Family services play a crucial role in trauma recovery. Group therapy, education, and communication strategies can all help families break the cycle of trauma and addiction. Family services foster a healthier and more supportive environment that can enhance healing in the long term.
The Benefits of Family Services in Trauma Recovery
Having a supportive family environment can be one of the most important elements of trauma recovery. Many people who experience trauma will develop conditions like mental health disorders or addiction. For these issues, family services are essential, as they help create structure and hope for healing.
A Reciprocal Relationship
According to a 2022 study published in Administration and Policy in Mental Health, “social relationships and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are reciprocally related.” The study sought to examine the perspective of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinicians on family involvement in PTSD treatment. The article mentions that lack of social support is a key risk factor for “the development, maintenance, and severity of PTSD, especially in the veteran population.”
On the other hand, even just a minor amount of family involvement can help those with PTSD and other symptoms of trauma. Another study published in Psychological Services found that veterans had “significant reductions in PTSD symptoms” after just one family session.
Veterans are not the only population who can benefit from family services, however. Anyone who has experienced trauma, from adolescents to adults, can utilize these services to foster healthier environments for healing.
The Protective Benefits of Family and Friends
Research has shown that family services like therapy and education have vast benefits for those in trauma recovery. According to a 2022 article published in The Psychiatric Quarterly, social support, in general, is “well-established as a major protective factor following potentially traumatic events.”
The study notes that support from family, romantic partners, and close friends can have “numerous protective benefits,” including acting as a buffer for negative psychological outcomes like PTSD and depression. This type of support can also enhance treatment, leading to a reduction in PTSD symptoms and lower rates of recurrence.
Different Types of Family Services
It’s important for trauma-specific programs like the one at The Guest House to offer a variety of family services. Recovery can be a frightening and unknown journey for many. Yet, with the help of trauma-trained clinicians and family support, the journey becomes easier to navigate. When supported by trained facilitators, people can more easily build a strong foundation for long-term recovery success.
Family Therapy
One of the most well-known family services is known as family therapy. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), family therapy is an “effective way to help the person in treatment while also helping the family as a whole.”
At The Guest House, we strongly believe that family support is crucial to our guests’ healing. We offer many types of talk therapies, including family sessions. These sessions can help you to communicate your struggles, goals, and desires safely and effectively. We also offer private intensive workshops for families, which provide an excellent opportunity to reconnect and move through recovery with the support you need for true healing.
Family Education
When most people think of “family services,” talk therapies usually come to mind. However, supportive recovery environments should also include education to help families understand the struggles those in recovery experience.
SAMHSA mentions that there are also “unique challenges” that come from helping a loved one in recovery. This is why caregivers should “take steps to prioritize their own health as well.” Family education programs can help people learn how to take care of themselves while also being a pillar of support for their loved ones. This journey isn’t always easy, but it can be extremely rewarding for everyone involved with the right tools and support.
Family Services at The Guest House
Here at The Guest House, we emphasize the role of the family because we understand how important it is for your healing, growth, and lasting recovery success. We aim to work with you and your family to make the recovery process feel simple and exciting as you plan for the future.
From talk therapy to private workshops and education, we aim to help your family understand your journey. We also help your family learn valuable tools that will support your continued growth and sustained recovery. Our family program is individualized to each of our guest’s unique needs and family availability. Here, we will work with you to ensure everyone is included in the integral steps of your healing journey.
At The Guest House, we also offer a cutting-edge blend of both traditional and holistic therapies that will help you regain a sense of individuality and strength without falling back into codependent patterns. No matter what brings you here, there is room for every person and family to grow together at The Guest House.
Family services are an integral part of the journey of trauma recovery. Having a supportive family network where you are able to air out your differences will go a long way toward helping you find lasting success. At The Guest House, family involvement is extremely important to us. In fact, our trauma-specific program was designed to help you and your family take this journey together. We offer family therapy services as well as family workshops. Our program is also individualized to both your own unique needs as well as your family’s availabilities, allowing you more freedom to plan your healing journey. For more information, give us a call today at (855) 483-7800.