Therapeutic Location
Trauma-informed design seeks to create an ideal environment for people recovering from trauma, and geographic location has an enormous impact on that environment.
In many projects, location is not considered as a design factor since it cannot be controlled; however, in this case, the choice to build in San Diego was deliberate and the most expensive single decision made on the project.
However, it was likely the single most impactful design choice as well, because San Diego is one of the best locations for trauma recovery in the world, with no significant geographical drawbacks and dozens of positive qualities that few other locations can match, many of which provide powerful therapeutic benefits that amplify the efficacy of therapy and facilitate trauma recovery.
In fact, for each of the four aforementioned areas where we focused our efforts to implement trauma-informed design, San Diego contributed in ways that help on a much larger scale.
Safety & Security
San Diego earns its nickname of “America’s Finest City” by consistently ranking at or near the top of cities nationally and worldwide, in nearly all measurable ways, including individual well-being, community well-being, and quality of life. This means that people coming from other areas are extremely likely to experience significant improvements in several aspects of life merely by being in San Diego, and many of these improvements directly contribute to trauma recovery.
San Diego has long been one of the safest large cities in the country with comparatively low rates of violent crime.
Healthy Habits & Harmony
A resident moving to San Diego has a >99% chance to experience a more pleasant climate. In most places, inclement weather regularly depresses mood and prevents outdoor activities, causing lower levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. On the other hand, San Diego is famous for its consistently mild, sunny, and temperate climate, often cited as one of the best in the world. This allows for an unparalleled year-round outdoor lifestyle, with residents enjoying beaches, hiking, biking, and surfing virtually every day. The habits doctors recommend to fight depression essentially describe a stereotypical San Diego lifestyle.
Furthermore, although hard to quantify by any single study, San Diego is consistently rated as one of happiest and friendliest cities.
The fact that all residents of San Diego enjoy these advantages compounds to form additional benefits, which helps contribute to a greater sense of community well-being, and on an individual level, can lead to lower levels of stress and anxiety and improve chances that interactions with others in the community will be positive.
Choice, Comfort, & Privacy
San Diego has the one of the lowest pollen counts of the largest cities in the US, making it easier to sleep, relax, and exercise.
The ideal climate also makes it easier to grow food, and San Diego County has more small farms and more organic producers than any other county in America. More delicious fruit and vegetables makes eating healthy easier and more enjoyable.
Nature & Beauty =
San Diego is a microcosm of excellence across a wide range of measures, many of which contribute to its natural beauty in ways that also help people recover from trauma.
San Diego is also in the most biologically diverse county in America, leading to more frequent opportunities to connect with nature.
Therapeutic Artwork
The city consistently scores exceptionally high in rankings for recreational opportunities and arts and culture, reflecting the abundance of activities and attractions available to residents and visitors.
Although anecdotal, Share how easy it was to find participants for the Journey Gallery.
Animal Support
The climate will also help pets—even indoor cats are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, humidity, and noise that comes from inclement weather, leading to agitation and anxiety.
For example: