Healing from substance use often requires looking below the surface to understand what’s really driving your struggle, and for many, unresolved trauma often contributes to addiction and can make recovery feel even more difficult. At Oak Grove Recovery in Westerville, Ohio, we integrate compassionate trauma therapy into our addiction treatment programs to help you heal your body and mind.
What is trauma therapy?
Trauma therapy is a deeply supportive and specialized approach that helps you process and heal from the complex emotional, physical, and psychological effects of traumatic experiences. In a safe, structured environment, you’ll collaborate with a skilled therapist who walks alongside you as you navigate the difficult memories and feelings that may be holding you back. This focused care offers a pathway to a greater sense of safety, control, and hope for the future.
How trauma affects your brain, body, and relationships
Trauma can leave lasting imprints that shape how your mind and body respond to the world around you. You might notice that your stress response feels heightened, as if you’re always “on alert,” or that tension and fatigue have become part of your daily experience. Trauma can also affect your ability to trust others, making relationships feel difficult and, at times, isolating.
These responses are normal and valid. Many people experience these same responses, and recovery begins with understanding them. At Oak Grove Recovery, we foster a trauma-aware environment in every aspect of care. From the first conversation with our team to individualized therapy and life skills support, you’ll be met with respect, compassion, and understanding. Our clinicians are trained to recognize the impact of trauma and to create space for healing that honors both your experiences and your pace of recovery.
Trauma therapy vs. trauma-informed care
You may hear us speak about both “trauma therapy” and “trauma-informed care.” Trauma-informed care is our organizational philosophy, shaping everything we do, from the way our team interacts with you to the design of our spaces. It centers on your safety and experience. Trauma therapy, by contrast, is the targeted clinical work we do together in counseling sessions to address the pain of trauma itself.
What does trauma therapy help with?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
Persistent, distressing responses after a single or repeated traumatic incident, such as nightmares or flashbacks.
Complex trauma (C-PTSD):
The result of chronic or repeated trauma, often beginning in childhood, leading to deep emotional wounds and lasting challenges.
Dissociation:
A feeling of detachment from your body or daily life. Therapy can help you feel more connected and grounded.
Attachment wounds:
Early disruptions in caregiving relationships can make it difficult for adults to form connections and trust. We help you heal these patterns with supportive guidance.
Grief and loss:
Sudden or traumatic loss can overwhelm your ability to cope; trauma therapy provides a compassionate space to work through this pain without turning to substances.
Signs you could benefit from trauma therapy
Trauma can affect you in ways you might not immediately recognize. Some signs that therapy may help include:
- Frequent nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive memories
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Persistent anxiety, panic attacks, or heightened alertness
- Shame, guilt, or persistent low self-worth
- Difficulty building trust or close relationships
- Lingering sadness or hopelessness
- Chronic physical symptoms related to stress or exhaustion
If any of these resonate with you, Oak Grove Recovery’s caring team in Westerville is here to help.
Oak Grove Recovery’s approach to trauma therapy in addiction recovery
At Oak Grove Recovery, we care for the whole person by addressing both trauma and substance use together. Through our integrated approach, we address the pain of trauma and the pull of addiction side by side. Our programs support healing for co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD, so you can discover new ways of coping that are safer, healthier, and rooted in self-compassion.
Our clinical team uses evidence-based trauma therapies in one-on-one sessions and group counseling environments that are gentle, respectful, and never rushed. We’re committed to helping you build trust at your own pace and fostering a sense of true safety throughout your care.
What to expect in trauma therapy
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but at Oak Grove Recovery, your comfort is always our priority. You have a voice at every step of your healing journey.
Phase 1: Building trust and safety
Your first sessions will focus on establishing a trusting relationship with your therapist. There will be no pressure to share sensitive memories before you’re ready.
Phase 2: Assessment and individualized planning
Together, you and your therapist will explore your background, strengths, and aspirations to develop a care plan that honors your needs.
Phase 3: Structured support and pacing
Session frequency and duration are carefully matched to your progress, providing support that adapts to you—not the other way around. You and your therapist will review progress regularly and adjust goals as needed, so your care stays responsive and supportive.
Practical skills for resilience
Trauma therapy is more than telling your story. It’s about learning tools to thrive every day. Some of the skills you’ll practice include:
- Grounding techniques: Practice strategies for staying present when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
- "Parts work": Gain insight into different aspects of yourself, drawing from models like internal family systems (IFS), supporting internal healing.
- Crisis intervention and planning: Develop personalized safety plans for navigating triggers or emergencies.
- Emotion regulation: Learn skills to manage big feelings in healthier ways, reducing the urge to use substances as relief.
The benefits of trauma therapy
Decades of research demonstrate that trauma therapy is highly effective, especially when integrated into addiction recovery treatment. Clients often notice a reduction in PTSD symptoms, increased emotional stability, and a lower risk of relapse. As symptoms lessen and emotional balance improves, many clients also report stronger relationships and greater confidence in daily life. For those who have struggled to find lasting recovery before, trauma therapy offers renewed hope and lasting change.
Our commitment to trauma-informed care
Oak Grove Recovery’s mission is to ensure that you feel safe, welcome, and valued throughout your journey. Our team is trained in culturally inclusive practices, and we honor your story without judgment.
- Inclusive and affirming environment: All backgrounds and identities are welcome here.
- Accredited, specialized care: We meet rigorous standards of safety, ethics, and clinical excellence.
- Confidentiality: Your privacy is always respected in every interaction.
- Therapist expertise: Our clinicians continually advance their trauma-specific education so you receive the highest quality care.
Finding the right therapist for trauma
The connection you build with your therapist is one of the most important parts of recovery. Feeling safe, seen, and respected allows real healing to begin. At Oak Grove Recovery, our team provides comprehensive, trauma-informed care that helps clients rebuild trust and emotional stability.
You’ll work with a clinical team dedicated to your success, creating a strong therapeutic match and providing consistent support throughout treatment. Whether you're starting trauma therapy or continuing addiction treatment in Central Ohio, we support you at every stage of your recovery.
Medicaid coverage for trauma therapy
Everyone deserves access to healing. Trauma therapy is a core part of our licensed addiction treatment program at Oak Grove Recovery in Ohio and is covered by eligible Ohio Medicaid plans. Your privacy is protected, and our admissions team is here to help you verify your coverage confidentially.
Frequently asked questions
No. You control what you discuss at all times. Your therapist’s role is to support and gently guide you, never to pressure. Healing unfolds at your own pace.
There is no “one size fits all” timetable for recovery. Our team will support you for as long as you need, honoring your unique healing process.
Processing trauma can be difficult, but our therapists are skilled in supporting you through the challenging moments and will never push you beyond what feels manageable. Your well-being always comes first.
No. Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, not just the most visible or severe ones. At Oak Grove Recovery, we support healing from all kinds of trauma, including those you may not have recognized until now.
Your path to peace starts at Oak Grove Recovery
At Oak Grove Recovery, we believe every person deserves a place where they feel safe, valued, and understood. Healing is possible with the right support and care. Our compassionate team is here to walk beside you with care, honesty, and unwavering support. If you’re ready to take the next step, please don't hesitate to call Oak Grove Recovery's admissions team at your convenience or reach out to us online. We’re here 24/7 to help you begin a new chapter of recovery and rediscover peace within yourself.
