What Does Trauma-Informed Counselling Actually Mean?
You’ve probably heard the phrase trauma-informed used in therapy circles — but what does it actually mean for you as some one accessing counselling with Mollie? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, dismissed, or misunderstood in past therapy experiences, this post is for you.
Let’s explore what trauma-informed counselling really is, how it feels in the room, and why it might be the gentle, steady kind of support you’ve been looking for.
Trauma-Informed Isn’t a Technique — It’s a Philosophy of Care
Being trauma-informed doesn’t mean your counsellor is going to ask you to talk about your trauma. It doesn’t even mean you need to identify as someone who has experienced trauma.
It means your therapist understands that trauma — whether big, small, named or unnamed — shapes how we relate to the world, ourselves, and others. It also means your therapist is committed to working in ways that don’t retraumatise you, and instead support your sense of safety, choice, and agency.
What It Can Feel Like in the Therapy Room
Trauma-informed counselling is:
Paced gently. You won’t be rushed to tell your story or pushed to go where you’re not ready.
Consent-based. You’ll always be asked before exploring something deeper or trying a new technique.
Collaborative. You and your therapist are a team — not expert and patient.
Regulating. Your nervous system is honoured, not overridden.
You might cry. You might sit in silence. You might just talk about what’s been hard this week — and that’s enough. The focus is on building a sense of safety, not achieving emotional breakthroughs on demand.
Who Benefits from Trauma-Informed Therapy?
Anyone can benefit — but especially if you:
Have felt unsafe or overwhelmed in past therapy experiences
Are neurodivergent, sensitive, or easily overstimulated
Have experienced grief, burnout, or emotional trauma (even if you’ve never named it that way)
Struggle with trust, boundaries, or emotional regulation
You don’t need a diagnosis or a crisis to belong in this space.
What to Look for When Seeking Trauma-Informed Support
If you’re looking for a therapist who practices in this way, here are a few things to look out for:
Do they talk about collaboration and consent?
Do they mention pacing, nervous system support, or emotional safety?
Do they create spaces that welcome silence, sensory needs, and different communication styles?
You can also ask questions in a discovery call like:
How do you approach safety and consent in your work?
What might a session look like if I’m feeling overwhelmed or shut down?
Trauma-informed counselling isn’t about diving into the hardest parts of your story — it’s about being met, exactly as you are, and invited to go gently.
If this sounds like the kind of support you’ve been looking for, you’re welcome to reach out.