Trauma

Trauma literally means ‘wound, injury or shock.’ A traumatic event is one that a person finds overwhelming. People differ in what they find traumatic. However, some events are so stressful that most people would find them traumatic. (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation ISSTD).

Trauma can be a one-off event (e.g. car crash, earthquake) or repeated events that occur over a longer period of time. Complex trauma refers to repeated exposure to events that are traumatic, often beginning in childhood and happening within a close or caregiving relationship. It can involve active harm (e.g. physical, emotional or sexual abuse) or passive harm (e.g. physical or emotional neglect). Complex trauma during childhood can impact the developing brain, meaning that its effects can be wider and more long lasting than those of a one-off traumatic event.

Attachment and relationship difficulties, disruptions to sense of self, emotional regulation / mood difficulties, problems with eating, self harm and dissociative symptoms can all be effects of complex, interpersonal trauma.

Ongoing traumatic experiences in adulthood (e.g. sex trafficking, imprisonment, being a refugee) can also come within the definition of complex trauma. The ISSTD website has more information about different types of trauma.

I am experienced in working with trauma and have trained in specific approaches for trauma, including the Comprehensive Resource Model. Mindfulness and Sensory Integration training enable me to offer somatic (body based) interventions in a safe and gentle manner to support recovery and wellbeing. I integrate my learning to enable me to provide an individualised approach with a core focus on helping you to achieve and maintain a sense of safety and stabilisation in day to day life.