It is okay to ask questions before starting therapy. Learning about a therapist’s training, approach and experience can help you decide whether they seem to be a good fit for you.
Training and experience
- What training do you have in complex trauma or dissociation?
- What experience do you have working with people living with the impacts of complex trauma?
- Do you receive supervision or consultation when working with people impacted by complex trauma or dissociation?
Safety and pacing
- How do you approach stabilisation and safety in therapy?
- How do you make sure therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable?
- How do you support grounding and emotional regulation if a person becomes distressed or during a session?
- Working with Dissociation
- How do you work with dissociation or different internal experiences that may arise in therapy?
- What do you do if someone becomes overwhelmed or dissociates during a session?
Therapy process
- What can I expect in the early stages of therapy?
- How do you decide when or whether trauma memories should be processed?
- What happens if I am overwhelmed during the course of therapy?
Many trauma therapists spend time in the early stages of therapy building safety, stabilisation and coping skills before working directly with traumatic memories.
Practical questions
- What are your fees?
- Do you offer any discounts?
- Do you offer telehealth sessions?
- Are you registered with Victims of Crime?
- Are Medicare rebates available?
- How long are sessions and how often do people usually attend?
Trust your feelings
It can also help to notice how you feel when you speak with a therapist.
Feeling listened to, respected and safe is important.
A trauma-informed therapist should be open to your questions and willing to explain how they work.
It is okay to change therapists
Not every therapist will be the right fit.
If you do not feel safe, respected or understood, it is okay to look for another practitioner. Therapy should support your recovery and wellbeing. If something does not feel right, you can seek another opinion or explore other options.
Finding the right therapist can take time, but the right support can make a significant difference. Healing and recovery are possible with the right support.
