What is somatic Trauma therapy?

When Helping Hurts: Blurred Boundaries, Burnout, and the Hidden Cost of Caring for Someone with an Eating Disorder.

The word "trauma" originates from the Greek word for "wound." Initially, it was used to describe physical injuries, actual wounds to the body, but over time, its meaning has expanded. Dr. Gabor Maté once said, "Trauma is not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you." This means that trauma isn't just about the painful event itself; it's about the lasting effects that event has on you. In simple terms, it's not the accident, loss,

Remember the days when therapy was like a secret club with strict rules, no social media, no public reviews, and absolutely no personal anecdotes allowed. That was the old school, the way I was originally taught. Therapists maintained a polished, professional façade, keeping their life stories well behind closed doors to preserve clear boundaries between ourselves and our work. We were instructed to stay out of the public eye and avoid going online, especially on social media

Support crews.. Life is full of transitions, some planned, some unexpected, all capable of reshaping our identity, priorities, and relationships . Whether it’s stepping into a new career, becoming a parent, navigating personal growth, or facing unforeseen challenges, these shifts test our resilience and force us to adjust. But no one navigates change alone. Behind every transformation is a support crew , the people who cheer us on, hold space for our struggles, and remind us

Self-awareness holds a unique power. It allows us to understand our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a deeper way. Yet, many people find it challenging to grasp fully. Do you often find yourself saying "Why did I say that?" …"Why did I act that way?" …"Why didn't I do xyz?" What is self-awareness, and how can it truly impact our everyday lives? For therapists, being self-aware means constantly confronting the deeper layers of our own experiences, especially when we are t

Vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness, a state that makes us feel exposed and defenceless. However, in the realm of therapy, embracing vulnerability can unlock profound personal growth. This blog post explores the significance of recognizing vulnerability as a strength, how it can enhance therapeutic relationships, and ways to cultivate this important aspect in our lives. Understanding Vulnerability in the Context of Therapy. Vulnerability refers to the willingness to s

Perfectionism is a term we use to describe a set of behaviours and inner experiences, but it's not a rigid diagnostic label in the way that clinical terms like "depression" or "anxiety" are defined. In many ways, perfectionism can feel like a shorthand, a quick way of capturing the complex and often deeply personal struggle of feeling that nothing we do is ever quite enough. While it's rooted in research and clinical observation, the term "perfectionism" doesn't always captur

The Overdramatic Brain: Understanding and Coping with Panic Attacks Panic attacks are sudden, overwhelming bursts of fear that seem to come out of nowhere, leaving you feeling as if you’ve lost control. While they can be incredibly distressing, understanding what panic attacks are and why they happen is an important step toward managing them. What Is a Panic Attack? A panic attack is an intense episode of fear during which your body reacts as if it’s facing imminent danger, e

When it comes to emotional and physical healing, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, no magic sweater that fits everyone perfectly. Therapy is far more than "just a chat" over coffee (although there is water and tissues which might add a bit of comfort!). A counsellor/Therapist/Psychotherapist isn’t in the business of handing out opinions, advice, or prescriptions. Instead, they serve as a guide, helping you unearth your own solutions, whether that means making effectiv

In our journey to develop a nurturing relationship with ourselves, two core concepts often come up: self-worth and self-esteem. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they capture different aspects of how we view ourselves. Understanding these differences can help us build lasting inner strength and resilience. Self-esteem is our evaluation of our own worth. It’s often influenced by our achievements, the recognition we receive from others, and the feedback w

Many of the somatic practices we explore may seem basic at first glance, simple breathing exercises, A rubbing of the hands, mindful body scans, or progressive muscle relaxation. But while these tools might appear basic or they may feel silly, they are essential steps in recalibrating an overtaxed nervous system. For many of my clients, these exercises become the building blocks for deeper healing, and I want to explain why they matter and why patience is key. What Are Somati

Do you ever find yourself becoming a professional at everything except the task you’re supposed to be doing? Welcome to the exclusive club of procrastinators, where deadlines are moonlights and “I'll do it later” is our unofficial motto. If you're reading this, you might even be procrastinating on reading it! Either way, you're in good company, and today we’ll take a humorous look at why we procrastinate, where it comes from, and a few playful strategies to help us move forwa

Understanding Boundaries, They’re Not Mean -They’re Meaningful When we talk about boundaries in counselling, the conversation often centres around relationships, how we interact with partners, friends, family, and colleagues. And while that’s important, boundaries go far beyond just people. They shape how we manage our time, our digital spaces, our work, and most importantly, how we care for ourselves. Boundaries can sometimes feel harsh or “mean,” especially if you’re not us

Our Attachments can be complex and layered, it cannot be reduced to a simple set of labels or guidelines. Every person’s experience is unique and can shift over time, influenced by our growth, relationships, and new experiences. It explains how we bond with each other and why these attachments are significant in our lives. Understanding this psychological framework can lead to healthier relationships and a better grasp of yourself and others. While this blog provides a basic

When many people hear the word “intimacy,” their minds immediately jump to images of sex. But intimacy is so much more, it’s about deep connections that span emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual dimensions. it’s about letting someone "In to see you” or "In to me see" This phrase, though simple, captures a profound truth about connection .In this post, we’ll peel back the layers of this common misconception and explore the rich tapestry of what intimacy truly means.

For many of us, relationships can sometimes feel like navigating through unknown territory. One moment, someone who has been part of your life steps away without explanation, leaving silence in place of connection, and later, they reappear, only to send signals that can lift your spirits one day and leave you feeling low the next. These experiences, often described as ghosting followed by mixed signals, create a complex emotional puzzle that resonates in different ways for ea

Welcome! I decided to create a blog about what to anticipate in your first session, as I know it can be anxiety-provoking and perhaps even intimidating (along with a few other things!). I am an integrative psychotherapist trained to work with trauma using a three-step approach. First, we focus on ensuring you feel stable and secure. Once you are ready, we move on to processing your experiences. Finally, we integrate these changes into your daily life. This approach keeps ever

Cant sleep.... Sleep is our natural time for restoration, when our bodies repair, our minds process the day, and our nervous systems find a moment's reprieve. Yet for many individuals dealing with trauma, sleep can feel elusive. Insomnia and other sleep issues are not merely about counting sheep, they often reflect deeper, unresolved stress signals lodged in the body and mind. Sleep disturbances can stem from a multifaceted interplay of factors, emotional, physical, cognitive

By Viktor E Frankl Think of the word "depressed" as if it literally meant "being pressed down." Its roots come from Latin and old French, where the components meant "down" (de-) and "to press" (premere). Originally, the term described something physically lowered or weighed down. Over time, people started using it to capture the emotional experience of feeling weighed down by life, hen your mood or spirit seems to be pressed down by stress or sorrow. In this way, the word mir