Trauma Therapy Program | Texas Dual Diagnosis Rehab

The Right Step provides trauma therapy programs at several locations throughout Texas. We offer a range of care for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related concerns. Our staff is warm, caring, and compassionate. We want to help you move forward from unresolved trauma so you can engage in life with greater safety and connection.

We use a curriculum called ‘The Daring Way.’ This work, based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, focuses on courage building, shame resilience, and the power of vulnerability. If you are searching for support in Texas, The Right Step can help you begin.

Defining trauma and the need for treatment

If something happens to a person and they do not recover over time, they may be living with trauma. Trauma can be physical, mental, emotional, or sexual. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can follow a traumatic event and may include intrusive memories, avoidance, changes in mood, and increased arousal.

People who have experienced trauma include:

• Military veterans exposed to combat injury or loss
• Survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence
• People who experienced emotional abuse or physical abuse
• Survivors of childhood trauma such as neglect, loss, or instability
• Those exposed to violence in the community or at home
• People who have undergone serious accidents, disasters, or other life-threatening events

Childhood trauma is common and can affect health later in life. The CDC categorizes potentially traumatic events under Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, which include violence, neglect, and family instability. ACEs are linked to higher risks for mental health and substance use concerns in adulthood.

Common PTSD symptoms

Recovering from trauma can be difficult. People may have recurring nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbness, or a racing heart when reminded of the traumatic event. Someone with traumatic stress may avoid places, people, or conversations that bring up memories. Other PTSD symptoms can include:

• Anger or irritability
• Self-destructive behavior
• Difficulty concentrating
• Negative thoughts or feelings, including blame or shame
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Inability to feel pleasure or happiness

What is trauma therapy?

In a trauma therapy program, licensed clinicians help you identify the roots of trauma and how it shows up today. Some effects are obvious, and some reflect underlying trauma that is harder to name. In a safe environment, you can begin to process the story and develop coping skills that support healing.

In further sessions, your therapists will help you build the skills you need to improve your mental health. At The Right Step, our evidence-based treatments rely on proven methods and our holistic therapy programs offer ways to manage stress and practice healthy routines. With these resources, you can prepare for long term recovery.

How trauma focused treatment works

Treating trauma in our inpatient programs includes:

• Assessment and individualized treatment planning, so your goals lead the way
• Education about trauma informed care, including safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment
• Therapeutic interventions that may include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and skills training
• Group therapy and peer support to reduce isolation and increase connection
• Practical coping skills for sleep, grounding, emotion regulation, and communication

Trauma therapy and co-occurring disorders

Many people who have been through traumatic experiences push feelings down or feel ashamed. This can lead to anxiety or depression. Some people try to cope with symptoms through substance use. Over time, this can develop into substance use disorders. When PTSD and substance use occur together, it is referred to as “co-occurring disorders” or “dual diagnosis.”

If you suspect you need PTSD treatment and you are also struggling with alcohol or drugs, The Right Step offers integrated care within our programs.

The Right Step trauma therapy program can be a part of our:

• Outpatient Addiction Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Residential Addiction Treatment
• Rehab Aftercare Program

Our treatment centers in Houston and Dallas Fort Worth serve adults from across Texas. At The Right Step, trauma services are integrated into our residential addiction treatment for clients who meet admission criteria, and support continues through step down levels of care.

Evidence based-approaches to PTSD treatment

Evidence-based trauma care may include:

• Cognitive processing therapy, a structured therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts about a traumatic event. CPT uses cognitive restructuring to reduce fear, guilt, and shame.
• Prolonged exposure therapy, an exposure based approach that helps people gradually face safe reminders of trauma and process the memory in session. Learn more from the VA’s overview of Prolonged Exposure.
• Eye movement desensitization, or EMDR, which pairs brief sets of bilateral stimulation with focused attention on trauma memories. Some clients find this helpful as part of a broader plan.
• Seeking Safety, a present focused model designed for co-occurring trauma and substance use that teaches practical coping skills and safety.

Medication management can also be part of care when indicated, coordinated with psychiatric providers as needed. Decisions about medications are individualized treatment choices made between you and your clinician.

Trauma, substance use, and mental health services

Trauma can increase risk for substance abuse, since alcohol or drugs may temporarily numb distress. Substance use can worsen PTSD symptoms by disrupting sleep, memory, and mood.

Integrated addiction treatment that addresses co-occurring disorders improves continuity and engagement in care, and recovery is possible with consistent support, skills practice, and a plan for aftercare.

What to expect at our inpatient trauma therapy in Texas

First steps and assessment

You will complete a thorough assessment that reviews mental health history, current stressors, strengths, and goals. Together with your team, you will clarify which level of care is the best fit and how trauma work will be paced. Safety and stabilization come first.

Skills, community, and practice

Individual therapy sessions focus on building coping skills, understanding triggers, and practicing new strategies between appointments. As you feel ready, you can deepen processing of traumatic memories at a pace set with your therapist.

Group therapy provides connection and structure, and group sessions may cover topics like relapse prevention, communication, boundaries, and mindfulness.

Planning for continuity

Trauma work does not end when residential or day treatment ends. Your plan may include ongoing therapy, medical follow-up, alumni or community groups, and healthy routines that support mental health. Our team encourages ongoing support after discharge.

When to consider help

Consider reaching out if you notice any of the following lasting for more than 1 month and affecting work, school, or relationships:

• Persistent nightmares or flashbacks
• Avoidance of reminders and social withdrawal
• Ongoing anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness
• Increased alcohol or drug use to cope
• Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness: text or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Hotline

Take the next step with The Right Step in Texas

The Right Step offers programs designed to address substance use and trauma together, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care, practical skills, and steady support. Call us at 888.488.6017 to speak with our team about program options in Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth. You can also review client perspectives on our testimonials page.