Trauma Support Directory - What to ask when engaging with practitioners

This is about you and what you need.

Sometimes it is hard to face a list of ‘help’ and not be overwhelmed with who is going to be the best support you need. This is about you and how you imagine what that support looks and feels like.

When using the directory, there are some questions to guide you to understand what support you might be looking for and which clinicians you will choose to support you with your healing.

This is your choice, this is about you and understanding your own needs.

Click on the below questions to explore questions that may guide you to the best option for your support needs.

What type of support do I require?

What keeps me safe? - a large service, a homelier space, being allowed to stand and walk around, flexibility in timing and length of sessions
What spaces do I find uncomfortable? – multiuse spaces with lots of people, a high rise city space, traditional therapy spaces
Where can I go if it all gets too much? – do they have a space, am I allowed to take a break, what are there rules around leaving a session

Who can provide me with support?

How do I communicate my needs? – do they contact me before appointment, do I have to fill out forms, what language do they use to describe trauma informed care
How long do I want the sessions to be? – are the sessions limited in time and frequency
Do I prefer a practitioner of a specific gender for support?
Can I ask questions? – how they describe the work they have done before, does this allow me to ask questions

Where can I find the support?

Will I have to wait a long time before my appointment?
Can I leave if I want to?
What has helped in the past? – does this support sound the same as what I have found helpful in the past
Do I have a preferred location? – city, outside of my community, locally for ease of travel
What happens if I don’t turn up to an appointment? – is this clear to me

Why should I get support?

What do they know about my experience? – what language do they use to show me they understand trauma; do they offer any insight into themselves and who they are
Have they worked with survivors before? – what experience have they had, does that matter to me
How do they define their work? – does the language they use make me feel safe and that I can trust them

FIND A PRACTITIONER

You can find health professionals who can provide support for people affected by institutional child sexual abuse.

PRACTITIONERS

If you are a trauma-informed mental health professional, you can apply to be on the Trauma Support Provider Directory.

MORE INFORMATION

QUICKLINKS

Finding Support

More information and resources

National Redress Scheme Official Website