Lucy Lapish dip couns, mbacp
I became a counsellor inspired by the help that I received as a client many years ago. I recognised what a transformative practice it was and I wanted to offer others the same experience.
I trained at Community Counsellor Training in Canterbury, Kent and completed my level 2, 3 & 4 there. I achieved a diploma in Integrative Counselling and am recognised by the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) as a member. The course taught me a variety of modalities including Person-Centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Psychodynamic Theory... many of which I still draw on in my practice today.
I have further qualifications in Trauma-focused CBT, as well as a level 4 qualification in supporting survivors of rape and sexual trauma. I have recently completed a course in supporting male victims of violence. I have also worked for the NHS, working closely with medical professionals who needed support.
Following qualification I remained at CCT as part of their teaching staff. Having had a background in teaching prior to becoming a counsellor it is a joy to be able to work with the next generation of counsellors.
TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICE:
“Trauma is not an event itself, but an emotional response to a painful and shocking event(s) where there was no-one there to help you with what was happening at the time”
Dr Margot Sunderland
Traumatic Experiences
Trauma doesn’t have to be what society can refer to as big ‘T’ Traumas such as being involved in a war or witnessing an accident or natural disaster. Trauma can be anything that overwhelms us physically, psychologically or emotionally and rebounds us back to this moment. It is then re-enacted and relived in the present and shapes our identities, our relationships and our way of viewing the world. Trauma can evoke shame and force us to live in a constant state of survival mode; always alert for the next danger that may cause us to feel the same hurt.
Traumatic experiences can include anything that leave us feeling traumatised and unable to move on. Childhood trauma, neglect, bereavement, chronic illness, separation, bullying, difficult family dynamics, racism... these are just some of the events that can affect us in such a profound way and leave us dysregulated.
Feeling Calm & Safe
Because trauma can affect our nervous system and neurobiology it is often stored in the body, causing physical symptoms and affecting us in everyday life.
Part of the trauma-informed way that I practise is to work somatically with you—that is, focusing on the physical sensations and how they relate to emotional distress. This could include grounding techniques to help bring you back to the present moment and stop you being rubber-banded back to the trauma; somatic breathing to help calm you and make you feel safe; and body scans to help you identify where you might be holding on to tension. Noticing sensations (or lack of them) in your body can be a new experience for some. If this seems daunting at first we can work at your pace.
I will not ask you to relive your trauma or go over minute details. Instead, I will work with you to help you feel safe and allow you space to acknowledge your pain whilst remembering the strength you have in being able to survive it.
I have a private practice in Ashford, Kent where I see clients face to face and online via zoom and other online tools as required.
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