Seeking Safety
A structured, present-focused therapy addressing co-occurring trauma-related symptoms and substance use, emphasizing safety and coping skills.
What Is Seeking Safety?
Seeking Safety is a structured, present-focused psychotherapy designed specifically for people with co-occurring trauma-related symptoms (such as PTSD) and substance use difficulties, emphasizing safety, coping skills, and stabilization rather than detailed processing of traumatic memories.
How It Works
This approach is based on the understanding that people with co-occurring trauma and substance use difficulties benefit from building safety and coping skills before, or instead of, processing trauma memories in depth, given the potential for trauma processing to be destabilizing without adequate coping resources. This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions cover a series of specific topics related to safety and coping, such as grounding techniques, healthy boundaries, and honesty, which can be delivered individually or in groups, in any order, and are designed to be useful even if attended inconsistently.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports Seeking Safety for reducing substance use and trauma-related symptoms in people with both concerns, with evidence from multiple studies, though findings on its comparative effectiveness versus other approaches are mixed.
Who May Benefit?
Seeking Safety may be considered for people experiencing both trauma-related symptoms and substance use difficulties, particularly when stabilization and coping skills are a treatment priority.
Limitations and Considerations
Seeking Safety does not include direct processing of traumatic memories, so some individuals may need additional trauma-focused treatment (such as PE or CPT) once stabilized.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Seeking Safety is delivered by psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, addiction counselors, and other mental health professionals trained in this specific curriculum.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Seeking Safety is typically delivered over 25 topic-based sessions, though it is designed with flexibility to be used in shorter formats as needed.
Therapy vs. Medication
Seeking Safety is a psychotherapy approach and may be combined with medication for co-occurring conditions, in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD.
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.