frequently asked questions...

Deciding if therapy is best involves recognizing the impact of trauma on your daily life and wanting something about that to change. If you struggle with emotions, are regularly in distress, face difficulty in relationships, or experience persistent negative thoughts, therapy may be beneficial. A trauma-focused therapist can help assess your needs and guide you in understanding if therapy aligns with your goals for healing.

Adolescents experiencing symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, or significant changes in emotion and behavior may benefit from trauma-focused therapy. If your teen is withdrawn or avoids discussing their painful experiences, therapy can provide a safe space for expression. A trauma-focused therapist skilled in working with adolescents can assess their needs and collaboratively determine the appropriateness of therapy.

Trauma therapy aims to process and integrate traumatic experiences, fostering resilience and reducing the impact of trauma on daily life. Triggers are less powerful and symptoms and uncomfortable emotions become more manageable. It can help create safer and stronger relationships with yourself, others, and the world.

Simply put – no. And, even when your trauma is talked about, it is your decision when to share, what to share, and how much to share. You can heal without your therapist ever knowing the details of what has happened. Sometimes, it can even be damaging to talk only about trauma. For some people, they are ready to share their trauma in the first session and others don’t until much later.

The duration of trauma therapy varies based on individual needs and the nature of the trauma. Sessions are commonly weekly and last 50-80 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on progress and intensity of symptoms. For example, EMDR can be provided for longer and more frequently. Effective trauma therapy is often a collaborative process, and the therapist should discuss the treatment plan and expected duration with you.

The first few therapy sessions involve building rapport and understanding your concerns. A therapist will gather information about your history and present situation, discuss therapy goals, and create a safe space for you to share at your own pace. It's an opportunity to ensure that the therapeutic relationship feels comfortable and supportive.

Yes, it's common to experience temporary discomfort as trauma is addressed. It could actually be a good thing. Unpleasant emotions may surface, but this often signifies the therapeutic process is stirring up and addressing sensitive issues. A trauma therapist will provide support and regulation strategies to navigate these challenging moments.

Positive signs of progress include a reduction in symptoms, improved regulation skills, and stronger emotional regulation. You might also look for an increase in positive thoughts about yourself and in your level of hope for the future. A trauma-focused therapist will regularly assess your goals and collaborate with you to ensure therapy is meeting your needs. Open communication about your experiences is key to tracking progress. Trauma healing often goes deep and that means the signs of progress may be a bit harder to recognize in the early stages. Your therapist should shed light on evidence of progress that they see, too.

If you feel therapy isn't progressing as expected, communicate openly with your therapist. Adjustments to the treatment plan, exploring different therapeutic approaches, or repairing the therapeutic relationship could be options. A therapist should be responsive to your feedback and adjust to improve the effectiveness of therapy, and/or help you see the progress you're making.

A good therapeutic fit means feeling safe, understood, and supported. Trust your instincts! If you feel heard and respected, it may be a good match. A trauma-focused therapist should also have expertise in trauma treatment modalities and show a compassionate and collaborative approach to your healing journey.

It is important to know that some discomfort is normal and expected. Meeting someone new and sharing about yourself can be uncomfortable for anyone! Feeling your feelings is an uncomfortable part of therapy, too. So, open communication helps to increase comfort, even if it is uncomfortable at first. If discomfort persists, discuss it with your therapist. And don’t worry about your therapist – they should appreciate your honesty and work with you to understand and address your concerns. If not, then maybe they aren't the right fit. Stopping therapy for any reason, or no reason at all, is always a choice you have.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic Therapy are distinct approaches to trauma treatment. EMDR involves bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories. Internal Family Systems focuses on understanding and integrating different parts of oneself. Somatic Therapy emphasizes the mind-body connection. Each method addresses trauma from unique perspectives, offering varied tools for healing and can be woven into each other.

Online/video therapy can be highly effective for trauma treatment because of the benefits of accessibility and flexibility. It tends to be a more comfortable experience for the client. Research suggests it can be as beneficial as in-person therapy. However, personal safety and individual preferences vary, so discussing your comfort level with your therapist is essential.