What Is Seeking Safety Treatment?

For individuals who have experienced trauma, the journey toward recovery can feel especially complex. When post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) occur together, the road to healing often requires a carefully coordinated and compassionate approach. This is called a co-occurring or comorbid disorder. Seeking safety is one evidence-based treatment designed specifically to meet the unique needs of individuals facing both PTSD and addiction.

Understanding Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use

PTSD and substance use disorders frequently appear together, often as a result of people attempting to manage the overwhelming symptoms of trauma through substances. Someone might turn to alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances to numb intrusive thoughts, reduce anxiety, or simply feel a sense of control. While this may provide temporary relief, substance use can actually worsen symptoms over time and make trauma more difficult to process.

This dual diagnosis creates a challenging cycle. Trauma intensifies the urge to use, while substance use delays or prevents true emotional healing. Traditional treatment approaches that focus on one condition without addressing the other may fall short, leaving individuals feeling stuck, misunderstood, or unsafe. Seeking safety was created to break this cycle.

What Is Seeking Safety?

Seeking safety is a therapeutic model developed by clinical psychologist Lisa Najavits. It is designed for people with a history of trauma, substance use, or both, and it can also be adapted for other mental health conditions. Unlike some trauma treatments that require revisiting painful memories, seeking safety focuses entirely on the present. It emphasizes building coping skills and internal resources so clients can feel empowered in the here and now.

The model is highly flexible and structured around 25 topics, including:

• Setting boundaries in relationships
• Creating safety
• Coping with triggers
• Asking for help
• Healing from anger
• Compassion

Each session includes education, discussion, and practical exercises. Clients are encouraged to participate at their own pace, in a way that feels safe and manageable. There’s no pressure to disclose past experiences in detail. Instead, the emphasis is on identifying strengths and learning skills to manage difficult emotions and behaviors.

Why Seeking Safety Works

What makes seeking safety so effective is its accessibility and trauma-sensitive approach. It does not ask clients to relive their trauma; instead, it focuses on what can be done right now to create a more stable and healthy life. This is particularly important for people in early recovery, when emotional vulnerability is high and retraumatization can be a serious risk.

By blending cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness, communication skills, and practical tools, seeking safety creates a path forward for those who may have felt stuck or overwhelmed. It offers language and structure around topics that can otherwise feel chaotic, helping clients understand their experiences without judgment.

Seeking Safety at West Coast Recovery Centers

At West Coast Recovery Centers, we understand how trauma and substance use can become deeply intertwined. That’s why we offer seeking safety as part of our comprehensive care model. This structured, present-focused therapy provides a foundation for healing without requiring clients to revisit traumatic memories. It focuses on coping skills, emotional regulation, and establishing safety in both thought and behavior.

We incorporate seeking safety into our trauma-informed treatment model. We recognize that many of our clients come to us with both visible and invisible wounds. Rather than treating these issues in isolation, we create integrated care plans that acknowledge the full scope of your experience.

Our clinicians are trained in seeking safety and bring warmth, empathy, and expertise to every session. Whether you're participating in individual therapy, group sessions, or both, you'll be guided through the process in a way that prioritizes emotional safety, personal empowerment, and long-term growth.

Seeking safety is also deeply aligned with our holistic and individualized approach. We see each client as a whole person, not a set of symptoms. This means addressing physical health, emotional well-being, spiritual growth, and social connection as part of your recovery journey.

A Commitment to Healing, Not Just Treatment

Recovery isn’t about checking boxes or rushing through a program; it’s about discovering new ways to live, relate, and care for yourself. At West Coast Recovery Centers, our commitment goes beyond treatment. We’re here to help you build a life that feels meaningful, connected, and safe.

Seeking safety is one of the many ways we fulfill that mission. By offering evidence-based care in a supportive and flexible format, we create space for deep healing without forcing you to relive painful memories before you’re ready. We respect your pace, your voice, and your goals, and we walk beside you every step of the way.

How Seeking Safety Supports Long-Term Recovery

One of the strengths of seeking safety is its adaptability across different stages of recovery. Whether someone is just starting treatment or transitioning to aftercare, the principles of seeking safety remain relevant. Because it focuses on building life skills and fostering emotional resilience, this approach can serve as a strong foundation throughout the recovery process. 

The skills learned in Seeking Safety are designed to be practical and repeatable. For example, a client who learns grounding techniques in a session can use them later to manage a triggering situation outside of treatment. Similarly, a discussion about setting boundaries might translate into healthier communication with family or peers. 

We often see clients develop a stronger sense of self as they move through the seeking safety curriculum. They begin to make decisions that reflect their values, practice asking for help without shame, and rebuild trust with themselves and others. These are not just clinical goals; they’re life changes that support sustained recovery and emotional well-being.

If you are struggling with trauma and substance use, you are not alone, and there is hope. You don't have to suffer in silence. You deserve care that honors your experience and provides the tools you need to move forward. A life of mental well-being and sobriety is within reach. Seeking safety can be a powerful first step toward reclaiming your life. Contact West Coast Recovery Centers today to learn more about our trauma-informed programs and how seeking safety treatment can support your recovery. Healing is possible. We are here to help you find your way. Let us walk with you along your recovery journey. Call us at (760) 492-6509.