Avoiding Triggers: Navigating Trauma in Recovery With Pacific Coast Mental Health | Marketplace

Trauma can leave deep scars, both visible and invisible. For those in recovery, walking the minefield of potential triggers is a daily challenge. However, with the right support, these individuals can find peace and begin the healing process. 

Pacific Coast Mental Health’s residential inpatient service provides a haven where individuals can focus on their recovery while learning to manage triggers.

Understanding Psychological Triggers

Trauma triggers are anything that reminds someone of a past traumatic experience, causing them to relive the emotional and physical pain associated with that event. These triggers can be subtle, like a certain smell or sound, or more obvious, like a location or anniversary date. 

“Triggers are very personal and can be different for everyone,” explains Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatric expert and author of “The Body Keeps the Score.”

Identifying personal triggers is the first step in learning to manage them. Such a process often involves working with a therapist who can help unpack the experience and develop coping strategies. At Pacific Coast Mental Health, patients receive individualized treatment plans that consider their triggers and challenges.

Creating a Supportive Environment

The surrounding environment plays a central role in trauma recovery. A safe, supportive space can make all the difference in avoiding triggers. Pacific Coast Mental Health’s residential inpatient program provides just that—a serene, structured setting where patients can focus on their recovery without the distractions and stressors of everyday life.

“Trauma-informed care involves creating an environment that is physically and emotionally safe,” says Dr. Shamsian, Clinical Director at Pacific Coast Mental Health. “We designed our facility with the needs of survivors in mind, from the calming décor to the predictable daily routines.”

Patients at the treatment center benefit from 24/7 support from a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and case managers. In addition to clinical treatment, these patients are also provided with the services of professional chefs, housekeeping staff, and various other recreational activity experts.

The Power of Informed Treatment

At Pacific Coast Mental Health, all staff members are trained to understand the effects of trauma and to respond in a way that promotes healing rather than re-traumatization.

“To truly care for the traumatized, you need to understand the whole person and what they went through, not just their symptoms,” explains Dr. Shamsian. “We use clinically-proven therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed therapy to help patients process their trauma.”

In addition to individual therapy, patients participate in group sessions and recreational activities like yoga and art therapy. These experiences provide opportunities for human connection, self-expression, and skill-building—all essential components of trauma recovery.

The journey to healing can feel daunting for those facing a traumatic experience in their past. However, with the proper support and environment, recovery is possible. Pacific Coast Mental Health was built on the principles of aiding individuals in an environment that provides a respite from their triggers, providing much-needed space to build the resilience needed for lasting recovery. 

As Dr. van der Kolk reminds us, “Trauma is not a life sentence. With the right treatment and support, people can and do heal.”

*The San Francisco Weekly newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.