Trauma Therapy

Experiencing trauma can change how you think, feel, and relate to the world. Whether it comes from a single event or long-term experiences like abuse or neglect, trauma can leave lasting emotional effects. Trauma therapy helps people process those experiences safely, rebuild trust, and begin to heal.

At Hickory Grove Recovery, we use trauma-informed therapy that’s compassionate, evidence-based, and personalized. Our licensed clinicians help clients manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance use that often accompany trauma.

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on understanding and reducing the impact of traumatic experiences. It creates a safe, supportive environment where you can talk about what happened, learn new coping skills, and regain a sense of control and safety.

Therapists at Hickory Grove Recovery use proven, research-based approaches that focus on three main goals:

• Stabilization: helping you feel safe and grounded.
• Processing: exploring memories and emotions connected to trauma.
• Integration: rebuilding self-confidence, relationships, and daily routines.

Trauma-focused therapies are among the most effective ways to treat PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.

Trauma therapy helps anyone who has gone through painful or overwhelming experiences. Common concerns include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): nightmares, flashbacks, and hypervigilance.
• Complex trauma: long-term or repeated experiences such as childhood abuse or domestic violence.
• Grief and loss: emotional pain related to death or separation.
• Addiction and trauma: substance use as a coping mechanism.

If trauma affects your ability to sleep, trust others, or feel safe in your body, therapy can help you begin to heal.

Everyone responds to trauma differently, but some common symptoms include:

• Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts
• Avoiding people, places, or conversations related to the trauma
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or constantly on edge
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Feeling disconnected or emotionally numb
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope

When these symptoms persist, trauma therapy can help you process experiences safely and develop healthier coping strategies.

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT helps you understand how trauma affects thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches coping strategies for anxiety, guilt, and intrusive memories while building emotional regulation skills.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR uses guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. This method reduces the intensity of distressing emotions and helps people see past events in a more balanced way.

Prolonged exposure (PE)

PE therapy gradually helps clients face memories and situations they’ve been avoiding. With the support of a therapist, you learn to process these experiences in a safe and controlled way.

Mindfulness for trauma

Mindfulness teaches grounding and self-awareness skills to manage anxiety and stay present during therapy. It can also reduce symptoms like hyperarousal and panic.

Trauma-informed care

All treatment at Hickory Grove Recovery follows trauma-informed principles—safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment. Every session is designed to move at your pace and respect your boundaries.

Therapy begins with a confidential assessment to understand your history, symptoms, and goals. Together with your therapist, you’ll develop a personalized plan that aligns with your comfort level and treatment needs.

Before exploring traumatic memories, clients learn grounding techniques—simple strategies like focused breathing, sensory awareness, and self-soothing that reduce distress when emotions become overwhelming.

Once you feel stable, therapy may include discussing or revisiting traumatic experiences in a controlled, supportive environment. This helps your brain reframe memories so they no longer trigger the same intense reactions.

The final stage focuses on strengthening self-esteem, relationships, and relapse-prevention skills. Clients leave therapy with practical coping tools and a continued care plan for emotional and mental health stability.

Because trauma can affect every part of life, Hickory Grove Recovery provides targeted support for specific challenges.

Complex trauma and dissociation

Therapists help clients manage dissociation—feelings of numbness or disconnection—through grounding and mindfulness skills that restore safety and awareness.

Childhood trauma and attachment

For those recovering from early-life trauma or neglect, therapy focuses on building trust, understanding attachment patterns, and developing healthier relationships.

Trauma and addiction recovery

Substance use is often a way to cope with painful memories. Our trauma therapy integrates relapse prevention and emotional regulation skills to help clients heal without returning to substance use.

Grief and abuse recovery

Therapists help clients process loss, emotional pain, or abuse while rebuilding self-compassion and resilience.

Trauma therapy at Hickory Grove Recovery is always collaborative and centered on your comfort.

In each session, you can expect to:

• Work one-on-one with a licensed therapist in a calm, supportive environment
• Learn practical coping tools for anxiety, flashbacks, or panic
• Process difficult memories at your own pace
• Build long-term strategies for stability and emotional health

Confidentiality is a core part of trauma therapy. All sessions comply with HIPAA privacy standards to ensure you feel safe sharing openly.

Working with a therapist trained in trauma care is essential. At Hickory Grove Recovery, all therapists are licensed professionals experienced in treating trauma and addiction. They use evidence-based models and trauma-informed care principles approved by the APA and SAMHSA.

When seeking trauma therapy, it’s okay to ask your therapist questions such as:

• What experience do you have treating trauma or PTSD?
• How do you help clients feel safe during sessions?
• What treatment methods do you use?

Healing from trauma is a process that extends beyond therapy sessions. Hickory Grove Recovery connects clients and families to helpful resources and support systems, including:

• Crisis intervention: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)
• Trauma support groups: local and national peer networks
• Educational tools: reading materials and workshops about trauma recovery
• Self-care strategies: mindfulness, journaling, and grounding exercises

Our trauma-informed programs also address related issues that often appear alongside trauma, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression and mood disorders
• Substance use and addiction

Integrated care ensures that each part of recovery—mental, physical, and emotional—is supported.

FAQs: Trauma therapy

Start trauma therapy at Hickory Grove Recovery

If trauma is keeping you from feeling safe, connected, or in control, help is available. At Hickory Grove Recovery, trauma therapy offers a path toward healing with care that’s compassionate, structured, and grounded in evidence-based practice.

You don’t have to face the past alone. Call our admissions team at 501.509.5143 or contact us online to learn more about trauma therapy and begin your journey toward recovery and peace of mind today.