The Chateau Solution
Chateau Health & Wellness offers a range of trauma and PTSD (PTS) treatment services at our Utah facility. We are here to help you or your loved ones struggling with trauma and any co-occurring disorders.
1. Committing to Change
Acknowledging the Problem
Chateau Treats a Mature Population
We believe it takes courage to ask for and willingly get help. Being committed to the process is key to successful change. Treating individuals 26+ ensures that you are going through treatment with peers & individuals in a similar phase of life.
Willingness to Heal
Accepting help requires willingness disregard the idea of that one is a "burden". Accepting help can bring out a caring response in others and lead to a deeper emotional closeness.
2. Holistic Approach
Healing the Whole Self
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is the condition of suffering from a mental illness and a substance use disorder by addressing underlying issues. Many times depression and/or anxiety occur with alcohol or substance use.
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Comprehensive Assessments and Testing
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Substance Abuse & Mental Health Education
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Trauma & Development Focused Treatment
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Neurofeedback - Brain Training
Addressing the 6 Dimensions of Wellness
At Chateau Health & Wellness, we believe all dimensions of your wellbeing need to be examined in order to heal. We address Daily, Physical, and Spiritual Health, Mental & Emotional Health & Family Systems and Relationship Health.
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Reconnecting with Family & Values
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Comprehensive Aftercare Planning
3. Evidence Based
Therapy Modalities
How We Help
We provide a range of modalities to help address and process your concerns including:
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Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprogramming (EMDR)
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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Brainspotting & Neurofeedback
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
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Individual & Group Therapy
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Rehabilitation Nutritional
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Family Systems Therapy
Pharmacogentic (PGx) Testing
Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing is a type of genetic test that examines how an individual’s genes affect their response to medications. By analyzing genetic variations, PGx testing helps determine the most effective medications and dosages while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
At Chateau, we utilize PGx genetic testing to create more personalized treatment plans. This advanced approach reduces the trial-and-error process of finding the right medication, leading to safer, more effective care with improved treatment outcomes.
4. Alumni Resources
Ongoing Support Network
Alumni, Aftercare, and Family Support
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At Chateau Health & Wellness, our ultimate goal is to help you overcome your addiction, avoid relapse and build a fulfilling life
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Our commitment to your wellness goes well beyond residential treatment. Continued support is key to ongoing mental and physical health
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Provides family support and resources
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We believe that your home environment plays a huge role in your overall wellness
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Individuals who enter our residential program can count on ongoing support from our alumni resources
Chateau App, 3x Zoom Meetings, and Resources
We believe your home environment plays a crucial role in your overall wellness. That’s why we offer comprehensive family support and resources to help create a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Individuals who enter our residential program can count on ongoing support from our alumni resources, including weekly alumni Zoom calls, providing a space for connection, guidance, and continued growth long after treatment.
You Are Not Alone
Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTS) can impact anyone, regardless of background or identity. It does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion or spirituality, nationality, or socioeconomic status. The effects of trauma are deeply personal and can shape thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in ways that may feel overwhelming.
At Chateau Health & Wellness, we recognize the unique experiences of each individual and provide compassionate, inclusive care tailored to diverse needs, ensuring that everyone has the support and resources necessary for healing and resilience.
Adult Prevalence of Mental Illness (AMI)
Over 19%
of adults experience a mental illness
Source mhanational.org
North Americans have a lifetime prevalence of
60% - 75%
of experiencing a traumatic event
Source medicalnewstoday.com
Children who experience Trauma are
Over 3x
more likely to develop Anxiety disorders
Source worldpopulationreview.com
What is Trauma?
Defining & Understanding Trauma
Psychological trauma is a response to an event that a person finds highly stressful. Examples include being in a war zone, a natural disaster, or an accident. Trauma can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.”
However, a person may experience trauma as a response to any event they find physically or emotionally threatening or harmful.
A traumatized person can feel a range of emotions both immediately after the event and in the long term. They may feel overwhelmed, helpless, shocked, or have difficulty processing their experiences. Trauma can also cause physical symptoms.
Trauma can have long-term effects on the person’s well-being. If symptoms persist and do not decrease in severity, it can indicate that the trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Secondary (Vicarious) Trauma
Secondary trauma, or vicarious trauma, is another form of trauma. With this form of trauma, a person develops trauma symptoms from close contact with someone who has experienced a traumatic event.
Family members, mental health professionals, and others who care for those who have experienced a traumatic event are at risk of vicarious trauma. The symptoms often mirror those of PTSD.
Vicarious trauma was a term invented by McCann and Pearlman that is used to describe how working with traumatized clients and the effect it has on trauma therapists. Previously, the phenomenon was referred to as secondary traumatic stress coined by Dr. Charles Figley.
Vicarious trauma is an occupational challenge for people working and volunteering in the fields of victim services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire services, and other allied professions, due to their continuous exposure to victims of trauma and violence.
