Relational and Neurobiological Approaches to Psychotherapy
Relational and neurobiological approaches to psychotherapy draws on current research and understanding in the treatment of trauma and trauma-related issues. This includes an integration of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Ogden et al., 2006), Internal Family Systems (Schwartz, 2001), mindfulness-based approaches (Pollack, Pedulla & Siegel, 2014) and clinical hypnosis. It helps clients develop meta-awareness or perspective, the language to communicate painful feeling states and understand how their body responds to trauma. This type of approach helps clients accurately identify triggered, implicitly remembered feelings, beliefs and responses.
Rather than focusing on desensitising the event memories, the approach prioritises transformation or repair of trauma-related states through cultivation of new experiences. This includes learning mindfulness skills thus, new habits of observation and discovery, and increases client's capacity to regulate their nervous system and distressing feelings.
