There are many types of mental health professionals who use their education and experience to help people. Most therapists have done a great deal of work to ultimately become a licensed professional and provide effective treatment for their patients. Trauma-informed therapists are important mental health professionals who can have a massive effect on people’s lives, relationships, and well-being.
Therapy and Treatment for Traumatic Life Experiences
Trauma-informed therapists provide mental health services and specialized care and treatment to individuals seeking therapy who’ve experienced extreme and shattering experiences in their lives. These include people who are the victims of abuse, violent crime, service members who’ve been in battle, certain types of accident victims, sexual assault, and others who’ve had some sort of traumatic life experience. A trauma-informed therapist may become involved professionally in a person’s life at different junctures following a traumatic event. The right therapist can make all of the difference in the world. From promoting self awareness, to treating mental illness, to getting everyone involved with family therapy, the list is endless. The potential for growth and change is also endless.
There are key reasons when and why having a trauma-informed therapist is important. Keep reading to learn more about this impeccable form of mental health care and when it is important to seek it out.
A Trauma-Informed Therapist Will Ask Appropriate Questions
A mental health professional is very intentional with each thing they say or ask. Following a traumatic event, a trauma-informed therapist is vital because such a professional understands what appropriate questions need to be asked. The questioning associated with the therapeutic process after a trauma differs from that needed in other types of counseling situations. A trauma-informed therapist may ask questions about the event at hand, family relationships that may be related, and so on.
A key reason skilled questioning is necessary is to avoid aggravating a trauma victim’s emotional state. They are likely struggling with some type of mental health condition and may be fragile. Many patients have anxiety disorders and it is important for them to feel safe during their session. In addition, focused questioning by a trauma-informed therapist ensures that proper information is elicited to lay an appropriate foundation for a course of therapy and treatment.
A Trauma-Informed Therapist Will Understand the Physical Effects of Trauma
A trauma-informed therapist also appreciates the physical effects of trauma and how to address them. The stark reality is that trauma not only impacts a person emotionally but can have a significant impact on his or her physical state.
In the aftermath of a traumatic event, a trauma victim may have problems sleeping and eating. A trauma victim may have physical issues that rise to the point that the individual is unable to physically accomplish the requirements of his or her employment.
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A trauma-informed therapist provides comprehensive therapeutic assistance to a survivor of a traumatic event. Licensed mental health professionals working in trauma therapy may prescribe medication to help with these symptoms. They may also assist in finding appropriate resources to address the physical effects of trauma such as mental health facilities specializing in trauma, group therapy sessions, support groups, etc.
A Trauma-Informed Therapist Will Understand the Emotional Effects of Trauma
The emotional effects of a traumatic event can be long-enduring, according to a report detailed in the New York Times. In this case, the focus was on survivors of mass shootings and similar traumatic incidents. A trauma-informed therapist understands the broad emotional impact the aftermath of a traumatic event can have on a person. The emotional impact of trauma can result not only in different emotional and mental health conditions and issues but also impact a person’s relationships, ability to work, and undertake essential activities of daily living.
Talk therapy is a primary focus of treatment for a victim of a traumatic event. A skilled, tenacious trauma-informed therapist has the specific qualifications to provide a course of talk therapy to a trauma victim. In addition, a trauma-informed therapist has access to other resources, including group therapy and support groups for victims of trauma.
Treatment With Trauma-Informed Therapy Can Be Life Changing
When a victim of trauma chooses too seek help by way of trauma-informed therapy, they are taking control of their life. Through treatment, they will begin to see positive changes in their daily life and relationships. The right trauma-informed therapy holds these key principles as the basis for their treatment…
- Adopt the Five Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
- Awareness of the effects of trauma on survivors.
- Safety for survivors on a physical and emotional level.
- Trustworthiness in processes and relationships.
- Empowerment in decision-making processes.
- Inclusiveness for all, including individuals from historically marginalized groups and people with disabilities.
The World Sees an Increased Demand for Trauma-Informed Therapists
Additionally, mental health and substance abuse and addiction treatment centers have been increasingly using the services of skilled trauma-informed therapists. The world can be a scary place to live and unfortunately, many people have or will have endured traumatic, life changing events. This can greatly effect them both physically and emotionally. It can also effect the people they surround themselves with. This is precisely why the demand for dedicated trauma-informed therapists is expected to continue apace over the course of the coming decade. The same goes for any type of mental health provider.
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