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Finding Your Trauma Therapist in San Diego
Making the decision to address trauma in therapy can be absolutely terrifying. What is the next step after you have made that decision? The process of finding the right trauma therapist can feel overwhelming and may cause you to feel like giving up. This guide is crafted to offer clarity and support as you take the first steps of finding the right trauma therapist in San Diego.
Reflect on Your Needs for Trauma Therapy in San Diego:
Before you start looking for a trauma therapist in San Diego, take a pause and consider your therapy needs and goals. Whether it’s overcoming past traumas, managing anxiety or depression, improving relationships, or increasing self-esteem. You don’t need a diagnosis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to consult with a trauma therapist. If you have lived through something that felt overwhelming and is still getting in the way of the life you want, then seeing a trauma therapist could be a good first step. This process will serve as a compass, guiding you toward a trauma therapist who resonates with your values and goals.
Seek Recommendations for Trauma Therapy in San Diego:
Talk to people and get their suggestions. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or healthcare providers who may have worked with the therapist or know the mode of therapy offered. Their opinion can offer you help in making your decision.
Research Therapists in San Diego:
Google the therapist and therapy mode. Dive into their licenses, specialties, and approaches. Do you want to do talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Compassionate Inquiry, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Neurobiology, Somatic Experiencing, or other somatic therapy? It can all seem overwhelming and how do you know what is right for you?
Trust Your Instincts:
Finding a trauma therapist is personal. Listen to your intuition. Schedule a phone call to get to know each therapist’s personality, approach, and style. Trust your instincts to find the therapist that feels right for you.
I know when you have trauma, it can be difficult to trust yourself or to trust others. Give yourself some time and don’t give up. Your healing is worth it. Remember, deciding to do a session with someone doesn’t mean you’re locked in – you can change your mind.
The therapist I initially worked with was kind, but not the right fit for me. Then I met Alia. Her way of doing therapy was a better fit. She got that I liked to know the science of things and provided that. She also brought in my values and I felt seen and heard by her.
Understand the Difference Between Trauma Therapy and Coaching:
Understand the difference between trauma therapy and coaching so you get what you need. While therapy delves into exploring and healing emotional issues and goes into the past, coaching is limited to a more present-moment moment action-oriented, and goal-focused approach. Therapy is typically facilitated by licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, or licensed clinical social workers. Coaching may be provided by individuals without formal mental health training.
The Importance of Specialization in Trauma Therapy:
Work with someone who has specialized training and experience in trauma-informed care. I know that my work has changed substantially after dedicating years to specializing in trauma. There IS a difference between someone who took a weekend course and someone who spent a year in specialized training.
Seek therapists who have completed additional training or certification in trauma therapy modalities like Brainspotting, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Compassionate Inquiry, Somatic Experiencing, or other trauma-focused approaches.
Ask Questions and Collaborate:
Ask questions so you can understand what therapy will look like. Trauma-informed care focuses on safety, building trust, choice, collaboration, and is client focused. Trauma-informed therapists create a nurturing environment where clients feel secure to talk about emotions without fear of judgment or re-traumatization.
Therapy shouldn’t last forever! My friend has been in therapy for a whopping 30 years! I hold myself responsible for tracking progress and regularly update my clients on our journey toward our goals. I don’t want to waste your valuable time and resources.
Consider Accessibility in San Diego and Beyond:
Seek therapists in San Diego who offer sessions that meet your needs. Do you prefer in-person sessions or teletherapy? Some clients prefer teletherapy, which allows remote participation through video conferencing, no traffic, and no parking. The advantage of teletherapy is that it offers a secure and familiar environment for individuals who may feel uneasy in traditional therapy settings. Licensed therapists can only practice in the state where they are licensed. Telehealth allows me to see clients throughout California.
Don’t Give Up:
The quest to find the right therapist for trauma in San Diego can feel challenging. While the journey may take time and effort, don’t give up. Finding a trauma therapist who comprehends your unique needs and can offer the support you deserve and the healing you want is so worth it! Trust that the ideal therapist is out there, ready to accompany you on your journey toward healing and recovery.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey with Trauma Therapy in San Diego?
Take control of your healing by scheduling a consultation call with potential therapists. Here are some examples of questions to ask during your call:
What is your approach to trauma therapy?
Can you tell me about your experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma similar to mine?
How do you establish trust and ensure safety in the therapeutic relationship?
What techniques or modalities do you typically use in trauma therapy?
How do you tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of each client?
What is your availability for appointments, and do you offer teletherapy options?
How often will we have sessions?
Can you provide insight into your fees, insurance coverage, and payment options?
How do you measure progress and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy?
What is your policy on confidentiality and privacy?
How do you handle crises or emergencies outside of scheduled sessions?
How long will I be in treatment?
By incorporating these questions into your consultation calls, you can gain valuable insight into each therapist’s expertise, approach, and compatibility with your needs and goals.
If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to Shay, a top trauma therapist located in San Diego.
Shay boasts Certification in Brainspotting and training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Shay is also one of 37 people (at the time of this article) certified in Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry. With years of experience and training, Shay specializes in somatic trauma therapy. Shay provides compassionate support to individuals seeking healing in San Diego and beyond. Call Shay at 858 321 6355 or use the form below to send an email. You can also book a session using the link at the top of the page.
Whether you work with me or someone else, your healing is worth it! I know Healing IS Possible!