Trauma
"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the aftermath." Dr. Gabor Maté
Trauma refers to distressing or disturbing experiences that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. It can result from events such as abuse, accidents, or loss, and often leads to emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, depression, and difficulty trusting others. Trauma can manifest in many ways, including persistent feelings of fear, detachment, or anger. Therapy offers a safe space to process these experiences, understand their impact, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
I may use some or all of the following interventions to support clients presenting with trauma:
​
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT helps clients identify and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs formed by trauma. By reframing negative thought patterns and teaching coping strategies, clients are empowered to reduce trauma-related anxiety, depression, and avoidance behaviours. This fosters healthier responses and more positive perspectives.
"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think." Buddha
EMDR:
​When something traumatic happens, the mind can hold onto the experience in a vivid, unprocessed way — including images, sounds, emotions, and body sensations. These memories may feel “stuck,” and everyday triggers can bring them sharply back, causing distress that feels hard to control. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) helps the brain unlock and reprocess these experiences so they lose their intensity. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR uses gentle bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to support the brain’s natural healing process. In my practice, I use EMDR to help clients safely process trauma and move forward with greater ease.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques:
Mindfulness practices and grounding exercises are integrated to assist clients in staying present, reducing overwhelming feelings triggered by trauma. These techniques help manage emotional dysregulation and prevent dissociation, creating a sense of safety and stability in therapy.
"Mindfulness is the awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally." Jon Kabat-Zinn
​
Sandtray Therapy:
Sandtray therapy allows clients to create scenes using miniature figures and symbols in a sandbox to express and explore their trauma. This non-verbal approach enables clients to externalize their feelings in a safe, symbolic space, promoting emotional processing and healing.
"The hands can solve the riddle that the heart cannot." – Virginia Axline
Grief & Loss
“Grief is the price of love, and we grieve because we loved.” David Kessler
Grief and loss can be overwhelming, as individuals process the emotional pain of losing a loved one or experiencing significant life changes. This natural reaction often involves stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
I may use some or all of the following interventions to support clients presenting with grief and loss:
Compassionate Inquiry:
A compassionate space is created to explore the impact of loss, offering empathy and understanding to help clients process their emotions and move toward healing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Clients are supported to identify and challenge thought patterns related to their grief, guiding them to reframe distressing thoughts and emotions.
Mindfulness:
Through mindfulness techniques, clients are supported in staying present and grounded, helping them manage overwhelming feelings and find peace in the moment.
EMDR:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process grief and loss. Through guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain reprocess painful memories and emotions, reducing their intensity and emotional charge. This allows clients to acknowledge their loss, integrate memories, and experience relief from overwhelming sadness, guilt, or anger. EMDR does not erase grief but helps people adapt, find meaning, and restore emotional balance. It is especially effective for complicated or prolonged grief, supporting healthier coping and personal growth over time.
Sandtray therapy:
Sandtray and symbolic expression allows grieving clients to externalise and process complex emotions by using miniature figures in sand to represent feelings, memories, and experiences. It provides a safe, non-verbal space for expression, reflection, and healing, offering clients a sense of control and insight while navigating the pain of loss and finding emotional closure.
Stress, Anxiety & Depression
“There is no health without mental health.”
World Health Organization
Stress, anxiety, and depression can overwhelm an individual's mind and body, leading to constant worry, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty managing daily life. These conditions can cause physical symptoms like fatigue and tension, impair relationships, and hinder work or personal goals, leaving the individual feeling trapped and disconnected.
I may use some or all of the following interventions to support clients presenting with mental health challenges.
Person-Centred Therapy:
By offering a safe, empathetic space, clients are supported to explore their thoughts and emotions without judgement, fostering self-acceptance and empowerment to work through mental health challenges.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Clients are supported to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress, offering practical strategies to manage and reframe their thoughts.
Mindfulness Practices:
Through mindfulness techniques, clients are taught how to stay present, reduce emotional overwhelm, and cultivate self-awareness, helping them navigate difficult emotions with more ease and clarity.
EMDR:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and emotions linked to depression, anxiety, and stress. Using guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation, EMDR reduces the intensity of negative thoughts, rumination, and emotional overwhelm. Clients often experience relief from persistent worry, low mood, and tension, while gaining new perspectives and coping skills. EMDR addresses root causes rather than just symptoms, supporting long-term emotional resilience and mental well-being. It is effective for both acute stress and chronic mood or anxiety challenges.