Questions to Ask When Choosing a Trauma Therapist

Finding the right support for your healing journey is a brave and empowering step. But not all therapists are the same, and finding the right one can feel overwhelming especially when you’re already navigating the emotional weight of past experiences. A trauma  and couple therapist in LA do more than listen; they must make you feel safe, validated, and understood while using the right tools to support your healing.

Whether you’re new to therapy or switching providers, asking the right questions can help you find someone who aligns with your needs, values, and goals. Below is a list of essential questions to consider when choosing a trauma therapist, along with explanations to help guide your decision.

1. Do you specialize in trauma therapy?

Not all therapists are trained to work with trauma. Ask directly if the therapist specializes in trauma, and whether they’ve worked with clients with similar experiences to yours (e.g., childhood trauma, abuse, PTSD, complex trauma).

Why this matters: Trauma therapy involves unique methods and a deep understanding of how trauma affects the brain and body. A specialist will know how to pace sessions, avoid retraumatization, and guide your healing safely.

2. What trauma-focused approaches do you use?

Effective trauma therapists typically use one or more evidence-based methods. These include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  
• Somatic Experiencing
  
• Cognitive Processing  Therapy)
  
• Mental and Emotional Release (MER) or Time-Line Therapy (TLT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Ask which of these approaches (or others) they use and whether they’re certified in them.

Why this matters: Understanding their approach helps you gauge whether their method  matches what you’re looking for, whether it’s body-focused work, talk-based modality, or hypnotherapy and guided imagery-based approach. .

3. How do you create a sense of safety in the therapy space?

Healing from trauma requires emotional safety. A good therapist will work to build trust and be attuned to your comfort levels. Ask how they check in during sessions, what they do if you’re overwhelmed, and how they handle emotional triggers.

Why this matters: If you don’t feel safe in therapy, it’s hard to open up. The therapist’s job is to create a space where you can go at your own pace and feel supported,.

4. What is your view on how trauma affects the mind and body?

A trauma-informed therapist will understand that trauma isn’t just psychological it’s also stored in the body. Their perspective on trauma should reflect how it impacts the nervous system, relationships, memory, and physical health.

Why this matters: You want someone who sees your experience holistically, and who is able to help you address the complexity of your experience. 

5. Have you worked with clients who have experienced (your specific trauma)?

While you don’t need to share all your details right away, it’s okay to ask if the therapist has supported people with similar backgrounds such as survivors of abuse, accidents, grief, war, or chronic neglect.

Why this matters: Knowing your therapist has experience with similar stories can make it easier to trust their process and feel understood.

6. How do you handle sessions if I become overwhelmed or dissociate?

It’s common for trauma survivors to feel triggered or disconnected during sessions. A skilled therapist will know how to gently bring you back into the present, help you regulate your emotions, and never shame you for your reactions.

Why this matters: A therapist should have tools to manage intense emotions and be proactive in helping you stay grounded.

7. What should I expect during our first few sessions?

Ask what the first sessions usually look like. Will there be an assessment? Will you spend time discussing history, building rapport  and learning coping skills first?

Why this matters: It’s helpful to know the timeline and what to expect.

8. What is your approach to boundaries, consent, and collaboration?

The therapist-client relationship should feel respectful and collaborative. You can ask if they check in regularly, if they welcome feedback, and how they handle changes in pace or direction.

Why this matters: Trauma can make people feel powerless. Therapy should be a space where your voice matters and your boundaries are respected.

9. Are you culturally sensitive and trauma-informed?

Trauma is deeply personal, and your identity –  culture, race, gender, orientation, and background—shapes how you experience and heal from it. Ask whether they are experienced in working with diverse communities and how they ensure cultural competence in their practice.

Why this matters: Feeling seen and respected for all of who you are is essential in building trust.

10. How do you define progress in trauma therapy?

Trauma healing is not linear. Ask how the therapist tracks progress and what signs of healing they look for. It may be less about “getting over it” and more about increased emotional regulation, better sleep, or improved relationships.

Why this matters: Knowing how your therapist defines success can help align expectations and keep you motivated.

11. What are your fees, and do you offer sliding scale or insurance coverage?

Therapy is a financial commitment, and it’s important to be upfront about costs. Ask about session fees, package options, and whether they accept your insurance or offer reduced rates based on income.

Why this matters: Affordability affects consistency. Feeling financially pressured in therapy can increase stress, so clarity on this upfront helps build trust.

12. What happens if I feel stuck or therapy becomes difficult?

Healing from trauma can bring up strong emotions and temporary setbacks. Ask how the therapist supports clients through those moments and what they do when progress feels slow.

Why this matters: A good therapist won’t push you or label you as resistant. Instead, they’ll meet you with patience, reassurance, and new tools to navigate roadblocks.

13. Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions—or both?

With increasing access to online therapy, ask what formats are available and whether the therapist’s methods translate well to remote sessions.

Why this matters: Flexibility in how and where you meet can make therapy more consistent and comfortable.

14. Can I contact you between sessions if something comes up?

Some therapists offer limited communication between sessions (e.g., by email or secure messaging), while others do not. It’s helpful to know what’s allowed so you can plan your support system accordingly.

Why this matters: Knowing how to reach out—or not—helps avoid confusion and maintains clear boundaries.

 

15. What inspired you to work with trauma survivors?

This question gives you insight into your therapist’s motivation, empathy, and approach. It can build trust and reveal whether they truly understand the depth of this work.

Why this matters: A trauma therapist should be doing this work with care, passion, and respect for your story.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a trauma therapist  Dr Harel Papikian is a deeply personal decision. These questions aren’t just about their credentials—they’re about finding someone who makes you feel seen, supported, and safe. Therapy should be a place where your healing is honored, and where you’re treated as the expert of your own experience.

Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions, interview more than one therapist, or walk away if something doesn’t feel right. The right therapist will not only welcome your curiosity—they’ll see it as a strength.

You deserve to heal with someone who truly understands trauma and knows how to walk beside you with skill and compassion.