From systemic trauma, to generational trauma, financial trauma, to single-incident or multi-incident traumas, wars, the climate crisis and the global pandemic, to name a few sources of trauma. Trauma is a complex and pervasive experience that can have profound effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Recognizing the importance of addressing trauma is a significant step toward healing, and one key phase in this process is stabilization. Unfortunately, too many trauma therapists jump into the processing of trauma before the stabilization. Without stabilization, processing is not possible. The stabilization phase serves as a vital foundation for the overall treatment of trauma, providing individuals with the necessary tools and support to navigate the challenging journey toward recovery.
Understanding the Stabilization Phase:
The stabilization phase in trauma treatment focuses on creating a safe and secure environment for survivors. This phase acknowledges that individuals impacted by trauma may be grappling with overwhelming emotions, intrusive memories, and a heightened state of arousal. To effectively address these challenges, therapists and mental health professionals work collaboratively with clients to establish stability in various aspects of their lives. This safety starts from the very first phone call contact with the clinician.
First, we start with building trust. The environment must foster safety. Trauma therapists also need to manage their movements, their interaction and their vocal prosody. All go to building and creating trust.
The second is psychoeducation. I spend ample time on this part of safety. Providing psychoeducation can help clients understand how and why their brain and body are responding the way they are. This normalization helps people feel less alone and start to create options for empowering control.
Crisis Management is a major part of trauma treatment. Crises happen and we need to establish techniques and resilience for managing crises. This can be done through planning and grounding. Grounding also helps one stay present, a crucial step in ultimate trauma memory processing and in navigating daily life.
In this first phase we may also work on boundary setting, communication skills, adhering to medication (if applicable), sleep hygiene, self-care and accountability to self.
The Ripple Effect of Stabilization:
Investing time and energy in the stabilization phase sets the stage for subsequent therapeutic interventions. By addressing immediate concerns and establishing a secure foundation, individuals are better equipped to engage in deeper explorations of their trauma in subsequent phases of treatment, such as processing and integration.
In sum, the importance of the stabilization phase in trauma treatment cannot be overstated. It serves as a cornerstone for healing, providing survivors with the essential tools and support needed to regain control over their lives. By prioritizing safety, trust, education, crisis management, grounding techniques, and interpersonal skills, therapists can guide individuals through the challenging journey of trauma recovery, fostering resilience and paving the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
Jumping into trauma processing, as appealing as it may sound, may not be beneficial for everyone immediately.
Are you interested in learning more about this therapy practice? Please look at the website. Healing is possible. Remember that trauma creates wounds, and wounds can heal.
Jordan Nodelman, LCSW is an EMDR-Certified clinician treating all forms of truama-related concerns. Working mostly with high-achieving adults from his Fort Lauderdale, FL office; he also practices statewide via telehealth in Florida and is independently licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia (Washington DC).
