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 am pleased to share with you this informative article about the new paradigm of trauma treatment using Polyvagal Theory. I was interviewed for the article by my friend and colleague, Chiara Viscomi, M.A.: "Trauma, in greater and lesser forms, is one of the most challenging aspects of the human experience. It could be a [...]
“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 [...]
One way to think about health and wellness is to consider the relationship between our minds and our bodies. Our bodies are constantly sensing our environment and sending messages to the brain in the form of sensations. Are we able to receive and act upon these messages? The body-- when we know how to interpret [...]
One of the most common themes I see in my practice is a lack of self-love. Over and over, I hear people judging themselves with harshness. They accuse themselves of being too much of something and not enough of something else. Ultimately, and unfortunately, people commonly see themselves as unworthy of love and happiness. The [...]
