Trauma Therapy

Many of us will experience a traumatic event at some point e.g. a car accident or sudden bereavement.  However, some have had multiple traumatic experiences throughout their life such as abuse (emotional, physical, psychological or sexual) or neglect.  Although it's possible to recover, the impact of trauma can have a long and lasting impact.
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Trauma refers to an overwhelming level of stress created through particularly distressing, challenging, or painful experiences.  When these experiences exceed our ability to cope then unresolved trauma can occur.  Trauma is often held in the body and can impact your sense of self, relationships, and even your work.

Because of the painful nature of trauma, and the need for us to cope, memories can remain relatively hidden.  Often years later, something may happen that reminds us of our past and we can start to feel increasingly overwhelmed, anxious, confused or numb.  
 
If you have experienced traumatic events or think you have unresolved trauma then it is likely you will experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Anxiety and fear on a regular basis.
  • Shock, denial or disbelief.
  • Insomnia or difficulties sleeping.
  • Nightmares - often recurrent.
  • Anger, irritability or mood swings.
  • Feelings of guilt or shame.
  • Loss of self-esteem.
  • Self-medication e.g. through alcohol, drugs, pornography, or food etc.
  • Feeling sad, hopeless or helplessness.
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
  • Withdrawing from others.
  • Feeling numb, disconnected or unreal.
  • Flashbacks relating to the traumatic experience.

I offer an integrated approach when working with trauma which is underpinned by gestalt therapy, neuroscience, sensorimotor theory, and mindfulness.  Having completed a post graduate diploma in Contemporary Trauma Practices I have specialist knowledge and skills in helping people address unresolved trauma.  

As a trauma therapist, my overall goal is to help you gain control over, and reduce, disturbing symptoms.  I can help you to re-establish a healthy relationship with yourself and start to become more connected with others in your life.

During the early stages of therapy I'll help you find a greater place of safety and ease.  You'll learn how to regulate your emotions, develop a range of coping strategies and build on wider sources of support.  I can also assist you in learning skills for managing difficult memories and gradually help you make sense of what happened.  

Furthermore, we can address feelings of powerlessness, shame and guilt that tend to be present with unresolved trauma.  The focus of the therapy is to help you establish a solid foundation of stability and self-regulation so that you can live a more fulfilling life.