Forward-Facing Trauma Therapy
Forward-Facing Trauma Therapy (FFTT) treats trauma by creating safety in the present and intention in the future to address the past.
How Does Forward-Facing Therapy Work?
Dr. Eric Gentry outlined FFTT, believing that trauma happens when we don’t release the energy created from our fight-flight-or-freeze response. Our bodies and minds hold on to the stress and anxiety until we address our trauma responses.
FFTT works similarly to other trauma treatments—the client changes their thoughts about the trauma they experienced. However, a FFTT teaches clients that they choose their reactions. There is no goal of “fixing” trauma reactions, rather intentions to react differently.
How Does Forward-Facing Therapy Treat Trauma?
Rather than re-living the trauma, clients lean into their feelings and reactions to it. FFTT approaches trauma like it is a bamboo finger trap. The more you pull away, the tighter its grip on you becomes. When you relax and move toward it, only then can you escape it.
Dr. Gentry outlined four primary steps to make Forward-Facing Trauma Therapy work. They happen sequentially and give you the tools to respond to trauma differently. The goal is to see what life looks like beyond the trauma and who the client is and wants to be.
IDENTIFY TRIGGERS
During this first step, the client and patient work together to find exactly what is causing the client pain. Clients learn to separate their emotions associated with the moment of trauma and those of the aftermath.
SYMPTOM REDUCTION
These are the techniques used to reduce symptoms in the moment. When a trauma trigger is present, what can they do to calm down in healthy ways?
REASSOCIATION OF TRAUMA
Long-term symptom reduction can lead to the reassociation of trauma-related dissociated thinking. Instead of running from trauma, the client can face it and push through it.
DAILY RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
These techniques are where looking to the future comes in. Each day, the client works to heal their symptoms at the core and decide who they want to be without trauma.
What We Treat
If you are struggling with your mental health, substance abuse, or both, we are here to help you regain control over your life. Our inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are designed to treat a wide variety of mental, behavioral, and co-occurring disorders in a comfortable setting.
Mental Health
We diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including trauma effects, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and codependency.
Addiction
Substance use disorders we treat include addiction to alcohol, opiates, fentanyl and prescription opioids, methamphetamine and other stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances.
Other Behavioral Health Concerns
A mental health crisis can be layered and confusing. If you don’t see your disorder listed—or don’t know exactly why you are struggling—reach out to us to see how we can help. We treat each client at Sequoia on a personal level, and we’re ready to help you overcome whatever you may be facing.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Our experienced, compassionate team is here for you. Reach out to us today by calling us or scheduling a conversation at a time that works for you. All information will be kept private and confidential.
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