2 Things to Ask a Therapist Before Starting Trauma Therapy for PTSD

You’re tired of living in constant fear. It feels like you should be “over” the trauma that happened to you by now but thoughts about it keep creeping back in. It’s like part of you is somehow stuck in the past.  You’ve tried to ignore this for long enough and now you know you need to start counseling. But you haven’t made the call yet.

Starting Trauma Therapy can be Intimidating

I know, starting counseling can be scary. Maybe you aren’t sure it’s even the trauma that is the problem.  You just know something isn’t right.  But it’s so hard to make the commitment to actually begin trauma therapy.  Even though you need it.  Even though your mom/girlfriend/sister/friend told you to call a therapist.  It’s still hard.  And how do you even know it will “work?”

It’s Important to Find the Right Trauma Therapist

You may not know what to even look for in a trauma therapist.  And the truth is that many people just ask their insurance for a list of people who are “in-network” and make an appointment with the first therapist on the list who has an opening. The problem with this approach? You might not get a therapist who is the right fit or who really specializing in treating trauma or PTSD symptoms.

Trauma Therapy is Unique

All Therapists are trained to help people.  And honestly, most therapists are really good at helping some people. But, we all have different strengths.  After completing our initial degree, mental health providers have the freedom to make their own choices about what kind of additional training they attend, the experience they gain and the treatment approaches they use.  And trauma (whether you have PTSD or are just a little bothered by a past trauma) is one of those issues that I really recommend you find someone who has specific training, experience and a passion for helping people with.

2 Questions to Ask a Potential Trauma Therapist

I recommend that you come prepared for your first meeting with a new therapist prepared to ask a couple of questions.  Here are two of the questions you may want to ask:

Question #1: “Have you helped others who experienced a similar traumatic experience?”

Even among therapists who specialize in trauma, some of us see more of certain kinds of trauma than others.  I have one colleague who is a military spouse and is specially equipped to work with members of the armed sources. I have another who has specialized in traumatic grief. The newest therapist in our practice specializes in working with kids who have experienced trauma (a specialty of Wellview Counseling if you’re in the Atlanta area) and I myself have worked with countless individuals who have been sexually assaulted either in childhood or as adults. Each of these populations is a little bit different.

This is not to say that if your trauma was losing your house to a house fire you should only go to a therapist who has helped someone else after a house fire. But it’s worth asking the question. If they haven’t worked with someone with your trauma history before, you may appreciate their fresh perspective or you may ask what they know about issues similar to yours.

Question #2: “What training do you have around trauma & PTSD?”

I am personally of the opinion that it’s really important to work with a therapist who understands trauma and PTSD.  It’s hard to find the courage to come in. Therefore, when you do come into counseling you truly want it to be helpful.  And trauma therapy is just a little bit different than other types of counseling. So, I recommend looking for a therapist who has specifically sought out training on PTSD and can describe to you the therapy methods they use.  The good news is that there are now several different evidence-based counseling methods that can help you overcome trauma symptoms. And I’m not going to debate which method is the “best” right now because it depends on so many different factors.  However, a trauma therapist should be able to describe the training they’ve had in this area and their general approach to trauma treatment.

Begin Trauma Therapy in the Atlanta Area

The good news is that psychotherapy truly can help heal trauma!  If you are looking for a therapist in the Atlanta, GA area, call Wellview Counseling and ask about their current openings.  If you live somewhere else, search for a therapist who understands trauma and feels like a good fit. To begin trauma therapy in Roswell, GA please follow these steps:

1. Contact the counseling clinic in Roswell, GA to schedule an appointment,
2. Meet with one of their compassionate trauma therapists,
3. Find healing and peace after surviving trauma.

Other Services offered at Wellview Counseling:

Wellview counseling, an Atlanta area mental health clinic offers a variety of therapeutic services to help you or your loved one find healing and growth. Their counseling services include PTSD and trauma treatment, play therapy, child counseling, individual counseling, social skills groups for kids, therapy for postpartum anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD treatment, chronic illness counseling, family therapy, and positive discipline parent education opportunities. If you cannot visit the Atlanta area counseling clinic, but live in the state of Georgia, I would like to encourage you to think about online therapy with one of their caring therapists. Contact our counseling clinic to learn more about the many ways the counselors at Wellview Counseling can help you!

About the Guest Author

Jessica Tappana is a therapist who specializes in PTSD treatment and counseling for severe anxiety. She loves working with teens & college students at her group counseling practice in Columbia, MO.  Additionally, she helps therapists around their country with their counseling websites. Jessica believes in the power of counseling services to help people find healing. Therefore, her mission is to make it easier for people around the world to find the therapist that will truly be the best fit for their needs!