Trauma Therapy in Merchantville, NJ

Healing the Root Cause of Addiction

Trauma is not just a bad memory; it is a physical and emotional wound that refuses to heal on its own. At Maplewood Treatment Solutions, we know that for many, addiction is just a symptom of untreated trauma.

You may have spent years trying to numb the pain with drugs or alcohol. But you cannot stay sober if you are constantly fighting a war inside your own head.

Located in our safe, private facility in Merchantville, NJ, our Trauma Therapy Program is designed to stop the cycle. We help you face the past without being overwhelmed by it, allowing you to finally put the bottle, and the pain, down for good.

Understanding Trauma & The Body

Trauma changes the brain. It keeps your nervous system stuck in “Fight or Flight” mode, leading to anxiety, flashbacks, and a desperate need for relief.

Our approach is “Trauma-Informed,” meaning we assume that every interaction matters. From our admissions team to our lead therapists, we create an environment of safety where your nervous system can finally relax.

Our Integrative Clinical Approach

We use a “Mind-Body” approach to healing. Our clinicians in South Jersey utilize a blend of advanced, evidence-based modalities to treat the whole person:

1. Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

We help you rewrite the narrative. Trauma often plants false beliefs in your mind, such as “I am broken” or “It was my fault.”

• The Method: TF-CBT helps you identify these distorted thoughts and replace them with truth and resilience. By processing the event in a safe, structured way, we strip the memory of its power to hurt you today.

2. Somatic Awareness & Body-Oriented Therapy

Trauma is often stored in the body as tension, chronic pain, or panic. You cannot just “talk” your way out of trauma; you have to release it physically.

• The Goal: We use somatic techniques to help you recognize physical sensations (like a tightening chest) and self-regulate before a panic attack takes over. This reconnects you with your body in a safe, controlled way.

3. Mindfulness & Grounding

When the past feels like it is crashing into the present, you need an anchor.

• The Practice: We teach practical meditation and breathing techniques to keep you grounded in the “here and now.” This gives you a tool you can use anytime, anywhere, to manage stress without reaching for a substance.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

While TF-CBT focuses on the past event, standard CBT focuses on the present behavior.

• The Outcome: We help you identify the specific triggers that lead to substance use and build new, healthier coping mechanisms to handle emotional distress.

 

The Concrete Benefits of Trauma Therapy in Merchantville

Moving From “Surviving” to “Thriving”

At Maplewood Treatment Solutions, our Trauma Therapy Program is not just about talking about the past. It is about building a future where you are in control.

Trauma dysregulates the nervous system and keeps you in a constant state of high alert or shutdown. This is often why people turn to drugs or alcohol to artificially regulate that feeling. Our program breaks that cycle.

By addressing the root cause in our safe Merchantville facility, you gain specific benefits for your recovery.

1. Emotional Regulation

Trauma makes it feel like your emotions have no brakes. We teach you practical tools to manage anxiety, depression, and anger without reaching for a substance. You will learn to recognize a trigger and stop the reaction before it spirals into a relapse.

2. The Power of Shared Experience

Isolation feeds trauma, but connection heals it. In addition to one-on-one therapy, our Trauma-Informed Group Sessions connect you with a community of peers in South Jersey who understand your struggle. There is profound healing in realizing you are not broken. You are simply injured, and you are not alone.

3. A Restored Sense of Safety

For trauma survivors, the world feels dangerous. Our goal is to help you feel safe in your own body again. Through consistent and compassionate care, we help you rebuild trust first with us and eventually with yourself.

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Our Expert Team of Trauma Therapists

Compassion Meets Clinical Excellence

Trauma work is delicate. It requires a clinician who knows exactly when to push and when to pause. At Maplewood Treatment Solutions, our team is comprised of masters-level professionals who are specifically trained in the nuances of trauma recovery.

Trained in What Works

We do not guess with your mental health. Our therapists in Merchantville, NJ rely on evidence-based modalities that are proven to treat PTSD and addiction simultaneously:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Used to dismantle the guilt and shame often attached to traumatic events.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Used to build distress tolerance and emotional stability.

• Somatic Awareness: Used to help you process the physical tension and pain often left behind by trauma.

A “High-Dignity” Approach

We understand that trauma affects everyone differently. We meet you where you are whether you are healing from childhood abuse, domestic violence, or the trauma of active addiction itself.

We prioritize Emotional Safety above all else. We will never force you to open up before you are ready. Our job is to walk beside you and provide the expertise you need to rewrite your narrative from one of pain to one of resilience.

What to Expect During Your Trauma Therapy Sessions

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Healing

At Maplewood Treatment Solutions, trauma therapy is the heartbeat of our residential program. We offer a safe and structured space where you can heal emotional wounds while treating substance use. From the moment you enter our facility in Merchantville, you are supported by a team trained in trauma-informed care.

Here is what your journey looks like with us.

1. The Initial Assessment

Recovery begins with understanding. Your first sessions involve a thorough assessment where we listen to your story. We look at your personal history, your current challenges, and your specific goals. This allows us to build a customized plan that fits your unique needs.

2. Evidence-Based Treatment

We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your therapy plan will include proven modalities designed to process pain safely.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We use this to identify the negative thought patterns that fuel addiction.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): We use this to teach you how to regulate intense emotions.

• Trauma-Focused Care: We use specialized techniques to address the root cause of your pain without overwhelming you.

3. Individual & Group Formats

Healing happens in layers.

• Individual Sessions: These provide a confidential environment for deep and personalized work. You can speak freely here.

• Group Therapy: These sessions allow you to connect with others who are navigating similar challenges. There is immense power in realizing you are not alone.

4. 24/7 Residential Support

Trauma recovery can be heavy work. In our residential setting, you are never left to handle the aftermath alone. You have access to 24/7 care and a structured routine. This safety allows you to do the hard work of therapy because you know you are supported around the clock.

The Goal: You will leave treatment with greater self-awareness and the tools needed to continue healing beyond our doors.

FAQs

Q: Will I have to talk about my trauma immediately?

A: No. We move at your pace. Our approach is “safety first.” We focus on stabilizing you and building coping skills before we ever dive into deep emotional work. You will never be forced to share details until you feel ready and safe with your therapist.

Q: How does trauma therapy help with addiction?

A: Many people use drugs or alcohol to numb the symptoms of PTSD like flashbacks or anxiety. By treating the trauma, we remove the need to self-medicate. When you heal the root cause, maintaining sobriety becomes much easier because you are no longer running from the pain.

Q: Do you treat PTSD and addiction at the same time?

A: Yes. This is called Dual Diagnosis treatment. Treating only the addiction leaves the trauma unresolved, often leading to relapse. Treating only the trauma can be dangerous if the person is still using. We treat both simultaneously for the best chance of long-term recovery.

Q: What if I have never been diagnosed with PTSD?

A: You do not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from our program. Many people struggle with “unresolved trauma” or adverse childhood experiences that impact their adult lives. Our clinical team will assess you upon arrival to determine the best therapeutic plan for your specific history.

Q: Is the facility safe for someone with a history of trauma?

A: Absolutely. Our facility in Merchantville is designed to be a sanctuary. We operate with a strict “Trauma-Informed” philosophy. This means our staff is trained to recognize signs of distress, respect boundaries, and create an environment that feels physically and emotionally secure for all clients.