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Trauma Counseling:
What to Expect

Discover trauma counseling at New Life Recovery. Our expert team offers personalized care to help you heal, rebuild resilience, and transform your life.
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Written and reviewed by the clinical team at New Life Recovery in Fresno, California, including licensed therapists, medical professionals, and recovery specialists committed to helping individuals build healthier futures.

New Life Recovery's Approach to Trauma Counseling

Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

Whether stemming from a single incident or prolonged exposure to adverse events, trauma often leaves lasting scars that affect the way individuals think, feel, and interact with the world.1

Trauma counseling plays a critical role in helping individuals process and overcome these difficult experiences. Through structured therapy sessions and evidence-based interventions, trauma counseling empowers individuals to address their pain, build resilience, and reclaim control over their lives.

trauma counseling

Love Your Life With New Life Recovery

At New Life Recovery, our California team provides trauma counseling as part of our comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs.

With a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals and a holistic approach to healing, we provide the tools and support needed to help individuals navigate their recovery journey and embrace a life of hope, healing, and transformation.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to deeply distressing or disturbing experiences. It can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, causing feelings of helplessness, fear, or emotional numbness.
Trauma affects not only mental health but also physical well-being and social relationships, often disrupting life in significant ways.
If you or your loved one have survived trauma, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Statistics show that nearly 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event—underscoring the need for compassionate and accessible care.2
Untreated trauma can lead to long-term consequences that affect not only mental health but also overall quality of life.

Types of Trauma

There are many types of trauma that an individual may experience, including:3
  • Acute Trauma: Results from a single, isolated event, such as a car accident or a sudden loss.
  • Chronic Trauma: Develops from prolonged or repeated exposure to distressing circumstances, such as ongoing abuse, violence, or neglect.
  • Complex Trauma: Stems from multiple, interconnected traumatic events, often involving relationships or environments that are supposed to be safe, such as family or close communities.

Impacts Unresolved Trauma on Individuals and the Community

Unresolved trauma can deeply affect every aspect of an individual’s life, often manifesting in mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Addressing these effects is critical to reclaiming health and well-being.

Mental Health Consequences

Trauma and mental health are inextricably linked. Some examples of the mental health consequences and symptoms one may experience as a result of trauma include:4

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance that disrupt daily life. PTSD affects about 7-8% of the U.S. population, with women being more likely to experience it than men.
  • Anxiety: This includes feelings of persistent worry, restlessness, and feelings of impending doom.
  • Depression: This can include prolonged sadness, lack of interest in activities, and hopelessness.
  • Substance Use Disorders: A strong correlation exists between trauma and substance use disorder, as many individuals use substances as a way to cope with trauma. Studies show that up to 75% of people in substance use disorder treatment programs have also experienced trauma.5

Physical Health Impacts

Trauma can also have varying physical impacts on the body, including:
  • Chronic Pain: Persistent aches and discomfort often linked to heightened stress levels.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, or inconsistent sleep patterns.
  • Weakened Immune Function: Increased susceptibility to illness due to prolonged stress.

Behavioral and Emotional Effects

Individuals who experience trauma may also find themselves struggling with:
  • Difficulty Forming Relationships: Challenges in building trust and maintaining connections.
  • Emotional Regulation Issues: Struggling with anger, sadness, or sudden emotional outbursts.
  • Avoidance Behaviors: Steering clear of places, people, or situations that might trigger traumatic memories.

The Role of Trauma Counseling in Healing and Recovery

Trauma counseling is a crucial part of the recovery process, offering individuals the support and tools they need to heal from painful and distressing experiences.
At New Life Recovery, we take a trauma-informed approach that helps clients process their pain in a safe, supportive environment, empowering them to rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.

Creating a Safe Space

One of the foundational elements of trauma counseling is establishing trust. For individuals to share their traumatic experiences, they need a safe space where they feel comfortable and free from judgment.
At New Life Recovery, we ensure confidentiality is maintained and that clients can express themselves openly without fear. Our compassionate counselors create an environment where each client feels heard, validated, and supported throughout their healing journey.

Processing Painful Memories

These methods allow clients to process their trauma at their own pace, giving them a sense of control and empowerment. We guide individuals through their memories in a gradual, manageable way, fostering an environment of healing and self-empowerment.

Trauma counseling often involves confronting painful memories, which can be challenging. At New Life Recovery, we use specialized trauma-focused techniques like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients reframe their experiences.

Rebuilding Emotional Resilience

A key aspect of trauma counseling is rebuilding emotional resilience. Clients learn to manage emotional triggers – situations that may evoke painful memories – by utilizing practical coping strategies.

Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, and grounding exercises, are also an essential part of the recovery process. These tools help clients regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and maintain emotional stability, empowering them to move forward with confidence and strength.

trauma counseling

Evidence-Based Approaches in Trauma Counseling

Trauma counseling incorporates various evidence-based approaches to help individuals confront and overcome the effects of trauma.
At New Life Recovery, we utilize a combination of proven methods to provide personalized and effective care tailored to the unique needs of each client. Some of these include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT often plays a key role in trauma counseling by helping clients identify and challenge harmful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress. Through CBT, individuals learn to reframe negative thoughts, replacing them with healthier perspectives.

