TRAUMA THERAPY
Advances in neuroscientific research have established that the treatment of traumatized individuals requires specific knowledge and interventions and needs to include the body. Helma is trained in different modalities specifically designed to work with the effects of shock and developmental trauma.
NEUROAFFECTIVE RELATIONAL MODEL (NARM)
NARM was developed by Larry Heller (co-author of Healing Developmental Trauma) to specifically work with the effects of developmental trauma. It not only addresses nervous system dysregulation, but also the attachment disruptions and identity distortions that limit a traumatized individual's capacity for aliveness and connection. NARM is a non-regressive, non-pathologizing, non-cathartic modality that is particularly suitable for people whose early life experiences have induced deeply seated shame and guilt that they have carried over into their adult lives.
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING (SE)
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a method developed by Peter Levine (author of Waking the Tiger) to resolve and heal trauma. It uses the felt sense to work with the arousal of nervous system energy in the body and restore the body's natural capacity for self-regulation. SE is particularly suited for people who experience nervous system dysregulation and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
TRANSFORMING TOUCH
Transforming Touch is a modality created by Stephen Terrell to address the earliest developmental trauma that by its nature is nonverbal. Transforming Touch recognizes the impact of early developmental disruptions and their impact on the developing nervous system. The challenges experienced by the developing foetus in the womb can have life-long adverse implications on nervous system regulation and affect tolerance. Grounded in an understanding of the neurosequential development of the brain, Transforming Touch consists of a protocol that integrates primitive reflexes and addresses impairments in physiological regulation and attachment bonds. It can be experienced as a non-touch version with the client being seated in a chair or as a touch version with the client lying on a plinth and receiving gentle, noninvasive touch by the practitioner.
ORGANIC INTELLIGENCE (OI)
OI is a therapeutic approach developed by Steve Hoskinson that is based on the science of self-organization and provides a clear protocol for supporting nervous system shifts from states of chaos to complexity and finally coherence. Using the principles of positive reinforcement, OI promotes empowerment, resiliency, and compassion.
In addition, Helma has attended workshops and trainings facilitated by Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Dan Siegel, Deb Dana, and Bonnie Badenoch to deepen her understanding of trauma work, polyvagal theory, and interpersonal neurobiology.