Vetting Guide
Vetting Procedure
Understanding the Listing & Tier Classification Framework of the Trauma Directory
What You Will Find Inside
The Trauma Directory was created to make trauma care safer and more transparent.
Our vetting process protects both therapy seekers and therapists by confirming verified training, supervision and ethical practice so people can choose with confidence.
Across the world, the term “trauma-informed” is used inconsistently. Our framework sets clear, evidence-based standards that give clients reassurance and offer therapists recognition for verified trauma competence.
The Application Process
The Vetting Process
Professional Licence
Therapists must provide a current registry link, a good-standing letter (≤12 months) or a valid licence, confirming active status with no suspensions or restrictions.
Professional Membership
Active membership with a recognised professional body is required for all. Advanced/Specialist tiers may need extra trauma-related credentials.
Trauma-Specific Training
Certificates must include the training provider, modality, dates and hours. Requirements vary depending on the therapist’s tier placement.
Clinical Experience
Therapists self-attest to caseload, supervision, and clinical experience, which we review against our tier structure. Supervisor confirmation may be requested for clarification.
Additional Checks
When further verification is required:
Two professional references
A proficiency evaluation interview
Upcoming Planned Checks:
Professional indemnity insurance verification
Criminal background check
The Tier Structure
What do the Tier badges mean?
1) Trauma-specific training
A. ~12–24+ hours of trauma-related education (theoretical and applied). Focus on nervous-system regulation, safety, and psychoeducation.
B. 50–99 hours of trauma-specific education, including one structured depth modality (e.g., EMDR, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy).
C. 100+ hours of advanced trauma-specific education across multiple modalities (e.g., EMDR, IFS, SE, Schema Therapy, NARM, Ego State, or Structural Dissociation training).
2) Experience & Caseload
A. Early-career clinicians (1–2 years) with a general caseload. Occasionally work with trauma clients and refer on when complexity exceeds scope.
B. 2-4 years of regular trauma-focused work; trauma forms a significant part of their caseload.
C. 5+ years of clinical work with a predominantly trauma caseload, including CPTSD, dissociative, and developmental trauma presentations.
3) Methods
A. Uses psychoeducation, grounding, stabilisation, and safety tools. Supports clients with trauma impact awareness but avoids reprocessing work.
B. Routinely integrates one trauma modality across diverse presentations. Uses stabilisation, memory reprocessing, and relational repair techniques.
C. Provides multi-modal, depth-oriented trauma treatment; adapts and integrates multiple frameworks to client complexity.
4) Working with complexity/dissociation
A. Recognises red flags, dissociation, or activation; prioritises safety and pacing.
B. Works confidently with complex trauma, attachment disruptions, and somatic presentations under trauma-focused supervision.
C. Routinely treats high-complexity and dissociative clients; demonstrates expert management of safety, pacing, and relational ruptures.
5) Supervision & professional role
A. Engages in general supervision; beginning trauma-specific consultation or mentorship.
B. Receives ongoing trauma-specific supervision (typically monthly) and peer consultation.
C. Engages in or provides trauma-specialist supervision, consultation, or teaching; contributes to the trauma community.
A: Trauma-Informed
Strong foundations and safety-led work; ideal for stabilisation and practical tools.
Recognised for providing safe, trauma-aware support.
B: Trauma Advanced
Deeper training and at least one depth modality; suited for CPTSD-type work.
Recognised for focused trauma therapy and depth-modality practice.
C: Trauma Specialist
Primary focus on complex trauma/dissociation with multi-modal depth practice.
Recognised for advanced trauma-specialist competence in complex presentations.
Not sure which trauma-care level fits?
Every professional in the Directory is reviewed against our standards. Each therapist is vetted and placed as Trauma-Informed, Trauma-Advanced, or Trauma-Specialist to help match your needs to their scope of practice.
Using the Directory effectively
If you have a question that’s not covered in the FAQ, please email us at info@traumadirectory.org