Last year, I attended complex trauma training delivered by Dzmitry Karpuk, which focused on stage 1 of Herman’s three stage model of trauma recovery and described ways of ensuring safety and stabilisation in the counselling room.
I was curious about learning new ways to work with trauma. Although I am an experienced counsellor, my exposure to complex trauma work was relatively new. I wanted to make sure I was working safely and effectively with refugees, and that I was supporting my own learning and growth as a counsellor. As the course progressed, I realised the complex trauma training would not only develop my work with refugees, but also enrich my effectiveness as a private practitioner.
What I learnt from complex trauma training
The course illustrated that the body holds onto trauma and clients can become locked into events. One of the most important aspects of therapeutic work is to ensure client safety while building trust, so that together we can adapt coping strategies to deal with their symptoms.
Helping clients notice triggers (both internal and external) can support them to manage their emotions. We learned body scanning and grounding techniques through practical exercises, which brought home the importance of recognising the feelings in our bodies and using this awareness to help clients feel more settled and present.
How complex trauma training helped my refugee work
I was able to take what I learned on the complex trauma training into my sessions with refugees, with enhanced confidence and empathy. I found that the calming and grounding techniques allowed clients to be more present in the room, and also helped them stabilise themselves when they were experiencing flashbacks at home.
Enabling clients to feel grounded and present helps refugees feel less vulnerable, and gives them more space to explore issues around managing everyday life in the UK. This, in turn, supports them to take more responsibility for the challenges of living in a new country.
How complex trauma training enhanced my private practice
In my own private practice, I now encourage clients to be more physically aware, and I have learned that being in the room with clients – building trust and respect – is often enough. I used to feel that 12 sessions were not enough and felt time-pressured to “move clients on”.
Following the complex trauma training, I am more aware of the importance of the client being focused on the present moment. If they are not feeling overwhelmed, then I know I can still do meaningful work with them in 12 sessions. Equipping clients (including refugees) to cope with the challenges they face in the UK has become an important part of my therapy work.
Complex trauma training and my own development as a counsellor
I am now less wary of working with clients who present with trauma in my private practice. Previously, I might have referred clients straight away if they had complex trauma issues. Since completing the complex trauma training, I have developed my practice so that I can work more confidently with trauma.
I do this through stabilisation and body work, and I am clearer about when the time is right to refer clients on to a trauma specialist. The training has helped me feel more grounded, informed and steady as a therapist when trauma appears in the room.