Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Counseling

By: Janelle Schlueter, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP

Getting trauma counseling can be scary and overwhelming. Have you wondered what makes counseling for trauma different from ‘regular’ counseling? Well, simply put, a lot. As a therapist who is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I have noted a few frequently asked questions that may help ease some anxiety about seeking counseling for trauma.

Some Questions I Often Hear About Trauma Counseling

Do I need to see a trauma specialist?

If you feel that your trauma is the most significant issue affecting your life then it is recommended you see a therapist who has specialized training in the area of trauma. Keep in mind that all therapists have had some training to help with trauma so you may not need to see a ‘trauma specialist’. I have explained this to clients like this: Picture the medical field. Counselors are like the primary care physician who is familiar with most everything and trauma therapists are for more specified treatment like a cardiologist who specializes in specific issues with the heart. The most important thing to consider when choosing a therapist is that you feel comfortable and heard!

Do I have to talk about my trauma(s)?

As with any counseling, you do not have to do anything! This is especially true with trauma counseling. Trauma counseling is client-led which means you are in charge of how fast paced the treatment goes and what you are comfortable discussing. Also, trauma therapists are trained to help heal from trauma without having you ‘re-live’ your experiences. 

How long will counseling take?

Counseling of any kind is not ‘cookie cutter’. Every client’s treatment plan is unique to their goals and needs. With trauma counseling you can expect to be in weekly counseling sessions for about 4-6 weeks. This time is often used to build skills and learn about how trauma is affecting your life. Typically, around the 4-6 week mark, the therapist and client will discuss progress and possibly go to every other week sessions. By no means is any counseling (specifically trauma counseling) a ‘quick’ process.

If I have trauma, do I have PTSD?

Not necessarily! Everyone has had some form of trauma in their life. Even though everyone has experienced some trauma, not everyone has PTSD. A PTSD diagnosis comes from the client’s inability to heal from the trauma(s) and struggle with long term symptoms that interfere with daily life. There are also other diagnoses for someone struggling with trauma besides PTSD. My hope is that these FAQ’s give you the answers you need to seek help for your trauma. If there are other questions you have about trauma counseling, contact Janelle at the Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch and she will do her best to answer them for you.  If you are struggling with trauma, counseling with a licensed professional can help. 

Begin Trauma Counseling in Katy, TX 

If you are ready heal from trauma, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling for men and women and we do have a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:

1. Contact our office to set up an appointment or to get more information about counseling for trauma.
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists
3. Find ways to improve your self-esteem and boost confidence!

Other Therapy Services We Offer

Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including: counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!