What to expect for trauma services from a therapist in Denver, CO?
If you googled trauma therapists in Denver, you probably came up with 100’s of listings. You asked around; talked to friends and your primary care physician. So, now you found a trauma therapist in Denver that seems qualified and nice enough.
You probably have a ton of questions- that is completely normal.
When you need information you can ask for it! The main ethical guideline for all healthcare providers is “do no harm.” Be sure to ask questions when you feel confused or doubtful about things. Keep talking! Many therapists/counselors will be available for a free 15 minute consult. Some write blogs where you can search for answers, or look at their FAQs page.
Do I need treatment for trauma or PTSD?
Your mental health professional will do some assessments about your symptoms. This helps with deciding what to treat. You will work together to come up with a treatment plan; your goals and objectives. This allows your therapist refer back and talk about your outcomes; whether treatment is working or they need to try something different. You’ll know in concrete ways if you’re making any progress.
Do I need EMDR and what is it?
EMDR allows you to talk through the trauma and do something about it in regards to your body and brain. In EMDR you are reconnecting your right and left brain wiring with a safe person, in a safe place . There are therapists certified in EMDR. I use a protocol using EMDR, tapping (EFT), combined with prayer and forgiveness. For more information look here https://www.splankna.com/.
What if I don’t remember or know what the trauma is?
Trauma could be falling out of the top bunk when you were 5; an incident with a boss or coworker; it could be a fire/hurricane; or a world event such as a pandemic or war. It’s ok, you don’t need to remember. God knows and we are partnering with HimWe simply clear out the negative emotions stored in your body that surround the trauma and move through the process. You can feel relief in as quickly as 1-3 sessions.
A few glasses of wine or beer every night, or smoking a joint work; who needs counseling?
Maybe you have coped with your trauma by abusing a substance, medication or alcohol. Now you can’t stop; you want some help with that. You can get more specialized help from a Llicensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
The LAC will provide master’s level counseling which means they’ve gone to school two to three more years beyond college; have had at least 3000 hours of supervision; taken the required post-grad classes; and passed an exam (MAC) administered by NADAAC.
Book knowledge is not everything, knowing the health system is extremely helpful. This is knowledge that can be gained by the therapist’s and your experience.
The trauma therapist’s knowledge of ethical standards and adhering to them is another thing. The advantage of more education and training is having more skills/tools at hand and hopefully a higher level of work and supervision experiences plus access to more resources.
If you are still feeling stuck, . . .
feel free to call me at (303)524-0262 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with previous trauma, you can read more about how I can help here. You can also book an appointment for your consult here or you can contact me.
