“The trauma-related issues with which the client presents for help, I now believe, are in truth a “red badge of courage” that tell the story of what happened even more eloquently than the events each individual consciously remembers”
— Janina Fisher
Guiding Principles of My Approach
1
Functionality
Nobody does nothing for no good reason. All behaviour provides an important service in the context in which it was born and tells aspects of the story of what has happened. It is unethical to take away a behaviour that is ‘working’ without first fostering a suitable alternative.
2
Needs-based
What looks like “maladaptive behaviour” in the here and now is actually the legacy of behaviour that protected from the full impacts of harm in the past. Some of these behaviours often served to manage distress related to core unmet needs. Treatment needs to be thoughtful and responsive in meeting these core needs in new and creative ways. Similarly the treatment process must be tailored to each individual and their unique and evolving needs and preferences.
3
Relational
Impacts from trauma (especially from childhood) often occur in the context of key relationships. Fortunately, many core emotional needs are also met in the context of “safe enough” healthy relationships with an ‘other’. Therefore the therapy offered draws heavily on theories and treatment approaches that are inherently relational. It is also an open space where an individual can bring along anyone they consider an important social support to be part of the process.
4
Contextual
Everyone and their key relationships and supports exist in bigger contexts and realities that shape our experiences for better or worse. Often existing beliefs and pressures from historical factors, the dominant culture and/or organisations we spend day to day can undermine our sense of who we are, whats ok/not ok and the kinds of privileges, resources and choices that can be accessed. These factors have to be acknowledged and worked with/through within the process.
5
Honouring Strengths
The first step of any treatment focuses on ‘making the unconscious conscious’. At the outset of coming to therapy people already have inner wisdom and coping behaviours that are incredible resources to the treatment process without necessarily realising it. It is helpful to map these together so that any ‘treatment’ from that point doesn’t take credit for these or waste time offering the same of what is already working.
6
Trust-based
Therapy and the unique relationship between any two people is organic, ever evolving and unpredictable. At times it can feel messy. However, some of the most powerful healing and growth comes from the process of working through the messiness together towards repair or transformation. While being committed to safeguarding the work as much as possible through ongoing professional development and reflective practice, I respect the need to accept and ‘trust the process’ we are in together.