PTSD Treatment Options - How to Find a Good Trauma Therapist

When it comes to therapy it’s really good to be an informed consumer. There are hundreds of different types of therapy, and every therapist is different in how they approach issues like PTSD, so whether you’ve never tried therapy before or you’ve worked with other therapists in the past and you want something different, learning about different PTSD treatment modalities can be really helpful.
So first, what is trauma? Trauma is any experience that was overwhelming, threatening, that caused pain, distress, fear to the point where you feel or felt helpless. It can include abuse, assault, witnessing tragedy, it can include frightening medical experiences, near death experiences or a severe loss. When your response to these situations interferes with your life you might receive a diagnosis of PTSD or if the abuse was ongoing for long periods, Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Symptoms include nightmares, feeling tense or anxious all the time, being jumpy, feeling numb or detached, exhausted and depressed, and struggling in relationships, sleep, and work.
While almost all therapists have some skills in treating depression, anxiety and trauma or PTSD- because these are so universal, not all therapists specialize in trauma treatment. That means that most therapists have at least a handful of tools to treat PTSD, but some therapists have a lot of skills, interventions, and resources plus experience to help you out. And that’s not exclusive to trauma, the more specific you can get with your diagnosis, the more specific you can get in finding a therapist who has interventions tailored to your needs.
OK, so what are the trauma treatment options out there and how do you find a therapist who uses them? There’s a gazillion ways to do PTSD treatment, but I’m going to highlight the ways that are research backed, meaning a strong body of consistent evidence that these treatments are effective.

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

[juliegerdman]

I have tried many times to find a therapist that specializes in trauma. They say they do and they really don’t! I have tried so many therapists over the last 10 years and nothing has helped me as much as listening to you! I get a little better every day and have hope for the future! Thank you Emma!

[woutermanders]

If you have anxiety, believe in your healing! I overcame my anxiety by learning and practicing not to fear anxiety. It helped tremendously ❤️

[TherapistReactsOfficial]

As a trauma therapist myself i was interested to see how you were going to handle this one! I tend to use a combination of approaches (I am trained in multiple approaches) tailored to the person's wishes, wants and clinical indication. I think this is a really good overview, I particularly like how you addressed some of the other interventions such as brainspotting without taking anything away from them but pointing out caution of treatments without a rigorous evidence base. I really hope this gives people more confidence in reaching out when they are struggling. Thanks Emma.

[sharonr]

I've done CBT, ACT, DBT and EMDR. I could have not done the EMDR without doing the CBT work first, as it created a foundation to build on. EMDR has helped me tremendously but it is hard work and its not for everyone. Many blessings to those on the healing path!!

[TCS_Aquatics]

I’ve said it before, but you are such a blessing for sharing your passion and knowledge. Thank you so much 🙏

[CalicoCooperFan]

My therapist used EMDR. It's improved me by about 80%. I still have work to do, but it was very helpful.

[mjgenualdi]

Just now - I was listening to your description of exposure therapy (talking and talking and talking about a trauma) - it made me physically nausea. I don't know that I have ever been that in tune to my body to recognize a reaction that quickly. Emma, your previous classes have really helped me to get to this point. Thank you!

[flyingcheff]

Love that you're addressing this. I was one who asked this question, so it's especially nice to feel heard and get that vital info. I live in an area (Maui, Hawaii) where you can't swing a dead cat without finding some (real?) therapist or another hippy-dippy- feel good, 'energy worker'/massage therapist on the side that doesn't even touch you, etc.; "tell me all about it, and see you next week for another 42 minute hour" (and only take cash). Exhausting trying to find even a licensed one that takes it seriously (not just an easy way to facilitate billing). I know, I sound so cynical, but its real. And the only 2 seemingly professional therapists here both "only take adolescents and are not taking new patients". I need more than hot baths, affirmations, and smudging for real actual, documented (I recorded 7 individual horrific medical Dr. malpractice events) trauma care. I'm too whomped right now to go and file complaints, and submit the transcriptions as evidence. I'm trying to get able to go outside into the world again; be functional. So, yes, this info is great. Now, will I be able to find help....here? That remains to be seen. Thank you for you.

[ELP]

I'm struggling right now because I found a therapist, but she informed me that if I disclose anything to her about childhood abuse, she is legally required to report it to child protective services, even though I am an adult now and it happened 30 years ago. I don't want to be involved in any kind of legal situation, so now I am not comfortable talking about it to the therapist.

