Finding the Right Therapist: Addressing Trauma and Childhood Impacts

It is crucial to find a therapist who respects your boundaries and focuses on your current needs rather than forcing you into uncomfortable territory. Whether you have experienced trauma in your childhood or as an adult, the right therapist can make all the difference in your recovery process.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Trauma can impact an individual’s behavior and overall well-being, regardless of when the traumatic event occurred. Whether it was during your childhood or later in life, the effects of trauma can be profound. A therapist who insists that everything is a result of your childhood rather than addressing your current traumas may not be providing the best care for you.

Signs You May Need to Find a New Therapist

Here are some signs you may need to consider finding a new therapist:

The therapist refuses to acknowledge or address your current traumas. The therapist pushes you to recall painful memories that prevent you from making progress. The therapy relationship becomes toxic and unproductive.

What to Do If Your Current Therapist is Not Meeting Your Needs

As a client, you have the right to choose your therapist and the approach they use to help you. Here are some steps you can take:

Option 1: Address the Issue with Your Current Therapist

If you have a good rapport with your therapist, you can discuss your concerns and ask for an explanation of why they believe everything is a result of your childhood. If they can provide a reasonable explanation and you feel comfortable with their response, you can continue with them.

Option 2: Move on to a New Therapist

If your current therapist cannot provide a reasonable explanation or if you are unable to progress due to their approach, it may be time to find a new therapist who better fits your needs.

Option 3: Interview Potential Therapists

Interviewing a potential therapist can be the best decision you make when seeking therapy. Prepare a list of questions and criteria that align with your needs and concerns. Here are some example questions:

Have you had negative experiences with current/past therapists? What is your training and experience with trauma or your specific issue? What is your primary population served? How comfortable are you working with [your specific issue]? What is your preferred method of treatment?

Avoid inappropriate questions such as their personal life or sex life. Remember, you are the consumer, and your choice is crucial.

Why Interviewing is Important

Interviewing a potential therapist can save time and money in the long run. On average, it takes 6-8 sessions before a client realizes that a therapist is not working for them. By interviewing a therapist on the first appointment, you can save hundreds to possibly thousands of dollars. Additionally, interviewing can help you feel more comfortable and break down some of the barriers in the therapy process for future sessions.

Conclusion

Every client-therapist relationship is unique, and it is essential to find a therapist who respects your boundaries and focuses on your current needs. Whether it is childhood trauma or adult trauma, the right therapist can make a significant difference in your recovery process. If you are concerned about your therapist's approach, do not hesitate to address the issue or find a new one who better fits your needs.