma-Informed Care means to structure organizations and
provide treatment in a way that understands how trauma affects
people and their outlook, puts many unhealthy behaviors and
symptoms into a context of the trauma, and works to address
all types of trauma. In order to build a sense of empowerment
and hope, which are often taken away in a trauma, TraumaInformed
Care seeks to help individuals feel control over their
situation and their symptoms. Initially, the focus of TraumaInformed
Care is to create an environment of safety in order to
help individuals to begin to recover.
Trauma-Informed Care for individuals who abuse substances
happens when treatment providers are able to understand the
impact that trauma has had on that person, how the trauma has
affected how they see the world and behave, and the role that
substances have played in helping to cope with that trauma. It
is the role of the treatment provider, peers, and safe supports
in the community to help the individual to develop healthy
coping strategies in response to the trauma and to learn new
ways of living.
By understanding trauma and its impact on people, treatment
providers can work with their clients to help to develop a sense
of safety and to begin to heal. Without this sense of safety,
individuals cannot begin to challenge unhelpful ways of
thinking and behaving. They must feel safe in order to try new
ways of coping and to find more effective and healthy ways to
address the trauma than with substances.
Outpatient counseling
for drug and alcohol
addiction, mental health
wellness and youth
behavioral issues
Did you know that BCC...
* Has been serving the
Berks County community
for more than 44 years.
* Provides high quality,
comprehensive and
coordinated care utilizing
evidence-based practices
with same day access to
services.
* Has a Child and
Family Center designed
specifically for families
and children experiencing
behavioral issues.
* Is a PA Integrated
Community Wellness
Center (IWIC) and
Certified Community
Behavioral Health Clinic
(CCBHC).
Learn how we can help your
employees or someone you
know. Contact Karen Kramer:
610-373-4281
Ext. 4209
645 Penn Street, 2nd Floor, Reading, PA 19601 * berkscounselingcenter.org
11
http://www.berkscounselingcenter.org
The Response Summer 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Response Summer 2021
