Trauma and Attachment
Our earlier experiences can have a lasting effect
Our earlier experiences can have a lasting effect on the way we feel about ourselves and the relationships we build with other people.
You might find emotions difficult to regulate or feel like your reactions are stronger than you would like them to be. Or, you might find that you become numb and shut down. Relationships might involve a lot of conflict or turmoil, or you may find it difficult to trust people and let them get close to you.
For other people, it shows up through boundaries. You might say yes when you really want to say no, share more than you intended to, or spend a lot of time trying to keep other people happy.
Underneath some of these patterns can be a sense of shame or low self-worth. A feeling that, somehow, something is wrong with you.
When the past is still affecting the present
You might have clear memories of difficult childhood experiences that you think about often. You might do everything you can to avoid thinking about your childhood at all.
Some people experience flashbacks or nightmares. Others have blurry memories of childhood or long periods they struggle to remember.
Whatever your experience looks like, I’m interested in helping you understand how what happened earlier in your life may still be influencing how you feel and relate to people today.
Sometimes the brain and body can become stuck in patterns that developed in response to earlier experiences. Those patterns may have made sense at the time, even if they’re creating difficulties for you now.
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Making sense of your patterns
Therapy can help you begin making sense of these connections rather than judging yourself for them.
As you understand why particular patterns developed, we can also help your brain and body recognise that things are different now. You are no longer in the same circumstances, and some of the ways you learned to protect yourself may no longer be necessary.
That can create space for different ways of relating to yourself and other people.
Your experiences are part of your story, but they don’t have to define who you are. Therapy can help you understand what happened, how it has shaped you and how you want your life and relationships to look now.
Thinking about starting therapy?
If you’re thinking about starting therapy, you’re welcome to get in touch.
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You can ask any questions you have, learn a little more about my approach, or book an appointment if you feel ready to get started. If you’d prefer to speak first, you can also request a free 15-minute initial conversation to briefly talk about what you’re looking for and whether I might be the right therapist for you.