Trauma-Informed Care for Girls

Hermitage Hall’s Sexually-Reactive and Trauma Program for females is designed to address mental health issues, sexually-inappropriate behaviors, and trauma in girls ages 8 to 12. Young girls in this program are usually struggling with trauma stemming from emotionally taxing histories, such as sexual abuse or incest, sexual exploitation, physical abuse, severe neglect, emotional abuse, and abandonment. Often, this trauma and abuse can manifest itself in sexually-inappropriate behavior, physical and/or emotional outburst or self-harm. Our program provides an intervention to these actions, whether or not the child has had previous contact with the legal system. Our program teaches girls them how to be aware of triggers for their behaviors, learn ways to redirect inappropriate thoughts and actions, and develop coping mechanisms that can help improve behavior and mental health. At the end of treatment, we want residents to leave the program with a renewed sense of hope, self-reliance and emotional security.

OUR TREATMENT APPROACH

Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation, so our staff can accurately address the consequences of the trauma and facilitate the healing process. Our program is heavily informed by trauma-informed care, which allows our interdisciplinary treatment team to understand the complex backgrounds of our patients and families to provide more targeted care. Proper understanding of patient history and trauma give us the tools to provide more empathetic treatment and create a therapeutic environment that better encourages change. Treatment plans are individualized, with considerations of their specific needs, abilities, and cognitive development. Commonly used treatment modalities may include, but are not limited to:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Renaissance Learning System
• Education Programming (including SPED)
• Social Skills Training
• Leisure Education Services