What Is A Trauma Therapist?

[scattered]

My first meeting with my first therapist I asked how do I feel safe. I was told to tell myself that I am safe over and over . That really didn't help me because I wasn't safe and I knew it.

 

[evergreen]

I just started therapy today, and this is a very very helpful thread.

You are super organized Anthony! I was left with all these questions and confusions after the therapy session. This thread explained a lot of what I was wondering.



Very very nice work on the site updates and the added info.

Thank you.

 

[piratelady]

Reading this, and other posts, I wonder if my therapist is the wrong fit for my trauma therapy. In the beginning we were just getting me out of my marriage; he was great for that, very comforting. Reading this and some other posts - I haven't learned any grounding or coping techniques, he doesn't push/challenge me, and he offers virtually no feedback. With self-harm we haven't even talked about how to stop that long-term. He just asks "why" and leaves it at that. On occasion we talk about my feelings about trauma (well, once) but that's about it, other than him saying, "I will never ask you to talk about it, you have to decide when you're ready." Or I'm just looking for someone to blame for my frustration.

 

[Sunrise]

Does he know you are not getting any traction? You might consider telling him just what you said here, that before was good but now... Tell him what you want to gain out of your therapy and that you are not getting it and ask what he can suggest.. go well PL

 

[anthony]

Here is the one key to trauma therapy, well actually, all therapy. It must have very clearly defined goals with time frames. If they don't exist and aren't being stressed to be met, then the therapist is just there to rob you of your money and do little else for you.

 

[mamachick]

piratelady-I dont like to criticize other therapists, but a good trusted rational friend could provide great support during a divorce-that is not all therapy is about.

Therapists do have many different styles, but you are not getting help with self harm, which is a big deal. A therapist with skills has the tools to help you and is intuitive on introducing them. They are comfortable in challenging you, giving you feedback, and backing off when necessary and re-addressing issues at a later time.

There are inexperienced therapists without the confidence to guide you, there are lazy ones that are burnt out or waiting to retire. You deserve better than this.

I would ask questions about this, such as, what things should I be doing to reduce/eliminate symptoms? A competent therapist will hold your feet to the fire on occassion. Productive therapy is uncomfortable at times. It is their job to pave the way and direct

 

[piratelady]

Thanks for the input everyone! I did some thinking on it over the weekend and I'm actually going to try another therapist and see where that gets me. I called yesterday, and have an appointment at the end of the month. What information I could find on him says he's a trauma therapist, hopefully he's competent *fingers crossed*. I'm going to go in there with a list of what I feel like I need to really work on so I don't forget anything. :)

 

[mamachick]

I have found that when I am going to see any professional, it helps me to make notes about questions I have or issues I want addressed. ie, what is your training in ptsd?, what methods do you use? how long have you practiced in trauma? etc and my own personal goals-I am experiencing xy and z, addressing x would help me to function better in my day to day life.

Often clients come into therapy and the therapist will often ask them what they hope to achieve through therapy. Answers are often generic or broad, like I want to be happy, because we really dont know and want that direction from the therapist. It can be helpful if we just jot down notes about what we have already done and if it worked or did not.

I have not seen my therapist in several months and plan to make an appointment soon. I have been making a list of the discoveries over the months. I have to do this because I tend to be too rational on the outside and appear better than I am. Then I have moments of that internal critic that does not seem predominant so it doesnt get addressed. Then I have a reaction to that critic. Usually by the time I get to therapy, the time is spend on too much surface stuff, and not the underlying feelings.

I am glad to hear you are making a list and trying a new therapist. I hope it goes well and have my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Abby]

Is it still a trauma-therapist of he or she claims to be "specialised" in many
different fields: PTSD, Eating Disorders, OBC, Psychosis, personality disorder, sexual disorder and somatic disorder?


I don´t know, but I just feel, you cannot be very well, intensively, specialised on that many things....

What do you think?

 

[anthony]

All those specific areas actually combine often into the trauma field. I know it might sound like many, but if those are the specialist areas for what that therapist treats, and only treats primarily in that area, then yes, they are a trauma specialist.

• PTSD = trauma
• Eating Disorder = Sometimes trauma related, sometimes not.
• OBC = Directly related to eating disorders, trauma, depression and more.
• Psychosis = often trauma focused.
• Personality Disorder - part and parcel of childhood trauma 95% of the time.
• Sexual Disorder = trauma.
• Somatic Disorder = more often than not, trauma related comorbid disorder.

 

[Sunrise]

I agree with Anf. The other thing, if this T has been at it for some years, they may have dealt with all of these things enough to feel they can be especially effective in those areas. in addition some people continue to do courses - short or long - and over many years gain a lot of expertise.
Quiz them about it and ask about their experience. : o )

 

[Abby]

Hm, I see your point. But then again, aren´t all, or basically all, psychological problems caused by some kind of trauma?