A Trauma-Focused Approach to Psychological Therapy
My approach is evidence-based, formulation-led and tailored to the individual. It combines psychological understanding with experiential, somatically informed methods designed to address the processes underlying current difficulties.
The aim is not simply to manage symptoms or understand them intellectually. Where possible, therapy seeks to create deeper change in the emotional learning, protective responses and nervous system patterns that continue to shape how you feel, relate and respond.
My primary approaches are Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy and Deep Brain Reorienting. These may be integrated with attachment-informed, parts-oriented, somatically informed and cognitive approaches according to the individual formulation.
Moving Beyond Insight
Developing insight can be an important part of therapy. Understanding where a pattern came from, why it developed and how it operates can reduce confusion and self-blame.
Insight, however, does not always produce change on its own.
Many of my clients have previously undertaken talk therapy and can explain their difficulties in considerable detail. They may understand their attachment patterns, recognise their triggers and know which coping strategies they are supposed to use, yet continue to experience the same automatic emotional and bodily responses.
This is often because the systems involved in threat, attachment and emotional learning operate partly outside conscious thought. Therapy therefore needs to engage more than the analytical mind.
Understanding Symptoms in Context
Symptoms are rarely random. Anxiety, emotional shutdown, dissociation, perfectionism, self-criticism and relationship difficulties often develop as ways of adapting to earlier circumstances, managing overwhelming emotion or preserving important relationships.
In therapy, this means looking beyond the symptom itself to understand what triggers it, what purpose it may once have served and what continues to keep it active. Treatment can then focus on helping the nervous system recognise that old protective responses are no longer always needed, while developing more flexible ways of responding to present-day situations.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
EMDR is a structured, extensively researched psychological therapy that can help process traumatic memories and other distressing experiences that continue to affect the present.
Treatment may address past experiences, current triggers and anticipated future situations.
Deep Brain Reorienting
DBR is a trauma-focused, body-led psychotherapy that works with orienting, shock and defensive responses associated with overwhelming experiences.
It may be particularly relevant when difficulties feel deeply embodied, when memories are unclear or largely non-verbal, or when insight has not shifted persistent shame, fear or relational responses. Research into DBR remains at an early but promising stage.
Learn More About Deep Brain Reorienting
Preparation Before Trauma Processing
Before directly addressing adverse or traumatic experiences, we consider your current stability, life circumstances, capacity to remain present, available support and ability to recover following emotionally demanding work.
Some people are ready to begin focused processing relatively quickly. Others benefit from a period of preparation involving:
• Understanding patterns of activation and shutdown
• Developing emotional and nervous system regulation skills
• Strengthening internal and external resources
• Working with dissociation or competing protective responses
• Establishing sufficient safety within the therapeutic relationship
• Developing ways to manage distress between appointments
Preparation is not a delay or a lesser form of therapy. For complex trauma and dissociation, it is often a necessary part of effective treatment.
An Active Commitment to Change
This approach is best suited to people who are highly motivated to engage in meaningful psychological work.
Taking the Next Step
If you are considering individual therapy, you can book a complimentary 15-minute matching call to briefly discuss what you are looking for and whether this approach may be a suitable fit.
