Some therapies are designed from the outset to include a systemic understanding of humanity, recognising that humans are systems within systems. These therapies acknowledge that the relationships between the parts of us impacted by trauma are complex and multidirectional and that human body/minds have an inherent capacity to heal themselves given an appropriate and safe context. Such therapies include Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt and Hakomi. Some of these approaches include the body more than others and in different ways.

Other approaches, such as Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, can be adapted to be more body-inclusive, relationally-oriented, and holistic.

We value and promote understanding individuals in the context of their history and experiences, culture, attachment relationships, development, spirituality, physiology, and neurophysiology.

We prioritise therapeutic approaches that validate and adapt to individual client experiences and feedback, never rigidly adhering to a specific structure of therapy in a way that invalidates an individual's experiences.

We most value approaches based on rigorously developed theoretical models that have evidence and research to support their effectiveness. Additionally, we continually seek to support advances and improvements in therapeutic approaches and tools.

Body-inclusive trauma therapy (sometimes also referred to as body-oriented trauma therapy or somatic trauma therapy) is an approach to trauma treatment that emphasises the connection between the mind and body in processing traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on verbal processing of trauma, body-oriented trauma therapy recognises that trauma impacts our entire system and its capacity to regulate itself. When we are regulated, we can access a calm and present state in our body and mind without too much difficulty. Unresolved trauma impacts significantly on our capacity to do this. Body-orientated trauma therapy acknowledges the physiological and sensory effects (such as tension, feeling wound up and jumpy or checked out and numb) of trauma and works to resolve them through a variety of somatic (body-based) techniques. Here are some key aspects of body-oriented trauma therapy:

Somatic Awareness: Body-inclusive trauma therapy places a strong emphasis on developing awareness of bodily sensations, movements, and patterns of tension or relaxation. Clients are encouraged to notice physical sensations as they arise in response to thoughts, emotions, or memories related to trauma.

Embodied Presence: Therapists guide clients in developing a greater sense of embodiment or feeling grounded and present in the body. Techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, and body scans may be used to foster a deeper connection with bodily experiences and support regulation.

Body-Based Interventions: Body-inclusive trauma therapy incorporates a variety of somatic interventions to help clients process and integrate body-based responses and adaptations to trauma. These techniques exist in therapies such as Somatic Experiencing (SE), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) and adapted somatic movement practices like yoga or dance therapy.

Regulation and Resourcing: Therapists can support clients to understand, tolerate, track and regulate their nervous systems to manage too much or too little activation. This may involve learning self-soothing techniques, grounding exercises, or utilising physical resources such as holding objects or engaging in comforting activities.

Trauma Resolution: Through somatic exploration and gentle experimentation, clients are supported in gradually processing and releasing tension patterns associated with trauma in the body. This may involve accessing and expressing unconscious emotions, renegotiating traumatic memories, and restoring a sense of safety and empowerment.

Integration and Healing: Body-inclusive trauma therapy aims to facilitate the integration of traumatic experiences on all levels—cognitive, emotional, and physiological. By addressing the somatic aspects of trauma, clients can experience a more comprehensive and lasting healing process.

Overall, body-inclusive trauma therapy offers a holistic and embodied approach to trauma treatment, recognising the interconnectedness of mind and body in the experience and resolution of trauma. By engaging with the body's innate capacity for self-regulation and healing, clients can develop greater resilience, self-awareness, and well-being in their recovery journey.

Relational therapy focuses on the therapeutic relationship as a central healing factor. For individuals with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), relational therapy can be particularly important as the trauma they have experienced has often occurred in trusted relationships themselves.

Safety and Trust Building: Relational therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals with CPTSD can develop trust in the therapist and the therapeutic process. Establishing a secure therapeutic relationship is essential for addressing issues of attachment, trust, and interpersonal boundaries often affected by CPTSD.

Exploration of Relationship Patterns: CPTSD often stems from repeated interpersonal trauma, leading to complex relationship patterns and difficulties in forming healthy connections. Relational therapy explores these relational dynamics, helping clients gain insight into how past experiences influence their current relationships and interactions.

Repairing Attachment Wounds: Many individuals with CPTSD have experienced attachment wounds, such as neglect, abandonment, or betrayal, which impact their ability to trust and form secure attachments. Relational therapy provides an opportunity to repair these attachment wounds by offering a corrective emotional experience within the therapeutic relationship.

