TRAUMA RECOVERY:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HEALING

Learn about trauma recovery. Explore its impact, treatment approaches, and the path to lasting healing through evidence-based and holistic care.

March 11, 2025

The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health and Recovery

Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that can have lasting effects on mental health and well-being.¹

It alters brain function, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms, often contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder (SUD).

According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of Americans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives, while many more struggle with unresolved trauma that impacts their daily functioning.²

If this sounds familiar to you or your loved one, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. At New Life Recovery, we’re here to meet you where you’re at and create a personalized, sustainable path forward.

Because you are so much more than the sum of your challenges.

The Role of New Life Recovery in Healing Trauma

Trauma recovery demands a comprehensive healing process that addresses the mind and body. Without proper treatment, individuals may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use, to find emotional relief.

Lasting, whole-person recovery comes from understanding trauma’s impact, learning healthy coping skills, and rewiring the brain’s response to stress.

At New Life Recovery, we offer a holistic, evidence-based approach to trauma recovery.

Our integrated treatment model combines clinical therapies with holistic modalities like yoga and meditation. By treating trauma at its root and providing tools for long-term healing, we empower individuals to break free from cycles of suffering and rediscover a life they truly love.

Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

Trauma is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It comes in different forms, each affecting individuals in unique ways.

There are three main types of trauma, including:³

Acute trauma: This results from a single distressing event, such as a car accident or natural disaster.
Chronic trauma: This stems from repeated exposure to distressing situations, like ongoing abuse or long-term neglect.
Complex trauma: This develops from prolonged and multiple traumatic experiences, often occurring in childhood, deeply impacting emotional and psychological well-being.

PTSD can develop from any of these types of trauma, manifesting in a range of symptoms that affect mental, emotional, and physical health.

What is PTSD?

How Trauma Affects the Nervous System

Trauma changes brain function, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation, memory, and stress response:⁴

The amygdala, which processes fear, becomes hyperactive, leading to heightened anxiety and hypervigilance.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, becomes less active, making it harder to process emotions and make logical decisions.
The nervous system shifts into a chronic state of fight, flight, or freeze, leaving individuals feeling stuck in survival mode.

Emotionally, this can result in mood swings, dissociation, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Trauma: An Overview

The Link Between Trauma and Mental Health Conditions

Unresolved trauma significantly increases the risk of developing SUD and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to numb emotional pain, creating a cycle of dependency that only deepens the distress.

Research shows that up to 75% of people receiving treatment for SUD also have a history of trauma.⁵

Addressing trauma at its root is essential for breaking this cycle and fostering lasting recovery.

Our treatment programs at New Life Recovery are focused on helping individuals heal holistically – mind, body, and soul.

What Is the Trauma Recovery Process?

Healing from trauma is a gradual journey. This will change from person to person, depending on each individual’s symptoms, substance use disorder history, and other factors.

Key Stages of Healing from Trauma

The beginning of the trauma recovery journey unfolds in three essential stages:⁶

Stage 1: Safety

The first stage, safety, focuses on creating a secure environment where individuals feel physically and emotionally stable. This includes building trust, establishing healthy coping mechanisms, and regulating the nervous system.

Stage 2: Processing

Once safety is established, the processing stage allows individuals to explore and make sense of their traumatic experiences. Evidence-based therapies help reframe negative beliefs and reduce emotional distress.

Stage 3: Reintegration

The final stage, reintegration, involves reconnecting with life beyond trauma, rebuilding relationships, and fostering a sense of purpose. This phase empowers individuals to move forward with confidence, resilience, and self-awareness.

The Importance of Addressing Trauma in Co-Occurring Treatment

Unresolved trauma is one of the most significant drivers of SUDs and mental health conditions. For example, many individuals struggling with SUD started with these substances to self-medicate and escape painful memories or emotions.

Without addressing the root trauma, the cycle of SUD and emotional distress continues. Integrating trauma treatment into SUD recovery is essential for lasting change, allowing individuals to break free from destructive patterns and develop healthier ways of coping.

Evidence-Based Therapies for Trauma Recovery

We utilize many evidence-based therapies in our trauma recovery programs at New Life Recovery.

Some of the most common treatments we may utilize for individuals navigating trauma recovery include:⁷

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps individuals recognize and change harmful thought patterns linked to trauma. By identifying distorted beliefs and replacing them with healthier perspectives, CBT empowers individuals to break free from cycles of fear, shame, and self-doubt.

This therapy is particularly effective in treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which commonly co-occur with trauma.

How does CBT work?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, a crucial aspect of trauma recovery.

Through mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT provides the skills needed to navigate painful memories and emotional triggers without resorting to self-destructive behaviors.

