I have a new qualification!

Over the last six months, I've been working towards a CPCAB-accredited level 5 award in trauma-informed therapy. This has involved 30 hours of classes, intensive reading, and a 6000-word assignment. Yesterday I got the happy news that I have passed.

While studying, I've been deepening my knowledge about the brain and body's responses to developmental, complex and shock trauma. I've learnt the power of breath and movement. And I've learnt the importance of resourcing and pacing. It has taken a lot of reflection to bring more psychoeducation and somatic exercises into therapy, while retaining my person-centred way of being.

Though I've got a lot more 'tools' under my belt, I'm more convinced than ever that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation to healing. I love how experiential learning tends to follow these cycles: you end up back where you started, but with so much more understanding. And it always feels like the learning is just beginning!

I'm going to continue to integrate my knowledge in my client work, week on week. I'm also looking into further training for the future. For example, I'd really like to know more about making somatic work more accessible for people with chronic pain.

Hopefully now I have a bit more time, I will be trying to write some more blog posts about my learning. So do stay tuned!