What to Expect from Trauma Therapy in the Bay Area
Thinking about getting Trauma Therapy in the Bay Area?
Living in the Bay Area is tough. Its FAST paced, and you don’t have time to breath and sit down. There is always something to do, somewhere to get to, and people to answer to. Find a therapist, finding time for therapy, and finding the financial resources for therapy is tough. Its expensive, long, and tedious. I mean rent isn’t getting cheaper.
But despite the costs, and time committment, there is no tool more powerful and effective to combatting the stress inducing, hustle, and bustle of Silicon Valley than Trauma Therapy.
WHY?
Because trauma therapy invites us to SLOW DOWN and understand ourselves, what makes us happy, and how we got here. In trauma therapy, you will understand, and free yourselves from the driving forces that make life awful. As a Trauma therapist, I help clients get the most out of their healing process. Here is what to expect when you are starting trauma therapy from a seasoned trauma therapist.
What to expect from your initial consultation with a Trauma Therapist in The Bay Area
In your initial consultation, expect your prospective therapist to ask questions and try to build a relationship with you. Your job is to tell your story, ask questions, and get clarity on therapy. Your therapist’s job is to also ask questions to see if you are a good fit, and to give you clarity on your questions in therapy. If you need questions to ask in therapy, here are a few questions you can ask in a consultation.
A therapist is not there to “sell” you therapy, but rather to connect with you and to see if both of you are a good fit.
Secondly, be expected to talk about onboarding and money. The therapist SHOULD be transparent about pricing, cancellation policies, and fees. You should have a clear next step in how to schedule your appointments, make payments, and get intake documentation.
What to expect from your first session from a Trauma Therapist in the Bay Area
Your first session is really about your new therapist taking time to know you. They may ask you questions such as your family history, how your trauma has impacted you, and your life circumstances. They might also ask more questions about your ideal outcomes in therapy and provide a way for you to get there.
When working with me I try to make sure that we clarify your ideal outcomes in therapy. Basically, what would successful trauma therapy look like in your life? By clarifying in the first session, we have clear goals to work towards. That does not mean that therapy is always straight forwards, but understanding out goals means that we know when to end and can focus on getting to the point.
How long does someone work with a trauma therapist in SF Bay Area
Oh, how long. That’s a good question.
Trauma therapy depending on the modality can be either short-term (think up to 6 months) or long-term (1 year+.) However, I find that deep lasting change often requires good long-term work. A good rule of thumb that I ask for is around a year. That’s because I will take the time to know you and your story at a deep level. And it requires that I work with a client to know their consistent patterns of behavior, thinking, and feelings, that may come up over a year. Often, YOU might FEEL better in the short term but not work on anything. A change in your circumstance, weather, or conflict in remission might cause you to feel relief but it does not equal real change.
Lastly, be clear on your outcomes in therapy. The outcomes of trauma therapy have real-life impacts.
Ask yourself, “What am I hoping to get out of this?” and see what comes up. If you do amazing healing with trauma, what do you notice about your different life. Letting your therapist know what those differences are can help you have a clear ending and outcome to reach in therapy. Trauma therapy does not have to be forever, and knowing your ideal outcomes and goals helps you and your therapist get clarity on when to stop therapy.
Healing with a Bay Area Trauma Therapist
Considering the pace and pressure of life in the Bay Area, it's no wonder that finding the right support for mental health can feel like an added burden. However, the journey towards healing and understanding oneself through trauma therapy is invaluable, especially amidst the relentless hustle of Silicon Valley. Alex Ly, a trauma therapist in the Bay Area, emphasizes the importance of slowing down and engaging deeply with our stories, joys, and challenges during therapy. The initial consultation with a trauma therapist offers a crucial opportunity to establish a connection and outline the therapeutic process, ensuring transparency about costs, schedules, and expectations.
As you seek out a Bay Area trauma therapist, anticipate a collaborative exploration of your history, the impacts of trauma, and your aspirations for healing. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all; it's a tailored process aiming for profound, lasting change. This might mean committing to a year or more of therapy, focusing on understanding your patterns and working towards your desired outcomes. Remember, real change goes beyond short-term relief—it's about achieving the life differences that matter most to you. If you're ready to take this step and are curious about how trauma therapy can make a difference in your life, I invite you to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. Together, we can clarify your goals and embark on a path to meaningful, lasting healing.