Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTIONS ABOUT TREATMENT LENGTH & FREQUENCY OF THERAPY
How long does Trauma Treatment take?
The length of treatment will vary from one individual to another and will depend on your goals.
Research indicates that it typically takes around 15-20 sessions for 50% of patients to feel some improvements as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.
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0–5 Sessions: Initial assessment and goal setting, building rapport, and finding immediate symptom relief (acute issues)
8–12 Sessions: Targeting goals related to current difficulties, such as mild to moderate anxiety in relationships or situations, identifying patterns that might be contributing
15–20 Sessions: The typical dose for "significant improvement" in 50% of patients according to American Psychological Association (APA) meta-analyses, improvements such as seeing some change in internal dialogue, approach and/or outcomes
20–50+ Sessions: Often required for more complete remission of symptoms or relational patterns that are deep-seated and/or started in early childhood​​​, long-term consistency shows more value for chronic issues​​​
The frequency and duration of therapy is determined by the client's goals and interest in long-term personal growth and change.
Treatment scheduling will be revisited throughout the course of therapy to make sure we’re on track and make any adjustments needed.
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How many trauma therapy appointments will I need?
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A metaregression of 70 studies found that, higher frequency within the first 3 months of treatment shows faster improvement in recovery twice-weekly sessions are associated with faster improvements than once-weekly
Studies suggest that "intensive" formats of treatment delivery can be an effective alternative to standard delivery and contribute to improved treatment response and reduced treatment dropout
Monthly or bi-weekly sessions are typically used as maintenance after longer term treatment. This can provide continued stability and ongoing practice of coping and regulation skills when symptoms are in remission
What factors impact outcomes in trauma therapy?
Severity of Symptoms: Mild cases may resolve in 15-20 weeks, while severe, chronic or reoccurring issues or patterns can require 12 months or longer (see above)
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Type of Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often time-limited and highly structured, providing coping skills and cognitive reframes while psychodynamic therapy focuses on foundational patterns and deep relational practice which can take months to years
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Trauma: Single-incident trauma may be addressed in 8–15 sessions (e.g.,DBR, EMDR, CPT), whereas complex or developmental trauma often requires 2+ years of treatment
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Client Engagement: Actively engaging with therapy outside of sessions such as journaling or practicing skills between sessions, can accelerate results
QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPIST FIT
How do I find the right trauma therapist for me?
Research indicates that finding a good fit is the most critical predictor in successful outcomes, outweighing the specific modality or type of therapy or a particular therapist's credentials.
A good fit involves a combination of factors including feeling safe, heard, and understood, having a collaborative approach to treatment goals, and more practical considerations such as a compatible schedule or fee.
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Scheduling a free consultation call can be a good first step in assessing a good fit.
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How do I find a trauma therapist?
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1. Identify any preferences you have such as:
- therapist's gender, age, cultural or religious background
- cost of therapy or insurance coverage
- specialities or modalities
- in-person or online sessions
- availability
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2. Use a directory to filter your preferences and find potential matches
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Read through their bios and blogs to get a 'vibe' of their approach and to see if they work with people who have similar issues.
Check that they have specific training in an evidence-based trauma processing modality, being a member of professional associations can be a good sign that they are engaged in ongoing professional development
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Create a shortlist of a few therapists and reach out with questions or book a consultation call
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3. Book a consultation call and pay close attention to how you feel during the process
did you feel safe, heard and respected?
did they seem warm, caring and competent?
did they answer my questions and explain things in a way that I understand?
It's normal and encouraged to try out a few different therapists to see who feels like a good fit
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Are there any red flags to look out for when searching for a trauma therapist?
Yes, if you feel unsafe, judged, or worse about yourself after sessions, it may indicate something more concerning is happening in the relationship.
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Some red flags to look out for:
No training or specialization: Therapists doing trauma processing and trauma focused work should have in-depth trauma training that includes consultations and supervision. Therapists should only work within their clinical scope of practice
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Violating boundaries: The therapist exhibits unprofessional or unethical behaviour; exploits the therapeutic relationship for personal benefit, engages in inappropriate physical or verbal contact, breaks confidentiality or does not uphold the boundaries of therapy (ex. engages in dual relationships, acting as a friend or family member, becomes overly involved in your personal life, frequently extending sessions, suggesting meeting in inappropriate places)
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Rushing into processing: safety in the relationship should be established before processing of any kind happens. A qualified trauma therapist will prioritize stabilization, and honour your pace, avoiding any push for premature processing or forced disclosure of details
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Some yellow flags include:
Therapist is Talking Too Much: The therapist talks too much about themselves or offers excessive advice or personal disclosure or engages in excessive small talk
Invalidation: Frequently feeling judged, dismissed, unheard, rushed or guilty for speaking up in therapy can destroy trust, hinder emotional processing, and lead to feeling doubt about their own reality
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Pathologizing your needs: Treating your need to go slow as "resistance" or labeling coping mechanisms (like dissociation, numbness, or anger) as "bad" or "wrong" invalidates personal experiences, fosters shame, shifts focus from external causes to personal failure
Rigidity: While structure is necessary for effective therapy, a "one-size-fits-all" or rigid adherence to a particular modality can hinder progress. Therapy should be tailored to your needs.
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Overly flexible or unclear policies: Frequently late to sessions, unclear or inconsistent cancellation policies or billing processes can break trust and erode safety. Having clear standards of practice and upholding policies provides a safe container for therapy
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A good therapist will address concerns or "ruptures" in the relationship and will encourage your feedback.
If you feel able to do so, try to bring your feelings up in session. ​ If your concerns are dismissed or remain unaddressed it may be time to seek a new provider.
Good therapy should feel safe, respectful, and focused on your goals.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT FORMAL DIAGNOSIS & MEDICATION
Can Registered Psychotherapists give a formal diagnosis?
No, Registered Psychotherapists primarily provide talk-based therapy that is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Psychotherapy can be helpful in processing a formal diagnosis and in the treatment of underlying symptoms
Please see your Family Doctor for specialist referrals or seek out a Psychologist or Psychiatrist for formal diagnosis.
Can Registered Psychotherapists prescribe medication?
No, Registered Psychotherapists primarily provide talk-based therapy that is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Psychotherapy can be helpful in processing navigating medication changes and in the treatment of underlying symptoms
Please see your Family Doctor for medication inquiries or specialist referrals or seek out a Psychiatrist for formal diagnosis and treatment.
Additional resources can be found here