Finding the Right Trauma-Informed Counsellor
It can be overwhelming! Finding a counsellor you think might be a good fit can feel like a massive task in and of itself. The right fit means something different to everyone and sometimes it can take time to figure this out. When you search for a counsellor, whether for in-person counselling or online, there are approximately a bazillion to choose from. How do you start? How do you know if the therapist whose website or online presence is authentic to who they actually are?! These are all such valid questions. Finding the right trauma-informed counsellor is at the heart of beginning to heal.
What does trauma-informed even mean?
When you’re starting the search for a counsellor, you want to look for someone who can create a safe, trustworthy, (professional) relationship. You want to know that your therapist will be able to not only hold space for you to share, process and heal but where you will feel seen, known and validated. These last three experiences are often lost through traumatic experiences.
This might mean you find a therapist’s website, you read their bio and something about what they say resonates with you. Individuals who have had terribly adverse experiences just “know”, when they connect with someone. I invite you to trust your gut. Do you have a sense of connection because the therapist’s photo seems warm and friendly. That’s valid. Do you appreciate some of the language or wording used? That makes so much sense – words are powerful.
Often you might notice a settling in your body. Trust this!
The next step is to be curious for yourself whether you feel more comfortable and more at ease with in-person or online appointments. If you’d prefer in-person appointments, you’ll want to ensure this counsellor is within a manageable distance. If you’re more comfortable with online, make sure this person offers virtual appointments. Additionally, you will want to make sure your prospective therapist’s availability lines up with yours! 
When you make it through these logistical steps, you get into more of the really important safety pieces of choosing a trauma-informed therapist. How do you know if they are actually trauma informed?! You can look for trainings or certifications the therapist has taken. There are many, but some trauma informed approaches I practice include emotion focused and attachment frameworks. These include AEDP, IFS, and some more somatic (body based) perspectives. The reason these approaches are considered trauma informed is that they strongly consider a client’s sense of emotional safety. They cultivate a sense of comfort or security within the (professional) relationship, and the support emotional regulation. A traumatic experience is what happens inside of you, because of what happened to you. It leads to disconnection (with self and others).
A trauma-informed therapist fundamentally knows trauma to be an experience that has left you feeling profoundly alone.
The frameworks mentioned above (AEDP, IFS, somatic approaches, EMDR) consider this truth, as foundation. When you find a therapist whose profile, photo or bio connects with you then be curious about training. What have they pursued that supports their approach to trauma-informed work? That is such a valid question! Finding this information online or in their profile, should be fairly easy.
Once you find a trauma-informed therapist whose online presence resonates with you, I suggest you book a consultation. I have welcomed clients often, who felt so connected to the information I share online that they booked a first full appointment. Their comment was that they knew and felt connected through some of what I shared. For those who want to check out a few therapists (this is common and I encourage it!), you will want to book a consultation. This is typically 15mins on the phone or virtually. It’s an opportunity for you to ask questions of the therapist. It’s also an opportunity for the therapist to ask you if you’re comfortable sharing about yourself a little. While it is very important you feel safe, seen and connected, part of this is the therapist working in the area(s) you’re seeking help in.
If you’ve felt overwhelmed my your search for a trauma-informed therapist, I invite you to reach out and book a consultation if some of this information resonates! I offer complimentary phone consultations and booking online is quick, easy and I offer same-week appointments with no waitlist! I’d love to connect either in-person in the Langley area or online anywhere in BC.
