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Trauma-Informed Therapy for Addiction & Mental Health | Legacy

In the book The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk says: “One does not have to be a combat soldier, or visit a refugee camp in Syria or in the Congo to encounter trauma. Trauma happens to us, our friends, our families, and our neighbors… As human beings we belong to an extremely resilient species. Since time immemorial we have rebounded from our relentless wars, countless disasters both natural and man-made, and the violence of betrayal in our own lives. But traumatic experiences do leave traces, whether on a large scale (on our histories and cultures) or close to home, on our families, with dark secrets being imperceptibly passed down through generations. They leave traces on our minds and emotions, on our capacity for joy and intimacy, and even on our biology and immune systems.”
Individuals with a history of trauma have a higher risk of being diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues. Rehabilitation programs address trauma using various evidence-based and holistic treatment services. Legacy Outdoor Adventure treats underlying trauma using trauma-informed therapy.
A woman finds a moment of peace and emotional safety by resting on the back of a therapy horse, demonstrating the deep connection and co-regulation possible through trauma-informed equine therapy.

Healing From TraumaA Foundation for Lasting Recovery

Unaddressed trauma can have a lasting effect on a person’s behaviors and mental health. Childhood trauma is especially destabilizing and may cause long-term changes to brain function, attachment styles, and emotion regulation. Individuals struggling with addiction often have more severe trauma reactions and benefit from professional mental health treatment during rehabilitation. Clinicians use individual, group, and family therapy to help clients heal from the lasting effects of trauma.

Recognizing the Impact of Trauma on Addiction and Mental Health

Trauma impacts how people cope with stress and mental health issues. A personal or family history of trauma also increases the risk of developing addiction or dual diagnosis. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Traumatic experiences are associated with substance use and with developing substance use disorders.” In addition, “Experiencing abuse or neglect, separation from or loss of a parent or companion, being a victim of violence or bullying, going to war, or experiencing racism or discrimination, among many other events and circumstances, can cause changes in the brain that make a person more sensitive to future events, even daily life stress.” Legacy Outdoor Adventure treats trauma, addiction, and mental health disorders using trauma-informed, integrative care.

Legacy Treatment CenterTrauma-Informed Therapy and Healing

A trauma-informed approach to rehabilitation addresses the root causes of addiction. Clients learn to effectively identify and challenge unhealthy thought patterns related to trauma or chronic stress. Trauma often impacts a person’s sense of self, confidence, and self-esteem. Treatment programs at Legacy Outdoor Adventure teach clients essential skills for improving resilience, self-awareness, and self-worth.

Ready for an adventure in healing?Discover our unique wilderness therapy programs.

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Trauma

Everyone has experienced stressful moments in their lives. However, if those events interfere with a person’s ability to function, it may cause long-term trauma responses. Trauma can involve a single stressful event or multiple events. Identifying the signs and symptoms of trauma helps people know when to get professional support.
Each person responds differently to trauma. However, some of the most common signs and symptoms include the following:
Physical Symptoms of Trauma
fatigue, sleep disturbances, body aches, migraines or headaches, digestive issues, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, hyperarousal, sensitivity to stimuli
Emotional and Psychological Signs of Trauma
mood swings, panic or anxiety attacks, persistent worry, detachment or emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, feeling disconnected from reality, unusual anger or irritation, and trust issues
Behavioral Changes Related to Trauma
avoiding reminders of trauma, self-isolating behaviors, unhealthy coping mechanisms, self-harming or risk-taking behaviors, relationship issues, difficulty setting boundaries, hypervigilance, emotional outbursts, and compulsive behaviors
People who recognize signs of trauma in themselves or others may benefit from reaching out to mental health professionals. Our rehabilitation programs use trauma-informed care and other services to support trauma recovery and emotional healing.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Therapy in SUD and Mental Health Treatment

Trauma therapy helps people in recovery identify the root causes of destructive behaviors, including substance abuse. Multiple risk factors connect trauma and addiction. Social support, emotional wellness, and physical health all impact a person’s ability to manage stress and cope with trauma. Individuals with a history of trauma are more likely to experience addiction and mental health disorders.
A therapist provides trauma-informed care, guiding a client on how to interact with a horse during an equine therapy session designed to build trust, communication, and emotional regulation.
Multiple connections exist between trauma and substance abuse, including:
  • Some individuals use substance abuse to cope with the effects of trauma
  • Abusing substances may lead to traumatic experiences
  • Trauma and substance abuse may develop independently
Trauma-informed care addresses the connections between trauma and addiction using talk therapy, peer support, psychoeducational, experiential therapy, and other tools.

The Impact of Adverse Childhood ExperiencesShaping Long-Term Health and Well-Being

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect how people build attachments and respond to stress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “ACEs can have lasting effects on health and well-being in childhood and life opportunities well into adulthood.” In addition, “Toxic stress, or extended or prolonged stress, from ACEs can negatively affect children’s brain development, immune system, and stress-response systems.” Legacy Outdoor Adventure uses wilderness therapy and trauma-informed care to help clients heal from the long-term physical, emotional, and behavioral effects of ACEs.

Struggling with substance use?Discover healing through wilderness therapy.

Why Trauma-Informed Therapy MattersAddressing the Underlying Causes of Suffering

Trauma-informed therapy provides people with a safe and structured environment for processing traumatic memories, thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. We have a trauma-informed approach to treatment that empowers clients and gives them the skills to move forward in their healing journey. Therapy sessions, including outdoor therapeutic activities, are tailored to each client’s unique needs. The care team monitors client progress and uses trauma-informed care to ensure they feel comfortable addressing trauma in a natural or clinical setting.

