If you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or you’re a trauma survivor, we know the symptoms can prevent you from fully enjoying your life. They can have a negative impact on family, work, school, and social activities. Symptoms of PTSD and/or past trauma may also make it difficult to establish and maintain nurturing, stable relationships.

We know you don’t want the trauma of the past to dominate your present life – and we can help.
We know how to help you resolve and process past trauma and move forward toward a brighter future.

The way forward is through the compassionate, expert support of clinicians trained in trauma-informed care, which is recognized by mental health professionals as the most effective approach to trauma-related mental health disorders.

Trust Comes First: PTSD and Trauma Treatment

The most important part of healing from PTSD and trauma-related disorders is trust. Our goal is to create a welcoming and comforting environment in which we can establish a healthy treatment alliance between our patients and our therapists. From a foundation of trust – and the belief that real healing can happen – we teach patients with PTSD and trauma-related disorders how to process past events and begin their healing journey.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Volume 5 (DSM-V) defines PTSD as:

“A disorder that may result when an individual lives through or witnesses an event in which they believe that there is a threat to life or physical integrity and safety and experiences fear, terror, or helplessness.”

In other words, PTSD is one possible consequence of experiencing trauma. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as:

“…any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning. Traumatic events include those caused by human behavior as well as by nature and often challenge an individual’s view of the world as a just, safe, and predictable place.”

Traumatic events associated with trauma-related mental health disorders include, but are not limited to

  • Sexual assault
  • Physical assault
  • Accidents/injuries with serious consequences
  • Childhood neglect
  • Childhood abuse
  • Seeing violence firsthand
  • Living through war/experiencing war
  • Disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and tornadoes
  • Witnessing a death or seeing a serious injury occur
  • Experiencing the death of a family member

Consequences of Untreated PTSD/Trauma

The consequences of untreated PTSD/Trauma involve physical, emotional, and behavioral problems, including but not limited to:

  • Depressed/low mood
  • Aggression
  • Anger/anger management problems
  • Social isolation/self-isolation
  • Suicidal behavior
  • Alcohol/substance misuse
  • Unstable relationships
  • Poor work performance
  • Impaired academic achievement
  • Risky behavior
  • Increased risk of chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, and/or hypertension

PTSD and Trauma Require Trauma-Informed Care

Treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders is different than treating other mental health disorders and revolves around avoiding re-traumatization. The best approach follows the principles and practices of trauma-informed care.

The Crownview clinical team understands and adheres to the best practices in trauma treatment as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

  • Clinicians understand trauma and have training and experience modifying treatment for patients with a history of trauma.
  • Clinicians can recognize the symptoms of trauma.
  • Clinicians understand how to avoid re-traumatizing patients during the treatment process.

Guidelines for Trauma-Informed Care

  • Safety. People with a history of trauma need to feel safe when receiving support.
  • Trust. People with a history of trauma need to trust their therapist.
  • Peer Support. Talking and learning from other trauma survivors improves outcomes.
  • Collaboration. It’s essential for patients and therapists to work together to define treatment goals.
  • Empowerment. Patients need to develop practical, effective skills to take responsibility for their personal healing process, and therapists need to understand the strength it takes for a trauma survivor to face their fears and commit to treatment.
  • Cultural Competence. Therapists need to accept the reality that institutional trauma persists across generations, and work to move past any lingering stigma associated with cultural heritage, gender, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: Therapeutic Approaches at Crownview

Once we understand who you are, help you identify your goals, strengths, and challenge areas, we design a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Your customized plan for PTSD/trauma will include, but will not be limited to, the following therapeutic techniques and approaches:

Psychotherapy:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
  • Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy
  • Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT)
  • Acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT)

Medication:

  • Anxiolytics, if needed.

Education:

  • The science behind PTSD/trauma and PTSD/trauma treatment
  • The science of trauma
  • Nutrition for overall health and mood
  • Relationships dynamics/family dynamics
  • Communication skills workshops

Education:

Complementary/Expressive Therapies:

  • Music therapy
  • Wellness groups
  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Yoga
  • Mindfulness
  • Singing bowls

With the help of your treatment peers, therapists, and counselors, you can learn how to apply what you learn in treatment to improve functioning in daily life. At Crownview, we create an atmosphere of compassion and connection, characterized by a commitment to building a supportive, nurturing community dedicated to healing and growth.

But how do you know what level of care you need?

Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Inpatient Residential Treatment: How to Decide

The level of care you need depends on several factors. In collaboration with your Crownview treatment team, you’ll identify the following:

  1. The intensity of your symptoms.
  2. The frequency and duration of your symptoms.
  3. The level of disruption they cause in your daily life.

These factors – as well as your treatment history and practical logistical considerations – will help you decide on the appropriate level of care. For instance, if your symptoms are intense and disruptive, and you’ve tried outpatient therapy, or intensive outpatient therapy, you may need to step up to a more immersive level of care, such as partial hospitalization treatment or inpatient residential treatment.

When the symptoms of PTSD make meeting responsibilities or engaging in basic tasks difficult or impossible, spending time in immersive, residential inpatient treatment, away from the ongoing demands of daily life may be exactly what you need to find balance and get back on track.

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, we’ll meet you where you are, help you develop the skills you need to manage your symptoms, and empower you to reach your destination: living a full and productive life on your own terms.

Learn More Today

To learn more about our programs and services, or to learn more details about we can help you or a loved one, please contact us today.

Healing is a phone call away.