Mental Health Assessment and Treatment

Traci Brautigan, the mental health therapist at Tranquility Woods, discusses the importance of addressing mental health alongside addiction. Clients receive a mental health evaluation upon arrival to understand their specific needs. The treatment plan is then tailored not only to address addiction but also any co-occurring mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. Various approaches including grounding techniques for anxiety and mindfulness practices are integrated into the treatment plan to ensure a holistic approach to recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Treatment

Traci elaborates on the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their behaviors, aiming to transform negative thought patterns. She also delves into trauma treatment, explaining how trauma affects individuals differently and how it’s important to work through traumatic memories to respond to life in healthier ways. Techniques like meditation and mindfulness are utilized to help individuals deal with triggers and process traumatic incidents.

Relationships and Family Therapy

The emphasis then shifts to relationships, highlighting the innate human need for connection and how recovery encompasses improving relationships with oneself and others. Family counseling is introduced as a vital component to bring families on board with the recovery process, offering a safe space for open communication and addressing concerns. Various strategies such as trust rebuilding, communication improvement, and promoting accountability are discussed to ensure a supportive environment for the individual in recovery. In conclusion, Traci encourages embracing the help available and reassures that change can happen immediately with the decision to accept help, urging individuals to have hope and take the risk towards recovery.