The Alarming Truth About Therapist Training in Trauma and Marriage Counseling

Many people seek therapy to heal from trauma or to improve their marriage, expecting skilled professionals to guide them through difficult emotions and conflicts. Yet, a surprising number of therapists enter these fields without adequate training in trauma or marriage counseling, if any. This gap in education can leave clients vulnerable and limit the effectiveness of therapy. One very common, licensed therapy master's degree offers only one class in therapy at all!

Imagine if doctors were allowed to make false claims, such as a surgeon claiming to be a psychiatrist, or a cardiologist claiming to be a radiologist, a surgeon, and a women's health specialist. This sort of deception is 100% legal in the therapy world.

Understanding the reality behind therapist training is crucial for anyone considering therapy. This post explores why so few therapists have specialized training in trauma or marriage counseling, the risks this poses, and how clients can find better support.

Why Therapist Training Often Falls Short

Therapist education varies widely depending on the program and licensing requirements. Most therapists complete general counseling or psychology degrees, but specialized training in trauma or marriage therapy is often optional or minimal--or nonexistent.

Most graduate programs do not offer a single course on trauma or couples therapy. Licensing boards typically require broad clinical hours but do not mandate focused experience in these areas. As a result, therapists may graduate with little hands-on practice or theoretical knowledge specific to trauma or relationship dynamics.

This lack of specialization means therapists might not recognize complex trauma symptoms or understand the unique challenges couples face. For example, trauma therapy requires knowledge of how trauma affects brain function, emotional regulation, and trust-building. Marriage counseling demands skills in communication patterns, conflict resolution, and emotional intimacy. You can't "wing it" as a therapist, and may do a lot of damage if you do.

The Risks of Seeing a Therapist Without Specialized Training

When therapists lack proper training, clients may experience several problems:

• Misdiagnosis or missed trauma: Without trauma-specific knowledge, therapists might overlook trauma triggers or symptoms, leading to ineffective treatment.

  
  

• Ineffective marriage counseling: Therapists unfamiliar with relationship dynamics may fail to address core issues, leaving couples stuck or worsening conflicts.

  
  

• Re-traumatization: Poorly trained therapists might unintentionally cause harm by pushing clients too fast or using inappropriate techniques.

  
  

• Loss of trust: Clients may feel misunderstood or unsupported, which can damage the therapeutic relationship and discourage further help-seeking.

  
  

For example, a client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might see a therapist who focuses only on anxiety symptoms or feelings of worthlessness, without addressing the trauma’s root in childhood. When this is done (if the client is not retraumatized in therapy), an apparent improvement in trauma symptoms can be followed by a crash where symptoms are worse than ever. Similarly, a couple might attend sessions where the therapist lacks tools to manage communication breakdowns, resulting in frustration and no progress. Research shows that "solving problems" does not save marriages--learning new skills does, and therapists have to know the research on these skills, and how to coach couples through them.

What Proper Training in Trauma and Marriage Counseling Looks Like

Therapists with specialized training, usually complete additional coursework, workshops, or certifications focused on trauma or couples therapy. This training covers:

• Trauma-informed care principles: Understanding trauma’s impact on the brain and body, safety planning, and pacing therapy.

  
  

• Evidence-based trauma therapies: Techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or Somatic Experiencing.

  
  

• Couples therapy models: Approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, or Imago Relationship Therapy.

  
  

• Practical experience: Supervised clinical hours working specifically with trauma survivors or couples.

  
  

Therapists with this background can tailor treatment to client needs, recognize trauma responses, and help couples rebuild trust and communication effectively.

Trainings can be fake: How to Find a Therapist with the Right Training

Clients can take several steps to ensure their therapist has the appropriate expertise:

• Ask about training and experience: Inquire if the therapist has specific education or certifications in trauma or marriage counseling. For instance, does your EMDR therapist have an EMDRIA-Approved training? If not, what they are doing is likely not even EMDR. Likewise, does your marriage therapist have an MFT degree, or advanced training in a research-proven therapy like Gottman Method or Emotionally-Focused Couples' Therapy?

  
  

• Check professional directories: Some organizations list certified trauma therapists or couples counselors, such as EMDRIA.org or AAMFT.org.

  
  

• Request a consultation: Many therapists offer initial sessions to discuss their approach and see if it fits your needs.

  
  

• Look for evidence-based approaches: Therapists who use proven methods often mention them on their websites or during consultations.

  
  

• Therapists often exaggerate their abilities when advertising: Therapy is a hard business. Many therapists puff up their training or even lie outright on their websites, or sites like psychologytoday.com. Look out for therapists who claim to specialize in many different areas.

For example, if you are seeking trauma therapy, ask if the therapist is trained in EMDR or trauma-focused CBT (although the latter is only useful for single-event trauma, not complex cases). For marriage counseling, as mentioned, ask about experience with couples therapy models like EFT or the Gottman Method.

Why Clients Should Advocate for Their Needs

Therapy is a collaborative process, and clients have the right to expect competent care. If a therapist does not seem knowledgeable about trauma or relationship issues, it is okay to seek someone else. Advocating for specialized training can improve therapy outcomes and prevent harm.

Clients can also educate themselves about trauma and marriage counseling to better understand what to expect. This knowledge helps identify when therapy is on the right track or when adjustments are needed.

The Bigger Picture: Improving Therapist Training Standards

The shortage of well-trained trauma and marriage therapists points to a need for changes in education and licensing. Graduate programs and licensing boards could require more focused training and supervised experience in these areas.

Professional organizations can also promote continuing education and certifications to raise standards. Increasing public awareness about therapist qualifications helps clients make informed choices.

Final Thoughts

Many therapists enter practice without sufficient training in trauma or marriage counseling, which can limit their ability to help clients effectively. This gap creates risks such as misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, and client harm.

Clients seeking therapy should ask about a therapist’s specialized training and experience. Choosing a therapist with proper education in trauma or couples therapy improves the chances of meaningful healing and growth.

Therapist training needs improvement to meet the complex needs of trauma survivors and couples. Until then, clients must advocate for themselves and seek therapists who have the right skills to support their journey.