Not a Trauma Model

Although I have extensive specialized postgraduate training in the treatment of trauma, I do not consider "Restoring Connection" to be a trauma model per se. Yes my trauma training has impacted the model in its deep commitment to safety through development of the ability to manage nervous system activation and dysregulation. But this is not a trauma model like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, for example.

As a result of the human condition most of us have become disconnected from our bodies in a general, lack of awareness kind of way. This model is great for repairing this kind of disconnection. Everyone's embodied experience includes nervous system activation and dysregulation. Therefore all of us can greatly benefit from being mindful of and knowing how to work with the nervous system. It is one of the wonderful components of the "Restoring Connection" model.

However, for many people who have experienced repeated physical and sexual abuse as well as early attachment trauma, they've often unconsciously developed a deep belief that the body is an unsafe place to be. And understandably so. Chronic nervous system dysregulation with difficulty self-soothing commonly results.

If this is the case, psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional who has extensive specialized training in the treatment of early trauma would be more appropriate. Fortunately there are some excellent clinicians doing this kind of work. In my professional opinion, both parts of what I said are important: 1) licensed mental health professional and 2) specialized training in the treatment of early trauma. I'm sorry to say that just because a person has one of these credentials, doesn't mean they necessarily have the other. E-mail me if you need help in finding such a qualified professional.