Calming the Fear of Seeing a Trauma Therapist
Knowledge is empowering
Content Warning: This article discusses trauma symptoms and trauma treatment. It is recommended that readers not use any of the techniques in this article without the guidance of a trained mental health professional.
I can’t think of a more vulnerable moment than walking through the door of a therapist’s office for the first time. At least the first time you get a root canal, go skydiving, or give blood you have a general idea of the mechanics of what’s going to happen. And typically after it’s over, it’s over, and you can get on with your day. But beyond Hollywood stereotypes, what really happens in a therapist’s office? And if the reason you’re coming is trauma, how do you know therapy won’t hurt as much as the original experience — let alone continue to hurt well after you leave their office?
As a trauma therapist, the hardest part of my job is knowing that the majority of humanity with a trauma history will never have the opportunity to work with a trauma professional. In addition, many who could, don’t, because of fear of treatment. This is understandable. After all, it’s human to fear what we don’t understand.
Conversely, knowledge is empowering.
