The Sanctuary Model: Creating a common language and effective engagement
The Sanctuary Model is a transformative approach in the behavioral health field, particularly in creating a common language for staff and clients as they interact in in a therapeutic environment. The beauty of the Sanctuary Model is that it is a trauma informed framework that creates safety around communication, which is vitally important when engaging with individuals affected by trauma and female teen survivors of sexual trafficking as we often see at Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center.
Developing a common language
- Consistency and Clarity: The Sanctuary Model fosters a shared language that ensures consistency in understanding and addressing trauma. This minimizes misunderstandings and provides clarity in communications among staff and with clients.
- Trauma-Informed Terms: By using specific trauma-informed vocabulary, staff can discuss sensitive topics with care and precision. This shared language helps in identifying trauma patterns and planning appropriate interventions.
- Empowering Communication: The model encourages staff to use empowering and non-judgmental language, reinforcing a positive therapeutic setting. Mingus staff are skilled at helping our clients understand they now get to have ownership of their story and their future.
Enhanced Engaging with Colleagues
The Sanctuary Model training and certification has not only improved staff to client engagement and communication at Mingus, it has also improved engagement and communication amongst our staff. We have seen teamwork grow and staff create a highly supportive culture where all aspects of treatment are seen as integral to healing.
- Collaborative Environment: The Sanctuary Model promotes teamwork and effective collaboration among staff. By using common language, teams can share insights, strategies, and solutions more effectively. We have also seen this model minimize mis-communication as well!
- Supportive Culture: Staff members feel supported and understood, reducing stress and enhancing job satisfaction. This support system is crucial when dealing with the emotional challenges of trauma work.
The Mingus Mission + Engaging with female teen victims of sexual trafficking and trauma
- Building Trust: Using a trauma-informed language helps in building trust with clients. Because so many of our clients have experienced deep betrayal and manipulation, trust is paramount to creating both emotional and physical safety for them. Our teams are dedicated to creating an environment where our teens can express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
- Sensitive Approach: The Sanctuary Model equips staff with the skills to handle sensitive topics like sexual trafficking with empathy and respect. This approach helps clients feel heard and validated.
- Empowerment and Healing: By understanding the psychological impact of trafficking and trauma, staff can tailor interventions that empower and promote healing, aiding teens in regaining control and building resilience.
Integrating the Sanctuary Model with therapeutic modalities
The Andrus Sanctuary Model's seven commitments, which include nonviolence, emotional intelligence, social learning, open communication, social responsibility, democracy, and growth and change, complement various therapeutic modalities used at Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center. These commitments foster an environment where evidence-based therapies like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can thrive. By promoting open communication and emotional intelligence, the model enhances the effectiveness of EMDR and other trauma-responsive therapies. This integrated approach creates a nurturing and empowering atmosphere, essential for addressing behavioral health challenges in teens, enabling them to build resilience and embark on a journey of healing and recovery.
The impact of trauma-informed approaches on teen behavioral health
Implementing trauma-informed approaches in behavioral health settings such as Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center has demonstrated significant success, particularly with adolescent populations.
Key Statistics on Trauma Informed Approaches to Teen Behavioral Health
- Improved Behavioral Outcomes: Studies show that trauma-informed care can reduce behavioral issues by up to 32% in adolescents who have experienced trauma.
- Decrease in Restraint and Seclusion: Programs implementing the Sanctuary Model have reported a 40% reduction in the use of restraints and seclusion, enhancing the therapeutic environment's safety and efficacy.
- Academic Improvement: Trauma-informed educational interventions often lead to a 20% increase in academic performance and school attendance among traumatized teens.
- Reduction in Psychiatric Symptoms: Teens engaged in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and similar interventions show a 30% reduction in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been found to improve emotional regulation skills by 25% in adolescents, fostering better interpersonal relationships and coping strategies.
These statistics underscore the transformative potential of trauma-informed approaches in addressing the complex needs of teens with behavioral health challenges, promoting healing, resilience, and positive outcomes.
Top 6 Traumas and Mental Health Challenges Faced by Arizona Teen Girls (2020-2025)
1. Depression and Persistent Sadness
- Statistic: Nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, representing a nearly 60% increase over the past decade. (cdc.gov)
2. Anxiety Disorders
- Statistic: Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues among teens, with many Arizona teens facing heightened levels of stress due to academic pressures and social challenges. (horizonrecovery.com)
3. Suicidal Ideation and Attempts
- Statistic: Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021, marking a nearly 60% rise from a decade ago. (cdc.gov)
4. Sexual Violence and Assault
- Statistic: In 2021, 18% of teen girls experienced sexual violence, a 20% increase since 2017. (cdc.gov)
5. Substance Use Disorders
- Statistic: Approximately 10.8% of Arizona teens aged 12-17 reported using an illicit drug in the past month, ranking Arizona 49th among all states. (nevalleynews.org)
6. Eating Disorders
- Statistic: Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among adolescent girls in Arizona. (rocketswire.usatoday.com)
Through our trauma informed approach to therapeutic modalities and individualized treatment plans, Mingus Mountain Youth Treatment Center has seen significant positive outcomes for our clients.
Our 2024 Outcomes In Review Numbers speak to the efficacy of trauma informed approaches to treatment:
In summary, the Andrus Sanctuary Model creates a cohesive and supportive framework that enhances communication and engagement within the behavioral health field. By employing a common language, it ensures effective collaboration among staff and fosters a safe, understanding environment for trauma survivors.