Trauma can diminish our ability to cope effectively

Are you struggling with

• Overwhelming emotions
  
• Loneliness and a sense of disconnection from others
  
• Unhappiness and a persistent sense of worthlessness
  
• Feeling split between what you show people and what you feel on the inside?

If the answer to any of the above is yes, you may be experiencing the effects of  psychological trauma. Trauma can be a single event (such as a car accident or assault) or continuing betrayals that leave us feeling emotionally and physically overwhelmed. See family trauma page for specific examples of betrayals that cause trauma.

Why do I get so overwhelmed? 

Listen to a 12 mins video that explains how we get overwhelmed, what do we mean by this, and the kinds of things we focus on in therapy as a result.  View Video Here.

This is useful if you have just started therapy or are thinking about it, to get a sense of what to expect.

You may also experience:

• Feeling ashamed of yourself
• Difficulty in opening up to those around you
• Anxiety and panic
• Constant self-criticism
• Difficulty feeling safe and secure anywhere in your life

These are common symptoms of people who have suffered trauma.

You may find it useful to hear about relationship betrayal and the impact on our lives in this Video – View Video Here.

Finding a "fit" in the counselling field is much more important than finding a "fit" in a pair of trousers. Delyse proved to be that perfect fit for me. She supported me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. Her calm and gentle style provided me safe and warm haven, where I was able with her guidance to begin addressing my demons. With continued support I've felt able to walk forward, armed with self-awareness, knowledge and tools that have had a positive impact on every relationship in my life. Thank you, Delyse from the bottom of my heart! CF

There is hope. Through forming a safe and supportive relationship with a therapist you can let go of these painful experiences.

We know from research into the brain and nervous system, that it is important to feel safe when processing difficult emotions, pain and memories. We also know that good connections with other people are our path to emotional safety.

It may seem like a 'catch 22': you feel hurt and betrayed by relationships that were not safe, and yet you need to trust relationships in order to heal! No matter how hard that may seem, we will work together to make the therapy relationship safe.

How we create safety in the therapeutic relationship

You decide what you are willing to share

The focus of the sessions is up to you. There may be times that your therapist might refer to something that we had addressed previously. If you don't want to talk about something, you will not be pressed. Instead we will simply focus on what is emerging. In other words, your physical and emotional boundaries will be respected.

We go into emotional material that you are able to tolerate

We go at your speed and rhythm. It is important that you do not feel overwhelmed by emotions and painful material, otherwise you will just shut down again. So we keep assessing what feels tolerable as we go along. You will not have to tell the 'story' over and over again.  Research into trauma clearly shows you do not have to recall or explain all of the details  to release traumatic material.

You are not alone in your experience

Your therapist will be there for you and working to understand what you are experiencing. Knowing that someone is beside you brings comfort and acceptance that makes it easier to bear painful material.

Mistakes are inevitable

We are all human and your therapist will sometimes be misattuned to you. We encourage all our clients to address any discomfort with anything we do. This is important therapeutic material and when responsibility is taken for mistakes, trust is developed. This process may well positively shift your experience of relationships and responsible, caring communication.

What does a mind – body approach to trauma treatment mean?

• Trauma is both held in the body and expressed by the body. Trapped trauma puts stress on the body; that stress can cause illness. A therapist who takes a brain-based approach can help you to release release traumatic experiences safely.  Chronic effects of trauma cause difficulties with emotional expression, relationships, concentration and memory, depression, dissociation and physical illness.

• Trauma separates you from your body.  It is essential that you are able to discharge your emotional pain. If you can't do this or were never shown how, the only option is to somehow disconnect from the overload on the body (dissociate).   80% of your experience of the world is communicated from your body to your brain (called bottom up processing). If we have cut off from our body then we are missing most of this information, which makes it difficult to trust ourselves and make decisions. A brain-based approach sees connecting with the body as essential to a healthy life.

• Reconnecting with your body involves learning to regulate overwhelming emotions so that you can tolerate them and process trauma safely and effectively.

Turning Point's therapists are:

Delyse Ledgard RCC  Director and psychotherapist       Click Here
Chris Bitten RCC  Psychotherapist                Click here

Individuals come out of in-depth psychotherapy with

• greater sense of ease with their experience
• increase self-esteem
• authentic contact with others
• clearer about their desires
• develop healthier relationships

I started seeing Delyse because I felt that i was leading two distinct and separate lives. Although this pattern caused me a great deal of stress. I found it hard to reconcile and move forwrd in a positive way. Through the exploration of my past, my thought processes and patterns, and my reactions to every day life occurrence, Delyse is helping me to understand my actions and reactions and be confident in the decisions that I make. Delyse is an open and understanding counsellor who does not forget that she is a human being too. I feel that Delyse relates to my experiences and this makes the process real. Nikki'