Many individuals who find themselves with substance abuse issues such as alcoholism or drug addiction have experienced one or more traumatic events throughout their lives. During trauma-informed therapy sessions, clients are able to talk with a specialist who accounts for their past trauma and the way it may have affected their thinking, behavior, and ability to interact with treatment. Therapists specializing in trauma-informed therapy take steps to avoid triggering clients during treatment and frame their care accordingly. 

Some of the most important aspects of trauma-informed therapy are: 

• Conscious consideration for the physical and emotional safety of the client. 
• Open and honest communication between the client and the therapist. 
• Collaboration between client and therapist. Therapists seek to empower their clients through treatment, giving them an active role in the care they receive. 
• Awareness of unique considerations of the client’s particular situation.