Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life?
Trauma is something that can affect not only those who experience a traumatic event but also those around them. When a person shows clear signs of trauma, family and friends can feel a mix of feelings, like sadness and sorrow.
Many people aren’t sure how to find a good therapist or deal with their trauma, leaving them to feel hopeless. Fortunately, there are several steps that one can take to better themselves.
Read on to learn about trauma and how to find a trauma therapist that suits you.
Signs of PTSD
Any dramatic event can traumatize a person, and several signs suggest that a person has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
Guilt and Shame
Often, a person that experiences a traumatic event will feel guilty for it happening. Even if the event was caused by an outside force, the victim will think of ways that they could’ve avoided the situation.
Sadness and Anger
Depression and mood swings can occur when a person keeps thinking about the event. The guilty feeling contributes to a person’s negative mood, making them unintentionally lash out at people.
Anti-social Behavior
When a person is deeply afraid of the event happening again, they’ll start to develop trust issues and avoid people. This often happens because of an event that was caused by someone else, such as a car accident.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a process that allows people to work through problems and put them behind them. Therapy can be used for a variety of reasons, such as drug abuse, PTSD, rape, etc.
When it comes to PTSD, a trauma therapist specializes in helping people find the root of their fear and overcoming it. This is often done by talking with them, using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and group therapy.
Deborah Taveras, an activist, has discussed how trauma can lead to a person empowering themselves with enlightenment. You can read more now and listen to her podcast episode with Sarah Westall.
Things to Consider When Seeking a Trauma Therapist
Finding a therapist can seem like a difficult task, and there are a plethora of therapists that offer different services. However, there are 4 key things to think about when you are looking for one.
When you decide that you’d like to get some PTSD counseling, you should consider the following:
Location
Location is important to those that would like to visit a therapist because, in some cases, long-distance can be difficult. For example, a person that suffers PTSD from a car accident won’t be able to travel long distances.
Finding a therapist that is closer to you will save you time and money, and they’ll be easier for you to meet them if you do have a vehicle-related case.
One of the easiest ways to find a local therapist is by going on Google and typing, “trauma therapist near me.” This will show you the contact information, address, and reviews of all therapists in your region.
Affordability
While therapy can be essential to a person that has PTSD, it also shouldn’t cost a fortune. Some therapists charge more because of their credentials whereas others charge a fair price because they care more about helping.
Depending on where you go, a therapist might charge hourly rates for their services. Ask the therapists that you’re interested in what they do in terms of payment.
Therapists that offer more payment options, such as a credit card, will allow you to get the help you need even if you don’t have the money right away.
Specialization
All PTSD cases are different, and while therapists understand how PTSD works, they are usually accustomed to certain types of cases. Some therapists specialize in rape; others specialize in car accidents.
If you know what the source of your trauma is from, you should find a therapist that is known for working with those cases because they can better help you work through your problems.
You also need to ensure that you’re seeking a therapist that deals with PTSD, and not a family or couple therapist. However, a physical therapist is also something to consider if you’ve suffered injuries.
Comfort
One of the most important tips we can give you is to find a therapist that you can form a connection with. You need to be comfortable with that person, and they can’t come off as being rude or stubborn.
A professional therapist will ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the process, and they won’t push you to answer things you don’t want to. Having a connection will make it easier for you to open up, and for them to help you.
Another thing you should consider is the comfort of their office. Aside from them being friendly, a therapist should have an office with comfortable furniture and lacks things that could potentially trigger someone.
Find a Trauma Therapist Today
If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic event, look for any signs of PTSD. Seeking out a trauma therapist doesn’t have to be difficult, and it will better the lives of everyone involved.
Finding an intelligent therapist that is comfortable, affordable, and isn’t too far will simplify the process for you. All it takes is a quick search on the internet to get started.
Feel free to use our website to look for a trauma therapist near you. Simply type what you’re looking for, enter your zip code or city, then press Search.