Complex Trauma
What does complex trauma mean?
Complex trauma is a term used to describe longer-term, often multi-layered and repeated traumatic experiences. These experiences have often occurred in the context of relationships, and often early family relationships.
Complex trauma often occurs through difficult experiences with primary attachment figures during the developmental stages of childhood. This can significantly shape a person's sense of self, ability to trust and their perception of the world around them. The relational nature of this trauma means that its effects are not just emotional or cognitive but also play a role in how we relate to others and ourselves.
A relational approach
Complex trauma requires a multi-layered approach including therapies that work with both the mind and the body. All effective trauma therapy involves some degree of relational work. But, when supporting individuals with an experience of trauma that stems from relational dynamics, particularly in the context of attachment and ongoing interpersonal interactions, it is essential a relational approach is at the centre of the therapy. Recognising the importance of the therapeutic relationship, I integrate a relational approach with an embodied approach.
Working together
I recognise the importance of the therapeutic relationship that provides a space where individuals can explore, experience, and work towards healing the wounds caused by early relational trauma. Within this empathetic space individuals can come to identify and understand patterns of trauma, their impact, and gradually work through them.
The approach I use centers on supporting embodied corrective experiences, which help individuals rebuild trust within themselves and others. By fostering a new way of connecting with emotions and experiencing relationships, this approach offers the possibility of a more secure, authentic connection to both ourselves and those around us. Through this process, clients can develop a stronger sense of safety and security, ultimately moving toward the development of a secure attachment style. This approach promotes emotional healing and creates a foundation for more fulfilling, trust-based relationships.
Supporting the experience of embodied corrective experiences is central to the approach I use. This can support individuals to rebuild a sense of trust with themselves and others, foster a new way of connecting with emotions and in relationship to self and others, all leading to an increased sense of security and a move towards secure attachment.