Trauma isn't always recognised as trauma
Trauma can affect many of us at different points in our lives and is not always recognised as trauma. It isn't the events that happen to us, but rather what happens inside us as a result of those events. Overwhelming experiences can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, on edge, numb, ashamed, or as though we are somehow to blame.
You may be living with the effects of sexual abuse or sexual violence, whether recent or long ago. You may have grown up in a home where you didn't feel safe, or have been in a relationship that was controlling or abusive. You may not have words for what happened yet, and that is completely fine. You don't need to tell your story in the first session, or ever, unless you choose to.
A trauma-informed approach
My trauma-informed approach recognises the ways overwhelming experiences can affect both the mind and body. I'm inspired by what neuroscience has taught us about trauma, human survival strategies and the importance of attunement, and by how our bodies and minds work together.
In practice this means we go at a pace that feels manageable for you. We pay attention to what is happening in your body as well as your thoughts, and we build a sense of safety and steadiness before going anywhere difficult. You are in control of what we look at and when.
I draw on a range of approaches and techniques to support this work, including my additional training in Internal Family Systems, Trauma Informed, Shadow and Parts Work and Somatic Processing. Alongside the person-centred, relational approach, I can also offer a psychodynamic way of working, which allows links to be made between past experience and the patterns that arise in the here and now.
Creativity, metaphor and parts of ourselves
My background is in art and teaching, and I often use metaphor as a language to explore experience when words feel too direct. Some people find it helpful to think about the different parts of themselves: the part that keeps everyone else happy, the part that is still frightened, the part that is furious. Getting to know these parts with compassion, rather than fighting them, can be a gentle way into work that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
What counselling can offer
Counselling can offer space to understand these experiences and reconnect with yourself at a pace that feels manageable. Trauma disconnects us from ourselves, and counselling can be an important step in the journey of healing and reconnecting to our authentic selves.
I won't tell you what to do. I will offer a place where you feel accepted and heard without conditions or judgement, and I will help you explore, at your own pace, the things you need to resolve.
Practicalities
Sessions can be in person in South Bristol (BS3), online or by phone. For some people, meeting online or by phone feels safer to begin with, and we can change how we meet as we go. Some concessionary spaces are available for people on a lower income.