Working with Complex Trauma: What You Need to Know Before Starting

If you’re considering starting therapy to address complex trauma, I want to acknowledge your courage in taking this step. I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Australia with over 20 years of experience, and throughout my career, I have worked with individuals who have

faced significant challenges related to developmental trauma. This includes supporting

children affected by trauma and child protection issues, as well as adults who experienced

severe trauma during childhood. Therapy can be a transformative journey, and I’m here to

guide you through it.

Over the years, I have trained in therapeutic approaches such as Somatic Experiencing

Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and the Structural

Dissociation Model (working with parts of the self). These methods help me work effectively

with individuals who have experienced complex trauma and tailor therapy to their unique

needs.

What to Expect in Therapy

When we start working together, my priority is not the complexity of your experiences but

whether my approach aligns with where you are in your healing journey. In my experience,

clients tend to progress more effectively when certain key elements are in place:

1. Emotional Regulation: Having the ability to manage intense emotions, even in small

ways, can help you feel more stable during therapy.

2. External Support: Feeling connected to someone safe, whether a loved one or a

trusted figure, can be a strong foundation for healing.

3. Inner Resilience: A part of you that can function and hold hope despite the

difficulties you’ve faced.

Therapy for complex trauma often involves exploring and addressing how your experiences

have impacted your mind, body, and sense of self. Each person’s journey is different, and I

will work with you to create a plan that feels manageable and supportive.

Why No Single Approach is Enough

Research shows that no single therapy—such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy),

EMDR, somatic therapy, or IFS (Internal Family Systems)—fully addresses complex trauma.

Effective therapy often combines techniques tailored to your needs. For instance, the Blue

Knot Foundation recommends integrating both “bottom-up” (body-based) and “top-down”

(mind-based) approaches. This means that we might focus on reconnecting with your body to heal the nervous system while also working on understanding your thoughts and emotions.

It’s important to know that existing therapies are helpful but not universally effective for

everyone. We will explore what works best for you as we move forward.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy involves building skills to process trauma safely and at a pace that feels right for

you. This might include:

• Using EMDR or somatic techniques to work with your nervous system.

• Learning ways to stay grounded and stable during intense moments.

• Exploring fragmented parts of the self if past experiences have left you feeling disconnected or overwhelmed.

Trauma impacts the nervous system profoundly, so reconnecting with your body and

emotions is often a key part of healing. My training in somatic therapy allows me to support

you in processing trauma safely and gradually.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Healing from complex trauma is not a quick process. Therapy can range from a few sessions

to long-term work, depending on your goals and readiness for change. Being realistic about

the time and effort involved is essential, and I will be with you every step of the way to

support and guide you.