As PTSD Awareness Month, June is a pivotal opportunity to discuss the critical importance of trauma-informed care for women survivors. Understanding trauma as a normal reaction to an abnormal amount of stress illuminates the need for a specialized approach.
The Changing Nature of Trauma
Trauma manifests uniquely for everyone. Something you find profoundly distressing may not leave psychological scars on a different person who goes through the same event.
Additionally, your perception of trauma can evolve over time – an event that initially seemed manageable can become haunting as you process the emotional aftermath. This subjective experience is why we believe in a sensitive, personalized treatment philosophy.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care treats the whole person, accounting for the events that shaped your psyche and the coping mechanisms you’ve developed in response. It’s about understanding your life context, recognizing trauma’s characteristics and integrating this understanding into all aspects of treatment planning.
For example, consider the all-too-common experience shared by many sexual assault survivors. These women may not get the help they need even after coming forward to report what happened to them. Those who appear detached or unemotional might be distancing themselves from the pain as a coping mechanism, which can cause authorities to take them less seriously. This misunderstanding can lead to further trauma and a reluctance to trust others.
Trauma-informed care recognizes these protective emotional strategies and offers a judgment-free environment where therapists believe and validate survivors without expectations or qualifications. This approach respects that each person processes trauma differently.
Why Women Benefit From Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is especially valuable for women, who statistically are more likely to experience things like sexual assault, domestic violence and prolonged emotional abuse.
At Rising Roads Recovery, we have taken care to develop a safe space where women can feel safe to express themselves without fear of stigma or disbelief. Everyone on our team has been where you are, and we are ready to help you find your way out. We understand how to recognize and respond to the physical, emotional and social repercussions of trauma with sensitivity and empathy. We emphasize trauma-informed care because we understand the complexities of trauma and its profound impact on a woman’s life. We restore your trust and self-worth by adopting this approach.
As we observe PTSD Awareness Month, let’s acknowledge the essential role of trauma-informed care for women seeking a pathway out of the shadows of their experiences, finding a treatment center that embraces this understanding can make all the difference in their journey toward healing. We’d love to hear from you if you need help.