Understanding and Validating the Patient’s ExperienceActive Listening and Empathy

The effects of trauma can cause people to experience a wide range of symptoms and side effects. Trauma-informed therapy involves validating client experiences through active listening, empathy, and compassionate care. Trauma may cause significant trust issues and make it more difficult for some clients to open up to the care team.

We collaborate with clients and their loved ones to create relevant and appropriate treatment plans, allowing clients to recover at their own pace. Healing from trauma may involve multiple levels of care and a combination of therapeutic modalities. We work with clients to ensure they receive the support and care they need to manage their condition.

Integrating Trauma-Specific ModalitiesHealing the Mind and Body

Trauma-informed therapy provides people with a safe and structured environment for processing traumatic memories, thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. We have a trauma-informed approach to treatment that empowers clients and gives them the skills to move forward in their healing journey. Therapy sessions, including outdoor therapeutic activities, are tailored to each client’s unique needs. The care team monitors client progress and uses trauma-informed care to ensure they feel comfortable addressing trauma in a natural or clinical setting.

Addressing Shame and Self-BlameCultivating Self-Compassion

Many individuals who experience trauma feel guilt, shame, or self-blame related to the traumatic event. People who have lived through multiple traumas are more likely to experience lingering negative emotions and develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Most researchers have found a positive correlation between guilt and the intensity of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs).” Legacy Outdoor Adventure helps clients address guilt, shame, or self-blame using experiential and talk therapy.

PsychoeducationProviding Knowledge and Information About Trauma and Recovery

Talk and experiential therapy sessions give clients a safe space to learn about their condition and ask questions about the effects, causes, and consequences of SUD and mental health issues. Trauma treatment often has better outcomes if families become actively involved in recovery through family therapy or other support services. Psychoeducation is important for both clients and their loved ones to ensure the entire family understands the role of trauma in addictive behaviors, mental health, and family dynamics. We educate families and individuals on the realities of trauma recovery and how to prepare for long-term sobriety while healing from the effects of trauma.

Trauma-Informed Care at LegacyA Comprehensive and Compassionate Approach

Our integrative treatment model focuses on individualized care and offers clients more comprehensive trauma support. The compassionate care team builds a solid foundation of trust with clients by respecting and accommodating their needs. Treatment programs at Legacy Outdoor Adventure address the root causes of addiction and trauma, providing clients with closure and the tools they need to process their experiences in a healthy way.

The Role of Community and Peer Support in Trauma Healing

Talk and experiential therapy sessions give clients a safe space to learn about their condition and ask questions about the effects, causes, and consequences of SUD and mental health issues. Trauma treatment often has better outcomes if families become actively involved in recovery through family therapy or other support services. Psychoeducation is important for both clients and their loved ones to ensure the entire family understands the role of trauma in addictive behaviors, mental health, and family dynamics. We educate families and individuals on the realities of trauma recovery and how to prepare for long-term sobriety while healing from the effects of trauma.
A mentor provides trauma-informed care by teaching a young man a practical skill in an aspen grove, an adventure therapy exercise designed to build focus, competence, and trust for mental health recovery.
Community and peer support are critical in building client confidence and empowering individuals in recovery. Trauma can cause self-isolating behaviors and trust issues, making it more challenging for people to communicate their needs. A welcoming and supportive community helps clients rebuild trust by allowing them to gradually develop healthy social connections with peers.
The thriving sober community at Legacy Outdoor Adventure provides clients with the following:
  • A sense of purpose and belonging
  • Space to express emotions without fear of judgment
  • The opportunity to share advice and coping strategies
  • Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Additional motivation and inspiration
Building a supportive community reduces loneliness and fosters healthy connections between peers. Everyone benefits from becoming part of a community with shared goals and motivations.

Heal in the wild.Begin your recovery adventure now.

Peer Support GroupsSharing Experiences and Finding Strength in Numbers

Legacy Outdoor Adventure uses support groups to build peer engagement and create a safe space for people to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Support groups allow individuals in rehabilitation to do the following:
  • Connect with others who share similar struggles
  • Gain validation from peers
  • Exchange effective techniques for managing trauma and symptoms of SUD
  • Normalize conversations about mental health and recovery
  • Build resilience and foster personal growth
  • Become part of a healthy group dynamic
  • Create lasting relationships
Our experienced care team leads support groups that allow clients to share their voices. Groups may incorporate topics and ideas presented during outdoor therapy to increase client engagement and create a more cohesive treatment experience.

Family InvolvementHealing Family Dynamics and Strengthening Relationships

Some of the most common forms of trauma involve family members. Addressing trauma related to unhealthy family dynamics can strengthen relationships and help families heal together. We use family therapy and other services to educate clients and their loved ones on the importance of repairing or strengthening relationships before the transition to aftercare. Legacy Outdoor Adventure ensures clients and their families know how to identify and address relationship issues that may negatively impact long-term sobriety and mental health. Families are encouraged to actively participate in treatment.

Our Adventure Therapy ProgramBuilding Resilience and Confidence Through Experiential Challenges

Experiential therapies, including adventure therapy, increase confidence and self-efficacy by showing clients how to overcome challenges using healthy coping skills. Adventure guides teach trust and model positive social interactions to improve peer engagement.

A tranquil path winds through an aspen grove, symbolizing the personal journey of recovery and the safe, supportive environment provided by trauma-informed care for mental health.
Outdoor therapy offers clients the following:
  • Exciting leisure activities
  • Social support and networking
  • Opportunities to practice life skills
Clients with a history of trauma use adventure therapy and other treatment services to build trust and develop positive social connections.

Ready for an adventure in healing?Discover our unique wilderness therapy programs.