What Does Trauma Counseling Involve? Your Guide to Trauma-Informed Care with Fortis

Life can present us with deeply distressing experiences. Every day, we hear about individuals facing trauma—whether through natural disasters, domestic violence, abuse, community violence, accidents, childhood trauma, witnessing death, among other experiences.

The sheer volume and intensity of these events can be overwhelming, and it’s likely that you have encountered some form of trauma in your own life. You might be wondering how to move forward or if healing is even possible.

While it’s natural to feel uncertain, trauma counseling can be a vital tool in your recovery process. If you’ve never sought therapy before, the idea of starting can seem daunting.

In this blog, we’ll explore what trauma counseling/therapy involves, so you can approach your healing journey with greater confidence and understanding.

Relationship and Trauma Therapy in Olathe, KS

The first, and arguably most important, part of trauma therapy is building the therapeutic relationship.

Your experiences may have led to difficulties in trusting others, feeling unsafe, or being overwhelmed by the idea of someone caring for you. These reactions are completely normal but can make receiving care challenging.

Trauma therapists in Olathe, KS understand that it may take time to establish a trusting and safe relationship with clients who have experienced trauma.

Without a strong therapeutic bond, it can be difficult for clients to express their feelings, share their experiences, and be authentic. Therefore, developing a solid therapeutic relationship is essential in addressing trauma.

Share Your Experience with a Trauma Therapist in Overland Park, KS

Once you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist, you may begin to open up about your traumatic experiences.

During this process, your therapist will guide you in recalling these experiences to help you identify, experience, and process the emotions, thoughts, and sensations associated with the trauma, all while maintaining mental safety.

Psychoeducation of Complex Trauma

Another dimension of trauma counseling is psychoeducation.

Psychoeducation is a therapeutic intervention that teaches clients about a variety of mental health topics such as diagnoses, theoretical approaches, treatments, and physical implications.

It can help you understand the reasons behind your reactions and emotions by providing scientific insights into why you experience things the way you do.

Because of this, psychoeducation is very important and valuable in trauma counseling. This understanding can foster self-compassion and create a new perspective on your traumatic experiences, facilitating growth and healing.

Keep in mind that children are impacted by trauma too. Psychoeducation can be helpful for parents of children who have experienced trauma and are receiving play therapy and trauma treatment.

Addressing Current Symptoms of Complex Trauma in Olathe, KS

Even after discussing the trauma with your therapist, you might still experience symptoms or implications of trauma in your daily life, even long after the event has ended.

This is normal and expected for individuals who have faced traumatic events. Trauma counseling involves exploring how these experiences affect your current life, including relational difficulties, mistrust, or sporadic panic and fear.

Your therapist will use trauma-informed interventions and approaches to address these ongoing symptoms.

Building Skills and Tools in Trauma Therapy in Olathe, KS

Another critical component of trauma counseling is developing skills, tools, and resilience to manage future emotional, physical, or mental challenges.

Unfortunately, it would be unrealistic to claim that life does not present ongoing struggles.

Because of this, an important part of trauma therapy is the building of a variety of skills and tools that we can continue to utilize throughout our lives as challenges present themselves.

As therapists, it is our goal to provide you the care and tools you need to continue walking through life independently and confidently. 

Continued Success with a Trauma Therapist in Overland Park, KS

Trauma counseling will vary depending on your needs; it may involve Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, Narrative Therapy, or many other approaches.

But, each of the elements discussed above is likely to be present in some form.

It’s important to recognize that healing from trauma is an ongoing journey requiring vulnerability, authenticity, and continuous practice. This journey may seem daunting, but I like to think that it also highlights the life that continues on even in the midst of such challenging things.

Entering the world of therapy can be intimidating, regardless of your past experiences.

At Fortis, I consider it a privilege to learn about you and your stories on such an intimate level. You are not alone, and effective treatments are available to support your exploration and healing from trauma.

About the Author ~ Ella Nordell-Morris

Ella Nordell-Morris is a dedicated counselor with a deep passion for empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

She tailors her therapeutic approach to the unique needs of each client, with a focus on anxiety management, grief counseling, and teen therapy.

By combining evidence-based practices with a compassionate understanding of emotional well-being, Ella guides her clients in confidently navigating their wellness journeys.

Through her work at Fortis, she inspires others to embrace positive lifestyle changes and cultivate resilience, leaving a lasting impact on their overall health and happiness.

Fortis Offers Additional Therapy Services Offered at our Counseling Centers in Liberty, MO & Olathe, Ottawa, Leavenworth, Overland Park, KS

At FORTIS, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments designed to guide you toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. Understanding that every individual's journey is unique, we tailor our services to fit your personal needs. With counseling offices in Leavenworth, Olathe, Ottawa, Overland Park, KS, and Liberty, MO, our mental health services are available to support your well-being and help you thrive.

Our specialized care addresses anxiety, depression, and trauma, using proven approaches like Brainspotting, DBT Therapy, and EMDR. We also provide couples and marriage therapy, with dedicated support for children, first responders, veterans, and families. Additional services include Play Therapy, Somatic Experiencing Therapy, Teen Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Reach out to us today to begin your path to healing and personal growth.