Trauma

Trauma can leave us feeling helpless, in pain and disconnected from our true self.

You may be feeling lonely and isolated, with the past troubling you and affecting your well-being. Everyday life can be triggering having a profound impact on your psychological and emotional well-being. You may have decided it’s time you want to feel different and break free of old patterns that are holding you back.

I am trauma-informed and have extensive experience working with adults struggling with childhood trauma, complex trauma, PTSD or any past experience stopping them from living a fulfilled life. My approach is kind and compassionate, firstly working to establish a sense of safety within and outside of therapy using tools or techniques to help calm you. We will work slowly and gently to allow you to settle into therapy at your own pace.

There is no right or wrong way to respond to trauma as everyone’s reaction is individual, therefore people may experience the same trauma but respond differently. Your emotional experience is how your body responded to the trauma, your body keeps the score. We will take time to reflect and make sense of what happened to you and your experience. Any feelings of shame, anxiety or worthlessness are given a voice, in a trusting and safe space. We explore challenges at your own speed and learn how and when to apply the brakes throughout the counselling process.

Therapy can help clients explore their triggers and understand and manage trauma responses. At the time your response to the traumatic situation was helpful and essential as it ensured your survival. However, traumatic experiences become embedded in you and re-lived in a variety of ways. Overall, you may find yourself disconnected and feeling fearful, overwhelmed and powerless. Working in the here and now we find ways to help you take back control of your life towards healing, in a space where you feel listened to, understood and valued.

Evidence shows the unique counselling space assists in rewiring the brain as new neural pathways are developed throughout our connections together. In time, you will learn to overcome the pain and learn to feel safe, trust others and learn new ways of relating to people as well as developing self-compassion. “Safety is not the absence of threat, it is the presence of connection.” Gabor Mate.

Throughout the counselling process, we will strengthen your inner resources and create additional ones, whilst discovering your strengths and qualities. I aim to help you feel empowered towards taking control of your life and making positive decisions based on your own needs and wants. With this support, you can find meaning and purpose in your life.

You are not alone.