[goodegirl]

I just found your channel Emma and what a blessing!! My son Nicolas, my husband and I were all diagnosed with COVID in October. Nick is also Autistic. Hubby and I were sick I spent one night in hospital. However, poor Nick didn't. He was taken 120 miles from our home to a trauma center and we all had to stay separated from each other due to the virus. It was the longest 6 weeks of my life. They sedated Nick and his condition worsened too the point of being put on a ventilator and the had to install a feeding tube. Her was under sedation until a few days before Thanksgiving. Then when he woke up imagine how he felt. Hooked up too all these tubes and strapped to the bed due to his autism. The Drs were afraid he would try to pull out the ventilator or other tubes that were helping him fight for his life. We had just lost our oldest daughter too a heroine overdose the previous October and we were all consumed with grief. I'm so worried about Nicholas. He fought and he fought hard and I'm so blessed to tell you that he made it!!🥰🥰🥰💓😊. He spent from October 6th until February 16 in hospitals. The last hospital was a rehab center to help with what he endured physically from the lack of walking he lost 100 pounds and he was so happy to enjoy his first Taco Bell burrito lol lol. I'm trying to find him a therapist and I've interviewed two and let's just say.... Not very impressive. Lol I'm so thankful to of found your channel. I've been watching your videos and have learned so much!! I don't know how you thank you for sharing your talent and education with us all it's such a blessing. Thank you so much. I've just begun I have some catching up to do and more videos to watch any advise to my situation for my son would be greatly appreciated. He is special needs and most just don't understand?? Any suggestions??

[Markhoca]

Hi Emma

Just wanted to pass on something to you that I think you’ll appreciate.

Over a year ago I guess, I came across your channel, watched a few vids and subscribed. Since then, I’ve been watching the notifications and, in the beginning, watched a few of the videos. Bear with me, I trust it’s good news.

I don’t know exactly how it happened, but I must have got such a good vibe from your sincere, warm, and caring manner that it extends to the regular notifications.

Just seeing your face on the thumbnail is enough to remind me about you; that there is a person who cares about others and this brightens my day.

It’s so simple it’s ridiculous.

Imagine if you could bottle it!

Keep doing what you’re doing and I sincerely wish you and your family (new and existing) all the best.

M 🤗👏🙏🏻

[fembot]

I have had 3 therapists and they were all very expensive and completely unhelpful. I have given up! I worked with a guy with multiple PhDs and he was so apathetic and although we did CBT he never addressed the actual event that caused my PTSD. He also talked non stop the whole hour long session about nothing.

[megangraham]

I am also a therapist and highly recommend Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). It branched off of EMDR and is just as effective but quicker.

[abellexoxo]

As someone who's been looking for a new therapist for a few months with little success, after my prior therapist's employer pulled out of our state, this video is SO HELPFUL! Thank you! 🖤

[VueN]

I just want to say thank you. I feel that your videos are encouraging hope in me and putting my mind at ease. I’ve been continuously listening and watching your videos to help me get through the tough times. Please do not ever stop making these videos!

[terrapreta]

You mention PTSD and complex PTSD but what about dissociative disorders? It is a reaction to trauma that is much more entrenched; any plans to do a video specifically on dissociative disorders? I would love to see that - also because they are SO misunderstood.

[leafire]

With the emergence of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, lots of individuals suffering from ptsd and complex trauma have actually found it to be a lot more effective than CBT. As someone healing my traumatized parts, I do tend to agree that the top down approach of CBT to break cognitive thought patterns often deems ineffective against intense emotional flashbacks that are frozen in time. At worst, CBT can feel invalidating and gaslighty to those parts of you. At best, it can help you minimize those parts and develop better methods to suppress their maladaptive protective outbursts.

As someone who has blended severely with parts of myself that were extremely self hating in order to protect myself from putting myself out there due to a deep mistrust of other people, I can tell you that cognitively telling me that hating myself was wrong wouldn't do anything to prevent that part of me from doing that. These parts adapted for a reason, and trying to change them cognitively without understanding the root of what it was trying to protect you from can be shockingly insulting and ineffective

[gisellethornhill]

I am 50 years old and I just realized that I have been trapped in my past for 39 years, I have been through alot of Trauma, as well as other issues I have had. I purchased a book that my Mental Health Specialist and Access 24/7 had told me to read, as I was reading it, I also started journalling, at a certain point when I seen myself in the characters. This has me understand "me" more. I watch these videos every morning, and the more I watch and do the homework the more things are making sense to me.
Last year I hit my all time low, I was employed with a great Company for 9 years, just around my 10year anniversary, I could no longer function, in pain all of the time, couldnt concentrate, very depressed, stuggling to do my job, stressed and all I did was go from work and home is all I have done for the last 10 years + as far as I can remeber and could not understand anything, and then finally stopped eating. I was put on dissability and medication and then for 8 months all I did was lay on my couch waiting to die, did nothing, spoke to noone and just took pills and was a shell. After reading the book and coming to the realization on where I was in life and watching these videos, I know now what has been wrong with me for many years. Now it is time to start my healing process and these videos are really helping figure stuff out. Thank you so much Emma.

[seinfeldfan]

I find sitting down and zoning out for a few hours eases truma, emma you have a great voice

[aligator]

Thank you Emma! I suffer from childhood trauma and PTSD and looking for someone I can talk to.