Integration of Parts and Identities: CPTSD can result in fragmented self-experiences and a sense of disconnection from oneself. Relational therapy helps clients integrate fragmented parts of themselves and develop a cohesive sense of identity by exploring how they relate to themselves and others in the therapeutic relationship.

Healing Shame and Self-Blame: Shame and self-blame are common features of CPTSD, often stemming from internalised messages of worthlessness or responsibility for the trauma. Relational therapy addresses shame and self-blame by fostering a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where clients can challenge negative self-perceptions and cultivate self-compassion.

Building Resilient Relationships:

When our earliest relationships have been unsafe, violating and invalidating, our system develops protective strategies that can make developing and maintaining relationships in adulthood difficult. The therapeutic relationship is a safe place to explore how those protective strategies might be playing out and work toward resolving the underlying injuries . This process supports the building of resilient, supportive connections outside of therapy.

Holistic therapy approaches aim to address the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. For individuals with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), holistic therapy can offer a comprehensive and integrative approach to treatment that considers the multifaceted nature of trauma and its impact on various aspects of one's life. Here are several benefits of accessing holistic therapy for CPTSD:

Comprehensive Healing: Holistic therapy recognises that trauma affects not only the mind but also the body and spirit. By addressing all aspects of a person's being, including emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, holistic therapy promotes comprehensive healing and recovery from CPTSD.

Understanding that trauma impacts the whole person in their environment: Holistic therapy incorporates a variety of mind-body techniques and practices, such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and somatic experiencing. We also consider how health and nutrition and our environment and relationships impact on and can support our recovery from CPTSD.

Supporting Spiritual Exploration and Growth: For some individuals with CPTSD, trauma can impact their sense of spirituality or connection to a higher power. Holistic therapy provides a space for exploring existential questions, finding meaning and purpose in life, and reconnecting with one's spiritual beliefs or values, if desired.

Promoting Long-Term Well-Being: Holistic therapy emphasises sustainable lifestyle changes and self-care practices that support long-term well-being beyond the therapy session. By integrating holistic approaches into their daily lives, individuals with CPTSD can cultivate greater balance, vitality, and overall health in the long run.

Overall, holistic therapy offers a holistic and integrative approach to healing for individuals with CPTSD, addressing the complex interplay of environmental, relational, psychological, physiological, and spiritual factors in the recovery process. By tapping into the body's natural healing mechanisms and promoting self-awareness and self-compassion, holistic therapy supports individuals in achieving greater wholeness, resilience, and well-being.

How can Trauma-Sensitive Yoga help?
Trauma Sensitive Yoga is a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of trauma.
This gentle movement practice prioritises safety, choice, and empowerment, creating a space where you can explore your body, emotions, and experiences at your own pace.

Reclaiming Power and Agency
One of the key benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga is its focus on empowerment. By providing opportunities for choice and autonomy within the practice, individuals learn to reclaim power over their bodies and experiences. This sense of agency can be transformative, helping survivors of complex trauma rebuild trust in themselves and their ability to navigate challenging situations.

Within this nurturing space of choice and empowerment, participants are encouraged to observe how different yoga postures and movements resonate within their bodies. This process fosters greater self-awareness and reduces dissociation, fostering a deeper connection to oneself.

Embodied Healing
For those grappling with the complexities of trauma, Trauma Sensitive Yoga offers a path forward—one that respects and acknowledges individual experiences, strengths, and resilience. By embracing the healing potential of the mind-body connection, individuals may begin to reclaim a sense of self and wholeness.

When a therapeutic approach takes human development into account, it means that it acknowledges and integrates an understanding of how individuals grow and change over the course of their lives. This includes recognising the various stages of development from infancy through adulthood, as well as the influence of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors on this process.

Therapists who consider human development recognise that early experiences, such as attachment to caregivers and the formation of core beliefs about oneself and others, can have lasting effects on an individual's well-being and functioning. They may also take into account milestones and challenges specific to different life stages, such as identity formation during adolescence or transitions in adulthood like marriage, parenthood, or retirement. They also factor in that adversity that occurs during development and during stages in which a child has more dependence on others for their basic needs, can shape a person’s physiology, neurological function, and nervous system function.

By understanding and considering human development, therapists can tailor their interventions to meet the unique needs of their clients at various points in their lives. This may involve helping clients navigate developmental tasks, heal from past traumas, and develop coping skills that are appropriate for their stage of life. Additionally, therapists may use developmental theories and frameworks to deepen their understanding of clients' experiences and promote growth and resilience.