This approach focuses on how experiences are held in the nervous system, not only in thoughts. It is influenced by Polyvagal Theory, which helps explain anxiety, shutdown, and stress responses in the body.

We may work with body sensations, breath, and tension patterns alongside conversation. Touch is rarely used and only considered with clear explanation and explicit consent. You always remain in control.

No. This approach can be helpful for physical, emotional, and existential or spiritual shock. This includes accidents, assaults, undesired sexual encounters, sudden losses, medical events, and experiences that disrupted your sense of safety or meaning.

No. You are not required to tell the full story or go into detail. This work focuses on how your body and nervous system responded rather than on retelling the event. We only go where it feels safe and useful for you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) focus mainly on thoughts and beliefs to help change emotions and behaviour. They can be very effective for building insight and coping skills.

My work also includes thoughts and emotions, but within a nervous system–informed framework influenced by Body Psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing. We pay attention to sensations, nervous system responses, and emotional patterns as they happen in the present moment.

This can be especially helpful when something makes sense logically but you still feel stuck or reactive, as shock trauma can continue to live in the body as well as in memory.

This is very common after overwhelming experiences. Memory gaps, confusion, or a sense of blankness are natural nervous system responses. We work with present moment sensations rather than trying to force memory recall.

The nervous system does not measure impact by logic or intensity. If an experience overwhelmed your system at the time, your response is valid even if others think you should be over it.

Yes. This work can still be helpful and may even facilitate progress. When there is developmental or relational trauma, a later shock experience can sometimes hold the system in a stuck state.

Gently working with the shock layer can reduce nervous system load and create more capacity for deeper therapeutic work.

The intention is the opposite. Sessions are paced carefully and focus on safety and regulation. You remain in control of the pace at all times, and we adjust whenever something feels too much.

Numbness and disconnection are common protective responses, not a failure. We don't try to push past them. Instead, we work at a pace that feels manageable, supporting the system to reconnect when and if it feels safe.

We also actively aim to prevent overwhelm. Grounding, resourcing, and choice are part of the process throughout, so you are not pushed beyond your capacity.

For single-incident experiences, some people notice shifts in a relatively short period of time (3–6 sessions). The pace and length of therapy depend on your nervous system, your resources, and your goals. There is no fixed timeline.