Trauma can take many forms, and so can its impact on a person’s life. Whether a single incident or an ongoing experience; whether human-caused or the result of external forces; and whether experienced emotionally or physically, trauma may alter a person’s worldview and reshape how one engages with other people and the world at large. In this series, Minnesota Mental Health Clinics explores the topic of trauma and its impact on mental health, how treatment is adapted for those who have experienced trauma, and how people benefit from care.
Just as a person repairing a house must first ensure they have the right tools and supplies on hand, and that the structure won’t be further damaged by the work being done, so too does effective trauma treatment rely on pre-treatment stabilization. Likewise, in the same way that repairs to a house that aren’t maintained can come undone, people undergoing trauma therapy require aftercare to have the best chance of long-term recovery.
Thorough stabilization before working on processing traumatic memories helps prepare clients to tolerate the trauma work. Robust aftercare following intensive work helps people learn to live with their new worldview. Neglecting these phases can lead to treatment dropout, symptom exacerbation, or retraumatization. Here, we explore these vital but often overlooked phases of trauma treatment and how they improve outcomes.
Stabilization and Aftercare In Action
After completing stabilization modules, one patient experiencing PTSD engaged in EMDR therapy and continued with monthly aftercare sessions—reporting a 60% reduction in PTSD symptoms and sustained progress one year later.
The Role of Stabilization
Stabilization focuses on building safety and coping skills prior to trauma processing. Key elements include:
- Psychoeducation: Understanding trauma responses.
- Emotional Regulation: Techniques to manage distress.
- Grounding: Strategies to maintain presence during flashbacks.
- Linkage to Resources: Obtaining support to manage everyday living
With a strong foundation in place and an awareness of what is to come, patients are better prepared for the necessary challenges involved in addressing trauma. Stabilization helps minimize the discomfort of revisiting trauma, or helps patients better manage that discomfort, making the treatment more effective.