From Trauma-Informed Care to Couples Therapy: Patient Profiles, Case Studies, Books, and Costs

Learn what trauma-informed care really means, explore patient case profiles and case studies, discover the best couples therapy books, and find out how much couples therapy costs, a complete guide from Still Waters Therapy.

If you’ve ever wondered which of the following best describes trauma-informed care, the answer goes far beyond a simple definition. Trauma-informed care is a philosophy that reshapes how therapy is practiced, one that acknowledges past experiences, prevents re-traumatization, and builds a safe environment for healing. At Still Waters Therapy, we witness this approach transforming lives every day.

But therapy isn’t only about individual healing. Many of our clients seek support for relationships, too. That’s where couples therapy, couples therapy books, and understanding costs all come into play. This article brings these threads together — trauma-informed care, real patient case profiles, case studies, relationship resources, and the practical side of therapy — so you can see the bigger picture of healing for yourself and your loved ones.

Which of the Following Best Describes Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is best described as an approach that shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

This philosophy recognizes that trauma — whether from childhood experiences, loss, abuse, neglect, or major life events — leaves long-lasting effects on the mind and body. Rather than diving straight into symptoms, trauma-informed therapists create an environment built on five core principles:

1. Safety – emotional and physical.

2. Trust and transparency – clients always know what to expect.

3. Collaboration and mutuality – healing is a partnership, not a hierarchy.

4. Empowerment, voice, and choice – clients decide their pace and goals.

5. Attention to cultural, historical, and gender factors – therapy respects identity and lived experiences.

   
   

At Still Waters Therapy, we integrate these values into every interaction, from the first phone call to ongoing sessions. For someone who has survived trauma, this can mean the difference between feeling triggered and feeling truly supported.

Trauma-Informed Care Patient Case Profile

To better understand what this looks like in real life, let’s explore a trauma-informed care patient case profile.

Profile: “Maya” (fictional but based on common experiences)

• Age: 28

• Background: Childhood marked by instability, multiple foster homes; history of emotional neglect.

• Current struggles: Anxiety in relationships, panic attacks in crowded spaces, and difficulty trusting others.

• Goal: To feel more grounded, build healthier connections, and reduce anxiety symptoms.

  
  

How Trauma-Informed Care Is Applied:

• First Session: Instead of diving into trauma details, the therapist focused on building safety, explaining confidentiality, and asking what Maya needed to feel comfortable.

• Ongoing Work: Sessions introduced grounding techniques before trauma exploration, ensuring Maya always had tools to manage emotional flooding.

• Progress: Over several months, Maya reported sleeping better, reduced anxiety in public, and more confidence in setting boundaries.

  
  

This patient case profile shows that trauma-informed care is not about rushing into painful memories. It’s about honoring the client’s pace, protecting their sense of control, and building trust as the foundation of healing.

Trauma-Informed Patient Care Case Study

Case studies further highlight how trauma-informed care changes outcomes. Consider this trauma-informed patient care case study:

A middle-aged man sought therapy for a substance use relapse after years of sobriety. Traditional approaches had failed because they focused only on behavior, not on his underlying trauma from childhood abuse. When trauma-informed care was introduced, the therapist acknowledged the trauma history, validated his feelings, and integrated EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) alongside CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

By addressing trauma directly but gently, the client developed healthier coping mechanisms, re-established trust with his partner, and achieved longer-term stability.

This case underscores the difference: trauma-informed care doesn’t just treat symptoms — it addresses root causes.

Couples Therapy: When Healing Is About “We” Not Just “Me”

Trauma doesn’t only affect individuals; it often shapes relationships. Many couples arrive at Still Waters Therapy carrying the weight of unspoken wounds, miscommunication, and patterns built over years.

That’s where couples therapy steps in. Just like trauma-informed care, couples counseling is grounded in safety and collaboration. Sessions help partners:

• Understand communication patterns.

• Recognize triggers and responses rooted in past experiences.

• Rebuild trust and intimacy through empathy and practical tools.

  
  

Even if you’re not ready for therapy yet, exploring couples therapy books can be a meaningful step toward growth.

Recommended Couples Therapy Books

Here are a few therapist-approved books that couples often find helpful:

• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman — Practical, research-backed strategies to improve communication and conflict resolution.

• Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson — A guide to building emotional safety and deepening bonds.

• Love Sense by Sue Johnson — Explains the science of attachment and how it impacts relationships.

• Us: Getting Past You and Me by Terrence Real — Focused on accountability and healthier dynamics.

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk — While not a couples book, it helps partners understand how trauma shapes behavior and connection.

  
  

Reading these together can spark conversations, build empathy, and prepare you for deeper work in therapy.

How Much Does Couples Therapy Cost?

A common question we hear is: How much does couples therapy cost?

The answer depends on several factors, including location, therapist credentials, session length, and insurance coverage. On average in the U.S.:

• Private practice rates: $150–$300 per session.

• Specialized therapy (EFT, Gottman, etc.): Often on the higher end of the range.

• Sliding scale: Some therapists adjust fees based on income.

• Insurance: Coverage for couples therapy is less common than individual therapy, but some plans may help.

  
  

At Still Waters Therapy, we are transparent about pricing and offer guidance on payment options, including private pay and Superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Investing in therapy can feel daunting, but couples often find the long-term benefits — improved communication, restored trust, and emotional safety — far outweigh the cost.

Why This Matters

When you put these pieces together — trauma-informed care, patient case profiles, case studies, couples therapy books, and cost transparency — you see a bigger truth: healing is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re addressing past trauma, working to strengthen your relationship, or both, therapy provides tools, space, and support for lasting change.

At Still Waters Therapy, our mission is to meet you where you are. Sometimes that means beginning with individual trauma work; other times, it’s about sitting together with your partner to repair connection. Either way, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Trauma-informed care is more than a model — it’s a way of honoring the whole person. Through patient case profiles and case studies, we see how safety, empowerment, and collaboration open doors to healing. For couples, therapy sessions, helpful books, and cost transparency make growth accessible and sustainable.

If you’re ready to explore trauma-informed therapy or couples counseling, request an appointment with Still Waters Therapy today. Your path to calm, clarity, and connection starts here.