What is trauma-informed therapy and why is it important that all psychotherapists, including yours, be trauma-informed:

Trauma-informed therapy is a way of helping clients who have had bad things happen to them. It helps them feel safe and in control. The therapist will listen to the client and help them make choices about their treatment. It is important because it helps the client feel better and more empowered. For example, it is important to treat the affected client as a whole person and consider their history when providing care. It is also important for the psychotherapist to acknowledge individual differences that may exist among clients. For instance, when dealing with an individual affected by substance abuse, trauma-informed care should recognize that people may use substances such as alcohol or drugs as a way of coping with trauma. Without considering this perspective, a therapist will not be able to provide effective assistance. Similarly, when dealing with clients who have been a victim of an aggravated assault or rape, some clients may not show emotions as a way of coping with the trauma involved. Therefore, it is important for the psychotherapist to consider what the individual might have gone through. So, a trauma-informed therapist would be sure to take a complete history of the client in this way, creating a framework with which to begin the therapy tailored for the client. Trauma-informed care aims to recognize the impact of trauma and identify potential paths for recovery. It also involves recognizing the symptoms and signs of trauma in the client, the client’s family of origin, and other people involved in the client’s life. Symptoms of trauma can manifest both physically and emotionally. Some common physical signs of trauma include fatigue, poor concentration, and anxiety with or without panic attacks. Another symptom could be mood dysregulation. Sometimes clients may find it difficult to regulate their moods, for example, they may feel intensely irritable and have frequent temper outbursts that are out of proportion to a situation. Since trauma-informed therapy is a type of therapy that helps people overcome the effects of traumatic experiences, it can especially be helpful for clients who may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-informed therapists are specially trained not to inadvertently trigger and re-traumatize the client during treatment.