5 Essential Insights for New Therapists Working with Trauma And How Supervision Can Help
By Kristen Dammer
I remember being on edge for so many sessions as a new therapist. Grad school teaches us the basics of counseling, but there is so much more to learn through experience. One of the best ways to gain experience is to sit across with a client, through a screen or one on one.
Talk to any therapist and they will say 90% of their clients have experienced some form of trauma. Even if the client identifies as having a “good life,” a responsible therapist will keep their eyes open for the possibility of trauma in some area of the client’s life. As a new therapist, it can be difficult to understand how trauma shows up in a clinical session.
Being trauma informed is helpful on your journey to becoming an experienced therapist. While each person’s experience of trauma is unique, there are certain key insights that can guide new therapists in their ability to provide effective and compassionate care. Here are 5 insights that new therapists can use when working with trauma.
Trauma is Individualized
Trauma is a deeply personal experience, and its effects can vary significantly from person to person. It is crucial for therapists to recognize that individuals may react to similar traumatic events in different ways. If you have a client that feels “stuck” in a line of maladaptive thinking, and you have tried numerous EBPs (evidence-based practices) with no movement, trauma is most likely involved.
It is helpful to listen to the language that suggests the client is “stuck” or reliving the traumatic event implicitly, meaning below consciousness. Be aware of mood changes or behaviors that are not usual for the client. Subtle cues will show themselves in session or in their present day experiences.
Say you have a client that is relatively stable, but they experienced an event that activates them into flight, flight or freeze response. They might be able to logically/explicitly explain that the experience was so minor, so they “should be okay,” only their implicit memory is reacting differently, which is a typical trauma response. Look for ways they might be avoiding or numbing their pain. It is essential to create a safe and non-threatening environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences at their own pace.
Trauma is Multilayered
Trauma can affect various aspects of an individual’s life, including their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. New therapists must recognize that trauma is not limited to a single event but can encompass a range of experiences.
Our nervous systems do not know the difference between emotional, physical, or sexual trauma, meaning emotional trauma is trauma. Being mindful of the multidimensional nature of trauma allows therapists to approach treatment holistically, addressing the interconnected physical and psychological symptoms that clients may present.
Many clients with trauma will also have co-occurring disorders, such as another mental health diagnosis, substance abuse diagnosis, or medical diagnosis. Trauma can manifest itself physically, in auto-immune disorders, or migraines, or chronic pain. It is important to be on the lookout for the multi-layers of trauma.
Trauma Responses and Coping Mechanisms
Trauma can trigger a range of responses and coping mechanisms. Some clients may exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive memories, nightmares, or hypervigilance. Or clients might overcompensate and become perfectionists or work overtime weekly, all to avoid “staying still” because the slowing down is so dysregulating to their systems. Others may develop avoidance behaviors, emotional numbing, or dissociation as ways to cope with the overwhelming distress.
It is important to understand their triggers and build coping skills that allow clients to go at their own pace. Some of the best interventions can be dysregulating for clients with trauma therefore, being trauma informed allows interventions that move at a safe level. Having a clear picture of a trauma response and how to emotionally regulate with a client is essential. Understanding these common trauma responses enables therapists to tailor their interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Importance of Establishing Safety and Trust
Creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is paramount when working with trauma survivors. Many clients may have experienced a breach of trust in their traumatic experiences, making it crucial for therapists to prioritize building a secure therapeutic alliance. This includes providing a non-judgmental and empathetic space, actively listening, and validating their experiences.
Establishing safety and trust can help clients feel supported and increase their willingness to engage in the therapeutic process, ultimately facilitating their healing journey.
Self-Care for Therapists
Working with trauma can be emotionally demanding and potentially trigger secondary traumatic stress in therapists. It is vital for new therapists to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and maintain their well-being. Practicing self-care strategies, such as regular supervision, engaging in activities that promote personal growth and relaxation, and seeking support from peers and mentors, can help therapists maintain their emotional resilience and provide effective care for their clients.
Working with trauma requires being trauma informed. Taking an extra training on trauma, especially poly-vagal theory and working with a trauma informed supervisor can help you feel more empowered and stable in your journey to becoming a great therapist.
For me, learning about trauma was a life-changer in my career as a therapist. I felt like a door opened and everything I learned connected. Remember, working with trauma is an ongoing learning process, and seeking additional training and supervision can further enhance therapeutic skills and knowledge in this complex field.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for trauma-specific clinical consultation, check out our Trauma Consultation services and how we can support you in learning more about trauma in your clients.
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Author Bio
Kristen Dammer is a clinical supervisor, therapist, and blogger with Firelight Supervision and Catalyss Counseling. Kristen specializes in trauma, ADHD, and perinatal counseling with adults and is trained in EMDR. Kristen enjoys providing clinical supervision and consultation to beginning to advanced clinicians in private practice, hospital, and agency settings.
