Recovery from Complex Trauma
Complex trauma is a general term given to the experience of repeated, long term exposure to multiple traumatic events usually, but not necessarily, in childhood and adolescence. These traumas generally occur in interpersonal relationships and are characterised by physical and or emotional boundary violations. Examples are physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect.
Often these traumas occur in relationships that properly ought to be spaces of trust, and care and the betrayal of this trust is often a central component of their destructive influence on lives. Sometimes the trauma is clear and a distinct series of events but equally they may be more vaguely remembered.
Whatever the specifics of the trauma, it’s effects are significant and touch most areas of a survivor’s life.
Adults who have survived complex trauma in early life frequently experience difficulty in intimate relationships, periods of dissociation, substance abuse and difficulties with regulation of emotions. Most of these difficulties are in fact the result of unique and necessary adaptations that the person growing up in such an environment has had to make in order to survive. I hold it as a truth that, like all other organisms, we are constantly driven to grow and in light of this, these painful symptoms are the unintended consequences of the compromises of self and peace that the growing child had to make.
Psychotherapies involving complex trauma tend to be long-term and recovery is an ongoing process that may extend over years and may involve different therapeutic experiences with different therapists.
In these therapies I work to be a partner in the ongoing exploration and understanding of the effects of the trauma on my client’s life and a creative ally in the generation of new capacities and resources for coping and well-being.
Couple and marriage counselling
Sometimes couples consult me seeking assistance with one of the most important functions of a family – the parenting of children. Read more here
Individual Psychotherapy
Although couple therapy and marital counselling are areas of special interest roughly 60% of my work involves working one a one on one basis with individual clients. Read more
Psychotherapy with men
I am touched by and interested in working with men who are facing difficult life events and developmental transitions. Read on for more information