Demystifying “Trauma Dumping” and Therapy

Lately, I’ve been sitting with the idea of “trauma dumping” and how misunderstood it

can be when it comes to therapy. I’ve heard many of my clients, peers, and even people

on social media use this term.

People often describe it as sharing all of their trauma at once, usually followed by guilt

for “dumping” everything on another person. The assumption is that it means

recounting traumatic experiences one after another.

But often, what gets labeled as trauma dumping is really just someone venting,

processing, or expressing that they are overwhelmed, confused, or even excited. That is

simply being human.

How Past Experiences Shape Us

In Couples Therapy (Season 1, Episode 8, around minute 9), one of the key insights is

that our past experiences deeply shape the way we react to our partners. If those

experiences go unaddressed, the same issues continue to resurface and remain

unresolved.

The same is true in therapy. Protective factors and defenses may help us cope in the

moment, but eventually they need to be approached with gentleness and soft love for

healing to happen. These protective factors look different for everyone, but it’s

important not to shy away from the tough conversations - whether with yourself or with

others. Trauma is painful and undeniable, and healing begins when you choose to

address it with a trusted clinician.

Therapy as a Safe Place for Healing

Therapy looks different for each person, and misconceptions about what it “should” be

are common. That’s why I remind my clients often of the importance of showing up

authentically. Sometimes I notice when a client is holding back, and with gentle nudges,

deeper truths begin to emerge.

There is nothing a client could tell me that would stop me from providing care. To me,

“trauma dumping” doesn’t exist in the therapy room. If anything, therapy is exactly

where all of that belongs.

I want to know what hurts my clients, what brings them shame, and what leaves them

feeling confused—but also what gives them joy, even in small ways. Therapy is a space

for both pain and celebration, and my clients are never a burden. If a therapist has ever

made you feel that way, that reflects on the therapist, not on you.

My Role as a Therapist

In one of my reflective journals, I wrote that “Accredited programs provide the

educational foundation needed for certification and licensure, ensuring that training

programs meet national standards and prepare students for real-world clinical work.”

This includes coursework, supervised practice, and ethical and cultural training that

safeguards both clients and counselors.

So trust me when I say - there is a therapist out there for you and your unique needs.

Trusting someone you’ve just met with your deepest wounds is never easy, but many

therapists enter this field for exactly that reason.

Building rapport (the bond between client and therapist) is something clinicians are

trained for. I am here to hold your secrets, your aches, and your stories. I am here to

offer expertise, compassion, and support.

Invitation to Reflect

This might be a moment for reflection. Consider having open conversations with peers,

colleagues, therapists, or anyone you trust about the misconceptions and biases you may

carry about therapy. You deserve clarity about the care you’re receiving and what to

expect.

And to my fellow clinicians, remember - therapists are human, too. Don’t be too hard on

yourself. You are living life for the first time, and you don’t have to do it alone. Give

yourself grace.