Understanding Trauma

PTSD, CPTSD & Trauma

Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT) and TRAUMA, PTSD & CPTSD

Developmental trauma occurs during childhood over a long period of time and is mostly caused by childhood neglect and abuse in all its forms.  The long-term impact on the mind and body is devastating, this is called Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). The experience of a single traumatic event causes similar mind and body reactions, which are equally devastating: this is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Bodily sensations may be fleeting when we are anxious or excited about an event, but traumatic experiences and their connected emotions are stored permanently in the body because the brain has not been able to process the experience.  This is partly because our bodies and brains respond automatically to trauma by freezing with fear or running away, which includes dissociating to block out the painful memories.

The long term affects of PTSD and CPTSD are many, largely due to the dysregulated, autonomic nervous system getting triggered every time a present day situation reminds their unconscious of the event. Some of these effects are: -

Pounding heartbeat *   Sweating  *  Nightmares & Flashbacks  *   Intrusive Thoughts and Memories     Trembling    *    Hyper-vigilance   *   Sensitivity to touch and sounds    *    Muscle tension

These symptoms are so uncomfortable, and it can feel like you are re-living or trapped in past traumas.

Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT)  focuses mind and body, which helps to regulate your autonomic nervous system, bringing you, gently, to a calmer state until there are no more triggers left. Research over the years has shown that emotions and their connecting experiences are stored in the body.  For example, long term, continual anxiety can cause intestinal disorders such as IBS:  you may be familiar with the phrase, ‘I have butterflies in my tummy’; these sensations are often felt when you are anxious about an interview, giving a presentation or any other event, which makes you feel apprehensive/tense.

AIT focuses on the energy centres in the body, where trauma is stored and the corresponding memories, without risk of being re-traumatised. This helps put the memory of the trauma(s) into the past instead of having to re-live it constantly.

AIT can also helps to clear negative thoughts and core beliefs which lead you to patterns of behaviour and relating to others in a self destructive, self sabotaging way.

AIT can help with phobias, obsessions, depression, anxiety and much more.

AIT is integrated with the therapist’s own approach to talking therapies and the client is involved in the treatment of their trauma and therefore will feel safe and in control at all times.