Counselling/Therapy

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The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP) is a short term trauma-based therapy that targets depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, fears and phobias.  The therapy is delivered in 3 phases across 3 consecutive weeks.  Post therapy progress is monitored across two review sessions, which are scheduled one-month and three-months after completion of the therapy.  

There are exciting developments in our collective understanding of the human brain and how it appears to be programmed to keep us alive and safe.   Experts now understand that the safety mechanisms within the brain are influenced by experiences of safety/lack of safety as we grow.  Poly-Vagal Theory contends: structures deep within the brain (below our conscious awareness) take control whenever they detect a threat of lack of safety, and generate a physical response designed to keep us safe (eg: by running, punching, yelling; or by hiding, staying silent, or pleasing).  Deep brain structures remember information (eg: sounds, smells, emotions) connected to previous distressing events, and use this information to judge current safety/lack of safety.  When current events trigger unconscious memories of previous events where there was 'lack of safety' the fight flight response is activated, and the brain and body kick in to 'automatic' and "take over".  Heart rate might increase, breathing might become short, and we might do or say things without thinking that we later regret or don't understand.  Or there could be an opposite feeling of shut down - where we lack energy or drive and feel like retreating.

Experts now understand trauma is held in the body, not in the event - its our body's response to the distressing event that keeps us stuck in survival, not the event itself.  Experts agree symptoms of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, phobias, and even some physical manifestations of chronic illness are the product of unresolved trauma or repeated distressing events.  We can heal from the impact of trauma, and resolve symptoms generated by trauma by 1) helping the body to learn the event is over and the person is now safe, and 2) when the person is able to move from a state of disempowerment to empowerment.  TRTP is one of many new and innovative therapies now available to treat trauma.   TRTP offers a safe, quick and effective opportunity for your body and your mind to heal from the impact of past distressing events by learning that the old distressing events are over and in the past, and that you are now safe.   TRTP connects you to a sense of empowerment so that your body and mind can register an experience of safety and your inbuilt safety mechanisms can return to a state of calm.  Most importantly, TRTP provides an opportunity for permanent positive change without the need to 'dig up' or re-live all the dreadfulness of old distressing events.'

Many people who complete TRTP feel instantly ready to cease therapy and engage in life with a new sense of positivity, possibility, and emotional flexibility.  Other people, who have not had opportunity to learn positive life skills may choose to engage in longer term counselling for a short time, as they move away from any lingering old habits that are continuing to keep them stuck, and/or as they learn and practice new life skills necessary for them to thrive.

Longer term therapy is available for people seeking support, and/or strategies to help them live well with ongoing life challenges.  Catherine practices a range of modalities including Interpersonal Processing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and/or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - each designed to help people improve health and wellness, achieve their life goals, improve confidence, and form positive relationships.