Emotional trauma

How trauma works

During our life we all face challenges. Some people have had childhood experiences that still affect them. Others may experience trauma later in life in the form of:

• Illness.
• Death of a loved one.
• Loss of employment or an important relationship.
• Accidents.
• Assault/abuse.
• Exposure to acts of war or terrorism or other forms of brutality.

Being exposed to trauma – of whatever kind – can shape your life in ways that interfere with you feeling the kind of ease and contentment that allows you to live your best life.

The symptoms of trauma can be extremely difficult and distressing to deal with. You may find that you have flashbacks or painful memories when you are not expecting them, or you may feel on edge, and unable to relax or feel safe, even with the people you love and trust the most. You may find that you have emotional outbursts, which affect your relationships with others at home or at work. You may feel controlled by these symptoms and long to be in control of them.

You might know exactly why you experience the world as a difficult or dangerous place, or it might be less obvious to you where these difficulties stem from. But you know that you want to feel better and move on from your past, so that you can have the kind of life and relationships that you want to have.

How I work with trauma

The good news is that the scientific understanding of trauma has advanced hugely over the past 20 years. We can’t change the past, but we now know how the brain and body store and react to trauma, and using body psychotherapy I can work with you to release trauma that is stored physically in the body. Some people feel this as low energy, others may feel it as tension or tightness, and some people report feeling numbness or nothing at all.

I will work at a pace that is guided by you and you will not have to talk about anything that does not feel safe. You are invited to deepen your understanding of how trauma has affected you and, working together, I can help you to learn how to manage your emotions and gain control over your trauma symptoms. This feeling of empowerment can help you move towards a more joyful, contented life.

I know that it is possible for you to heal from your past and by visiting this website you have already started the first courageous step in the healing process. I would be honoured to walk with and support you on your journey to recovery.

Contact me to talk in confidence about how to move forward.