Trauma Care Guide
Trauma Care Guide
Single-Incident Trauma
A one-off event such as an accident, assault or disaster.
Complex Trauma
Long-term experiences, often starting in childhood, such as neglect, abuse or persistent fear.
Vicarious Trauma
The impact of working with or caring for others in distress.
Self Reflection
Which Starting Point Fits You?
What do you want help with right now?
A. Stress, anxiety, burnout or relationship strain. I want a steady space to start.
B. Effects of past experiences such as being on edge, distressing memories or dreams.
C. Long-term or childhood trauma, feeling disconnected or like different parts of me take over. Past help has not gone deep enough.
How intense is it day to day?
A. Manageable. I would like better tools.
B. Noticeable. It affects sleep, work or relationships.
C. Severe. I am often triggered, overwhelmed or not fully present.
Have you done trauma-focused work before?
A. No, I am new to this.
B. Some, and I want to go further.
C. Yes, and I need a specialist who understands complex trauma.
Do you experience spacing out or losing time?
A. Rarely. Mainly stress or anxiety.
B. Sometimes, though I stay oriented.
C. Often, with gaps in time or strong shifts in state.
What do you most need from therapy now?
A. Education, coping skills and a safe base.
B. A structured way to process difficult memories with support.
C. Care that understands complex trauma and dissociation, with careful pacing.
Mostly A?
Start with a trauma-informed therapist.
Focus on safety, understanding patterns, nervous-system regulation and daily coping.
Mostly B?
Work with a trauma-advanced therapist.
Adds structured trauma methods to process what happened at a safe pace.
Mostly C?
Seek a complex trauma specialist.
Skilled in long-term trauma and dissociation, with phase-based, well-contained work.
Choosing an approach that fits you?
A therapy approach, sometimes called a modality, is the way a therapist works.
You do not need to be an expert. Start with what you want help with and how you like to work.
Using the Directory effectively
If you have a question that’s not covered in the FAQ, please email us at info@traumadirectory.org
How do I choose the right therapist in the Directory?
Start by selecting the recommended care level (Informed, Advanced, or Specialist) based on the reflection prompts provided. These levels reflect differences in training depth, scope, and experience. You can then filter by therapeutic approach, location, online or in-person availability, budget, and specific focus areas such as complex trauma or dissociation. If you’re unsure, it’s often better to choose a therapist whose scope clearly matches your needs rather than aiming for the highest level.
What should I look for when reviewing therapist profiles?
Look for clarity rather than labels. Pay attention to the therapist’s scope of practice, the types of presentations they work with, and how they describe their training and supervision. A good profile should help you decide whether this therapist is a realistic fit for your needs.
How do I write an effective first message to a therapist?
You do not need to tell your whole story. A few sentences is enough. You might briefly include: - What you are seeking support for, in broad terms. - Any practical constraints, such as availability, location, or online versus in-person sessions. It is also okay to ask about fit, approach, or experience. A thoughtful response, rather than a rushed one, is often a good sign.
What can I expect in the first few therapy sessions?
Early sessions usually focus on understanding your goals, history, and current stability. In trauma-focused work, this often means prioritising safety and pacing rather than immediate trauma processing. You should feel listened to and not rushed.
What practical details should I know about using the Directory?
The Trauma Directory is a curated listing rather than a referral service. You contact therapists directly and decide whether to proceed. All arrangements, including fees and consent, are made with the therapist. Inclusion in the Directory does not guarantee fit, and thoughtful choice is encouraged.