Trauma therapy differs slightly from normal therapy as our trauma responses are also physical. Like the transition from caterpillar, to cocoon to butterfly, the process takes time and involves different states of being. During a traumatic experience, our reactions are based on our survival instincts which are essentially fight, flight or freeze. Immediately after, it is common to feel overwhelmed and it may be hard to believe what has happened. As our bodies try to regulate we may have a wide variety of responses ranging from feeling jumpy, emotional outbursts or numbness and lack of confidence. When these persist, they may manifest in psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression and ultimately in autoimmune illnesses like IBS and psoriasis. It is common for people to try to manage stress with food, drink, drugs or by throwing themselves into work. Until you have fully processed your trauma, it is likely that other stresses in life will bring back your initial trauma response, be it fight, flight or freeze and aggravate any conditions you are suffering from.

 The conditions that create trauma often leave us feeling powerless. I believe that we all have the innate ability to heal and that my role is to empower you through psychoeducation to understand your bodies natural responses so that you can manage your trauma more effectively using healthier coping strategies. Along with this, the counselling provides the time and space for you to explore your thoughts and emotions and reflect on the changes in your life and what you have learned from your experiences.