Trauma-Informed vs. Trauma Therapist: Understanding the Difference to Find the Right Support
Not all therapists approach trauma the same way, and that difference matters when you're searching for the right kind of help. Maybe you've been through something painful—a loss, an accident, a toxic relationship, or something you can’t quite put into words but still feel every day. You’re ready for support, but how do you know if you need a trauma-informed therapist or a trauma therapist?
What is Trauma, Really?
Trauma isn’t just about what happened to you—it’s about how your mind and body experienced it. Two people can go through the same event, yet only one may process it as trauma. That’s because trauma is deeply personal, shaped by factors like past experiences, coping mechanisms, and emotional support systems. It can be subtle, insidious, or outright destructive, affecting your mental, physical, and emotional well-being long after the event has passed.
For some, trauma looks like intrusive thoughts, avoidance, or intense emotional responses. For others, it shows up as numbness, chronic anxiety, or feeling disconnected from life and relationships. Whatever it looks like for you—it’s valid.
What is a Trauma-Informed Therapist?
A trauma-informed therapist understands the impact of trauma and approaches therapy with that awareness. They don’t necessarily specialize in treating trauma itself, but they ensure that their approach is safe, validating, and non-retraumatizing. Their goal is to make sure you feel supported, not judged, and that therapy doesn’t cause further harm.
A trauma-informed therapist:
✅ Recognizes that trauma impacts thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
✅ Creates a space that feels safe and empowering
✅ Works from the belief that your struggles stem from what happened to you, not what’s “wrong” with you
✅ Helps you regulate emotions and build coping strategies without forcing you to relive past experiences
A trauma-informed approach is crucial for anyone working with clients who have experienced trauma, but it is not the same as trauma treatment.
What is a Trauma Therapist?
A trauma therapist specializes in treating trauma. They have advanced training in trauma-specific methods, such as:
🔹 EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – A structured therapy that helps process traumatic memories
🔹 Somatic Therapy – Focuses on how trauma is stored in the body and helps release it
🔹 Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Helps process trauma by working with different "parts" of yourself
🔹 Prolonged Exposure Therapy – Designed to help those with PTSD face and process trauma safely
A trauma therapist goes beyond understanding trauma—they actively treat it. If your trauma is deeply affecting your daily life, relationships, or self-perception, working with a trauma therapist might be the best path forward.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between a trauma-informed therapist and a trauma therapist depends on where you are in your healing journey:
If you want a therapist who understands trauma but doesn’t necessarily specialize in treating it, a trauma-informed therapist might be the right fit.
If you’re dealing with severe trauma symptoms, PTSD, or unresolved trauma that keeps resurfacing, a trauma therapist can provide specialized care.
The Bottom Line
All therapy should be trauma-sensitive, but not every therapist is equipped to treat trauma directly. Knowing the difference can help you find the right support for your healing journey.
At our clinic, all our therapists are trauma-informed, and some are trained trauma specialists. Whether you’re looking for a safe space to process emotions or deep trauma treatment, we’re here to support you in the way you need.
