Why “Trauma-Informed” Isn’t Always Enough: How to Find the Right Help for Healing

If you’ve experienced trauma, you may be searching for the right kind of support — someone who understands what you’ve been through and can help you truly heal. But in today’s landscape of therapy and wellness, it’s easy to get confused by the terminology. One of the most common misunderstandings? The difference between a trauma-informed practitioner and a trauma therapist.

This distinction matters — a lot.

“Trauma-Informed” Doesn’t Mean Trauma-Trained

Being trauma-informed means a practitioner has some awareness of how trauma affects people. They may strive to create safer, more empathetic environments — and that’s valuable. You’ll find trauma-informed practices in schools, hospitals, yoga studios, and even among therapists.

But here’s the key:
Being trauma-informed is not the same as being trained to treat trauma.

Many trauma-informed providers aren’t licensed clinicians. And even some therapists who call themselves trauma-informed haven’t received the advanced clinical training needed to help clients process and resolve trauma.

While their intentions may be good, working with someone unprepared to address trauma directly can lead to:

• Misattunement

• Stalled progress

• Or worse, re-traumatization

What a Trauma Therapist Offers That Trauma-Informed Support Can’t

A qualified trauma therapist brings more than compassion — they bring clinical expertise.

They are trained in specialized, evidence-based methods that address how trauma lives in the body and nervous system. These might include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• IFS (Internal Family Systems)

• Somatic Experiencing

• Trauma-Focused CBT

• And other structured, safe approaches

They also know how to:

• Pace the work appropriately

• Recognize dissociation or nervous system overload

• Work with developmental and complex trauma

• Create containment and safety when emotions feel overwhelming

Think of it this way:
You wouldn’t go to a wellness coach for surgery.
You shouldn’t go to a trauma-informed helper when you need trauma treatment.

How to Tell the Difference

Here’s how to tell if someone is truly qualified to help you heal trauma:

• Check licensure. Look for credentials like LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or Psychologist.

• Ask about training. What specific trauma modalities have they studied and practiced?

• Ask about supervision. Do they receive clinical supervision related to trauma work?

• Be cautious with vague titles. “Coach,” “guide,” “yoga therapist,” or even “trauma-informed therapist” may sound reassuring — but without credentials and training, it may not be what you need.

You Deserve Real Healing

Trauma can affect every part of life — your relationships, your body, your ability to feel safe. But with the right help, healing is possible.

You deserve care that goes beyond awareness and into skilled, structured, transformative healing.

Take your time. Ask questions. A qualified trauma therapist will welcome them and help you feel empowered in the process.

If you’d like to speak to someone trained in trauma recovery, please reach out.