What is Somatic-Informed Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is underpinned by a long term psychotherapeutic approach that gives clients the time and depth needed to process trauma.
Trauma therapists are trained in different areas of trauma processing- such as CBT, EMDR, IFS and somatic experiencing, which addresses different aspects of the experience, whether cognitively, emotionally, or somatically. Because of this, therapists may train in one or more of these areas to target specific elements of the trauma.
Somatic-informed trauma therapy works with the body as well as the mind and practitioners are trained to support clients process trauma using somatic experiencing. Inspired by pioneers like Bessel van der Kolk and Peter Levine, this approach recognises that trauma is stored not only in the memory but also in the body, affecting the nervous system, emotional and physical responses.
For more information on trauma: https://youtu.be/BJfmfkDQb14?si=TbJ5qAJDG-eVHEfB
Getting the Right Support.
Person Centered vs Trauma Therapy
A person may seek a counsellor or psychotherapist, depending on the depth of support required. Psychotherapy is longer-term and seeks to understand unconscious processes, whereas person-centred counselling alone is a is short term therapy, focused on life transitions and conscious processes . A psychotherapeutic counsellor bridges the two approaches.
Person-centred counselling on its own is immensely valuable for gaining insight into current life and relationship challenges through discussion. However, trauma can impact our behaviour and patterns in a way that talking alone cannot fully address. For clients with (C)PTSD and deeply held trauma, psychodynamic trauma-focused therapy can be highly beneficial.
Trauma can also leave lasting imprints on our physiology and ways of being, particularly in developmental trauma. A psychodynamic and somatic approach allows us to trace not-so-obvious nervous system dysregulation and deeply held patterns, and sense where a person's nervous system tolerance is in relation to pacing.
Talking about past trauma without proper safety and stabilisation can be re-traumatising, and trauma responses may not be picked up or understood. A somatic trauma-informed approach gently explores the hidden, below-the-surface patterns and unresolved conflicts that are trapped within your nervous system. By bringing somatic awareness to these deep psychodynamic layers, we safely process complex trauma and CPTSD where it actually lives, in a way that prioritises safety.
For more information on somatic experiencing: https://youtu.be/aDYRkLAAH2U?si=1gA0OT79Tr0rZs7z
What to Expect in Sessions
Guided by Polyvagal Theory, my practice follows a safe, structured, and phased approach:
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Phase 1: Stabilisation & Safety – We focus initially on grounding, building coping strategies, and regulating your nervous system. This is done using specific somatic-informed exercises and breathwork.
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Phase 2: Deeper Exploration – Only when you feel safe and ready do we begin gently exploring and processing deeper trauma.
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Phase 3: Integration & Reconnection – Moving beyond the trauma, we focus on rebuilding your life and reclaiming your sense of self.
As part of the work, we explore how past experiences show up in the present, trace limiting patterns, support nervous system regulation, and work within your window of tolerance. Psychoeducation is used to give an understanding of the nervous system and trauma responses.
To support this process, I blend evidence-based techniques tailored to your pacing, including somatic methods, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and creative interventions. Our work together will always be collaborative, centred around safety, and uniquely tailored to you.
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