About Trauma-Informed, Somatic Therapy

Trauma-informed therapy is an approach to healing that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery.

It acknowledges the presence of trauma symptoms and the role trauma may play in an individual's life, including those who seek help.

What is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

The Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed therapy is grounded in five key principles:

  1. Safety: Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of clients.

  2. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Maintaining transparency in operations and decisions to build and maintain client trust.

  3. Peer Support: This approach emphasises the healing value of peer support and mutual self-help and integrates these approaches as key elements of recovery.

  4. Collaboration and Mutuality: Recognising that healing happens in relationships and the meaningful sharing of power and decision-making.

  5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Prioritising client empowerment and providing choices regarding their care.

The Goals of Trauma-Informed Therapy

The primary goal is to recognise and acknowledge trauma and integrate an understanding of trauma into all aspects of service delivery.

This holistic approach aims to:

  • Promote environments of healing rather than practices that may inadvertently re-traumatize individuals.

  • Support clients in recognizing their strengths and resiliency, not just their challenges.

  • Foster recovery and prevent trauma from defining an individual's life.

How Trauma-Informed Therapy Can Help You

Whether you're struggling with unresolved issues from the past or facing challenges that feel overwhelming, trauma-informed therapy offers a compassionate and comprehensive approach to help:

  • Understand the effects of trauma on your mental and emotional health.

  • Develop strategies for coping with distressing memories and feelings.

  • Build healthier relationships.

  • Enhance your self-esteem and self-advocacy skills.

Why Choose a Trauma-Informed Therapist?

A trauma-informed therapist brings depth and understanding to the therapeutic relationship, offering more than traditional therapy methods.

They are equipped to explore how your past traumas impact your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, providing a supportive pathway through which healing can occur.

FAQs:
Understanding
Trauma-Informed Therapy

  • Unlike traditional therapy, which might focus directly on changing behaviours, trauma-informed therapy first considers the psychological, biological, and social effects of trauma, ensuring that the therapy does not re-traumatise or trigger the client.

  • Anyone who has experienced trauma, whether recently or in the past, can benefit from trauma-informed therapy. This includes people dealing with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other distressing events.

  • Yes, it is often integrated with other therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and more, depending on individual needs.

  • A trauma-informed therapist will focus on creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, work collaboratively with you, and prioritise your empowerment and recovery as part of the therapeutic process.

  • Expect a focus on safety and comfort, an exploration of past traumas only when you’re ready, and the use of coping skills to manage emotions related to trauma.

  • The duration can vary depending on the individual's specific experiences and needs. Some may notice improvements quickly, while others might find it a longer process as they work through complex trauma.

  • Yes, like all therapy, confidentiality is paramount unless there is a risk of harm to the client or others.

  • Trauma-informed therapy can still be beneficial. Therapists can help you identify and address forms of trauma that might not be immediately obvious.

  • Absolutely, children can greatly benefit from trauma-informed approaches, which help them express and process their experiences in a safe environment.

  • Be open to discussing your past experiences at your own pace, and consider keeping a journal of your feelings and reactions as you progress through therapy.

Ready to Start
Your Healing Journey?