Trauma affects people in very specific ways. After frightening or overwhelming events, we develop patterns that try to protect us from the same danger happening again. Trauma therapy helps you understand these patterns and find new ways to live with less fear.
How trauma can show itself
- flashbacks, or memories that seem to come from nowhere
- fears, anxiety or panic that feel bigger than the situation
- depression, numbness or feeling cut off from other people
- fear of abandonment, or difficulty trusting people
- strong reactions to reminders of the past (triggers)
If you feel overwhelmed by symptoms like these, it can help to know that each one of these reactions is a survival strategy. It made sense at the time. Therapy helps you to see it with compassion instead of shame.
My approach
Trauma therapy is not about digging up memories of what happened. Going back over memories often re-traumatises people. Instead, the work moves at your pace:
- Understand your brain. We look at how the brain works when we experience trauma, so your reactions make sense.
- Learn your triggers. You learn to notice what sets off strong reactions, and what helps you feel safe again.
- Build self-compassion. We recognise how you managed to survive during difficult events, instead of blaming yourself.
- Find new ways to cope. You learn new ways to deal with life's challenges.
The most important part is being curious about yourself, and giving yourself time to heal in an attuned relationship.
Trauma and early relationships
Trauma can come from a single event, or from difficult experiences that went on for a long time, sometimes from childhood. I hold an MSc in Attachment Studies, so I understand how early relationships shape the way we respond to danger, to closeness and to other people.
Experience
I have practised as a psychotherapist for over 25 years, and I specialise in trauma treatment. I am a BACP registered member and an NCPS accredited registrant.
In person in Richmond, or online
I see clients in the heart of Richmond, or online by Zoom, Teams or WhatsApp. Some people prefer to start trauma therapy from home.
If you have health insurance with Bupa, Aviva, WPA, Cigna or Vitality, your policy may pay for your sessions.