Anyone working with survivors of trauma and violence is at risk of being negatively impacted by the varied effects of vicarious trauma. Factors that may make employees or volunteers more vulnerable to this occupational risk include:
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prior traumatic experiences
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social isolation, both on and off the job
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a tendency to avoid feelings, withdraw, or assign blame to others
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difficulty expressing feelings
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lack of preparation, orientation, training, and supervision in their jobs
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constant and intense exposure to trauma with little or no variation in work tasks
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lack of an effective and supportive process for discussing traumatic content of the work
The Three Types of Trauma
1. Acute Trauma (Single Event)
The DSM-5 describes acute stress disorder as the development of specific fear behaviors that last from 3 days to 1 month after a traumatic event. These symptoms always occur after the patient has experienced or witnessed death or threat of death, serious injury or sexual assault.
2. Chronic Trauma (Repeated or Prolonged Events)
Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others. Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
2. Complex Trauma (Varied & Multiple Events)
Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is the result of multiple traumatic events occurring over a period of time, often referred to as "complex trauma". Causes include multiple incidents of child abuse, particularly child physical abuse and child sexual abuse, prolonged domestic violence, concentration camp experiences, torture, slavery, and genocide campaigns.
The disorder is characterized by the core symptoms of PTSD; that is, all diagnostic requirements for PTSD have been met at some point during the course of the disorder. In addition, complex PTSD is characterized by;
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Severe and pervasive problems in affect regulation;
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Persistent beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated or worthless, accompanied by deep and pervasive feelings of shame, guilt or failure related to the stressor; and
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Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships and in feeling close to others.
Symptoms & Causes Of Trauma
Symptoms
The symptoms of trauma range from mild to severe. Many factors determine how a traumatic event affects a person, including:
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their characteristics
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the presence of other mental health conditions
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previous exposure to traumatic events
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the type and characteristics of the event or events
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their background and approach to handling emotions
Responses to Trauma
Emotional and Psychological Responses
A person who has experienced trauma may feel:
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denial, irritability, anger or confusion
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fear, sadness, or shame
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numbness, hopelessness, or guilt
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difficulty concentrating
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nightmares
They may have emotional outbursts, find it difficult to cope with how they feel, or withdraw from others. Flashbacks, where a person relives the traumatic event in their mind, are common, as are nightmares.
Physical Responses
Along with an emotional reaction, trauma can cause physical symptoms such as:
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headaches
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digestive symptoms
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fatigue
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racing heart
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sweating
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feeling jumpy
Sometimes, a person will also experience hyperarousal, or when someone feels as though they are in a constant state of alertness. This may make it difficult to sleep.
Individuals may also go on to develop other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems.
Causes of Traumatic Experiences
Some research estimates that 60–75% of people in North America experience a traumatic event at some point. The charity Mind in the United Kingdom lists the following as potential causes of trauma:
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bullying
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harassment
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physical, psychological, or sexual abuse
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sexual assault
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traffic collisions
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childbirth
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life threatening illnesses
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sudden loss of a loved one
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being attacked
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being kidnapped
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acts of terrorism
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natural disasters
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war
Traumatic events can be isolated or repeated, ongoing events. A person can also experience trauma after witnessing something traumatic happening to someone else.
People have different reactions to traumatic events. For example, those who live through the same natural disaster can respond very differently despite experiencing the same event.
What is Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD / PTS)
Defining PTSD / PTS
PTSD was first named in the 1980s and classified as an anxiety disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. The most recent revision of the DSM-5 removes PTSD from the anxiety disorders category and places it in a new diagnostic category called “Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders,” since the symptoms of PTSD also include guilt, shame and anger.
It is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.
PTSD has been known by many names in the past, such as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II, but PTSD does not just happen to combat veterans. PTSD can occur in all people, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age.
PTSD / PTS - Which is It?
While PTSD remains the official diagnostic term for this condition, notable figures in mental health and champions for veterans mental health have consistently referred to PTSD as PTS in the news and across social media platforms. As the George W. Bush website states, “PTS is an injury, it’s not a disorder.” The goal behind the PTSD name change is to encourage veterans to feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and seek help sooner.
One key issue in changing the name to PTS involves health care coverage. Veterans are not able to receive benefits or health care coverage with the diagnosis of PTS. However, since PTSD is included in the DSM-5, this diagnosis qualifies veterans for benefits and even disability payments. It’s clear that the name and diagnosis of PTS don’t carry the same weight as PTSD in the medical and insurance world, but some view it as a start for change in opening the conversation for more to seek help.
Differences: PTSD & Complex PTSD
Causes
PTS(D) is common among those who work in high-stress occupations, like the armed forces or emergency medics, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Trusted Source. Some people develop PTSD if they work in a field that regularly exposes them to other people’s trauma, like a crisis counselor.
