Becoming Trauma-Informed: An Introduction - Dr Guy Macpherson, PhD
Jul 20, 2023
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Dr. Guy Macpherson, a trauma expert, discusses the importance of being trauma-informed, the impact of trauma on the body and nervous system, how trauma varies among individuals, the power of authenticity in therapy, signs of unrecognized trauma, and more. He emphasizes the need to recognize trauma on a continuum and the significance of seeking help from trauma-trained therapists.
Recognizing trauma beyond extreme events is crucial for understanding its impact on individuals and society.
Authenticity and vulnerability are key qualities for effective trauma therapists to build trusting therapeutic relationships.
Deep dives
The Journey to Trauma Therapy
The speaker, Dr. Guy McPherson, shares his journey leading to trauma therapy. He recounts initially experiencing impacts from childhood bullying and later feeling a deep calling to help those in dire situations during a survival course. This prompted him to transition into psychology after realizing the prevalence of trauma in young kids showing signs of psychosis. Dr. McPherson emphasizes the need to recognize trauma's underlying presence in various behaviors and experiences.
Understanding Trauma and Personal Impact
Dr. Guy McPherson reflects on the importance of understanding trauma and its individual and collective impact. He highlights the need to define trauma beyond extreme events like combat, emphasizing that bullying, witnessing domestic violence, and attachment issues can also be traumatic. By acknowledging unique personal responses to potentially traumatic events, individuals can better understand how past experiences influence their current behaviors and relationships.
Incorporating Body-Based Approaches in Trauma Therapy
The discussion shifts to the evolving understanding of trauma, emphasizing the link between trauma and the body. Dr. Guy McPherson mentions pioneers like Peter Levine and Stephen Porges, highlighting the shift towards engaging the body in trauma treatment. This approach recognizes how traumatic experiences impact the nervous system and behaviors, advocating for therapies like yoga and somatic experiencing to address trauma stored in the body.
Therapeutic Authenticity and Vulnerability
Dr. Guy McPherson explores the essential qualities of effective trauma therapists, focusing on authenticity and vulnerability. He stresses the significance of therapists being genuine, owning their humanity, and fostering connections based on openness and honesty. By sharing personal experiences and allowing for vulnerability, therapists can cultivate deeper therapeutic relationships and facilitate healing for clients dealing with trauma.
In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:
— Why it's important that we become more trauma-informed; both individually and collectively
— How trauma impacts the body and nervous system
— Why trauma exists on a continuum, and how the same experiences can affect people in different ways
— The power of authenticity in the therapeutic relationship
— The dangers of unrecognised trauma, and some symptoms that indicate someone may have had a traumatic experience.
And a whole lot more.
After receiving his doctorate in clinical psychology, Guy spent several years studying the impact and treatment of trauma and early psychosis. In 2014, he founded The Trauma Therapist Project to raise awareness of trauma and create an educational and supportive community for new trauma workers. His podcast has an audience in more than 160 countries.
You can learn more about Guy’s work at www.thetraumatherapistproject.com/, and follow him on Twitter @guy_phd.
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Relevant Links:
— Guy’s website: https://www.thetraumatherapistproject.com/
— Guy’s newsletter: https://bold-field-2905.ck.page/3f8a5c5f3f
— The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Keeps- Score-Transformation-Trauma/dp/0141978619
— Bruce Perry’s books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bruce-D.-Perry/e/B004G8LMOU
— Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5
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