Trauma and counselling

“Someone who has experienced trauma also has gifts to offer all of us – in their depth, their knowledge of our universal vulnerability, and their experience of the power of compassion.”  Sharon Salzberg

I have learnt so much from all the people I have worked with, both as a financial counsellor and social worker.  The counselling process is a two-way street and both sides learn as we work together to solve problems and work through issues that are impacting on the person’s life.

Having now been in this space for over seventeen years, I am always amazed how resilient people are as we discuss their personal journey and what they have been through and overcome.  It is a real honour and privilege to join them and watch their recovery process.

In therapy, I always stress to my clients – that they don’t need to share anything that they don’t want to.  It is always at their pace, and they control what they wish to discuss or not.

I have always had an interest in trauma and over the years and have read then trained in different therapies.  I remember reading over ten years ago about how trauma is stored in the body.  This led me to train in sensorimotor psychotherapy.  This made complete sense to me at the time, and it is where I explored the window of tolerance and how life stressors impact on us all.  This gave me the ability to explain this concept to my clients who disassociated due to their trauma. I still use this today as I explain the mind and body did the best option at the time to keep the client safe.  For me, psychoeducation is extremely important, when discussing life stressors and/or anxiety. 

I know that talking therapy doesn’t suit us all and around two years ago, began reading about expressive arts in therapy.  Many people will know that I am not a creative type and when I read about Sand Tray Therapy – I was intrigued and began to research and read more about this modality.  Within a short period of time, I found a course and enrolled.  Unfortunately, life got busy, and I didn’t commence doing the work for six months and then had to complete some coursework prior to attending a face-to-face learning.  My journey was completed eighteen months after enrolling and I am happy to offer this modality for those willing to trail.

It is pleasing to see the growth of clients in this therapy, and I offer either room to my clients and they get to decide which therapy room suits them at each appointment.