Trauma Work

“Trauma compromises our ability to engage with others by replacing patterns of connection with patterns of protection.”

— Dr. Stephen Porges

Surviving any type of trauma can be confusing and painful. There are many reasons why it may be difficult to “let it go” or why the reasoning of “it’s all in the past, it doesn’t matter” continues to create frustration and shame as symptoms linger regardless of self-talk.

Trauma symptoms include:

  • Emotional mood swings, anger and rage

  • Physical manifestation like headaches, migraines, backaches, stomach aches, sweating, heart palpitations and intestinal disorders

  • Re-experiencing – through nightmares and flashbacks

  • Avoidance 

  • Lack of interest in activities that used to bring joy

  • Difficulty trusting others, feeling betrayed

  • Survival guilt and shame

The origins of trauma and stress include:

  • Childhood abuse or neglect

  • Physical, emotional, sexual abuse

  • Accidents and natural disasters

  • Witnessing acts of violence

  • Medical illness or injury

  • War

  • Violence

  • Living Through the Corona Pandemic 

I use an integrative approach informed through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to help clients be able to navigate their symptoms of stress and trauma.  Clients share that this type of therapy helps them heal symptoms of stress and trauma.

Many individuals arrive in therapy because they are struggling with thoughts, feelings and behaviours that no longer serve their needs.  Human beings are influenced by the environment and develop habits that help them cope, but in the long term can disconnect them from their true core self. Our internal organizations are influenced by how we have procedurally learned to navigate and process information (cognitive, emotional, or somatic/body levels).

 I try to keep it as simple as possible when working with the unique complexities and nuances of individual’s experiences.  We will map out how your cycle of stress is experienced, which often ties into coping strategies used to regulate and relieve overwhelming and painful experiences. Through our work, we will collaborate to help you navigate with more choice and awareness, in your day-to-day life. 

 In our work together, I will help you meet the goals you set forth, reduce shame responses that emerge and help you discover what unique resources are beneficial for you and build your ‘Window of Tolerance’ and capacity for mindfulness.  

 I am glad you are here, so we can create a plan to help you return to a path that helps you feel more control in your life and experience a more connected and meaningful coupleship.