Looking for a trauma therapist in New York can get overwhelming pretty quickly. You search online and find so many therapists who say they work with trauma, but how do you know who actually has the experience you’re looking for? And how do you figure out who you’d feel comfortable talking to about something that might be difficult to put into words?

Maybe you’ve noticed that things from your childhood are still affecting your relationships. You struggle to set boundaries without feeling guilty, find yourself second-guessing your reactions, or notice that certain situations bring up feelings you don’t quite understand. You know you want some help with it, but choosing a therapist can feel like another thing you have to figure out.

Here are five things I’d pay attention to when looking for a trauma therapist.

1. Look Beyond the Word “Trauma” on Their Website

Seeing trauma listed as a specialty is a place to start, but it doesn’t tell you everything about a therapist’s background. Look for information about the types of experiences they’ve worked with, the people they work with, and the training they’ve completed. You can also ask questions if their website leaves you wondering what their experience actually looks like.

You don’t need to find someone who lists every experience you’ve had on their website. What matters is whether they have relevant experience and understand the kinds of difficulties you want help with.

2. Ask About Their Training and How They Work

There are many different trauma-focused trainings, certifications, and therapeutic approaches, so you don’t need to look for one specific credential and assume that’s the only way to find a qualified therapist. What matters is understanding their overall approach, the training behind it, and how they use it in their work with clients.

It’s completely okay to ask, “What kind of training do you have in trauma?” or “How would you typically work with someone who’s struggling with the effects of childhood experiences?” Their answers should give you a better idea of what working together might look like, without leaving you feeling like you need a degree in psychology to understand them.

3. Find Someone Who Understands How Trauma Can Affect You Today

When you think about trauma, you might picture one specific event. For many people, though, the effects show up in everyday life years later. You might have a hard time trusting people, feel responsible for everyone else’s feelings, or struggle to speak up because you’re worried about how someone will react.

As you look for a therapist, consider whether they understand how difficult experiences can affect adulthood, including relationships, boundaries, anxiety, and the way you see yourself. It can be helpful to find someone who has worked with people facing similar difficulties, even if your own story looks different from theirs.

4. Pay Attention to How You Feel Talking With Them

You can find a therapist with the right qualifications on paper and still wonder whether you’ll feel comfortable opening up to them. That’s worth paying attention to, too. Do they listen to your questions? Do you feel respected when you talk? Can they explain their approach without making you feel silly for asking?

A consultation gives you a chance to get a feel for the person before deciding whether to begin therapy. You don’t have to know right away whether they’re the perfect fit, but you should feel comfortable asking questions and deciding what feels right for you.

5. Make Sure the Practical Details Work

Let's be honest, therapy is a commitment of both time and money, so you want to know what you're signing up for. Look into session fees, whether the therapist accepts insurance, how appointments work, and whether they offer virtual sessions if that's what you need.

If you’re looking for virtual therapy in New York, check that the therapist is licensed to work with clients located in New York State. Having clear information about the logistics upfront makes it easier to decide whether moving forward is realistic for you.

Meet Tessa Fellows, LMHC: A Trauma Therapist in New York

If you're looking for a therapist who has dedicated training and professional experience working with trauma, Tessa Fellows is someone to get to know.

Tessa is a New York-licensed mental health counselor with training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and an Advanced Certification in Interdisciplinary Trauma Studies from SUNY Oswego. Her professional experience also includes working with children and adults affected by trauma and abuse, giving her experience with the ways difficult experiences can affect people at different stages of life.

In her work with women, Tessa often supports people who are trying to understand why they feel responsible for everyone around them, why setting a boundary can bring up so much guilt, or why experiences from earlier in life still seem to affect their relationships today. She also works with anxiety, people-pleasing, difficult family dynamics, and life transitions.

You don't have to arrive at therapy knowing exactly how your past connects to what's happening now. You might just know that you're tired of overthinking every conversation, that saying no feels harder than it should, or that you want to understand yourself a little better. Those are things you can begin talking through together.

Tessa offers virtual therapy to adults located throughout New York State. If you're wondering whether her experience and approach might be a good fit, you can start with a free 15-minute consultation.

Want to learn more about working with Tessa? 

Contact Cardinal Hope Mental Health Counseling Services

You can also call 315-401-0569.