TRAUMA THERAPY
Attachment Trauma
In childhood we understand ourselves and our world through our caregivers. When our caregivers are healthy adults who are attuned to our needs and help us understand and cope with our emotions, we are more likely to be healthy and resilient ourselves. If, however, the adults around us are unavailable (physically or emotionally), invalidating, or abusive, we may struggle to have healthy relationships with ourselves or others. This type of attachment trauma can affect all aspects of our lives, often without us making the connection.
Attachment trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, low self-worth, excessive fear of abandonment, poor boundaries, a sense of shame, a belief that we are not enough, internal chaos, or a sense of disconnection among many symptoms. These wounds take time to heal, and it is this work I am privileged to do with my clients. Below are some evidence-based approaches I use when working with survivors of attachment trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitsation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Our brains are generally great at consolidating information and moving forward but this process can be interrupted by trauma. EMDR helps the brain to process painful memories which may have otherwise continued causing distress when triggered. EMDR does not involve repeated re-telling of disturbing memories, relying instead on the power of the brain to naturally process information, making it a more tolerable therapy for some people. While EMDR has excellent evidence base, it may not be the right therapy for everyone so it's important to discuss its suitability before starting EMDR therapy.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the ability to notice without judgement. Mindfulness skills focus on learning to observe our thoughts, feelings, urges, and sensations non-judgementally and without getting hooked by them. Survivors of trauma often struggle to be mindful because they learned it wasn't safe to feel or they didn't have anyone to help them manage the overwhelm they did feel.
Mindfulness skills are fundamental in moving forward from trauma as they allow us to be in our bodies and become aware of our pattern of internal experiences without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps people manage their distressing thoughts and feelings by learning to accept that which cannot be changed while actively working towards their values. This approach builds on mindfulness skills to observe and make space for painful thoughts and feelings rather than trying to avoid them. The focus on values shows how people can live a rich, full, and meaningful life despite the limitations they may face.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected - the way we think impacts our emotions, and subsequently, our actions. CBT helps people understand and change their thinking to improve their mood and behavioural patterns.
Insight-Oriented Approaches
Insight-oriented work helps people to understand the root of their dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so that they can move forward with all parts of themselves. There is an understanding that if a part of you is sabotaging your life, for instance by pushing others away, that this part of you once protected you, such as when it wasn't safe to be close to others.
Curiosity and compassion are the key to these approaches which allow people to improve their relationship with themselves and others. I find this type of work to be incredibly powerful, especially for people who have struggled with self-worth and shame.