This therapy is especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with impulsivity, self-harm, or emotional dysregulation due to past trauma. It is often an essential component for many individuals in intensive trauma recovery or other co-occurring treatment.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a structured therapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements.

This approach allows the brain to reprocess traumatic events, reducing their emotional intensity and leading to fewer flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress. EMDR is particularly effective for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.

Schema Therapy

Schema therapy is designed to uncover and change deeply ingrained negative beliefs and life patterns developed due to early trauma.

By identifying maladaptive schemas – such as abandonment, mistrust, or emotional deprivation – this therapy helps individuals break cycles of unhealthy behaviors and improve emotional well-being.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

REBT focuses on identifying irrational thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress. Individuals gain greater emotional resilience and coping skills by reframing these beliefs into rational and constructive perspectives.

This therapy is also often used in co-occurring mental health or substance use disorder treatment.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a client-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence about change. In trauma recovery, MI helps individuals find personal motivation to engage in therapy, fostering a sense of empowerment and commitment to healing.

Traumatic Incident Reduction Therapy (TIR)

TIR is a structured therapy that allows individuals to revisit and process traumatic events in a safe, controlled environment. By repeatedly reviewing distressing memories, individuals can reduce their emotional intensity, helping them move forward without being overwhelmed by the past.

Holistic Approaches to Trauma Recovery and Healing

Holistic therapies complement evidence-based treatment during trauma healing.⁸

New Life Recovery highly values holistic healing options alongside evidence-based treatment to help individuals fully recover. We are dedicated to providing individuals the comprehensive healing and support they need to create a new life for themselves.

Some holistic options we provide include:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for trauma recovery, helping individuals stay present and manage overwhelming emotions. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, promote self-awareness and reduce reactivity to trauma triggers.

Meditation encourages a sense of inner calm by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the fight-or-flight response commonly seen in trauma survivors. Regular practice has been shown to improve emotional regulation, stress management, and overall mental well-being.

Yoga Therapy

Trauma is often stored in the body, manifesting as chronic tension, pain, or dissociation. Yoga therapy offers a safe way to reconnect with the body through gentle movement, controlled breathing, and mindfulness.

Specific yoga practices help individuals develop body awareness, self-regulation, and a sense of safety. Yoga can lower cortisol levels, reduce trauma symptoms, and improve emotional resilience in trauma survivors.

Expressive Therapies

For many individuals, verbalizing trauma can feel overwhelming. Expressive therapies provide alternative ways to process emotions and experiences.

Art therapy allows individuals to express feelings nonverbally, fostering insight and emotional release. Music therapy uses rhythm and sound to regulate emotions and promote relaxation.

Cold Plunge Therapy

The intense cold of these plunges triggers a physiological response, releasing endorphins and reducing inflammation, which can alleviate trauma-related anxiety and hyperarousal.

By repeatedly facing and overcoming the stress of the cold, individuals build resilience and develop a sense of mastery. This practice can also promote mindfulness, grounding individuals in the present moment and fostering a stronger mind-body connection crucial for processing traumatic experiences.

Infrared Sauna Sessions

Infrared sauna therapy offers a gentle yet effective holistic approach to trauma recovery. The deep, penetrating heat promotes relaxation, reduces muscle tension often associated with trauma, and stimulates the release of endorphins.

This can alleviate anxiety and improve sleep, both frequently disrupted by trauma. The detoxifying effects of sweating can also contribute to a sense of physical and emotional release, fostering a greater sense of well-being and grounding.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy offers a valuable holistic approach to trauma recovery by addressing the body’s stored tension. Trauma often manifests as physical tightness and discomfort, and massage can release these holding patterns, promoting relaxation and a sense of safety within the body.

This can help individuals reconnect with their physical selves, fostering a greater sense of embodiment and reducing trauma-related hypervigilance. The nurturing touch and calming environment can also provide emotional comfort and support.

Fitness Programs

Regular exercise releases endorphins, reducing anxiety and improving mood. The physical exertion can help process pent-up emotions and release trauma-related tension stored in the body.

Also, establishing a consistent fitness routine cultivates a sense of control, empowerment, and self-efficacy, which are vital for regaining a sense of stability after trauma.

These creative approaches encourage self-expression, healing, and personal growth that feels natural and empowering. By incorporating holistic approaches alongside traditional therapies, trauma recovery becomes a comprehensive, mind-body process that fosters deep healing and long-term resilience.

The Role of Support Systems in Trauma Recovery

Healing from trauma can feel isolating, but peer support and group therapy provide a sense of connection and understanding. Engaging with others who have faced similar experiences fosters validation, emotional support, and shared coping strategies.

Group therapy, often led by trained professionals, helps individuals process trauma in a safe environment, build resilience, and develop healthy interpersonal skills.