C-PTSD is caused by ongoing trauma that lasts months or years, often in childhood. C-PTSD can also occur when the trauma was caused by a parent or caregiver.
Events that can cause C-PTSD include:
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abuse, neglect, or abandonment
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domestic violence or ongoing abuse
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being tortured or kidnapped
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living through a war for a long time
C-PTSD Symtoms
With C-PTSD, you may experience some of the same symptoms of PTSD, like hypervigilance or feeling like the whole world is a dangerous “bad” place. You may also have distorted negative feelings about yourself.
Common symptoms of C-PTSD may also include:
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difficulties managing emotions, like anger or intense sadness
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persistent feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
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relationship challenges, such as trust issues, avoiding others, or participating in unhealthy dynamics
Treatments for each
Treatments for PTSD and C-PTSD are similar. The main treatments are psychotherapy, medication, or a combo of both.
Therapy for PTSD and C-PTSD can help you learn more about your trauma and how it affects you. Therapy can also help you develop coping skills for triggers and give you tools to manage your symptoms.
For some, medication such as antidepressants may also be helpful to manage symptoms.
One difference between the two mental health conditions is that those living with C-PTSD may need long-term therapy and support to recover. There’s also an emphasis on forming a strong therapeutic alliance.
Franco, F. Understanding and Treating C-PTSD. J Health Serv Psychol 47, 85–93 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-021-00038-1
PTSD and Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance is one of the central features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also occur with other anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Hypervigilance Symptoms
Hypervigilance can be characterized by four common features.
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Overestimation of a threat: Hypervigilant people will be on the lookout for threats that are either unlikely or exaggerated. This may include shutting themselves in to avoid an attack, sitting near an exit so that they can escape quickly, or sitting with their back to the wall so that no one can sneak behind them.
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Obsessive avoidance of perceived threats: This includes avoiding everyday situations where dangers may lurk, including public gatherings and unpopulated public spaces (like garages). In extreme cases, a person may develop agoraphobia (anxiety about being in places where escape might be difficult).
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Increased startle reflex: This is an abnormal response in which a person jumps at any sudden noise, movement, or surprise, even in the middle of the night. Being in a new or uncomfortable environment might further exacerbate the response.
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Epinephrine-induced physiological symptoms: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is one of two stress hormones associated with the fight-or-flight reflex (the other being cortisol). People with PTSD-associated hypervigilance will often have a sustained epinephrine response, manifesting with dilated pupils, an increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
Healing from Childhood Trauma
What is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma refers to deeply distressing or disturbing experiences during early development, such as abuse, neglect, loss, or exposure to violence. These experiences can have lasting emotional, psychological, and physical effects, shaping behaviors, relationships, and overall well-being into adulthood.
Research indicates that children are especially vulnerable to trauma because their brains are still developing.
Children experience a heightened state of stress during terrible events, and their bodies release hormones related to stress and fear.
This type of developmental trauma can disrupt normal brain development. As a result, trauma, especially ongoing trauma, can significantly affect a child’s long-term emotional development, mental health, physical health, and behavior.
The sense of fear and helplessness may persist into adulthood. It leaves the person at a significantly higher risk of the effects of future trauma.
Take the ACE Assessment
Learn What it Does and Doesn't Mean
An ACE score is a tally of different types of abuse, neglect, and other hallmarks of a rough childhood. According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, the rougher your childhood, the higher your score is likely to be and the higher your risk for later health problems. You can take the test below:
So, you've got your score. Now what?
First, remember that the ACE score isn't a crystal ball; it's just meant as guidance. It tells you about one type of risk factor among many. It doesn't directly take into account your diet or genes, or whether you smoke or drink excessively — to name just a few of the other major influences on health.
To learn more, check the CDC's ACE Study website. You'll find, among other things, a list of studies that explore the ways adverse childhood experiences have been linked to a variety of adult conditions, ranging from increased headaches to depression to heart disease.
Remember this, too: ACE scores don't tally the positive experiences in early life that can help build resilience and protect a child from the effects of trauma. Having a grandparent who loves you, a teacher who understands and believes in you, or a trusted friend you can confide in may mitigate the long-term effects of early trauma, psychologists say.
ACEs Increase
Health Risks
According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, the rougher your childhood, the higher your score is likely to be and the higher your risk for various health problems later.
We first examined whether ACE scores were associated with risk of health problems in the population. Like in the original ACE Study, we found that groups of children with higher ACE scores had a greater risk of mental and physical health problems later in life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming (EMDR)
One of the leading therapies for Trauma and PTSD, based on scientific data, is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Often people who have experienced trauma struggle to comprehend what occurred in the aftermath.
