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Understanding Trauma

A traumatic experience is an event that continues to exert negative effects on thinking , feelings and behavior long after the event is in the past.  Post-traumatic stress is the result of exposure to a traumatic or extremely emotionally and psychologically distressing event ( or events ).   Regardless of its source, trauma can include common elements: it was unexpected, the person was unprepared, and there was nothing the person could do to stop it from happening.  If you have been through a trauma you might feel shocked, scared, guilty, ashamed, angry, vulnerable, or numb.  With time most people recover from their experiences, or find a way to live with them, without needing professional help. However, for many people the effects of trauma last for much longer and may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Single-incident PTSD stems from one specific traumatic event, leading to intense reactions like flashbacks and anxiety related to that single occurrence. In contrast, complex trauma results from repeated or prolonged exposure to stressful situations, often affecting a person's emotional regulation, self-perception, and ability to form relationships. Complex trauma involves multifaceted impacts that integrate personal and systemic issues, requiring a comprehensive therapeutic approach.

Trauma can also occur on a systemic level, such as through experiences of racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination. These experiences can erode a person's sense of safety and belonging in society, compounding personal traumas with social injustices.  Communities, particularly marginalized groups, may experience intergenerational trauma, where the effects of historical injustices continue to impact present and future generations. An example includes the long-term repercussions faced by Indigenous communities due to policies like the residential school system.

Treating Trauma 

My career as a clinical counsellover spanning over the last fourteen years has offered me many opportunities in supporting people healing from the effects of varous forms of trauma that includes single-incident experiences as well as complex trauma involving prolonged exposure to extreme stressors.  My counselling approach is based on a trauma-informed framework that recognizes the importance of creating safety, choice, empowerment and collaboration. In addition to talk therapy, I draw on evidence-based body-oriented therapies to enhance the healing process.

Two modalities I specialize include EMDR and Somatic Experiencing.

EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing ) is a highly effective therapy that helps individuals process and heal from the effects of traumatic memories that continue to negatively impact the individual.  It involves bilateral stimulation through eye movements, sounds, or taps while focusing on distressing memories, allowing for the reprocessing of traumatic events and the integration of adaptive beliefs and emotions.

Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach that focuses on tracking bodily sensations and restoring the nervous systems natural regulation. By gently exploring physical sensations and supporting the release of stored trauma energy, this modality promotes healing and resilience.

Through a combination of talk therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and other trauma-informed, evidence based practices  I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma recovery and to reclaim their sense of connection with their bodies, minds and spirit.