DEVELOPMENTAL TRAUMA

The definition of trauma is an overwhelming stress response in the nervous system. When this happens to children and youth during especially formative critical periods of development, it can impair the natural progression of psychological growth and part(s) of us can effectively become stuck reliving and reexperiencing the traumatic event indefinitely in fight, flight, freeze, submit/dissociate, and/or attach mode(s). As such, newer neurobiologically informed models of trauma treatment, such as the Structural Dissociation and Internal Family Systems models, suggest that it is helpful to identify and support those distinct traumatized parts of ourselves in order to promote healing and integration. This approach is largely informed by Richard Schwartz’s and Janina Fisher’s work and emphasizes addressing the continued effects of trauma in one’s present life in a gentle and scientific manner. It involves helping clients understand the psychobiological underpinnings of their trauma symptoms and the adaptive nature of their survival defences, which promotes a compassionate, non-judgmental perspective. This approach also integrates the latest research on attachment and fosters the development of earned secure attachment and healthier relationships.

While this is our evidence-based approach to treating developmental trauma, personality disorders, and dissociative disorders, it also has relevant applications to many other presenting concerns ranging from anxiety (e.g., OCD), depression, “self-sabotaging” behaviours, issues of self-identity, self-esteem, eating disorders, to ADHD and can be truly transformative.

The ethos of trauma therapy is rooted in compassion, safety, empowerment, and resilience.

Guiding principles include:

Creating Safety – Establishing a physically and emotionally secure environment where clients feel safe to express and process their trauma.

Non-Judgment and Compassion – Approaching clients with deep empathy, validating their experiences without shame or blame.

Empowerment and Collaboration – Encouraging clients to regain a sense of control over their own healing journey while respecting their autonomy and choices.

Trauma-Informed Care – Understanding how trauma affects the brain, body, and emotions, and tailoring therapy to be sensitive to triggers and responses.

Patience and Respect for Readiness – Recognizing that healing takes time and allowing clients to move at their own pace without forcing disclosures or breakthroughs.

Strengths-Based Approach – Highlighting resilience and inner strengths rather than defining clients by their trauma.

Ethical Responsibility – Maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and continuing education on best trauma therapy practices. Providing clients with a safe, nonjudgmental, culturally/diversity-sensitive space to do inner work.

Holistic Healing – Acknowledging the mind-body connection and integrating approaches like mindfulness, somatic work, and cognitive therapies to support overall well-being.

Not what you were looking for? Check out our approach to more generalized trauma and PTSD here.

We hope to be a part of your post-traumatic growth.

Still have questions? Contact us

We’re happy to offer free phone consultations to help you get a better idea of what to expect.

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