Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check-in Thursday 31st August 2017

Hi everyone!

Following on from Kite's very helpful Wednesday, another area that comes to mind for survivors of trauma is finding a therapist to work with. Let's look at this, consider what the experts recommend, identify what's important to us, and see if we can identify some guidelines.

Dr Bessel von den Kolk of Boston University says that validation is important.. asking oneself "Do I feel validated? Is the therapist really listening to my story?" And Dr Judith Herman says that an effective trauma therapist empowers the survivor rather than imposing a cure. More of a partnership where the survivor is viewed as being the expert in their own life and the therapist has the knowledge and experience so that they can work together as partners in healing.

Someone you can trust and who provides a safe place, who accepts you for who you are and makes you feel cared for, who has the experience to help you. Proceeds gently and respects where you are in the recovery.Someone you are comfortable with and able to share with. Someone with whom there is 'good fit.'...and this may not be with the first therapist you see.. it may take a little time.Someone who can hold onto hope when you may not be able to.

How is your day going? How has a therapist who is a 'good fit' for you made a difference in your life? How do you know when the fit is good? What tells you that this therapy may not be working for you? Any helpful hints? Love to hear from you. This is your space and safe place. x