We help you move beyond trauma responses towards healing and growth

Understanding trauma and the symptoms we address

Trauma is caused by an overwhelming experience or series of events that are so intense or scary that your ability to cope is impacted.  When you experience trauma your sense of safety is compromised.

Trauma affects areas of the brain which causes a shift into survival mode. Instead of the brain processing the experience and moving on, the person can become "stuck."  This keeps your nervous system in a state of dysregulation long after the danger has passed.

  • We help people of all ages who have experienced different forms of trauma.

  • Our approaches support you to manage the emotional, physical, somatic, psychological and behavioural symptoms of trauma. 

Hyper-vigilience

Always being "on guard" or waiting for something to happen.

Flashbacks and Intrusions

Feeling as though a past event is happening in the present.

Emotional Numbing

Feeling "flat," detached, or unable to experience joy.

Avoidance

Steering clear of people, places, or situations that trigger memories and unsettled feelings.

Shame and Blame

Carrying a heavy sense of guilt or blame for things outside of your control.

Dissociation

Feeling like you are "floating" outside your body or that the world isn't real.

Impulsivity

Engaging in high-risk behaviours to "feel something" or to self-soothe.

Chronic Tension

Unexplained pain, migraines, or a "tight" chest/shoulders/neck/jaw.

Startle Response

An exaggerated jumpiness to loud noises or sudden movements.

"Flight, Flight or Freeze" response

Fight 'Defense' response can cause irritability, anger, or a sudden urge to snap at others.

Flight 'Avoidance' response can cause panic, restlessness, a need to "get out" or "away".

Freeze 'Paralysis' response can cause numbness, brain fog, feeling stuck, or a sense of heaviness in the limbs.

Trauma-Focused Therapy in Belfast

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing  (SE) helps you heal trauma by connecting with your body's sensations to move your nervous system out of Fight/Flight/Freeze and back into a state of regulation, rest and re-connection. Working with the nervous system to process trauma, can resolve symptoms that have been around for a long time.  It has a proven benefit for trauma recovery.

Practitioners using this trauma-focused approach are trained in Somatic Experiencing and accredited with EASE (Europe Association of Somatic Experiencing). 

 

Trauma-focused Art Therapy

Art therapy is a specialist form of psychotherapy that utilises art and creative expression to help you communicate your inner thoughts and feelings. It provides a meaningful outlet for processing difficult emotions and navigating challenging life experiences, such as trauma.

The many benefits of Art Therapy include improved mood, clarity of thinking, better regulation and reduced feelings of anxiety and stress which are many of the symptoms associated with trauma.