Trauma/PTSD Treatment

At Sierra Tucson, individuals who have developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of trauma receive integrated treatment in our Program for Trauma Recovery. Specialized, intensive treatment is provided for patients addressing PTSD symptoms from adult or childhood sexual abuse or non-sexual traumas. Patients may also be chemically dependent and/or have co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses.

Philosophy of Trauma Treatment at Sierra Tucson

Consistent with other programs at Sierra Tucson, the Program for Trauma Recovery employs a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach.

Therapeutic approaches for PTSD/trauma patients include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), experiential therapies, psycho-educational presentations, psychopharmacological interventions, family systems approaches, and integrative therapies. Equine-assisted therapy, adventure therapy, and psychodrama are used as therapeutic tools to help PTSD/trauma patients discover personal emotional truths concerning fear, trust, honesty, and dependency.

Flexible lengths of stay based on the patients’ clinical needs can be scheduled, with assessment services, relapse prevention, and continuing care planning integrated into the treatment process.

Program Components

Components of the Program for Trauma Recovery include but are not limited to the following:

• Weekly Therapeutic Group (which may include Equine-Assisted Therapy, Climbing Wall, or Challenge Course)
• Weekly Grief Group.
• Weekly Expressive Arts Group.
• Weekly Experiential Therapy Workshop.

Educational components that include abuse/neglect, boundary formation, trauma/PTSD, domestic violence/cycle of violence, healthy sexuality, sexual addiction and compulsivity, dysfunctional sexual and relationship behaviors, and relapse prevention.

Safe Therapeutic Environment

The Program or Trauma Recovery provides a safe, therapeutic environment that allows the individual to experience reduction of pain and shame while exploring memories and perceptions associated with trauma or sexual issues.

The program is designed to provide patients an environment in which to process symptoms of PTSD, process their experiences of either childhood or adult sexual and/or non-sexual abuse, and participate in experiential process work. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing® sessions are scheduled according to individual need.

Compulsive behaviors, post-traumatic symptoms, or unresolved sexual trauma are often the cause of relapse in individuals who have completed traditional treatment programs. The Program for Trauma Recovery staff have many years of experience and in-depth training in the assessment, treatment planning, and facilitation of interventions specific to the needs of this population.

Individualized, Patient-Focused Trauma Treatment

Groups in the Program for Trauma Recovery focus on assisting patients in separating their identities from their symptoms. Assignments and readings are individualized. Patients are encouraged to be supportive of one another in constructive ways. The attitude of the staff  is compassionate, and attention is given to assisting patients in developing compassion for themselves and others.

The strong emphasis on community in the Program for Trauma Recovery focuses on acceptance and belonging, in an attempt to break the isolation that is common to patients struggling with these issues.

• Trauma patients participate in specific meetings that are held in addition to the general patient community meetings.
• Treatment is constructed to promote each patient’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth
• Emphasis is placed upon helping trauma patients participate in creating their physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and spiritual safety and growth
• Trauma/PTSD patients are taught to develop  functional thinking processes and coping mechanisms.

Family Support in Trauma Treatment

PTSD, trauma, and abuse patients are encouraged to invite family members and/or significant others to Sierra Tucson’s Family Program to work with them in addressing relationship issues.

This intensive four-day program begins on Monday at 8:00 a.m. and ends on Thursday at 6:15 p.m. The Family Program allows patients and family members to identify problems that have had significant impact on the family system; to change attitudes and, ultimately, behaviors between family members and patients; and to clarify the family’s role of healthy support.

A Couple’s Workshop also provides the opportunity for couples to begin the healing process and to receive educational and therapeutic support for recovery.

Get Help Now

• Call us at 800-842-4487
• Fill out our confidential online contact form