Trauma Systems Therapy

A Comprehensive Approach to Healing Trauma in Children and Adolescents

Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) is a structured, evidence-based treatment model designed to help children and adolescents who have experienced chronic trauma and face difficulty regulating emotions and behavior. Unlike traditional therapy, TST not only addresses the emotional needs of the child but also focuses on the systems—home, school, and community—that impact the child’s ability to feel safe and supported.

What Is Trauma Systems Therapy?

Trauma Systems Therapy was developed by Dr. Glenn Saxe and colleagues to treat young people affected by trauma in both clinical and real-world environments. It is a holistic intervention that combines:

• Emotional regulation skill-building
  
• Therapeutic care
  
• Stabilization of the child’s environment
  
• Coordination between caregivers, educators, and service providers

TST views trauma as not just an internal issue, but as a condition made worse when a child’s environment fails to support their healing. The therapy aims to restore safety, stability, and emotional control through collaboration and individualized care.

Who Can Benefit from Trauma Systems Therapy?

TST is designed for children and adolescents who:

• Have experienced complex trauma (e.g., abuse, neglect, violence)
  
• Show difficulty managing emotions or behavior
  
• Live in environments where safety or stability is lacking
  
• Require coordinated care between family, school, and community services

Core Components of TST

1. Assessment & Planning
   Comprehensive evaluation of the child’s trauma history, emotional responses, and environmental risks.
   
   
2. Emotional Regulation Skills
   Helping children identify triggers, manage emotions, and build coping strategies.
   
   
3. Stabilizing the Environment
   Collaborating with caregivers, schools, and agencies to create a safe and predictable support system.
   
   
4. Integrated Treatment Team
   A multidisciplinary team works together to ensure the child’s emotional and external needs are met.

Why Trauma Systems Therapy Matters

Children affected by trauma often struggle not only with emotional pain but with environments that make healing difficult. TST addresses both the internal effects of trauma and the external conditions that sustain it.

With this dual focus, children are more likely to:

• Regain a sense of safety and control
  
• Improve relationships at home and school
  
• Succeed academically and socially
  
• Build long-term resilience

Why Choose Us?

At WisHope Recovery, we specialize in Trauma Systems Therapy and trauma-informed care for youth. Our licensed clinicians, case managers, and educators work together to provide coordinated, individualized treatment that truly meets the child’s needs. We understand that healing from trauma takes a village—and we’re here to help build it.