Trauma Informed therapy means asking “what happened to you” rather than “what’s wrong with you”. So often the focus is on listing symptoms and giving a diagnosis of a particular condition. This is helpful for some but not all people feel this gives them the tools to manage their symptoms. When a therapist asks “what happened to you” it shifts the focus from diagnosis to support. In understanding what is behind your reactions and emotions you can start to build the tools to manage it going forward.
In working with a Trauma informed therapist they will create an environment that is safe and supportive, they will understand the process to recovery and help you move from a survival mode to thriving, without the risk of re-traumatising. Trauma therapy does not require clients to relive their trauma, as this can sometimes be overwhelming and unhelpful. Instead therapy can look at how these traumas are affecting you now, what unhelpful thinking patterns exist and how to being working towards change.
A trauma informed therapist will be able to offer different counselling styles in order to help work through and process the trauma, this could be through CBT, EMDR or Somatic Therapy. They will understand the impact trauma can have on the body and mind as well as recognise that other conditions can co-exist with the trauma such as Anxiety and Depression.
There are 5 principles of Trauma Informed Practice. They are;
- Safety – The environment needs to feel physically and emotionally safe. The therapist should make you feel able to open up and share difficult emotions, confident that they will be there to support you through it.
- Trustworthiness – This involves building trust between you and your therapist. Trust is built through consistency, support and clear communication. Understanding and maintaining boundaries in the therapeutic relationship also plays an important role
- Choice – There should always be choices available to you as the client. Your therapist will respect your right to choose your own direction and make your own choices. Also known as Autonomy.
- Collaboration – Trauma therapy should feel like your therapist is working with you and supporting you. A mutual respect must exist to work towards shared goals and building stronger relationships.
- Empowerment – You should expect trauma therapy to help you build strength and skills in order to feel more comfortable in yourself. It is about giving you back control and enabling you to advocate for yourself in the future.
Here are some questions that might be helpful to ask when looking for a trauma informed therapist.
- What is your experience working with trauma survivors?
- How do you ensure safety and avoid re-traumatisation during sessions?
- What approach do you take when a client feels overwhelmed or triggered?
- How do you involve clients in setting the pace and goals of therapy?
- How do you support clients in managing trauma symptoms between sessions?
If you would like to know more about how I work with Trauma please contact me for a free 20 minute telephone consultation.