Trauma-informed care: a pathway to healing
Trauma is the nervous system’s response to an event that is (or was) overwhelming and which is causing an ongoing reactivity. Trauma isn’t the event itself but the system’s response to the event(s). By analogy, trauma is not the blow to the head but the resulting concussion.
Further, trauma isn’t just a memory, but a physical imprint that gets locked into the body's nervous system. This imprint displays as fixation, where one loses the rhythmic capacity to self-regulate and respond in an appropriate way to life circumstances.
Origins of trauma
Traumatic events in childhood can have a lasting impact, shaping behaviours, relationships, and even physical health well into adulthood. Many adults who have experienced trauma as children may grapple with forming secure attachments, chronic anxiety, hyper-vigilance, self-sabotage, or persistent physical pain.
Trauma isn’t just a result of childhood events. It can be caused at any time in life, including from major catastrophes such as assault, persecution, war, natural disasters and dislocation. It can also result from smaller events like accidents, medical procedures, and loss, which can accumulate over time.
Trauma is more common than generally believed and doesn’t always result from a major catastrophe. Minor events or even medical procedures can be traumatic, especially for vulnerable individuals. Trauma affects the nervous system and while the science is complex, it’s important to understand that these changes are the nervous system’s way of adapting to survive difficult circumstances.
However, there is hope for healing. The nervous system possesses neuroplasticity—the ability to heal and rewire itself—allowing individuals to move beyond old patterns and build healthier futures.
Embodiment
It is often assumed that psychological change occurs primarily through insight and understanding or through behaviour modification. While this is true for many psychological issues, cognitive therapy alone has limited value in helping people heal trauma.
Since trauma is rooted in the body, there is strong evidence that healing trauma is possible by working with bodily sensations, which can be used to "renegotiate" and release the effects of a traumatic event without having to relive it emotionally.
This field of therapy is called embodiment and was pioneered by Dr Peter Levine. He is a psychology and biophysics researcher who developed Somatic Experiencing, a therapeutic approach to healing trauma. His work focuses on the body's role in releasing traumatic stress by observing how animals discharge trauma. He is the author of many best-selling books on the subject, including the best-seller, In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness.
Somatic Experiencing
Trauma is physiological: Unlike talk therapy, which focuses on memories and emotions, somatic experiencing addresses the physiological roots of trauma stored in the body's nervous system.
The wisdom of the body: The central message is that the body holds the key to healing and has an innate capacity for self-regulation. By learning to listen to and track bodily sensations, individuals can help their nervous system restore balance.
The "felt sense": This is the key tool for processing trauma. It involves paying gentle attention to the physical sensations in your body. By focusing on these sensations, a person can engage with traumatic imprints in a manageable way without being overwhelmed.
Titration and pendulation: The program guides users through a gradual process of "titration," which means breaking down overwhelming sensations into smaller, more manageable pieces. This is done through "pendulation," or oscillating between sensations of safety and discomfort, which allows the nervous system to process stored energy safely.
Discharging trapped energy: The exercises are designed to help the body complete its natural stress response, which may include physical movements like shaking or trembling. By allowing this energy to discharge, the nervous system can reset and regulate itself.
Restoring wholeness: Through the Somatic Experiencing exercises, individuals learn how to address the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma at their source. This process aims to return the individual to a more balanced, relaxed, and fully present state.
Trauma-informed care: taking the first step
Trauma-informed care isn’t a specific therapy, but an approach that shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” This perspective places the individual’s experiences at the centre, recognising the profound impact that trauma can have on a person’s life.
The core principles of trauma-informed care include safety—both physical and emotional—trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural considerations.
These priciples guide everything I do and say, so my clients feel secure and respected throughout their healing journey. My personal commitment is to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where healing can take place. I prioritise building trust and fostering an environment where clients are gently guided toward their instinctive capacity for healing and wholeness.
Healing from trauma is possible. With the right support and approach, individuals can overcome the effects of trauma and experience resilience and growth.
If you’re ready to take the first step, visit the contact page and make an enquiry or booking.
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