For too long, the pervasive effects of trauma have been ignored in psychotherapy. As neurobiology has made huge leaps in the last decade in our understanding of trauma, a new model of psychotherapy has emerged that integrates this important information. Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy is an approach to counselling focused on resolving shock and attachment trauma, [...]
“I just want to be ME!” These words are music to my ears. As a counsellor, one of my greatest joys is helping people to live more authentic lives. What gets in the way? Why is it so hard to just be oneself? To understand why we sometimes wear masks, hide our real feelings, and [...]
“Get over it!” “Move on.” “Don’t look back.” These are some of the words of advice commonly heard by someone who is depressed, anxious, and/or suffering from trauma. Though well-intended, this advice is impossible to follow for someone who is in such a state. Why? Normally we process information from the bottom up: the sensations [...]
How do we develop a sense of self? There are three main ways that a child’s sense of self is “awakened” by the caregiver: through a loving eye gaze, a gentle voice, and a caring touch, all of which are attuned to the present needs of the child. The child receives the sensory perceptions in [...]
We are wired for connection. As babies, we are completely dependent on the care of others for our survival. Our relationship to our caregivers is our lifeline, and any perceived threat to that relationship triggers a major reaction: brains and bodies go into “high alert” until we can be sure the bond is, in fact, [...]
