Developmental trauma refers to difficult experiences that happen during childhood, like abuse, neglect, or instability in the home. These experiences can have lasting effects on how people think, feel, and relate to others throughout their lives. For queer and trans people, our identity development and coming out process can end up being a site of deep realtional wounds with our caregivers and community. I support people in exploring the impact these experiences can have, and accessing  the resilience and wisdom you already possess in order to heal and live a vibrant life.

 

In my practice I use the Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM) to guide my work.  NARM is a therapeutic approach designed to work with developmental trauma and its effects on individuals. It integrates principles from neuroscience, psychodynamic therapy, and body-based approaches to address complex trauma and relational issues. NARM is a depth model that ask participants to be willing to look beyond surface conflicts,  inwards towards our deepest needs and desires. 

 

The NARM model supports my deeply held belief, no matter what our history is, we as humans all have the capacity to heal ourselves and live a life full of queer joy and trans magic!

 

Key aspects of NARM include:

Neuroscience Integration: NARM emphasizes understanding the impact of early relational experiences on the development of the nervous system. It looks at how these experiences shape patterns of relating, emotional regulation, and self-identity.

Relational Approach: Central to NARM is the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. It focuses on healing relational patterns disrupted by early trauma, aiming to restore a sense of safety, connection, and empowerment.

Body-Oriented Techniques: NARM incorporates somatic (body-based) interventions to help individuals regulate their nervous system and process unresolved trauma stored in the body. This can involve awareness of bodily sensations, breathwork, and mindful movement.

Complex Trauma Focus: NARM is particularly suited for addressing complex trauma, which involves multiple or prolonged traumatic experiences during critical periods of development. It helps individuals navigate the effects of these experiences on their sense of self and relationships.