Viewing posts in category: Trauma
The quiet nature of renewal
Easter often speaks of renewal, of new life, of beginning again. But in lived experience, renewal rarely arrives in dramatic or visible ways. More often, it is subtle.A shift in how we relate to ourselves.A moment of softening where there was once tension.A capacity to stay a little longer with something that once felt too … read more
Therapeutic Touch in Sydney: Co-Regulation, Somatic Psychotherapy and Trauma Therapy in Australia
Co-regulating touch: when the body learns safety in relationship Touch has always sat at the edges of psychotherapy — powerful, intimate, and often misunderstood. Yet when we look closely at how human nervous systems develop and regulate, it becomes clear that touch is not an “extra”. It is one of our earliest languages of safety. … read more
When Your Body Feels Like a Stranger: Introducing Rest and Restore Protocol
If you’ve lived through trauma or neglect, you might recognise this feeling: your body doesn’t quite feel like home anymore. Or it may never felt like that. Perhaps your gut is constantly unsettled, sleep feels like something that happens to other people, or you’ve noticed that you’re somehow… disconnected. Like your brain and body … read more
When Our Past Shapes How We Respond to an Outcry
When Our Past Shapes How We Respond to a Crying Baby I recently came across an interesting study that provides compelling evidence for something I’ve observed in my work for years – how our attachment history literally shapes our brain’s response to infant distress. The research, published in the Journal of Attachment & Human Development, … read more
Losing a Loved One to Addiction
Losing someone to addiction carves a unique kind of hole into our hearts. We don’t just lose them once – addiction steals them from us again and again. We watch as they choose substances over family gatherings, as they vanish for days to drink with friends. Watch them disappear behind lies, drift toward people who … read more
The Revealing Power of the Adult Attachment Interview
The Revealing Power of the Adult Attachment Interview As a therapist, I continue to be amazed by the insights that surface when we embark on our self-exploration journeys alongside clients. One experience that proved transformative for me was completing the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) training and becoming a certified coder of the instrument. … read more
The Safe and Sound Protocol: Navigating the Path to Balance
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace is more crucial than ever. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers a unique approach to achieving balance and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the history and practical benefits of SSP, a therapeutic auditory intervention developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges. The Genesis of Safe and … read more
We need to do better!
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research was recently discussed in articles published by the Guardian and the SMH. The report, which will be released today, will include the views of 34 survivors discussing the justice system in NSW. RMIT questioned victims of sexual assault about what they realised after or during discussing the incident … read more
5 signs you could have disordered eating
Orthorexia rates are on the rise. Wellness habits are meant to result in a healthy overall lifestyle, but for some, it sends them along a dark and dangerous road of disordered eating, as psychotherapist Andrea Szasz explains.
Body&Soul 10 subtle signs you may have unresolved childhood trauma
https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/wellness/mental-health/10-subtle-signs-you-may-have-unresolved-childhood-trauma/news-story/dbdc8b8c53f8270200ea062eed49422d
It’s never been easier to slip into gambling addiction. Finding your self-worth is key Ashwini Padhi and Andrea Szasz
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/nov/14/its-never-been-easier-to-slip-into-gambling-addiction-finding-your-self-worth-is-key
Regulation skills for these difficult times
Dear Brave Therapy™ Friends and Clients, The floods devastating our country are unprecedented, the word I am growing tired of. But unfortunately, the horrors happening in Ukraine have precedent, and therefore hard to believe they are happening again. My heart breaks watching people, animals and the earth suffering. Watching the news and doom-scrolling can put … read more
26th of January 2022
I am writing to you today from the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nations as I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this Country. I recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters, family, kinship and storytelling. As an immigrant to this beautiful continent, I feel very grateful to live here. I … read more
Somatic Practice with Anita Whelen at Brave Therapy™
I am very excited to introduce Anita Whelen Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who joined my practice in January. While we practice in different ways, our work highly compliments each-other. Anita’s background is in body work, while I am a psychodynamic and somatic psychotherapist. Here is a conversation I had with Anita about her work. As a … read more
How to BRAVE the Holiday Season in 2020
How to BRAVE the Holiday Season The holiday season is the time of the year when there might be some extra relational demands of us. While the festive season is generally a happy time, the reflections and celebrations can also be challenging. There are expectations; from family members with whom we may share some … read more