Seeking safety at Lifeskills
At Lifeskills, our master’s-level clinicians use seeking safety (SS) therapy to guide clients through four essential content areas: 1) cognitive (developing a deeper understanding of their situation), 2) behavioral (making healthier choices), 3) interpersonal (improving communication skills), and 4) case management (building a strong therapeutic partnership by collaborating with the therapist).
We focus on helping clients set boundaries in relationships, manage triggers, stay grounded in the present, and protect themselves from emotional distress. We also promote self-honesty, encouraging individuals to ask for help and develop healthier coping strategies. This holistic approach empowers clients to overcome challenges, rebuild trust, and create lasting change.
What are the 5 Key Principles of SS?
Safety as the primary goal – Focuses on helping individuals achieve safety in their relationships, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
Integrated treatment – Simultaneously addresses co-occurring conditions for a holistic recovery approach.
Emphasizes ideals – Restores a sense of ideals to counteract the loss of values often experienced in PTSD and substance abuse.
Comprehensive content areas – Addresses cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and case management aspects to foster healing.
Clinician support – Promotes the importance of the clinician’s self-care, countertransference awareness, and professional development in enhancing the therapeutic process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SS?
SS is a present-focused therapy that helps individuals build coping skills and achieve stability, particularly for those with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder. This therapy modality helps break the cycle of codependency and harmful behaviors, empowering clients to make healthier choices and regain control of their lives. Seeking safety is effective for individuals with any diagnosis that requires improved coping skills and emotional stability.
How does SS support recovery?
SS therapy supports recovery by equipping individuals with practical tools to break free from self-destructive patterns. Through a focus on safety, clients can rebuild trust in themselves and others, thereby fostering emotional resilience. By addressing the root causes of PTSD and substance abuse simultaneously, SS empowers clients to take control of their healing process, restore stability, and develop healthy coping mechanisms that lead to long-term recovery. This therapeutic approach is instrumental in helping individuals regain a sense of empowerment and self-worth, guiding them toward a future of lasting emotional well-being.
What We Treat
For over 35 years, Lifeskills has led the way in personalized, expert-level treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. Our evidence-based programs and clinical pathways are tailored to each client’s needs, helping them regain self-esteem and seamlessly transition back into their families, careers, and lives with the highest level of support and care.
