How do traumas arise?

Assaults, accidents, sexual assaults or (natural) disasters can lead to shock trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder; PTSD).

Emotional neglect, relationship problems or prolonged abuse can cause complex trauma (k-PTSD).

The events are insufficiently processed mentally, emotionally and physically. The psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk speaks of “embodied” horror, as the body plays an important role in traumatization. Healing is therefore also linked to the wisdom and self-regulation of the body.

Many symptoms initially serve the purpose of survival. The psyche protects us by splitting off unbearable memories and feelings and ensuring survival. The symptoms are varied and individual. It often changes over the years.

The actual violent or neglectful events do not have to have been severe. An accumulation of “minor traumas” can also trigger symptoms. Very often, clients can no longer remember the triggering moments.

How does the therapy work?

1) The stabilization phase is about bringing you more into balance. Your resources are strengthened through relaxation exercises, mindfulness and imagination. This increases your sense of security and stability. Emotional security is an important basis for the next steps.

2) During the trauma work, we work on the previous reaction patterns – step by step! Among other things, we work with your inner images, body perceptions and feelings. Your own suffering and behavior patterns become comprehensible. Feelings of shame and guilt decrease.

3) Finally, what has been learned is (re-)integrated into everyday life. Individual “relapses” can also be an opportunity: they make it possible to pick up on (old) reaction patterns. In this way, everyday life is used to further reduce moments of shame, fear or panic.

My integrated therapy approach is based on the Neuro Affective Relational Model (Laurence Heller), Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine), EMDR (Francine Shapiro) and body psychotherapeutic interventions (Prof. Geuter).