Renewed Life Center Programme — Trauma Therapy, Nervous System Support, Aftercare

Trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) are not signs of weakness. They are natural nervous system responses to overwhelming experiences. After trauma, the brain and body can remain on high alert, as if danger is still present — even when you are safe. This can affect sleep, mood, relationships, concentration, and your ability to relax.

At Renewed Life Center, we offer a structured trauma recovery programme in a private, supportive environment. The goal is not to “forget” what happened. The goal is to reduce symptoms, rebuild a sense of safety, and help you regain control over your body and mind — step by step, at your pace.

Important for loved ones: People living with trauma or PTSD may seem distant, irritable, emotionally shut down, or unpredictable. This is often the nervous system protecting itself, not a character flaw. If you are worried about someone close to you, we can guide you through the options and the next step. This is strictly confidential. Your first consultation is free.

Start My Trauma Recovery Journey

Who is this programme for?

A trauma-focused programme can help if you or your loved one is experiencing:
  • intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
  • panic symptoms, hypervigilance, or feeling constantly “on edge”
  • emotional numbness, disconnection, or low mood
  • avoidance of places, people, or situations that remind you of the event
  • sudden anger, irritability, or emotional swings
  • sleep disruption, exhaustion, or difficulty relaxing
  • difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
  • trauma linked to addiction, burnout, or repeated stress
  • symptoms after assault, accident, violence, loss, childhood trauma, or complex trauma (C-PTSD)
If you recognise yourself in several points above, it may be time to speak to a professional.

See If This Programme Fits Me

Do I need help? (Common warning signs)

Trauma often tries to normalise itself — “I should be over it,” “Others had it worse,” “I can handle it.” But trauma is not a willpower issue. If you notice 2-3 of the following, it is worth speaking to a specialist:
  • you feel unsafe even when nothing is happening
  • your body reacts strongly to sounds, crowds, conflict, or stress
  • you cannot switch off your thoughts, especially at night
  • you avoid life — people, work, intimacy, travel, social settings
  • you use alcohol, substances, or compulsive behaviour to numb feelings
  • you feel detached from yourself, your emotions, or reality
  • you experience frequent guilt, shame, or harsh self-criticism

I Recognise These PTSD Signs

Why trauma recovery needs a structured approach

Trauma affects more than memories. It impacts the nervous system, sleep, attention, and emotional regulation. This is why “just talking about it” is sometimes not enough — especially if the body is stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown.

We work on two levels:
  • symptom stabilisation and nervous system regulation
  • trauma processing when you are ready
  • rebuilding daily functioning — routines, boundaries, and self-trust
  • relapse prevention if trauma and substance use are connected

Understand Why Structure Helps Trauma

How the Programme Works — 7 Steps

We keep the process clear, structured, and paced to your capacity.

1. Initial Consultation and Situation Assessment
We start with a free, strictly confidential consultation. It can be done online or in person, depending on what is easiest for you.

Your initial consultation includes:
  • a brief overview of what is happening right now
  • an assessment of trauma and PTSD symptoms — sleep, anxiety, panic, flashbacks, avoidance
  • a basic history review (only what you feel safe to share)
  • a review of urgency and risk factors, with guidance on the right level of support
  • an initial recovery plan and clear goals for the programme
  • answers to questions from loved ones, if you want to involve family
  • if you plan to begin the programme in Cape Town — discussion of timing, duration, and what to prepare

After the consultation, you will have a clear next step and a better understanding of whether our programme is the right fit.
2. Stabilisation and Internal Safety
Before deeper trauma work, we focus on helping you feel safer inside your body:
  • grounding and nervous system regulation skills
  • sleep support and daily rhythm
  • stress reduction practices
  • medical or psychiatric support when clinically indicated
3. Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy
Therapy is tailored to your history and readiness. It may include:
  • trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • working with triggers and intrusive memories
  • emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
  • rebuilding boundaries and self-esteem
  • reducing shame and self-blame
4. Working with PTSD Symptoms
We help you understand and gradually reduce symptoms such as:
  • nightmares and sleep disruption
  • flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
  • hypervigilance and panic responses
  • avoidance patterns that shrink your life
  • dissociation, numbness, or shutdown
5. Body-Based Support and Wellness
Trauma lives in the body, so we use wellness as support — not as a replacement for therapy:
  • mindfulness and grounding practices
  • movement and nature-based recovery
  • art and music therapeutic elements
  • equine-assisted wellness when appropriate
6. Reconnecting to Life and Relationships
As stability grows, we focus on:
  • communication skills and relationship repair
  • rebuilding trust and healthy boundaries
  • social reintegration, routines, and purpose
  • family sessions when needed
7. Aftercare and Ongoing Support
The goal is long-term stability, not short-term relief. Aftercare may include:
  • follow-up check-ins
  • a continued therapy plan and recommendations
  • support groups and relapse prevention strategies
  • a clear “what to do if symptoms return” action plan

Walk Me Through These 7 Steps

Trauma, PTSD, and Dual Diagnosis

It is common for trauma to exist alongside anxiety, depression, burnout, or substance use. When trauma and addiction overlap, treating only one side often leads to setbacks. If dual diagnosis is present, we build an integrated plan that supports both recovery and mental health stability.

Check My Trauma + Addiction Needs