Processing trauma can restore your brain’s natural communication pathways and support higher-order functioning — shaping how you think about yourself, experience your relationships, and make sense of your sensory experiences and the world around you.
I specialise in the processing of traumatic memory. With a focus on the survival brain (brainstem and midbrain) and the impact and encoding of trauma – pre-nervous system activation. A great deal of my work focuses on early childhood attachment trauma.
Unresolved trauma can have lasting and devastating effects on a person's functioning. Impacting on work, relationships, sense of self, safety and resilience.
Trauma can be thought of any event that threatens the integrity of a person's survival. One definition of trauma is when events from the past continue to live in the present. If you have experienced trauma, there’s a good chance you are familiar with many of the symptoms.
TRAUMA SYMPTOMS
Recurring or distressing memories
Intrusive images or flashbacks
Distress triggered by associations and reminders that link back to the traumatic event
Avoiding or attempting to avoid thoughts
Intense feelings: anxiety, agitation, restlessness, rage –
(high activation of the nervous system)
Depression – (low activation of the nervous system)
Obsessive thinking, compulsive behaviours
Low self-esteem
Loneliness
Avoiding activities, places, people which trigger (subconsious) recollections of the trauma
Diminished interest in normal activities
Emotionally distant or reactivity
Pessimistic about the future
Difficulties sleeping and concentrating
Problems with anger
Hyper-vigilance
Easily startled
Resolved Trauma
Trauma resolution means that you can put your traumatic past behind you and get on with life. Once a traumatic memory has been resolved you are able to recall the event as a past memory, without having to relive the unpleasant sensations, painful memories, thoughts and limiting beliefs that are associated with it.
To avoid re-traumatisation, effective trauma treatment requires working with a trained trauma therapist. Talk therapy is not recommended for trauma based work.