Trauma Therapy and Body-Based Counselling
Are you finding yourself stuck in patterns that feel hard to shift?
Many people notice themselves moving through different nervous system states throughout the day, often outside of conscious awareness.
Three nervous system states
GREEN — Connected and regulated
When you feel calm and grounded, you are generally able to think clearly, feel present, and respond in ways that feel like “you.”
RED — Fight or flight
You might notice your body moving into a heightened state of activation, such as:
- a racing heart
- tightness in the chest
- feeling hot or agitated
- difficulty slowing down or listening
BLUE — Freeze or shutdown
At other times, you may notice:
- low energy
- feeling disconnected or numb
- struggling to find words
- difficulty staying present with yourself or others
We naturally move between these states throughout life. Difficulties can arise when we become stuck in RED or BLUE, or move rapidly between them without a sense of grounding or safety.
These responses are not signs that something is “wrong” with you. They are deeply wired survival responses that often develop in relationships and environments that once felt overwhelming, unsafe, or difficult to manage.
As children, we do not have the same choices, resources, or independence that we do as adults. We adapt in the ways we can to stay safe, connected, or protected. Over time, these adaptations can become automatic patterns held within the body and nervous system, even when they are no longer needed in the same way.
This is often where trauma therapy and body-based counselling can help.
A body-based approach to trauma therapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a gentle, body-oriented approach to trauma therapy. It works with both physical sensations and emotional experience, helping you understand how trauma may be held in the body as well as the mind.
Together, we pay attention to what is happening in the present moment — such as tension, posture, movement, breathing, or shifts within the nervous system.
We notice these patterns gradually, at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.
What happens in a session?
You may begin by talking about a current difficulty, anxiety, relationship pattern, or past experience.
As you speak, we might notice small changes in your body — perhaps your breathing shifts, your posture changes, or your voice becomes quieter.
I may gently draw attention to this, for example:
“As you talk about your father, what do you notice in your chest?”
or
“I noticed something shifted just now — would it feel okay to explore that together?”
If it feels right for you, we may pause and bring some gentle attention to your body, such as your breathing, grounding, or physical sensations.
Together, we begin to understand how these patterns may have helped you survive or cope. Over time, this awareness can support new ways of responding and help you feel less stuck.
When talking therapy hasn’t been enough
Some people come to body-based psychotherapy when traditional talking therapies have not fully reached what feels “stuck,” or when experiences seem to be held more in the body than in words.
This approach can be particularly helpful for:
- trauma and early developmental experiences
- anxiety and overwhelm
- feeling disconnected or shut down
- repeating patterns in relationships
It can also work alongside other forms of counselling or psychotherapy.
Getting started
For many people, this is the first time these patterns have been understood in this way.
You are very welcome to get in touch if you would like to ask questions or arrange an initial session, and see whether this approach feels right for you.