“I often encourage people to go to that first appointment with the clinician, regardless of what they look like,” Dr. Crawford says. If a clinician otherwise looks promising or piques your interest in other ways, then they are likely worth giving a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised, Dr. Crawford says, noting that some people even connect best with a therapist from a different background.
This is also a good time to start a conversation about cultural competency. Dr. Bryant recommends opening the conversation early on with direct questions like, “What are your thoughts about the traumatic impact of racism or oppression?” or, “Have you worked with someone from my background before? How was that experience?” Someone who’s done deep work won’t hesitate to answer these questions freely and thoughtfully.
Finally, you’ll want to learn about how the therapist works, Dr. Crawford says. In addition to some of the points covered earlier, ask direct questions like the following: What trauma-informed approaches are you trained or certified in? How does that treatment work? How would you describe your style of working?Another purpose of the first session is feeling out the dynamic of the therapeutic relationship, Dr. Bryant says.
If you start your trauma treatment search at your primary care doctor’s office, you can ask them about medication, including what side effects you might experience and whether you may need to try various medications before you find the best fit. A therapist is also a great resource here. “You can share some of your ongoing symptoms and get their insights as to whether medications could be helpful,” as well as a psychiatrist referral if you’re interested, Dr. Crawford says.
It’s also entirely understandable if you are feeling nervous or hesitant about medication. “If you prefer not to take medication for whatever reason, let your therapist know so they can provide coping techniques tailored to your personal preferences,” Dr. Crawford adds. “Therapists can provide support to help you navigate your situation without medication.”If you can’t afford one-on-one therapy, consider support groups or.
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