Trauma is a difficult topic to discuss. It can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, and may lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. While the effects of trauma can be devastating, it is important to remember that there are people trained to help those affected by trauma. Whether it be a trauma therapist or coach, these professionals require compassion, practice mercy, and genuine affection for those they treat. Here’s why.
It’s no secret that trauma has an immense impact on one’s mental health. Those who have experienced traumatic events often struggle with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health issues. It is also common for them to experience mood swings or difficulty controlling their emotions as a result of their experiences. As such, it is essential that trauma therapists and coaches provide clients with the support they need to cope with their symptoms in order to heal from the traumatic event(s).
Trauma can have a significant impact on one’s emotional and psychological well-being; however, there are ways for individuals to cope with its effects through professional therapy or coaching sessions conducted by compassionate professionals who understand the importance of showing mercy and providing genuine affection during this difficult time in someone’s life. Compassion plays a key role in helping individuals heal from trauma. It allows people to feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment or criticism. As such, a trauma therapist or coach must create a safe and non-judgmental environment for their clients. Demonstrating compassion, mercy, and genuine affection can help to establish trust and build a strong therapeutic alliance. This, in turn, can enable clients to open up and share their experiences, emotions, and thoughts, which is crucial for the therapeutic process. Professional therapists and coaches must exercise attunement while providing their clients with the necessary tools to take control of their lives and move forward with resilience. They must also demonstrate mercy by allowing clients the time they need to make sense of what has happened so that they can begin the healing process. Finally, genuine affection helps create an atmosphere where clients feel safe enough to express themselves without fear or shame.
Moreover, a trauma therapist or coach needs to be able to attune (empathy plus, plus) with their clients and understand their experiences to provide effective treatment. Compassion, mercy, and genuine affection can help therapists and coaches develop a deep understanding of their clients’ needs and experiences. This can allow them to tailor treatment approaches that are best suited to the client’s unique needs and circumstances. Overall, compassion, mercy, and genuine affection are critical qualities for trauma therapists and coaches to possess to provide effective and impactful care for their clients.
Dr. Robert Rhoton, CEO of Arizona Trauma Institute and President at the Trauma Institute International possesses a rich history of experience in the mental health field and works internationally with organizations to improve the delivery of trauma treatment services.
