Finding a therapist who specializes in trauma can be difficult. Therapists usually only specialize in one area, so it is important to take the time and find someone that is qualified for your needs. Finding a good therapist near me was something I have struggled with, so I understand where you’re coming from! This article will break down everything you need to know to find a trauma therapist in Tampa.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an experience that overwhelms your capacity to cope. When that happens your emotional reaction to whatever that experience might be can’t be properly processed. So you become flooded with an emotional experience, not only at the time but it becomes stored – both in your mind and body. This is why trauma can cause issues for decades or even a lifetime if nothing is every done about it.
We can expand the definition of trauma beyond those big huge events like war, sexual abuse, physical abuse – things where your life could be threatened.
So in this more expanded definition, not only is it those big cataclysmic events that you and many others have suffered, it’s also unmet needs, emotionally distant, parents not being present, you never being heard and valued as a unique individual. Trauma is all of these issues and more.
Where can I start to find a “Trauma Therapist Near Me”?
The first step is to search for a “Trauma Informed Therapist” or “Certified Trauma Therapist” Near you. This will assure that your mental health professional has met the minimum requirements and understands the basics of how the various forms of trauma – both physical and emotion, can affect your thoughts, actions and behaviors.
The next step is to look at their other various qualifications. You are looking for at least a Master’s level counselor that is licensed in your state to work with clients. The right therapist will be someone who you connect with, so be sure to read their story to understand a little more about how they work with clients.
How do I assess a candidate when looking for a “Trauma Therapist Near Me”
First and foremost you want someone licensed to see clients in your state and special training.
Mindfulness based therapists can even be really, really helpful because mindfulness is awareness and one of the things we become aware of when we practice mindfulness is the body. So any therapist that advertises or speaks of mindfulness-based work, somatic work, emotional focused work is probably going to be the the route to go down to get the most benefit.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be helpful as a tool but it takes diving deeper when it comes to healing trauma.
Another area is Polyvagal Informed Therapists – this approach’s helps to integrate how the thinking brain and nervous system interact. The goal is to help you to regulate your nervous system to evolve into that safe relationship that will then expand into your other relationships outside of the therapeutic context.
The most important things that I always suggest everyone look for in a therapist is the nature of the connection between me and the therapist or client or patient and the therapist. Because we are interpersonal creatures and we need relationships to heal. And because of the nature of trauma our relationships are affected to the extent that we tend to misperceive the concepts of threat and safety in our relationships in particular.
When you’ve experienced trauma, the relationship with your therapists is often the first supportive relationship you’ve had in your entire life. So first and foremost you want to find someone who you can imagine yourself evolving into a trusting relationship.Finding the right therapist was like 75% of the work.
Online or In Person trauma therapist?
Online therapists like those who work at BetterHelp or TalkSpace are generally less experienced and do not have additional specialized training in trauma therapy. Additionally they tend to only work at BetterHelp or TalkSpace for a short period of time – so you don’t have the chance to develop a therapeutic relationship and actually accomplish real work.
Working with an In-Person Trauma Therapist like those who work at Hanson Complete Wellness in Tampa, FL is a completely different experience. We are working hard to re-define therapy by taking a holistic approach that combines psychology, mindfulness and coaching to help you address your trauma needs and take control of your thoughts, feelings and actions in a safe space.
How often should I go to therapy?
When it comes to therapy for trauma there is often quite a bit that has to be unpacked and that can take time. Expect to go every week for a period of time then eventually you can start to space those visits out. The frequency you need therapy is going to be very individualistic and dependent on your specific situation. Your therapist will give her best recommendation how often you need to come to therapy after your first visit.
The Next Step
If you’re looking for a trauma informed therapists in Tampa, FL the expert licensed therapists at Hanson Complete Wellness are here to help. Click the link below to schedule your first visit.