Peer support groups, such as trauma survivor communities, provide ongoing encouragement and reduce feelings of shame and isolation.

How Family Therapy Can Help Rebuild Trust and Communication

Trauma can strain relationships, creating miscommunication, emotional distance, or family conflict. Family therapy plays a vital role in trauma recovery by helping rebuild trust, improve communication, and foster a supportive home environment.

Through guided sessions, family members learn about trauma’s effects, develop empathy, and practice healthy conflict resolution. In cases where family dynamics contribute to trauma, therapy can help individuals establish boundaries and healthier relationships.

Community-Based Programs and Support Networks

Long-term recovery requires ongoing support beyond therapy sessions. Community-based programs, such as trauma recovery workshops, mentorship programs, and online support networks, provide a sense of belonging and continued encouragement.

Organizations dedicated to trauma recovery offer resources, education, and structured programs to help individuals stay engaged in their healing journey. Support networks create safe spaces for individuals to share experiences, seek guidance, and maintain progress.

A strong support system is essential for sustained healing and personal growth, reinforcing the idea that recovery is not a journey that can be taken alone.

Treatment Programs for Trauma Recovery at New Life Recovery

New Life Recovery is committed to creating a healthier, happier community—one individual at a time.

Our Fresno, California team offers the following treatment programs for our patient, depending on needs, goals, and experiences:

Inpatient Treatment

For individuals experiencing severe trauma-related distress, inpatient treatment provides a highly structured and immersive healing environment.

This level of care offers 24/7 medical and clinical support, ensuring safety and stabilization for those struggling with intense emotional symptoms or co-occurring disorders.

Inpatient programs integrate evidence-based trauma therapies, group sessions, and individualized treatment plans to help individuals process trauma in a secure and supportive setting.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A PHP provides comprehensive care while allowing individuals to return home or to a supportive living environment in the evenings. PHP is ideal for those who require structured therapy but do not need round-the-clock supervision.

This program includes individual therapy, group sessions, trauma-focused interventions, and skills training to help individuals build emotional resilience while transitioning to greater independence.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

For individuals seeking trauma recovery while balancing work, school, or family commitments, an IOP offers flexible, yet structured care.

IOP provides trauma-focused therapy, SUD prevention strategies, and emotional regulation techniques in a setting that allows participants to integrate their healing process into daily life.

Through individual counseling, group therapy, and continued peer support, IOP helps individuals develop long-term coping skills and maintain progress outside of treatment.

Self-Care and Long-Term Healing Strategies for Trauma Recovery

Healing doesn’t end when treatment does. Continued personal growth and healing is essential for long-term recovery, and individuals can cultivate the following self-care practices into their daily lives after detox or inpatient treatment has ended:

Building Resilience Through Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Long-term trauma recovery requires a commitment to overall well-being, and adopting healthy lifestyle changes is a crucial part of this process. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep support physical and mental health, helping regulate mood and energy levels.

Engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, and maintaining a consistent daily routine can also provide stability and a sense of control, fostering resilience over time.

Developing Coping Skills for Stress and Emotional Triggers

Trauma recovery involves learning how to manage stress and emotional triggers in a healthy way. Mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, and grounding strategies can help individuals stay present and regulate emotions.

Journaling, creative expression, and seeking social support are also valuable coping tools. Additionally, practicing self-compassion and reframing negative thoughts can reduce feelings of shame and self-blame, promoting emotional healing.

Setting Realistic Goals for Continued Personal Growth and Healing

Healing from trauma is a lifelong journey, and setting realistic, achievable goals can help individuals stay motivated and focused on progress. Whether rebuilding relationships, pursuing personal interests, or working toward career aspirations, having a clear direction fosters purpose and empowerment.

Small, consistent steps toward self-improvement and emotional well-being help reinforce long-term healing and resilience.

By incorporating these self-care strategies into daily life, individuals can cultivate strength, stability, and a renewed sense of hope, ensuring their trauma recovery journey leads to lasting personal growth and fulfillment.

Ready to Start Your New Life?

Addressing trauma is a crucial step in achieving lasting recovery from mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Unresolved trauma can continue to impact emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life, making it essential to seek comprehensive, trauma-informed care.

However, healing is possible with the right support. Professional treatment programs, like ours at New Life Recovery, provide the tools and guidance to process trauma, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sense of safety and empowerment.

Start the Healing Journey With Our Team

Recovery is a journey that no one has to navigate alone.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of trauma, don’t wait to seek help. Contact New Life Recovery today to learn more about our trauma recovery programs and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future. We’re here to help you heal and recover, every step of the way.

Resources

Trauma & PTSD

Navigating Dual Diagnosis and Recovery

March 11, 2025