Heading into trauma therapy
- Louise Coughlin
- Oct 9, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 4
I sometimes get asked 'when are we going to start the actual therapy?'. It is really important that before we embark on your trauma journey that I understand you; where you have come from, what difficulties you have experienced, who is in your life, what strengths you have. All of this helps me know when you are ready to start the path on working on why you came to see me. If I started on day one going straight into addressing your trauma I am likely to cause you more harm. I need you to feel safe, that might mean developing our relationship or giving you skills to manage how you are feeling in between our sessions. You need to know what you are agreeing to, this needs to be carefully explained so you know what could happen in between sessions. This is why I take my time. It is so you can get the most out of our time together. So my answer to that question is 'when you are ready to start it safely'. I think this picture just says it all.
A good online PTSD test will be based on established criteria like the PCL-5. This ensures the screening is scientifically informed and provides a reliable, though preliminary, assessment of your symptoms.
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can have lasting effects on mental and emotional well-being, sometimes in ways we don't immediately recognize. If you're wondering if past experiences might be impacting you more than you realize, a confidential Online Trauma Test can be a gentle starting point for self-reflection. These tests typically ask about common symptoms associated with trauma, like intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, or changes in mood. It's not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you identify patterns that might suggest seeking support from a mental health professional specializing in trauma would be beneficial. It’s about understanding yourself better and recognizing when professional help could make a difference.