Our approach to working with trauma is rooted in authenticity, empathy and collaboration. Together we will embark on a journey of inner resourcing, processing, healing and self-discovery. You will gain insight into the neurobiological effects of trauma and how this impacts symptoms, your triggers and develop coping strategies for dealing with any overwhelming emotions and trauma responses.
Trauma therapy is naturally more directive than counselling because most trauma survivor’s experience overwhelming emotions and sensations when revisiting trauma memories. The directiveness in this type of therapy helps to focus the session on these targeted areas whilst providing a sense of safety and structure. As trauma therapy usually involves working with the traumatic memory the directiveness can also help to focus the session using an evidence-based treatment approaches.
Our approach to trauma uses a three-phase model designed to support clients with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of PTSD or Complex PTSD or that have a lived experience of complex trauma. Trauma therapy is usually more directive in Phase 1 and 2 and phase 3 can feel more akin to counselling.
Phase 1 includes assessment, psychoeducation and working towards symptom reduction through learning safety and stabilisation techniques, and/or emotion regulation strategies.
Phase 2 involves processing your trauma memories drawing on a range of evidence-based therapies to achieve this.
Our therapists have all had formal training in the following therapies which you can find more detail by contacting your therapist or visiting the tabs on the right. Please get in touch with our individual therapists for more information on the different therapies and techniques that they offer.
Phase 3 is working towards integration and connection where we support you in working through any remaining difficulties, adaptive behaviours or traumagenic thoughts/beliefs moving towards post traumatic growth.
The work is focused on guiding you back to feeling yourself and supporting you in reclaiming those parts that may feel lost, broken, unheard or discarded.
Important note about work in between sessions (homework)
Trauma therapy does include a commitment to homework in between sessions. If you are not able to commit to this then trauma therapy may not be for you at this time. As most of the therapies we use are evidence based and recommended in NICE guidelines it is important to complete the work as explained by your therapist or you are not receiving the full treatment.