Trauma Specialist

Over the last few years working with trauma has become an important part of my work as I found more clients needing support in this area. My core training as a person-centred practitioner was a brilliant basis, but I also wanted to develop more specialist knowledge to support my clients. I therefore now hold a level 5 qualification with CFI Awarding: Working Therapeutically with Trauma. This informs how I work with clients who have experienced trauma including PTSD, CPTSD, childhood trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences, sexual abuse, trauma related to gender and sexual identity and many other types of traumas.

There are some beliefs which I keep at the core of my practice when working in this area. They include:

• Safety and stabilisation: The first, and sometimes only needed part of trauma work, is to create safety and stability. This is done through our relationship as well as developing strategies that make you feel safe such as grounding.
• You, the client, are the expert: I bring lots of knowledge and experience of working with trauma, but you probably know what helps you. Enjoy being creative? Let’s use that in sessions. Have an interest in how you brain and body connect? We will use that to help you understand what has happened to you in the past and how it has impacted you. Enjoy mindfulness or mediation? Let’s use that as part of creating safety.
• The brain is amazingly adaptable: whatever your age, your brain is always adapting and changing. We will harness this knowledge in our work. Psychoeducation is power!
• Working in different ways with different client needs is key: I have a knowledge and experience of working in the following areas: somatic theory, person-centred theory, CBT, attachment theory, brain function in relation to trauma, trauma bonding and polyvagal theory.
• The working environment is important: any counselling should take place in an environment where you feel safe. If we work online, please try and work in a quiet place and bring yourself a drink and something that makes you feel comfortable. I’ll always have a cup of tea! If you work with me in person, please tell me if you would like any adjustments making to our space (light, temperature, fidget toys etc.) and I will always offer you a hot drink.

If you’d like to know more about how I might support you in this area, or if you have any questions, please fill in the contact form and I will get back to you to arrange a free 15-30 chat.