It might be symptoms you’re experiencing that hint at underlying trauma, or perhaps through your own research and self-work, you’ve started to uncover its role in your life. This understanding aligns with research findings that suggest nearly all diagnoses mask the role of trauma and adverse life events, highlighting the pervasive impact of these experiences on mental health.
Trauma-Informed Approaches for Adults 18+
Trauma Survivors & PTSD
Trauma represents overwhelming stress stemming from past experiences that continue to influence your present, even after the events themselves have concluded. While the term "trauma" might sound imposing, it essentially translates to "wound." Similar to physical wounds, emotional wounds can manifest as minor, major, apparent, or concealed.
“Sometimes, the presence of trauma is not immediately apparent, particularly when it doesn't arise from a single, significant event but rather from the lack of basic needs being met. Experiences of neglect, poverty or homelessness can lead to deep-seated traumatic impacts, just as racism, bullying and any form of marginalisation can root deeply as causes of trauma.”
Trauma is held in the body. The body is key for healing.
How do you notice the presence of trauma?
Identifying and recognising trauma often requires a nuanced understanding of your experiences. Trauma might be clear-cut, stemming from a single, intense event such as an accident, loss, assault, or life-threatening medical experience. On the other hand, recognising trauma can be complex when it builds up over time from ongoing abuse, maltreatment, or neglect. You might notice signs like persistent low mood, anxiety, stress, or unexplained physical sensations, even when life seems positive on the surface.
What is the first step in recovering from trauma?
The initial step in trauma-informed psychotherapy is to focus on developing resources and resilience. This phase is about nurturing your inner strengths, emotional tools and coping strategies to form a solid foundation for recovery. It prepares you to effectively handle the challenging aspects of trauma, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and intense emotions. By enhancing these resources, you become more adept at dealing with trauma’s complexities, paving the way for a supportive healing process.
What are effective approaches to working with trauma?
Understanding that healing from trauma is a personal journey, I offer a flexible therapeutic approach adjusted to your individual needs. My practice is grounded in evidence-based treatments known for their effectiveness in trauma recovery:
- Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR): This method is particularly effective for PTSD, as endorsed by NICE. My formal training in EMDR equips me to support you through this process, aiming to alleviate distressing memories.
- Trauma Informed Psychotherapy: Integrating neuroscience and mindfulness, this approach provides you with tools for managing emotions effectively. My formal training ensures that I can help you build emotional resilience.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): Effective in resolving internal conflicts that may hinder growth, IFS offers a path to understanding and harmonising your internal ‘family.’ When combined with EMDR, IFS becomes part of a potent toolkit for overcoming trauma.
