Trauma is a crucial aspect of addiction treatment, often serving as the underlying cause for substance use. In this illuminating interview with trauma therapist Dr. Jessica Cooper, we explore the mechanics of trauma therapy and how it helps people heal from devastating experiences.

• Breaking down trauma therapy into three essential phases: establishing safety, processing memories, and reconnection/integration
• Understanding how childhood trauma creates patterns that can lead to re-traumatization in adulthood
• Exploring the "fawn" trauma response (people-pleasing) alongside the better-known fight/flight/freeze responses
• Examining the differences in approach between single-incident trauma vs. complex, repeated trauma
• Creating a trauma timeline with "stones" (traumatic events) and "flowers" (protective factors)
• Processing traumatic memories through multiple perspectives: factual, sensory, emotional, and belief-based
• Recognizing signs of healing while understanding recovery is non-linear
• Using creative expression as a powerful tool in trauma recovery
• Developing a collaborative approach to trauma treatment

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]