What to Expect From Trauma-Informed Therapy

Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and frightening. You may be wondering what will happen, what will be expected of you, or whether it will feel too much. 

At Blue Butterfly Counselling, therapy is shaped around emotional safety, choice, and respect.

This page is here to help you understand what working together may feel like.

From the very first session, you will be met with warmth, patience, and non judgement. 

You are not required to share anything you are not ready to talk about. 

There is no pressure to “go deep” before you feel safe enough to do so.

Your comfort and safety always comes first.

Trauma informed therapy recognises that healing cannot be rushed. We work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

You will:
• never be pushed to revisit experiences before you are ready
• always have choice about what you share
• be supported if emotions feel overwhelming
• learn grounding and regulation tools alongside exploration

Therapy is collaborative and conversational. 

We talk about what has brought you here, what feels difficult in your life now, and what you would like to change or understand.

Sessions may include:
• exploring emotional patterns and responses
• understanding how past experiences shaped you
• building emotional regulation and grounding skills
• working with self compassion and self worth
• gently processing trauma, grief, or loss when appropriate

There is no script and no expectation to “perform.” You are allowed to arrive exactly as you are and to be your authentic self!  

It is completely normal to feel unsure, nervous, or even resistant about starting therapy. 

Many people worry about being judged, becoming overwhelmed, or opening things they cannot close.

Trauma informed therapy is designed to avoid these experiences. 

You will not be left alone with emotions you cannot manage, and you will never be asked to go where you do not feel safe.

What if I become emotional or cry in therapy?
It is completely natural to feel emotional in therapy, especially when speaking about things that have been held inside for a long time.

I often describe tears in this way:
“Everything needs water to grow, and the tears we cry in therapy are part of the healing process and what helps us to grow.”

You will never be rushed, judged for your emotions, or left alone with feelings that feel too much. Your emotions are welcome here, and I will support you if anything feels overwhelming.

Do I need to have a clear goal?
No. Many clients begin therapy simply knowing they feel stuck, lost, or overwhelmed. We discover your goals together in a collaborative way, guided by what feels most important and meaningful for you.

How long does therapy take?
There is no fixed timeline. Healing is individual. Some people work short term on a specific issue or goal, while others choose longer term support. You may begin with weekly sessions, then move to fortnightly or monthly as things settle. We review this together as we go, and you remain in control of your journey.

Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Many clients find online therapy just as meaningful as in person work, often feeling more comfortable and safe in their own space/home.

If you are looking for trauma informed online counselling and want a therapist who offers warmth, inclusivity, and emotional safety, I would be honoured to support you.

You are welcome to contact me by sending me an email using the contact form below or by sending me a WhatsApp message.

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Therapy is a place where clarity, safety, and understanding can grow over time and we can figure things out together.