Finding the Right Trauma Therapist: What Questions Should You Ask?
Therapy is personal. Finding the right therapist is essential.
When you’ve experienced trauma, reaching out for help can feel like a huge step—and choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re asking:
How do I know if someone really understands trauma?
What kind of therapy actually works for trauma?
Will I feel safe enough to open up?
These questions are valid—and you deserve to feel confident, informed, and empowered as you search for support.
Whether you're brand new to therapy or looking to return after a difficult past experience, this guide offers key questions to ask when considering a trauma therapist—so you can find someone who’s not just qualified, but right for you.
1. “What is your experience working with trauma?”
Not all therapists are trauma specialists. Trauma therapy requires additional training and a deep understanding of how trauma impacts the brain, body, and relationships.
Look for someone who can speak confidently about:
Different types of trauma (e.g., complex/developmental trauma, PTSD, relational trauma)
The connection between trauma and nervous system dysregulation
A trauma-informed approach to building safety and trust over time
2. “What modalities or approaches do you use for trauma healing?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to trauma. Ask what methods they use and why. Some options include:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): helps process stuck trauma memories without having to retell every detail
Parts Work / Internal Family Systems (IFS): supports healing by building a relationship with the parts of you that were shaped by difficult experiences.
Somatic approaches: help process trauma by engaging the body directly—using movement, breath, and sensory awareness to release stored survival responses and support nervous system regulation.
Polyvagal-informed therapy: focuses on building understanding of how the nervous system responds to threat
3. “How do you help clients feel safe in the therapy process?”
Healing from trauma happens in relationship—and that starts with how safe and supported you feel in the room. Emotional safety is the foundation for meaningful progress.
Ask the therapist how they:
Support choice and collaboration at every step of the process
Handle moments when clients feel overwhelmed, stuck, or triggered
Set and respect clear boundaries to build trust over time
4. “What does progress look like in trauma therapy?”
Healing from trauma doesn’t follow a straight path—and it’s not about “getting over it.” It’s about learning to understand your nervous system, treat yourself with care, and build a more empowered, connected relationship with your past and present.
A thoughtful therapist might describe progress like:
Feeling more present and less reactive
Understanding your triggers and how to cope
Having a more compassionate relationship with yourself
Reconnecting with relationships, values, or goals that matter
5. “Do you have experience working with people like me?”
It’s okay—and important—to ask if the therapist is familiar with your background. You might want to know if they’ve worked with:
People from your cultural or religious community
LGBTQ+ clients
Neurodivergent individuals
First responders, healthcare workers, or therapists
People with chronic illness, disabilities, or chronic pain conditions
6. “What’s your availability and how do sessions work?”
Trauma therapy works best when it’s consistent. Ask:
Are sessions weekly, biweekly, or flexible?
Do you offer in person or online therapy?
How long are sessions and how do you handle cancellations?
What’s your fee, and do you accept insurance or offer superbills?
The logistics matter—your therapy should be both emotionally and practically sustainable.
What It Feels Like When You’ve Found the Right Fit
Doing trauma therapy isn’t always comfortable—but you should feel:
Respected
Heard
Supported
Encouraged to go at your own pace
Hopeful that healing is possible
If You're Looking for a Trauma Therapist Online
I work with adults in Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts who are healing from trauma, anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm. I specialize in EMDR therapy and other trauma informed approaches to help clients regulate their nervous systems, process painful experiences, and reconnect with themselves.
If you’re curious about working together, I offer free 20-minute consultations so we can see if it feels like a good fit.
You’re not too much. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The right support can make all the difference.
