Seeking Safety at Burning Tree Lodge
Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused therapy that we incorporate into our treatment approach at Burning Tree Lodge. This modality helps individuals struggling with both trauma and substance use disorders (SUD) by prioritizing safety, stability, and skill-building over deep trauma processing.
Why Seeking Safety Works for Our Clients
Many clients enter treatment carrying both addiction and unresolved trauma. Our use of Seeking Safety ensures clients receive the support they need without being overwhelmed by deep trauma work too soon.
- Prevents Retraumatization – Clients build emotional resilience before addressing past trauma.
- Addresses Trauma and Addiction Together – Helps clients see how trauma fuels substance use and vice versa.
- Provides Immediate Tools – Clients leave each session with practical, real-world skills they can use immediately.
Key Features of Seeking Safety
- Present-Focused – Clients learn healthy coping strategies rather than revisiting past trauma.
- Skills-Based – Practical tools help manage distress, emotions, and triggers in real time.
- Integrated Approach – Treats both trauma and addiction simultaneously.
- Flexible & Adaptable – Used in individual and group therapy to meet each client’s needs.
- Emphasizes Safety – Establishes emotional, physical, and interpersonal safety as a foundation for recovery.
“Burning Tree Lodge believes in treating the whole person. Utilizing evidence-based mental health services alongside addiction treatment is crucial to our core mission.”
Eric Button, PRSS
Executive Director
How Does Seeking Safety Fit into Treatment?
Seeking Safety is a key component of our structured treatment program, ensuring that every client—whether they acknowledge their trauma or not—develops the skills necessary to navigate recovery safely.
Seeking Safety is ideal for clients who:
- Are not yet stable enough for deep trauma work.
- Struggle with both addiction and PTSD.
- Need immediate coping strategies to manage emotional distress and cravings.
By using Seeking Safety, we ensure that every client receives the tools they need to manage distress, commit to recovery, and build a sustainable, long-term plan for healing.
About the Founder of Seeking Safety
Dr. Lisa M. Najavits is a renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and author who developed Seeking Safety in the 1990s as a treatment for co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders.
More About Dr. Najavits:
- Harvard Medical School-trained psychologist with decades of experience in addiction and trauma research.
- Founder of Treatment Innovations, an organization dedicated to evidence-based approaches to addiction and trauma.
- Recognized expert in PTSD, substance use disorders, and psychotherapy development.
Dr. Lisa M. Najavits
Author of Seeking Safety
Katy H.
Burning Tree Lodge Alumni
A Nationally Recognized Name Right Here in Texas
Burning Tree Lodge is regularly featured on some of the Nation’s most prominent and well-known media outlets.
