Psychotherapy is one of the ways in which we can heal and recover from major traumas. Therapy can also be a place where our existing coping mechanisms are strengthened in order for us to better deal with the difficulties life can present.

Trauma is defined as an unexpected life event in which one is faced with a life threatening or perceived life threatening situation.

No matter what form a trauma comes, it can leave a lasting impression for many days or even years afterwards. Traumatic incidents can include near death experiences such as a car accident; exposure to violence or life threatening situations; involvement in a crime such as a high jacking, mugging or house robbery; the unexpected death of a loved one; diagnosis of a chronic or terminal illness; abuse – physical, emotional or sexual.  

Sometimes trauma can feel like a slight earth tremor –a small disruption in our daily lives. Other times it can be as devastating as a major earthquake. 

Past traumas, although already overcome in the sense that we have survived the ordeal, can often leave behind some cracks or scares in our lives. Psychotherapy provides the opportunity repair the cracks. This can be achieved by addressing past traumas to help identify how it has left its mark on our current functioning. By acknowledging the impact that trauma has made on our lives and learning to define oneself by who we are and not what we have gone through allows one to be more authentic and to be free to follow your dreams. 

What does Trauma Informed Psychotherapy mean?

Being trauma informed means being aware of the various ways a person can be traumatized and how these very human experiences of feeling overwhelmed, or unable to come to terms with our trauma can impact a person's development, functioning, relationships and overall health.  Trauma Informed psychotherapy involves knowledgeably and sensitively exploring the impact of both acute and/or chronic traumas on clients.  

It also involves the crucial belief that people are so much more than what has happened to them, and that all individuals have the capacity to recover from trauma and lead a healthy full life.

Trauma Informed Psychotherapists consider a client’s lived experience and the possibility that they may have internalised unhelpful messages about themselves, others or the world around them as a result of some of their traumatic experiences. Trauma Informed Psychotherapy is not always focused on the trauma or trauma interventions, but rather a wholistic process where the client and therapist work together in a secure relationship to empower the client to reconnect to the Self that was lost or fragmented during the trauma.  

Dr. Lauren Moss
Counselling Psychologist

90 Mackay Avenue
Blairgowrie
Randburg

082 925 0711
email: lauren@counsellingpsych.co.za