Trauma and PTSD

Traumatic experiences take many different forms. They can include physical, psychological or sexual abuse in a relationship, a serious car accident, the sudden loss of a loved one, experiences of war, natural disaster, or a sudden and serious medical condition. Traumatic events can occur at any point in our lives, and when they do, some of us go on to develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety or substance use difficulties. Trauma can impact the way we see ourselves, how we experience our emotions, and how we feel in our relationships.

At Valued Lives Psychology, I offer person-centred treatment of PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). I have a particular focus on supporting people who have experienced childhood trauma, as well as physical, psychological or sexual abuse by an intimate partner as an adult. Talking about traumatic experiences in therapy can be a powerful way to make sense of what happened, to connect with your strength and resilience, and to reduce the emotional impact of past traumas on your daily life. I approach talking about trauma with sensitivity and compassion, reminding my clients that they are always in control of what they share, and when.

There is a wealth of scientific knowledge about how trauma affects the mind and body, and by sharing this knowledge with my clients, I am able to deepen their understanding of their experiences after traumatic events. By identifying our own stress response (fight, flight, freeze or fawn), we can more deeply understand the origins of our emotional responses, thoughts and behaviour, and make wise choices about how we manage them. I take a flexible and collaborative approach to identifying effective, often practical, strategies that each person can use to respond to their emotions with wisdom and self-compassion. I routinely share helpful and informative articles, worksheets or videos with my clients to learn new coping skills and gain knowledge.

Trauma can rob us of our sense of safety and our trust in others, and it can profoundly impact how we see ourselves, other people, and the world. One of the first steps I take in therapy for PTSD, is to guide my clients in learning how to provide themselves with comfort and reassurance when distressing memories and emotions arise. This involves developing awareness of judgements, self-criticism and other unhelpful beliefs, which may have developed while surviving past traumas, but which no longer serve us. This also includes identifying unhelpful or destructive behaviour (such as, excessive substance use or other actions that may harm ourselves or others), addressing the pain and distress that often underlies these actions, and to courageously find new ways of responding to distress that we can commit to long-term. I support and encourage my clients to connect with their own strengths and values, and to develop the vitally important ability to be kind to ourselves.

I believe in the strength and resilience of every person, and I am committed to supporting my clients in rebuilding their lives after traumatic events. In therapy, this will involve identifying and connecting with your own deep sense of meaning in life and the values that can guide you. I will challenge you to reflect on the person you want to be, your unique needs, passions and interests, to help shape a vision for your future. I support and guide my clients to approach this journey with commitment and an open mind, reflecting on how to accept that which is beyond our control, and to take action on what is. I support my clients to solve problems and overcome challenges in fostering healthy and supportive relationships and creating the life they want.