How Outpatient Psychotherapists Deal with Patients' Traumatic Experiences in Consideration of an Additional Qualification in Trauma Therapy

Abstract

Investigation of the differences in dealing with traumatic experiences of patients between psychotherapists with and without further training in trauma therapy or partial qualification. Online survey of outpatient psychotherapists (N = 148) on possible obstacles in addressing traumatic experiences of patients and self-reported professional practice. Further training in trauma therapy is associated with a higher level of competence in professional practice and fewer obstacles in addressing traumatic experiences. A lower level of competence among psychotherapists without further training in trauma therapy speaks for the need for compulsory trainings. The expansion of low-threshold treatment offers for those affected by traumatic experiences and the dismantling of access barriers is urgently needed.