Using EMDR, distressing memories, thoughts, and emotions related to the trauma can be eliminated. Traumatic memories may become hyperactive and challenging to comprehend without external inputs. A back-and-forth movement or sound pattern is used in conjunction with a traumatic memory to modify your perception of it. It transforms traumatic memories into typical memories that no longer intrude on daily life.
EMDR has four main parts:
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Education about PTSD, trauma, and EMDR
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Coping skills
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Processing
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Positive view of the self moving forward
Most adults with trauma and PTSD who undergo EMDR treatment for 3 - 4 months to see significant improvement in their symptoms. After a few sessions, many individuals begin to see results.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a state-of-the-art psychotherapy technique that integrates brain function to assuage adverse reactions to traumatic memories. It is based on years of scientific observation that the body's activation can be traced back to a visual resonant spot when describing a traumatic event. Focusing on that specific area of the brain, the traumatic experience may be processed until the body's activity has subsided. Therapy is client-centered and uses attunement to measure progress.
This therapeutic innovation in treating the residuals of traumatic events is based on testable theories. According to the basic theory, the brain regions – medial pulvinar, anterior and posterior cortices, and the intraparietal sulcus – are all connected to the insula through a retinocollicular route and are all implicated in the effect of hyper-focusing on the brainspot. Research shows that the ability to mend the changed sense of self is happening in the midbrain at the level of the superior colliculi and the periaqueductal gray area.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a therapeutic approach that seeks to reduce the effects of trauma and psychological stressors. What’s unique about this therapy method is that, for many, it is time-efficient. ART requires fewer sessions than other conventional therapies, usually around one to five sessions.
ART uses elements of several therapeutic modalities, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and brief psychodynamic therapy (BPP). ART uses rapid eye movement, exposure, imagery rescripting, and guided imagery from these modalities. These methods help ART therapists change how stress-inducing images are stored in the brain, reducing their physical and emotional effects. The different elements incorporated into ART also help make the experience personal and treat each person as a whole.
Neurofeedback
Brainwave biofeedback is used in neurofeedback therapies as a form of biofeedback for training the brain to self-regulate to improve everyday functioning. You already know that anxiety, sadness, and trauma may have a negative impact on your quality of life. However, did you know that they can also harm your brain's ability to regulate itself? Mental health disorders, drug misuse, and other problems may all worsen when the brain cannot shift states quickly and adjust levels of arousal correctly.
Using brainwave entrainment is nothing new. Using neurofeedback, individuals may become more aware of their brain activity. An electroencephalograph (EEG) is recorded while a patient receives neurofeedback treatment to help track their progress. Afterward, this is dissected into its component elements and made available to participants through an online feedback loop in voice or video format.
Helping Someone You Love
Even if you are family or a close friend, it may feel like they are distancing themselves from you. Learn as much as you can about PTSD. Knowing how PTSD affects people may help you understand what your loved one is going through. The more you know, the better your relationships can grow.
Here are some things you can do to help:
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Make an effort to accompany your loved one to health appointments. You can assist keep track of medication and treatment, and you can be there to provide support.
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Learn as much as you can about the elements of the treatment they receive (without intruding) to be supportive.
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Listen and understand if a conversation isn't the appropriate fit for your loved one at this moment.
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Fun outings and events, such as dinner or a movie, can be planned to do as a family.
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Make time for them. A support structure makes it easier for your loved one to cope with stressful situations and transitions.
More information on PTSD and the physical symptoms of PTSD can be found in this article.
PTSD in First Responders
First responders are often exposed to traumatic events, including life-threatening circumstances, terrible injuries, and deaths. They must deal with this on a daily basis. First responders are more likely to suffer from PTSD than the general population. They serve as the first line of defense against trauma. Their job is often to defuse and extract people from hazardous situations.
Given the high frequency and severity of traumatic exposures, it is not surprising that first responders are at an elevated risk for developing PTSD. Many job-related risk factors are particular to the workplace, such as cumulative exposure to traumatic events, regular stress, insufficient social support, and discrimination or stigmatization.
Inflammatory and physiological stress responses may be altered, and resilience may be compromised in the face of PTSD risk factors in hostile work situations, including exposure to intense heat, fire, smoke, the danger of repetitive physical damage, and irregular sleep patterns. We encourage all first responders who feel they may be struggling to reach out for help and get evaluated. Seeking help does not mean you cannot perform your duty to the best of your ability.
PTSD in Veterans &
Active Duty Military
One of the highest risk populations for PTSD are veterans and active-duty military. Combatants face an increased danger of death or severe injury. These and other circumstances such as prolonged times away from family can exacerbate PTSD and other mental health disorders.
Additionally, military sexual trauma is a significant source of anxiety (MST). Both men and women might be affected by this. In peacetime, training, or conflict, MST may occur. Chateau Recovery has a mission to offer as much support as possible for these brave individuals who have sacrificed so much for their country. We encourage anyone feeling isolated or unable to find relief once returned to safety to reach out for help.
