Mental health and wellbeing

Exclusive trauma treatment centre

At Paracelsus Recovery, our trauma treatment programmes are comprehensive and exclusive. We use a multidisciplinary and integrative treatment method to address all underlying symptoms and any co-occurring mental health conditions. We only have one client at a time so that our team can provide absolute confidentiality and care.

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One Client at a Time

Unparalleled staff to patient ratio of 15:1

Our outpatient and inpatient treatments for trauma are centred on three pillars

Intensive psychotherapy

We incorporate psychotherapeutic techniques such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). These evidence-based techniques are designed to help you process the difficult emotions associated with the traumatic event. We will also provide you with a live-in therapist who will stay in a self-contained section of your chosen residence and be available for emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Biochemical restoration

At Paracelsus Recovery, we are unique in the emphasis we place on biochemical restoration. We provide extensive biochemical testing to identify any chemical deficiencies or physical imbalances that are contributing to your symptoms. Based on the results of these tests, we will develop a tailor-made mix of micronutrients and macronutrients which, when used in conjunction with our lifestyle and nutritional counselling, can significantly reduce symptoms of psychological trauma.

The mind-body relationship

Psychological trauma often lives in the body. At Paracelsus Recovery, we will help you process these physical symptoms of trauma by incorporating relaxation therapies such as massage and yoga and holistic therapies such as acupuncture or bioresonance therapy into your treatment programme.

We can provide treatment for trauma in our residential treatment centre in Zurich and in London.

Symptoms of trauma can include

Severe panic or anxiety.
Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or nightmares.
Avoidance of places, activities or feelings that are associated with the traumatic event.
Dissociation or a feeling of being disconnected from oneself and surroundings.
Feelings of resentment, anger or rage.
Physical symptoms that have no physical cause such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath or muscle tension.
Substance abuse.
Feelings of hopelessness and a negative outlook on life.
Feeling constantly on the lookout for danger (hypervigilance).
Finding oneself stuck in a pattern of traumatic experiences (e.g. if an individual suffered abuse during their childhood, the abuse could become normalised and repeated later in life).

Trauma will manifest itself differently with each person and how they respond to a traumatic experience will depend on both the individual and the type of trauma experienced. For example, children are particularly vulnerable to trauma because their brains are still developing and when they encounter a stressful event, their bodies release vast amounts of fear hormones that they do not yet know how to manage. These feelings can detrimentally impact their development and persist into adulthood, resulting in feelings of fear and hopelessness which can shape their perception of the world, themselves and others.

Types of trauma

Acute Trauma

Acute trauma occurs when a person experiences a single traumatic incident that threatens their physical or psychological safety. Such events can include a natural disaster, a single event of physical or sexual abuse, the loss of a loved one, a car accident, or witnessing a violent act.

Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma occurs when a person is exposed to multiple traumatic events over an extended period of time. For example, prolonged childhood abuse, domestic abuse or sexual abuse, going to war, or a life-threatening illness such as cancer can trigger chronic trauma.

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma occurs when a person experiences multiple and varied traumatic events. It often develops when a person experiences abuse at the hands of another, particularly a caregiver or someone in a position of authority in an environment they cannot escape. Examples include child neglect, abuse, violence, domestic and family violence, genocide or war, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. If a person has experienced trauma, they can feel split between two people; who they were before the event and who the event turned them into, leaving them afraid that they will never be able to move on from what happened to them. With adequate professional support, trauma can be overcome and people can rediscover their inner peace and wellbeing.

FAQs

What is trauma?

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Trauma is the brain’s response to deeply disturbing events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. It can leave many difficult emotions in its wake, including feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem and anxiety.

What is the difference between trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder?

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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when symptoms of trauma continue unchanged or worsen over an extended period of time. While a traumatic event can trigger PTSD, trauma can also lead to other mental health conditions such as substance abuse issues or eating disorders. At Paracelsus Recovery, we can provide treatment for PTSD and trauma at our inpatient treatment centres in Zurich and in London.

What is the best treatment for trauma?

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Intensive psychotherapy is the most effective treatment method for overcoming trauma. Psychotherapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or prolonged exposure therapy are all highly effective methods of overcoming traumatic events.

Does trauma cause substance abuse?

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Trauma (particularly childhood trauma) is one of the leading causes of substance abuse. At Paracelsus Recovery, we address all possible co-occurring mental health conditions in our treatment programmes for both trauma and substance abuse issues.

How does Paracelsus Recovery treat trauma?

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At Paracelsus Recovery, we provide the best trauma treatment possible, centred on intensive psychotherapy, biochemical restoration and the mind-body relationship. Upon arrival, we carry out an in-depth assessment procedure to identify all medical, psychological and physical issues associated with the trauma. We will design an individualised and bespoke treatment plan based on the results of these tests.