Trauma Healing | Developmental and Relational Trauma | Somatic Therapy
Consultant psychologically informed physiotherapist | Somatic trauma therapist | Clinical specialist in integrated medicine.
BSc(Physio) MCSP MAACP MHCPC EMDR CST SEP NATP | HCPC PH46080 | CSP 52922 | Over 36 years in practice | Wokingham, Berkshire
Complex trauma and CPTSD
You know what happened. Your body still reacts as if it is happening now.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is the lasting effect of prolonged or repeated trauma, often in childhood, on the body, emotions and relationships.
Trauma is not what happened to you…. it is what happened in the body as a result of what happened to you.
Why talking alone may not be enough
Understanding your story is valuable. But trauma is also held in the body, in the nervous system and the muscles and affects the immune system, the endocrine system (hormones),inflammatory system and psychological system. Trauma therapy addresses all of these elements.
Insight alone does not always reach those places, which is why many people say, “I know it was not my fault, and I still feel it.” you cannot talk your way out of what happened to you, or in the case of emotional neglect, what did not happen.
Often people are unaware that their early years or life may have affected them. Only through working with the whole person can the impact of trauma bcome evident.
How I work with your trauma
Trauma work, Somatic therapy work is always about going slowly. We begin with safety and with building your capacity to feel what is in your body without being overwhelmed. Then we use a mix of conversation/ narrative, body awareness, gentle movement and, if you want it, skilled touch. We never push through. I will take care of pace when you system wants to run away with itself.
I like to think of dominoes toppling – our learned patterns in our system repeat automatically. We need to slow things so we can see the first signs of what that pattern is and help you find ways to not use fear fight flight, fawn, shutdown, dissociation etc. We create new pathways and options for you through neuroplasticity.
Where to start
A good first step is a conversation about what you are noticing and what you want to be different. You can book or enquire at any time, and nothing is committed by asking.
Trauma can feel like...
What people tell me:
- Being easily startled, on guard, or unable to relax
- Feeling numb, far away, or cut off from your body
- Strong reactions that seem out of proportion, then shame afterwards
- Pain, tightness or exhaustion that has no clear medical cause
- Difficulty trusting, or difficulty being close
Before we start...
If necessary, I can work alongside your GP, consultants and any other clinicians. If something sits outside my scope, such as urgent support or a medication review, I will say so and help you reach the right person.
How CPTSD shows up in the body
- Muscle tension, jaw clenching, shallow breathing
- Digestive problems, headaches, widespread pain
- Sleep disturbance and exhaustion
- Feeling numb, or on high alert, often swinging between the two
- Strong reactions to touch, noise, or being closed in
- Relationship challenges.
- Autoimmunedieases like fibromyalgia, pericarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, Systemic Lupus, dermatology issues.
- Chronic fatigue
- Anger issues
- Addiction
- Eating Disorders
- and more ….
How CPTSD shows up in the body
Repeated environmental exposure to lack of safety, lack of attuned consistent reliable parenting and early years has been shown in ACE score studies (Adverse Childhood Experiences) to increase likelihood of illness in later life.
How we learn in our nervous system to respond and survive unsafe spaces or shaming environments, just for example, will require survival physiology states. these become how we operate in life. What was once adaptive… becomes mal-adaptive.
Long-held protective patterns can become part of posture and muscle tone: a braced chest, a held breath, a locked jaw. We do not try to break them. We get to know them with respect and help the body find other choices. See developmental and attachment trauma.
Frequently asked Questions
What s CPTSD
Complex PTSD is the ongoing effect of prolonged or repeated trauma. It often involves difficulties with emotions, self-image and relationships, alongside symptoms in the body.
Can somatic trauma therapy help with complex PTSD?
Many people find body-based work a helpful part of their recovery. I will say if I think something else is needed first.
Do I need to talk about the trauma?
No. We can work with what your body is doing now without going through the details.
Is CPTSD therapy available in Wokingham?
Yes. Rodger Duckworth offers body-based trauma work at The Grange Health, Wokingham.
A space for your healing journey
Whilst I recognise that your system may not “feel” safe – I recognise that and work with it in the session and, over time, create a space in which you can feel an ever increasing sense of internalised safety.
Rodger Duckworth sees clients at The Grange Health in Wokingham, Berkshire, and works with people from Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Winnersh, Binfield, Swallowfield, Hurst, Twyford, Henley-on-Thames, Sonning and the surrounding area.
Sessions are available in person or online.
The Grange | 15 Rectory Road | Wokingham | RG40 1DJ | 0118 978 6149
Whenever you are ready
A first message does not commit you to anything. Reception will help you find the right time.