Trauma is the lasting harm to the mind and nervous system that arise from traumatic experiences. Traumatic experiences are any events that overwhelms an individual so that they are unable to cope. These experiences can involve a threat to life or perceived safety.
Trauma-Informed Care works from the understanding the trauma impacts every aspect of someone’s life. I endeavour to help individuals access coping, healing, and recovery – while trying to ensure we do not engage in practices that may re-traumatize an individual.
Effective trauma work is about bringing the self to a safe here and now. Sometimes that means we need to focus first on building up that safety – that can mean building a safe therapeutic relationship, building up a safe and stable life outside therapy, building up community connections, or building up the skills necessary to process painful experiences.
When we create this safety, we help ourselves understand where maladaptive coping strategies originated, open ourselves up to empathy for our past selves, and it allows us to give ourselves the love and support we needed in the past.
Systemic and Generational Trauma
It’s important to recognize that complex trauma can make access to safety difficult. Individuals who are still in harmful circumstances (ex: living with an abuser, being incarcerate, living under oppression) are not going to have access to healing in the same way. In such cases our work may stay within the first phase of building safety for some time.
Some individuals may also have the experience of generational trauma. Generational trauma is when trauma is passed down through generations, and often involves a level of historical trauma (ex: colonization, genocide, racism). Generational trauma can create an added burden for some folks, as there is a greater disconnection from communities and care. Many times the systems that have created harm are still actively causing harm to current generations.
I continue to learn about the best ways to help individuals on these complex healing journeys. I work to integrate land-based practices into therapy. I try to help individuals build up their own rituals for connection and care. And as much as possible, I work to help individuals connect to their community.
I do my best to offer accessible therapy for folks who lack sustainable care. I think it is also important to acknowledge that therapy may not always be the best tool to help someone. I am trying to expand my resource list so individuals can access other tools for their well being.
Is this the right approach for me?
I respect the vulnerability an individual courageously brings to each session. I try to meet individuals where they are at, and believe that through therapeutic support an individual can heal themselves. I know I’ve done my job well when someone no longer needs to see me or doesn’t need to see me as frequently.
Therapy should be a collaborative process that proceeds at a pace that maintains your safety. This can mean that trauma work can extend for longer periods of time, as we build trust and proceed gently.
My approach may be a good fit for your needs if:
- You are seeking a safe space to start healing
- You want assistance with self-care, boundaries, and coping skills
- You are seeking lasting and meaningful change
- You are ready to commit to the ongoing exploration of past trauma
I encourage you to reach out and ask more questions about my therapeutic approach. I am also happy to provide referrals to other therapists, if my approach does not feel like a good fit. You can reach me at kateepsych@gmail.com for more information.
How do I start?
If you feel ready to take a first step towards your healing, you can book a session online here. You can also book a 20-minute free consultation, if you still have questions or concerns.
You can also email me directly at kateepsych@gmail.com.
kateemery.ca 