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Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused therapy designed to help individuals attain safety from trauma and/or substance use. Developed by Dr. Lisa Najavits, this therapy is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma and are also dealing with substance use disorders. The goal of Seeking Safety is to teach coping skills to help clients achieve safety in their relationships, thinking, behavior and emotions.
Research shows that people who have experienced trauma have higher rates of substance use. Recognizing this link is crucial, but knowing how to address trauma and drug or alcohol use is equally important. Fortunately, the Seeking Safety model does this well by building trust and safety in a person’s life so they can heal and eliminate their need for self-medication.
Lotus Recovery offers specialized treatment for those who have experienced trauma and are also dealing with mental health challenges or substance use. Please contact us today to learn more about Seeking Safety and how this therapy can support your recovery.
Key Principles of Seeking Safety
The key principles of the Seeking Safety model are:
Safety as the primary goal
The primary focus is on helping clients achieve safety in their lives, which includes safety from substances, unsafe behaviors and harmful relationships. Seeking Safety therapy prioritizes stabilization before addressing deeper trauma work, ensuring that clients have a foundation of safety to build upon. In other words, everything is done at a pace that you’re comfortable with.
Integrated treatment
Seeking Safety simultaneously addresses both trauma and substance use, recognizing the interconnection between these issues. It’s believed that people who experience trauma, especially in early life, may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the pain. This can then turn into dependence and addiction, further exacerbating symptoms. The Seeking Safety model incorporates various aspects of a person’s life, including physical, emotional, social and cognitive dimensions.
Present-focused care
The Seeking Safety approach concentrates on teaching clients how to manage their current symptoms and challenges rather than delving deeply into past trauma. This emphasizes the development of practical skills that clients can use immediately in their daily lives.
Components of Seeking Safety
There are many components to Seeking Safety:
- Cognitive behavioral techniques. These therapies help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to trauma and substance use.
- Psychoeducation. It’s important for individuals to learn about the impact of trauma and substance use on the brain and behavior.
- Skill Development. Clients learn a range of coping skills to manage stress, cravings and emotional distress. They also work on improving communication and relationship skills.
- Relapse prevention. A crucial part of the recovery process is being able to identify triggers for substance use and unsafe behaviors. Clients can also develop strategies to avoid or cope with triggers and prevent relapse.
Key Topics in Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety therapy covers 25 topics, each focusing on a specific aspect of recovery. While you will discuss the topics that are most relevant and important to you, some of the key ones include:
- Safety. Establishing physical and emotional safety.
PTSD. Taking back your power and regaining control over your life. - Compassion. Encouraging self-compassion and empathy for others.
- Coping with triggers. Identifying and managing triggers for substance use and trauma-related distress.
- Setting boundaries in relationships. Learning to set healthy boundaries to protect yourself.
- Grounding. These techniques help you stay present and manage dissociation or overwhelming emotions.
- Self-nurturing. Developing habits of self-care and self-compassion.
How Seeking Safety Therapy Works
When you start Seeking Safety, a therapist will conduct an initial assessment to understand your history, current history and treatment goals. Together, you will work with your therapist to set specific, achievable goals for recovery. Each session follows a structured format, focusing on a specific topic related to safety and coping. You will also be encouraged to practice new skills both during sessions and in your daily life. Your therapist will provide ongoing support, feedback and encouragement based on your progress.
The benefits of the Seeking Safety model include learning practical skills, regaining a sense of control over your life and addressing current issues and symptoms. This model is also supported by research and has shown to be especially effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and substance use. You can participate in Seeking Safety sessions in individual or group settings.