A trauma-informed therapist is best for treating trauma. These professionals practice trauma-informed care, which ensures a deep understanding of how trauma impacts mental health. They may be licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors trained in evidence-based therapies such as EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma, trauma-focused CBT, cognitive therapy, dialectical behavior therapy for trauma, somatic therapy, and internal family systems therapy. If someone is dealing with complex trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a therapist with experience in prolonged exposure therapy can also be beneficial.

Several therapies are effective for processing and releasing past trauma, including:

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps reprocess memories from the event and reduce distress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma (CBT): Identifies and changes negative thought patterns linked to trauma. This can also be beneficial for substance abuse that stems from the past.

Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT): Trauma-focused therapy - specifically designed for trauma survivors, especially children and adolescents.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Trauma (DBT): Teaches coping skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.

Somatic Therapy: Focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body, and acute trauma, which typically stems from one single significant event.

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS): Helps process trauma by working with different "parts" of the self.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Useful for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic stress disorder, helping them gradually face traumatic memories in a safe environment.

Group Therapy: Can be a helpful setting for individuals to share their experiences, gain support, and learn effective coping skills. This can also include talk therapy and help for people with chronic trauma.

- Trauma-Informed Care

- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

- Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Trauma (DBT)

- Somatic Therapy

- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

- Group Therapy

Find a Trauma-Informed Therapist:

To access trauma-informed treatment, search for professionals who specialize in trauma-informed care via directories like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or local mental health services.

Check with Your Insurance:

Determine what trauma therapy or trauma treatment options are covered.Explore Community Resources: Some non-profits and clinics offer low-cost or free trauma therapy for individuals with past trauma, complex trauma, or post-traumatic stress.

Consider Group Therapy:

If individual therapy is not an option, group therapy can provide peer support and shared healing strategies.

Look for Online Trauma Therapy:

Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and SonderMind offer virtual sessions for trauma-informed care.

Therapy can be incredibly effective for individuals navigating the impact of past experiences, especially when traumatic experiences affect daily life. A clinician may use approaches like psychodynamic therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients process what happened and challenge any negative beliefs that may have formed. Over time, the therapy process supports the development of healthier coping skills and can address mental well-being conditions such as acute stress disorder. Whether someone has survived sexual assault or another deeply distressing event, working with a trained mental health professional can be a critical step toward healing.

There are several effective options for trauma survivors, depending on their unique needs and experiences. Talk therapy remains a foundational approach, helping clients process trauma memories and explore the emotional impact of events like sexual abuse or domestic violence. Therapeutic professionals and mental health clinicians use trauma-focused treatments such as trauma-focused CBT or other evidence-based methods as part of the overall healing journey.

Therapy also aims to address trauma symptoms, build healthier coping methods, and support both emotional and physical well being throughout the process. Some individuals may be recovering from a singular traumatic experience, while others are coping with complex conditions or personality disorders—such as borderline personality disorder—that developed in response to long-term trauma. Understanding these conditions through resources like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual allows clinicians to offer more targeted care.

Early intervention is key. Treatment may focus on replacing negative thoughts, increasing self-regulation, and fostering better coping skills. Regardless of the approach, the therapy process is a collaborative one—designed to empower each person as they move forward in their healing journey.