What is a Trauma-Informed Therapist? 3 Signs You've Found the Right One
In my earlier blog post, I did a deep dive into how people typically find the right mental professional. In this post, I take it a step further so that you can find a trauma-informed therapist.
Here’s what to look for when choosing trauma therapy in Virginia Beach or beyond:
They recognize what’s going on (without you having to spell it out)
The therapist should recognize how trauma affects you without you having to educate or overexplain. They need to be able to recognize the signs of trauma. They also need to be able to recognize your strengths and experiences. A trauma-informed therapist will be aware of how culture, race, gender, and family norms impact your experience, and they will seek outside consultation to better support you when needed.
They respond with respect, training, and collaboration
The therapist needs to be trained in and use evidence-based practices. Practices in Virginia Beach, VA include Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma Model Therapy, Comprehensive Resource Model, and more.
The therapist should be willing to work with and collaborate with you. Think power with, not power over. The therapist shares decision-making with you. They support in ways that are empowering, and allow voice and choice.
They also need to provide a physically and psychologically safe environment. Your comfort and safety drives the therapist’s actions. They should be prepared for and be able to handle any kind of reaction in therapy, even if you’re upset with them. You should not have to be an angel to receive good support from your therapist. They should listen without judgement.
They actively work to avoid re-traumatization
The therapist needs to recognize that some practices may trigger distressing memories and re-traumatize you. Recounting abuse without resources in place can be re-traumatizing, particularly for children and child headmates. I offer ART which is a rapid recovery therapy that does not require you to verbally disclose details of abuse, or you can share in any way that works for you.
Even in traditional talk therapy, a lot of trauma recovery involves learning how to be a human in the world and does not involve directly working with trauma memories. If this were the case, people would never want to do therapy! Therapy doesn’t have to be scary and hard.
The therapist should be transparent in their operations and decisions. There’s trust between you and the therapist, which can take time but it should be moving in that direction. Ruptures can occur in and out of the therapy room, so the therapist should be willing to repair and calibrate their responses to better support you.
Finding a Trauma-Informed Therapist in Virginia Beach, VA
If you’re searching for a trauma-informed therapist near you, whether in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or surrounding areas, look for someone who:
Emily Bachardy, LCSW (she/her), Therapist in Virginia Beach, VA specializing in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Trauma and Dissociative Experiences, and Addiction. I also specialize in supporting autistics, ADHDers, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Offers evidence-based trauma therapies
Welcomes all parts of your experience, not just the “easy” ones
Collaborates instead of controls
Paces therapy based on your nervous system, not a treatment plan
Prioritizes safety, transparency, and ongoing consent
Start Trauma Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
I provide trauma-informed therapy in Virginia Beach, VA using approaches like Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma Model Therapy, and elements of Comprehensive Resource Model. Whether you’re seeking rapid recovery or steady, long-term support, we’ll move at your pace.
Healing is possible and it’s doesn’t have to be retraumatizing.