So you’ve been diagnosed with Complex Trauma or know that you have some pretty ugly stuff in your past and are ready to start talking about it. The question that you might be asking yourself the most is, “Do I need to see a therapist who specializes in trauma?”. It’s a great question that isn’t easily answered but let’s give it a go. Can you see a regular therapist or do you need to see a therapist that knows trauma?

There are a lot of different professions that fall under the “therapist” umbrella. These could be social workers, licensed professional counselors, biblical counselors, marriage and family counselors, psychiatrists or possibly other mental health professionals. For the purpose of this article, we will just label all of them as a therapist.

Let’s start by talking about some cons when it comes to seeing a therapist who does not specialize in trauma for treatment of CPTSD / Complex Trauma.

• The biggest issue when it comes to seeing therapists that do not specialize in trauma is that it can lead to a misdiagnosis. First of all, therapists are humans who make mistakes and have extremely difficult jobs. If a client comes in presenting with inability to sleep and signs of depression, a therapist that isn’t trained in Complex Trauma might not think to dig deeper into what is causing those symptoms, including repressed traumas, rather than just starting to treat the depression.
• Therapists who aren’t trained in Complex Trauma might rush the healing process based on what they understand to be helpful. For instance, a therapist who is reading up on trauma as they treat a client might suggest yoga because releasing trauma from the body is a hot topic right now. However, some people fighting through Complex Trauma are not prepared for their bodies to be touched, even by themselves, and putting themselves in an environment where touching and moving of bodies freely is encouraged could deeply harm them.
• Complex Trauma is not PTSD. All therapists should have some level of training in trauma and understand the basics of trauma. However, Complex Trauma is a different ball game and healing involves many different layers. A person dealing with CPTSD needs a therapist who understands that horrible things can reemerge at all hours and can contact their therapist for emergencies. Likewise, a person dealing with CPTSD needs a therapist with strong boundaries to model for themselves proper relationships. People who are not trained in Complex Trauma may not understand the severity of the harm done by abusers and if they are not careful, they could easily send messages to the hurting that they are not worthy of the therapist’s time or care.

So, should people struggling with Complex Trauma see therapists who specialize in trauma? Let’s look at the pros to seeing a therapist who does specialize in trauma for treatment of CPTSD / Complex Trauma.

• Usually people specialize in something that they feel drawn to or compassionate towards. Oncologists learn more about cancer in order to heal cancer. Aeronautical Engineers study wind and aerodynamics because they want to create aircraft that flies. Anyone who specializes in something will have a greater understanding of that topic. The one thing that anyone fighting through CPTSD will want is to be understood. Many times, but not always, therapists specializing in trauma will have trauma in their background that draws them towards helping others. Sitting across from someone that understands the journey to healing Complex Trauma is incredibly powerful.
• Not only is it powerful to sit with someone who understands that hard journey, but it’s extremely helpful. The side effects caused by Trauma are extensive and can run deep within someone. A therapist who doesn’t understand Complex Trauma might try to explain them with multiple diagnosis or by suggesting coping skills. Yet a therapist who specializes in trauma will be able to see how they all tie together and explain it to the person dealing with trauma. Most likely they will understand the things that cause a lot of people panic, such as self-harm, that is highly prevalent in Complex Trauma and be able to calmly assist the person dealing with it. A therapist who specializes in trauma is many times able to see the big picture and be able to create a treatment plan that treats the many layers and complexities of that trauma because they have studied it and worked with it many times in the past.
• Therapists trained in Complex Trauma will understand that healing from trauma is a long process that takes a lot of time. Trust and safety are two important cornerstones of doing any work involving past traumas, especially involving sexual trauma. Therapists who specialize in trauma will ensure that the client feels safe and in an environment that they can trust at all times.
• Add something about other therapies such as EMDR

While seeing a therapist who specializes in trauma may be best for you or someone you know who is fighting through Complex Trauma, it’s not always an option. If you are in a rural area, are struggling financially, or are dependent on a provider determined by your insurance, you may not have many options when it comes to mental health care. All therapists should be trained in some aspects of trauma. If your options are limited and a therapist who specializes in trauma that you trust is not available, please continue to get help by a therapist in whatever form you are able to receive.