It's essential to have a positive and effective therapeutic experience, especially when dealing with trauma. Here are some signs that your therapist is likely helping you with your trauma:
Trust and Safety: You feel comfortable, safe, and supported in the therapeutic relationship. Trust is crucial in therapy, especially when working through trauma.
Empathy and Understanding: Your therapist shows genuine empathy and understanding for your experiences. They listen attentively and validate your feelings without judgment.
Trauma-Informed Approach: Your therapist demonstrates a trauma-informed approach, which means they understand the impact of trauma on mental health and use appropriate techniques and interventions.
Collaboration: Therapy feels like a collaborative process. Your therapist involves you in setting goals and working on strategies to cope with trauma.
Progress and Growth: You notice positive changes and growth in your emotional well-being. Over time, you feel more equipped to manage your trauma-related challenges.
Effective Coping Strategies: Your therapist teaches you practical coping strategies to deal with trauma triggers and distressing emotions.
Processing Trauma: Your therapist helps you process traumatic experiences at a pace that feels manageable for you. They don't rush you or force you to discuss things you're not ready to address.
Reduced Symptoms: You experience a reduction in trauma-related symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and anxiety.
Improved Functioning: You notice improvements in your ability to function in daily life, maintain relationships, and engage in meaningful activities.
On the other hand, if you have concerns that your therapist might not be helping or could be making things worse, consider the following:
Worsening Symptoms: If your trauma-related symptoms are getting worse or becoming unmanageable, it's crucial to discuss this with your therapist.
Feeling Disconnected: If you feel disconnected or unsupported in therapy, it might be worth addressing this with your therapist or exploring whether the therapeutic relationship is a good fit.
Inappropriate Approaches: If your therapist uses approaches or techniques that feel uncomfortable or inappropriate, it's essential to address this or seek a second opinion.
Lack of Progress: If you don't see any improvement or progress in your well-being after an extended period, it may be time to discuss this with your therapist or consider seeking alternative help.
Boundary Violations: If you experience any boundary violations or ethical concerns in therapy, it's crucial to address these issues promptly.
If you are unsure about your therapist's effectiveness or feel uncomfortable discussing these concerns directly with them, consider seeking a second opinion from another mental health professional. Remember that therapy should ultimately be a helpful and supportive experience, and it's okay to advocate for your well-being in the process.