Trauma Therapy Near Me: What to Look for in a Trauma Therapist

Updated: February 29, 2024

Tips for Finding the Best Trauma Therapist

If you've experienced trauma, finding a therapist who specializes in trauma therapy can be crucial to your healing process. However, the process of finding a trauma therapist near you can be overwhelming. This guide will help you identify what to look for in a therapist to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Look for a licensed and experienced therapist.

When searching for a trauma therapist near you, it’s important to look for someone who is licensed and experienced in trauma therapy. This means they have completed the necessary education and training to provide effective treatment for trauma-related issues. You can check their credentials on their website or by contacting their licensing board. Additionally, look for a therapist who has experience working with clients who have experienced similar traumas to yours. This can help ensure they have the knowledge and skills to provide the best care possible.

Consider their specialization

When searching for a trauma therapist near you, it’s important to consider their specialization in trauma therapy. Some therapists may have a general practice and offer trauma therapy as one of their services, while others may specialize solely in trauma therapy. Choosing a therapist who specializes in trauma therapy can provide you with the best care possible, as they will have a deeper understanding of the specific issues and challenges that come with trauma.

Additionally, they may have specialized training or certifications in trauma therapy techniques, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), or EMDR. It’s important to keep in mind that “trauma-informed care” is not trauma treatment. “Trauma-informed care” will likely not treat your trauma symptoms. If you want to overcome your symptoms of PTSD or trauma, it’s important that you seek trauma therapy with a therapist who has a specialization with additional training.

Check their approach and techniques used in therapy

It’s important to research and understand the different approaches and techniques used in trauma therapy to find a therapist who aligns with your needs and preferences. Some common approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (including CPT and PE), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. Additionally, some therapists may use specific techniques such as EMDR, somatic experiencing, or art therapy. Consider what approach and techniques resonate with you and look for a therapist who specializes in those areas. It’s also important to ask the therapist about their approach and techniques during the initial consultation to ensure they align with your goals and needs.

You will want to ensure that the technique that you would like to use is well supported by research. The American Psychological Association (APA) outlines some therapies that work. The APA outlines 4 psychological therapies, all of which are variants of CBT. If you choose to pursue a treatment that is not well supported by research, it may not be as effective.

Some questions that you may want to ask the trauma therapist near you:

• What approaches do you use to treat PTSD or trauma? (ask yourself: do these align with what research supports or with my values and goals?)

• What training have you completed in this trauma therapy? (Ideally, the trauma therapist has completed at least one formal training in the approach being offered). Have you received any supervision or consultation in these models?

• How many clients have you treated with this trauma model? (note: you likely don’t want to be their first client; 5+ completed clients is probably ideal)

• Do you have a waitlist?

• Do you have availability to meet with me every week? (if their answer is no, we suggest you find a different therapist because CBT and trauma therapies including, CPT and PE, work best if you can meet with the therapist every week)

Evaluate their communication and interpersonal skills

When looking for a trauma therapist, it’s important to evaluate their communication and interpersonal skills. A good therapist should be able to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and emotions.

They should also be able to communicate effectively and clearly, explaining their approach and techniques in a way that you can understand. Additionally, a good therapist should be able to establish a strong therapeutic relationship with you, building trust and rapport over time. Consider scheduling an initial consultation to get a sense of the therapist’s communication and interpersonal skills before committing to ongoing therapy.

Ensure they provide a safe and comfortable environment for therapy sessions

When seeking a trauma therapist, it’s important to find someone who can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your therapy sessions. This means finding a therapist who has a private and confidential space for you to talk, as well as someone willing to work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have about the therapy environment before committing to ongoing treatment.

Where can I get trauma therapy near me?

Many therapists list their practices with Psychology Today. On this website, you can use the “Find a Therapist” search and specifically look for a trauma therapist in your area. Many practices offer virtual care as well.

At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we offer 3 forms of trauma therapy, including CPT, PE and EMDR. Learn more about our trauma and PTSD therapies. If you would like to learn more about our trauma therapists, you can also book a free consultation by clicking the black tab below. Our Clinica Directors will match you with a therapist based on your unique symptoms and goals.