The Top 5 Myths about Trauma Therapy NJ

Therapy can seem scary, sitting in a room with a stranger talking about your most intimate problems, fear of judgment, and maybe even feel shame about some things you have done.  Living in a small New Jersey town seeking therapy services can seem daunting.  The last thing you want is to run into your therapist at the local grocery store or feel like everyone in town will know your personal business.

The reality is small town therapists in Sewell, NJ can provide a personal touch. Most of us aren’t overwhelmed with large caseloads like larger scale therapy offices and just because our office is in town doesn’t mean we live there.  As therapists, we know the importance of confidentiality, as our business relies on it as well as our license to practice.  As professionals, we know how hard it is to muster up the courage to seek therapy and how clients are seeking an environment where they can speak to a neutral person without judgment.  There are many myths about therapy overall. This article will share the Top 5 Myths about Trauma Therapy in Sewell, NJ.

Myth #1 about Trauma Therapy NJ

Trauma therapy is scary.  The truth is it doesn’t have to be.  Trauma therapy is not just about your trauma.  It usually starts with building a relationship with your therapist. This is very important because, in order to share and do meaningful work, a therapeutic relationship is key.  Studies have shown that therapeutic relationships between the therapist and client are key to progress in treatment.  Trauma therapy usually doesn’t start with working on your trauma directly.  You focus on gaining knowledge of coping skills, self-care, and managing your emotions.  When you’re ready, you work on your trauma.  This all depends on you and your level of readiness to process trauma.  

Myth #2 about Trauma Therapy NJ

Trauma takes a long time to process and you will be in therapy for years before making any progress.  Everyone works at their own pace and readiness.  Some people already have coping skills, stability in their lives, and come to treatment ready to process their past trauma.  Others may come to therapy with difficulties in managing their depressed and anxious mood, have challenges managing their lives, and aren’t ready to discuss or process trauma.  There are some people that are in between the two.  The truth is trauma looks different in each person, is experienced differently, and everyone has their own perception as to what they deem as trauma.  You can’t put a time limit or constraint on trauma therapy.  The duration of time is based on the individual’s circumstances and readiness to engage in treatment. Some people can process trauma in just a few sessions, others months, and some years. 

Myth #3 about Trauma Therapy NJ

Trauma therapy must be done in person in a therapy office.  I have been practicing therapy for 18 years and have done therapy in a host of places.  Presently, I provide trauma therapy on a secure online portal via online video counseling.  I work with many patients via online video counseling and they do just as well as in-person sessions.  In fact, some people feel comfortable in their personal space discussing their trauma. 

Myth #4 about Trauma Therapy NJ

Small towns like Sewell, NJ don’t offer specialty counseling like trauma therapy.  Seek and you may find.  It’s important to research the type of specialists that you’re seeking, ask your medical doctor, or other related service providers in your community for recommendations.  They may be able to provide a referral for the type of specialist you need.  You may be able to find the type of specialist you need in your county or nearby town.  Small towns do provide specialty services as well.

Myth #5 about Trauma Therapy NJ

You just sit or lay on a couch and talk your heart out.  Well, that may work with some therapists, but it’s mostly how therapy is portrayed on tv.  In order to progress in treatment, you have to be committed to change, put the effort in, and use the tools provided in order to progress.  Yes, there’s going to be some processing, but there’s also going to be encouragement, coping skills, self-care tools, and you will need to be ready to grow and move forward. 

There are many myths about trauma therapy NJ. I hope this article was able to dispel some of those myths and encourage you to get the help you need to find the right therapist in NJ that will suit your needs. If you’re feeling stuck, feel free to give me a call at 856.441.5216. I will be happy to assist you and help direct you to the right person. If you’re looking for help with trauma therapy, managing depression or anxiety, you can read more about how I can help here.