Trauma can arise from a single event, or from an accumulation of experiences. It can be something past and something ongoing.
A definition of trauma that I find useful is “too much too much-ness”. It is something that overwhelms, stops you from being able to function well, and gets in the way of you being able to live a full life.
Symptoms of trauma can include flashbacks, nightmares, chronic insomnia, anxiety and panic, loss of memory, loss of time, dysregulation, and feeling shut down or cut off.
Talking to a trained, experienced trauma therapist about difficult past experiences, trauma, childhood trauma, PTSD or complex trauma can help you to feel safe and grounded, regulate your emotions, and make positive changes for your wellbeing.
Psychodynamic therapy for trauma can help you to gain understanding and develop agency, and make lasting and meaningful changes for your life.
As an experienced trauma-focused therapist in Bristol, I recognise that the priority in therapy is your physical and emotional safety.
I work with you in a sensitive, collaborative and boundaried way to establish this, using trauma-informed practice, to make sure that the therapy proceeds in a way that feels right for you, whilst also working towards your hopes and aims for the therapy.
This includes going at a pace that feels safe for you, and collaborating with you throughout the process to make sure the therapy stays helpful to you.
The consulting room where we meet is private, peaceful and confidential.
We can make use of grounding techniques, objects, pictures, story-telling, writing and other resources to help you feel safe and supported both during and outside of sessions.
Alongside psychodynamic therapy for trauma I support you to advocate for your physical and emotional wellbeing, so that you can make practical, positive and lasting changes for your life.