How to find the Right Therapist for Trauma and PTSD: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Find the Right Therapist for Trauma and PTSD

Seeking counseling is a significant step in your healing journey. Finding the right therapist—one who aligns with your needs and is competent in addressing your concerns—is crucial.

In the Appendix of my book, Resolve to Rise: Become Greater than Your Circumstances, and on my website, www.resolvetorise.com, you'll find a comprehensive guide to evidence-based trauma therapies. Reviewing these options can help you identify what approaches resonate most with you and what to look for in a therapist.

Where to Start Your Search

One of the most effective resources for finding a therapist is Psychology Today, a widely used platform that allows you to filter therapists based on location, specialty, and availability. If you're in the United States, here’s how you can start:

  1. Visit Psychology Today and click on “Find a Therapist.”
  2. Enter your zip code or city to see a list of therapists in your area.
  3. Filter by issue: Select “Trauma and PTSD” to narrow your search.
  4. Review profiles: Click on therapist profiles to explore their qualifications, approaches, and personal style.

What to Look for in a Therapist

Once you start exploring profiles, focus on these key areas to ensure the best fit for your needs:

1. Expertise in Trauma Treatment

Look for therapists trained in evidence-based practices. Under the "Types of Therapy" section in their profile, you can find details on their specialized approaches, such as:

  • Mind-Body Approaches: EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Cognitive Approaches: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy

Be cautious—just because a therapist mentions trauma in their profile doesn't necessarily mean they have the specialized training required to help you effectively. Always look for specific certifications and training in trauma-informed care.

2. Understanding When to Start with Body-Based Approaches

Even evidence-based treatments that focus on processing trauma content can be triggering for some individuals, potentially worsening symptoms rather than improving them. 

If you find that traditional talk therapy or trauma-focused approaches increase your distress, consider starting with somatic or body-based therapies that help you reconnect with your body and develop a sense of safety. These approaches, such as:

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE)
  • Trauma Sensitive Yoga
  • Breath Work and Grounding Exercises

...can create a foundation of stability, safety and self-regulation before diving into deeper trauma work. Note: deeper work may not be necessary once you establish more connection and safety within yourself. 

3. Personal Fit

Therapy is deeply personal. Read the “About” section in their profile to get a feel for their approach and personality. Ask yourself:

  • Do their values align with yours?
  • Do they communicate in a way that feels supportive and empowering?

Feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for building trust and achieving meaningful progress.

4. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Some therapists may over-rely on talk therapy, which, while valuable, may not address trauma at its root. Trauma affects both the mind and body, which is why it's crucial to choose a therapist trained in somatic or evidence-based approaches that engage both.

Remember, no therapist can guarantee success—if they do, it's a red flag! Healing is a journey, and effective therapy is about creating the right conditions for growth, not making promises.

Next Steps After Your First Session

After your first few sessions, it's important to assess whether the therapist is the right fit for you. Be sure to read my article, Is My Therapist Right for Me? for insights on evaluating your therapy experience and making adjustments as needed.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but by focusing on expertise, personal fit, and the right therapeutic approaches, you can take a big step toward healing.

For more guidance and resources, visit my website at www.resolvetorise.com, where you can also download a free companion guide to Resolve to Rise.


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