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What is a Trauma-Informed Therapist?

Trauma informed therapists are therapists who may be helpful for people of all ages, at any stage in their life. Their work is admirable and unfortunately more necessary than most people may realize. Traumatic events of varying kinds lead people to seek the help of a trauma-informed therapist. Trauma can be induced in a number of ways. Perhaps witnessing a horrific could be the trigger. Experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse could also traumatize a person. Likewise, surviving a natural disaster often leads people to experience trauma. These types of issues require the help of a specific type of therapist.

Someone may also not have to have to experience trauma first hand in order to seek out help and guidance. A guardian, romantic partner, or friend of a trauma survivor may also seek advice from these mental health professionals.  Read on to learn more about trauma-informed therapy, its benefits, and for whom it may be a good option.

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About Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma informed counseling is a crucial form of mental health therapy for trauma survivors. It covers the principles of trauma recovery. It provides care to trauma survivors that is evidence-based, strengths-focused and client-centered. Components of this type of therapy include an emphasis on safety, transparency, trustworthiness, peer support and community. In addition, collaboration, empowerment, choice, use of voice and developing an understanding of cultural, gender and historical contexts are important.

The trauma informed approach to therapy allows patients to work through traumatic events in a place that feels safe and with someone who is understanding. They will share their trauma history, whether it be childhood trauma or more recent experiences, as well as how that trauma affects them in their daily life. The goal of trauma informed care is for patients to understand how their trauma affects them and how to stop it from having control over their life and well being. Patients will learn healthy coping skills that they already possess as internal resources to thrive. They may also begin to feel less alone in their pain, confusion, or mistrust as they learn to work with and trust the therapist in order to replicate this type of relationship in his or her life. 

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As mentioned, clients need to feel safe in their counseling environment first and foremost in order to recover from trauma. Psychology Today shares how a trauma-informed therapist can help to provide this environment in order to encourage growth and recovery. An environment that feels comforting and safe is ideal for all forms of therapy, but it definitely crucial for therapists treating trauma.

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All of these steps and more promote healing and thus lead to a healing journey for patients of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re interested in learning more about the trauma informed therapy and how essential it is for mental health, give The Trauma Therapist a listen on Podcast Republic

Benefits of a Trauma-Informed Therapist

There are several benefits to trauma-informed therapy. When therapy focuses on creating a safe environment and trust, an individual can gain a sense of safety in their world. They can move forward more confidently. In addition, they learn to recognize circumstances that might be dangerous for them, lessening the chance of becoming re-traumatized in the future.

Plus, trauma-induced therapy provides a holistic approach that teaches individuals to take care of their whole self, body, and mind. This strengthens them and provides resilience for enduring difficult situations in the future. Trauma-informed therapy gives clients a place where they feel understood and compassion can be granted to them. It’s an overall accepting environment, which they may not have experienced previously in their lives. This also helps to enforce the idea that it’s safe to trust others.

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Is Trauma-Informed Counseling the Right Choice?

Trauma-informed therapy is the right choice for many people. When individuals have experienced severe or repetitive trauma, they may not wish to face it. They may feel shame or fear regarding that trauma. This holds them back in nearly every facet of their lives. Therapy that focuses on this trauma is often necessary in order to overcome the overarching effects of past experience. Someone may be encouraged to seek the help of a trauma informed therapist if they have experienced or are currently experiencing:

  • Childhood traumas
  • Physical abuse
  • Mental abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Mentally traumatic events
  • Physically traumatic events (serious injury)
  • Actual or threatened events associated with death
  • Mental illness or mental disorder developed from trauma
  • Substance abuse problems due to a lack of healing from traumatic events
  • Repeated or extreme exposure to traumatic events

This type of therapy can help people to overcome the embarrassment of needing help by giving them a safe place to feel comfortable and vulnerable. It gives them a sense of community through peer support and helps them to understand they are not alone in their experience and to understand their response is legitimate. Trauma therapy addresses underlying triggers and helps people to move forward from difficult events in a healthy way.

Trauma-informed therapy is a unique approach to help individuals overcome past experiences and live healthier, more complete lives. The help of a trauma-informed therapist is invaluable for such clients.

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