This shift not only promotes emotional healing but also gives clients a sense of control over their emotions and behaviors, fostering lasting positive change.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is another powerful technique used to process trauma. EMDR employs guided eye movements to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
This method aids in restoring emotional balance by reconnecting distressing memories with a sense of safety, allowing for deeper healing and emotional resilience.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach specifically designed for trauma survivors. TF-CBT addresses trauma-related emotional and behavioral challenges through a combination of psychoeducation, coping skills training, and trauma narrative work.
This holistic approach promotes healing by helping clients understand their trauma and develop strategies for managing their responses, ultimately supporting long-term recovery.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy is a therapeutic modality that combines CBT techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. DBT is especially effective for individuals with trauma-related emotional regulation issues, helping clients build skills to manage emotions and develop healthier coping skills.

This approach encourages balance and acceptance, supporting individuals in navigating difficult feelings while fostering emotional resilience.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a client-centered, directive counseling approach that focuses on enhancing an individual’s motivation to change. It is particularly effective in treating substance use disorders and mental health issues by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence toward change.

MI encourages clients to take ownership of their healing journey and develop intrinsic motivation for recovery.

Traumatic Incident Reduction Therapy (TIR)

TIR is a trauma-specific therapy designed to help individuals address and heal from unresolved traumatic experiences. Through structured sessions, clients are guided to relive and process their traumatic memories in a safe environment.

This modality helps reduce emotional distress and promotes cognitive and emotional integration of traumatic events.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

REBT is an action-oriented form of CBT that focuses on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs that contribute to emotional distress. It helps individuals reframe negative thoughts, replacing them with more rational, realistic beliefs.

This therapy is particularly effective for managing anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.

Somatic Therapies

Somatic therapies focus on the physical aspects of trauma, such as chronic pain and tension, which often manifest in the body. By integrating mind-body techniques like breathwork, yoga, and body awareness exercises, somatic therapies help clients release stored trauma and restore a sense of calm.
These therapies promote healing not only on an emotional and cognitive level but also in the physical body, fostering overall well-being and resilience.

Holistic and Integrative Methods in Trauma Counseling

Trauma counseling at New Life Recovery goes beyond traditional therapies, embracing holistic and integrative methods that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
These approaches complement evidence-based techniques, offering clients additional tools for healing and self-discovery. We pride ourselves on our holistic offerings, as these services work in tandem to heal the whole person, giving clients what they need to create lasting change.
Some holistic approaches we provide include:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices help clients stay present, reducing the grip of intrusive thoughts and emotional overwhelm, while meditation fosters a sense of calm and resilience, empowering individuals to manage their stress responses effectively.

Creative Therapies

There are many creative therapies we may recommend in treatment, such as:
  • Art Therapy: Drawing, painting, or sculpting allows clients to express feelings that may be difficult to verbalize.
  • Music Therapy: Engaging with music – whether through listening, playing, or composing – provides an outlet for processing emotions.
  • Movement Therapy: Movement exercises and outdoor therapy promote physical release and emotional expression, fostering a deeper connection with oneself.

Yoga and Breathwork

Trauma often disconnects individuals from their physical selves. Yoga encourages gentle movement and awareness to rebuild that connection. Additionally, breathwork techniques regulate the nervous system, alleviating tension and fostering a sense of peace.

Other Therapeutic Offerings

We also provide several other holistic options, such as cold plunge therapy, massage therapy, and sauna therapy. These treatment opportunities complement a whole-person treatment approach, helping individuals to break the cycle and create the foundation needed for sustainable change.

trauma counseling

Why Choose New Life Recovery for Trauma Counseling?

At New Life Recovery, we understand that healing from trauma involves more than just traditional therapy. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the mind and body, ensuring lasting recovery.

Here’s why we are a trusted choice for trauma counseling:

Comprehensive Care

Our trauma counseling is seamlessly integrated with our mental health and SUD treatment services, offering a holistic path to healing. This unified approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s well-being are addressed.

We also create personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual, recognizing that every client’s journey is unique. This individualized focus allows us to meet the specific needs of each client, supporting their healing process in the most effective way possible.

Expert Team

Our licensed therapists are highly trained in trauma-informed care and have expertise in a wide range of evidence-based approaches. We provide compassionate, professional support that allows clients to feel heard and understood.

Each member of our team is dedicated to guiding clients through their healing process with sensitivity and respect, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

Supportive Environment

We create a judgment-free, welcoming environment where clients can explore their trauma and work toward recovery without fear. Our center fosters a culture of trust and respect, providing a safe space where clients feel empowered to heal at their own pace.
We understand the importance of a supportive environment in the recovery process and strive to cultivate one that encourages growth, emotional resilience, and long-term healing.

Take the First Step Towards Healing Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of trauma, know that help is available. Trauma counseling at New Life Recovery can guide you through the healing process and help you regain control over your life.

Call us at 559-717-5433 or reach out online to learn more about our trauma counseling services and begin your healing journey. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way towards loving your life again.

Resources

  1. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
  2. https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Trauma-infographic.pdf
  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/trauma#definition
  4. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/Documents/PTSD%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3188414/#:~:text=Numerous%20studies%20have%20documented%20an,physical%20abuse%20during%20their%20childhood.

 

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