Clinical Focus: How to Become a Certified Trauma Therapist

Over the past decade, ‘trauma’ has become a household word, due in large part to the media attention garnered by NYT bestseller The Body Keeps the Score. Past traumas that previous generations may have rarely spoken of are now being discussed openly on social media by people of all ages and from all walks of life.

While every traumatic experience is unique, having been through – or exposed to – a traumatic event is extremely common. One survey found that 89.7 percent of U.S. adults experienced at least one traumatic event, and that exposure to multiple traumatic events was the norm. Another survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that more than two-thirds of children 16 and under report at least one traumatic event. Data from Somatic Experiencing International (SEI) estimates that 60-100% the general population has been exposed to trauma.

Because of the increased awareness of trauma and its impact on mental and physical health, demand for certified trauma therapists is growing, making this the ideal time to seek specialized training in this area. However, it’s not always clear where to begin or what type of training would best equip you to meet your clients’ needs — and fit your schedule and budget.

To get you started, we researched dozens of certification options and found four for you to consider.

The benefits of specializing in trauma-informed care

Trauma-focused therapies include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), certain forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Somatic Experiencing (SE), among other techniques and treatments. Gaining certification in one of these trauma-informed modalities can lead to many benefits for your clients as well as your practice.

Different types of trauma certification

In the crowded landscape of trauma certification, it’s hard to know which programs will be a good clinical fit for you and also help you serve your clients and hone your caseload. With vastly different price points, requirements, time commitments, and curricula, assessing your options can be overwhelming. After combing through dozens of programs, below are 4 top trauma certifications to consider and what makes them stand out.

Clinical Trauma Professional (CTP) Certification

The CTP training offered by the International Trauma Training Institute (ITTI) is one of the most recognized in the field and its relatively low cost makes it more accessible than many other programs. It’s also a program you can complete entirely from home – all course content is downloaded at once and you can work at your own pace (though you must finish within a year). Upon completion of the course, certification is provided by Evergreen Certification.

Why it stands out:

• Provides clinicians with evidence-based protocols for addressing traumatic stress
• Emphasizes therapeutic tools you can implement into your practice immediately
• Focuses on respected, up-to-date interventions including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Bilateral Stimulation for the most positive treatment outcomes
• Includes practices for treating children and adolescents as well as adults

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) Certification

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment protocol for children and adolescents impacted by trauma as well as their families. This well-respected approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with trauma-sensitive interventions. Training is provided by the TF-CBT Therapist Certification Program and eligibility requirements are more extensive than many other certification programs.

Why it stands out:

• Research has found that TF-CBT resolves a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties associated with trauma
• Created specifically for clinicians working with children and adolescents
• Includes follow-up supervision or consultation with experts in TF-CBT or involvement in TF-CBT learning collaboratives or communities to encourage success and sustained implementation

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certification

EMDR, aka Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a trusted and effective treatment for treating complex psychological issues and trauma. Through bilateral stimulation (usually in the form of eye movements), EMDR allows clients to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional power. The highly-regarded EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) offers two levels of training, basic and advanced level, for licensed mental health practitioners who treat adults and children.

Why it stands out:

• EMDR is a proven, effective treatment for PTSD
• Offers a non-verbal approach to trauma treatment and recovery
• Follows a rigorously designed curriculum that is regularly updated to reflect advancements in EMDR
• Provides ongoing support, resources, and consultation opportunities to maintain confidence and success

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Certification

Somatic Experiencing is a body-centered approach to trauma therapy that focuses on the physiological responses to trauma. By helping clients become more aware of their bodily sensations and learn to release trapped emotions, Somatic Experiencing can facilitate deep healing. World-class training and certification is provided by Somatic Experiencing International (SEI) and can be a significant investment.

Why it stands out:

• Offers an alternative to talk therapy, which can help clients who have a difficult time processing trauma verbally
• Offers a framework to help clients break out of fight, flight, or freeze to recover and become more resilient
• Guides clients through a “body first” approach to healing
• Ideal for clients with complex trauma or disassociation

Which Trauma Certification is Right for You?

While each certification program mentioned above offers valuable tools and strategies for healing trauma, it’s important to consider your unique situation when choosing the best option for you.

If helping clients address trauma will be a main focus of your practice, it may be worth investing in a highly-regarded certification that will set you apart as a leading expert, and provide you with the support of a network deeply invested in this care.

If trauma-informed care is an area of interest, but you have other specialties you’d like to lean into, a less costly and time-intensive certification program might make more sense.