Trauma Recovery Program
At THE FFC CENTER we treat the underlying trauma that manifests as mental health disorders and behavioral issues. For young adults to heal from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related disorders, they need treatment for trauma that helps them build resilience, insight, and the courage to face the past—so they can move freely into the future.
Young adults may grapple with enduring psychological trauma after facing a harrowing, life-threatening event such as a mass shooting, a serious car accident, sexual assault, medical trauma, or a traumatic or sudden loss of a loved one.
Yet, trauma doesn’t solely stem from a single, impactful occurrence. Persistent chronic abuse, neglect, abandonment, or domestic violence at home can also give rise to PTSD symptoms in young adults. Furthermore, the aftermath of trauma tends to cast a prolonged negative impact on daily life, shaping the formative years of these individuals.
It’s vital to understand that trauma and PTSD rarely resolve on their own in young adults and necessitate proper treatment and support. In fact, if left untreated, PTSD symptoms are prone to intensify over time, underscoring the significance of timely intervention with clinical approaches specifically tailored for trauma recovery. Additionally, misdiagnosing trauma in young adults can hinder the delivery of targeted PTSD treatments, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive mental health assessment for those displaying symptoms such as:
- Flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Panic attacks
- Confusion, lack of focus, and difficulty making decisions
- Nightmares, insomnia, and other sleep disturbances
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities; difficulty finding pleasure in daily life
- Irritable or aggressive behavior
- Emotional numbness
- Edginess and hyper-alertness
- Avoidance of triggers related to the trauma, including people, places, or situations
- Suicidal thoughts
Acute Trauma
is a single traumatic event, like a serious accident, a medical crisis, or physical assault, which typically results in or threatens death or injury. The stress caused by acute trauma can last for days, weeks, or months following the traumatic event.
Chronic Trauma
is ongoing trauma resulting from prolonged exposure to trauma, such as childhood abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence
Vicarious Trauma
is caused by indirect exposure to frightening events or circumstances, through a close relative or even via media coverage
Relational Trauma
also known as developmental trauma or attachment trauma, refers to a disturbance in the parent-child bond, due to neglect, abandonment, verbal abuse, or shaming from primary caregivers.
Diagnosis and Treatment of PTSD in Young Adults
The first step in young adult PTSD diagnosis and treatment is a comprehensive assessment. In order for a mental health professional to make a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must last for more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.
We start with by conducting a Psychological evaluation and social history
- We highly recommend patients undergo a physical exam to rule out in medical reasons for symptoms prior to applying for our program. Our team does not administer nor monitor medication, our strategies are rooted in empirical research
Successful treatment for the psychological effects of PTSD requires treating the root causes, not just the symptoms. To begin the healing journey, young adults need support to uncover the traumatic experience prompting their depression, anxiety, and/or self-destructive behaviors.