Trauma Resolution
Trauma Resolution is a body-centered approach for healing the physical, mental and emotional symptoms of trauma. It is based on revolutionary understandings of our brain, nervous system, memory and stress. Sessions include hands on treatment, guided exercises and training in Felt Sense Awareness.
Though we cannot change the story, we can change our relationship to the story and its hold over us. The brain is literally rewired, allowing us to navigate life in new, more resilient ways.
‘Trauma is an event that causes freezing in the sympathetic nervous system. It cuts off the ability to fight or flee in mid impulse. Trauma also shuts down or suppresses the energy for the regular function of the parasympathetic nervous system.’ Gary Peterson
Trauma Resolution treats physical conditions such as fatigue, headache, chronic or acute pain and endocrine dysfunction. It also addresses mental and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, cognitive and emotional impairment and a general inability to cope with stress. This therapy benefits those who have experienced car accidents, abuse, birth trauma, brain injury and workplace stress. It is helpful for those who have experienced violence, invasive medical procedures, or deep grief.
Treatments focus on balancing and repair of the nervous system and injured tissues through the gentle touch of Osteopathy and Craniosacral Therapy. Lymphatic and visceral techniques are used to improve metabolic, neuroendocrine and immune functions. The practice of mindfulness awareness through the body’s felt sense, breath work, movement and stillness are used as resources for healing. Clients are empowered to be active in their recovery through education on the function of the nervous system and the physiology of stress, trauma and brain repair. Clients are also provided with strategies and exercises for ongoing practice and healing. This work can take place on or off the table while fully dressed.
In my work I stress that I am not a counselor or psychologist of any kind and as such, I do not discuss the content or story of traumatic events and the memories or emotions associated with them. While no referral is needed, ongoing counselling in consultation with your MD and other healthcare professionals may be recommended. This work has similarities to mindfulness practice, somato-emotional processing and the emerging field of sensory motor psychology.
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The power and grace of this work is that we can experience immediate and lasting change without speaking about the story or content of the trauma. As we focus on the felt sense in the body through movement and breath, we are brought into the present moment in a safe and supported space. This allows sensations linked with trauma to bubble up and emotions frozen in the body to transform. The strong charge of the trauma dissipates and becomes uncoupled from the memories of past events. Clients come to recognize that though we cannot change the story, we can change our relationship to the story and its hold over us. The brain is literally rewired, allowing us to navigate life in new, more resilient and empowered ways.
While attending the Southern Ontario School of Osteopathy I completed a thesis on the treatment of PTSD through Osteopathy.
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