private practice for resource-oriented trauma therapy and psychotherapy
trauma therapy
Jointly we create an individual space for growth and integration processes,
where essential aspects of healing can be shaped:
- appreciative contact with all aspects of the self
- deepening a felt sense of safety
- emergent solutions from within
- a personalized, creatively designed process
- relearning secure attachment
- discovering inner treasures
- strengthening embodied experience
gently connecting with wounded parts of the self
Unprocessed psychological trauma often leads to a form of self-alienation: to protect ourselves, we distance ourselves from certain aspects of our being. These processes are referred to as dissociation. Dissociation is an important defense mechanism that can take many forms.
During therapy we focus on approaching all aspects of the self with mindfulness and appreciation in order to better understand the inner motivations and to experience one's own strengths and needs more deeply. This can open the door to greater joy in life and increased self-esteem.
Solutions and new courses of action emerge spontaneously, from the communication with different areas of the self. They come from within.
Processing trauma can involve painful or frightening experiences, therefore it is important to create a felt sense of safety (at least to some degree), which can enable us to integrate experiences that where to overwhelming in the past.
It is important to pace the process carefully and to take all arising needs very seriously. These are highly individual and creative processes, which I enjoy accompanying and helping to shape.
a sense of connection provides a feeling of safety
a felt sense of safety forms the foundation upon which healing can take place
Psychological trauma results from experiences or circumstances that are too overwhelming for a person to process. If the person’s social environment does not include anyone willing to support them in processing the traumatic experience, the traumatic stress can lead to what are known as trauma-related disorders.
People who lack secure attachment experiences as a fundamental resource are particularly likely to adapt to their environment and, in order to feel a sense of belonging, refain from processing traumatic experiences, if that is what the social environment expects. Attachment is key to our survival, especially when we are young. Thus we will do almost anything for belonging in our younger years—attachment is our primary survival mechanism.
If our caregivers are the cause of the distressing experience; if they do not want to confront the difficult experience; or if they normalize the distressing circumstances, we must adapt.
As creative beings, we have many different coping mechanisms at our disposal.
Over time, symptoms may develop that do not appear to be related to a trauma, but which, upon closer examination, often turn out to be intelligent coping strategies for dealing with adverse circumstances.
Adapting to adverse circumstances almost always involves denying a part of ourselves, separating it from who we are.
Such acts of adaptation are very taxing and, for the repressed parts of the self, are usually painful. Yet these unexpressed aspects of the self often conceal true treasures that we come to discover through the process of trauma therapy.
"healing from trauma is an art"
It takes a great deal of patience, empathy, curiosity, courage, and inspiration to reclaim areas that have been dissociated (split off) and reconnect with them. Just as in any other creative process, we venture into the unknown and grow beyond ourselves. Artistic methods are very helpful for this process of encountering ourselves and our environment, because they can be the language in which implicit (unconscious) knowledge and experience can be expressed.
***
what happens during traumatic stress?
Under traumatic stress, the brain processes information differently than it does in a state of perceived safety. The entire nervous system—and thus our entire body—responds with various automated protective reactions tailored to the situation. We have no conscious control over these reactions. The safe framework required for normal processing is missing, so that, for example, no narrative can be formed. For highly traumatic experiences, there is therefore often no coherent memory. This is why many people cannot explicitly (consciously) remember their traumatic experience, but the unprocessed traumatic experience remains implicitly (unconsciously, on the physical and emotional level) present. It is almost as if the situation were not yet over... the nervous system (and thus the whole person) remains in a state of stress. This can place a heavy burden on one’s entire life, sometimes without the affected individuals knowing where this sense of stress is coming from.
A key factor in feeling safe is a sense of connection. We are deeply attachment-oriented beings. If a sufficiently secure attachment is present following a traumatic event, the person can begin to process the experience. The underlying chronic stress can subside. Often, this safe space is missing, especially in cases of interpersonal trauma and when the stress is chronic. If a child experiences a lack of secure attachment, we refer to this as attachment trauma or developmental trauma.
***
an invitation to friendship
Often, we need external support to process traumatic experiences. A compassionate person can provide that support.
In therapy, however, we also learn to strengthen this inner connection. The therapeutic process is like an invitation to continually deepen our friendship with ourselves.
therapeutic techniques
- imaginative techniques
- work based on the model of structural dissociation
- art therapy methods (performing arts)
- parts work
- clean language (david grove)
- body-centered techniques
- mindfulness approaches
- EMDR and EMDR for dissociative disorders (Dolores Mosquera and Anabel Gonzalez)
- OEI (Audrey Cook and Rick Bradshaw)
- deepening body awareness / embodiment
diagnosis ?
Psychological trauma can result from many different experiences. The spectrum ranges from a monotrauma (a one-time experience) to a chronic (ongoing) complex traumatization, with man-made traumatization posing a particularly serious burden.
Our current diagnostic manuals encompass a spectrum of stress and trauma-related disorders, from an acute stress reaction to post-traumatic stress disorder and complex ptsd to dissociative disorders of all kinds and the dissociative identity disorder many phenomena and symptoms are described.
It is important to me to approach every aspect of a person with respect and interest. We want to understand why a symptom arose and what purpose it served. When we gently engage with the underlying dynamics - profound change becomes possible, and the burden weighing on a person can be lifted.
I want to use diagnostic descriptions for the self-empowerment and benefit of the affected person, therefore I am particularly careful with diagnostic images.
We are incredibly adaptable and thanks to our neuroplasticity (the plasticity of neural structures and networks) it is possible for us to continue evolving.
Diagnoses should not define people or be the basis of a person’s identity.
Creating a space free from stigmatizing judgments makes healing possible.
The coping strategies of those affected are highly individual and also strongly dependent on a person’s available resources. The resulting symptoms are correspondingly diverse.
Traumatic experiences affect the whole person. Symptoms can therefore occur at all levels.
Many symptoms may be caused by (sometimes unrecognized) traumatic stress. Under chronic stress, the body is unable to function properly; physical illnesses can arise as a result of prolonged, traumatic stress, and psychological symptoms can also be viewed holistically as part of a physical process.
symptoms
The symptoms listed may occur in connection with traumatic stress, but they may also have other causes. This list is by no means exhaustive.
social withdrawal
hypervigilanz
exhaustion
dizziness
amnesia
feeling of emptiness
irritability
nightmares
despondency
emotional eating
panic attacks
hopelessness
overexcitation
prokastination
uncertainty
loneliness
people pleasing
risk behavior
self-hatred
compulsions
discomfort when feeling one's own body
to feel like a stranger in the world
uncontrolled emotional outbursts
autoimmune diseases
difficulties in setting boundaries
inability to rest
mood swings
feeling of just going through the motions
gastrointestinal problems
difficulty concentrating
fear of abandonment
sensory overload
self-harming behavior
addictions
compulsive eating or fasting
to feel alienated from oneself
lack of self-esteem
chronic inflammation
numbness to one's own sensations
intrusive feelings, thoughts, images
flashbacks
fear of conflict
chronic pain
distrust
foggyness
dependence on others identity insecurity
generalized anxiety
avoiding intimacy
inability to feel
overconfidence
perfectionism
lack of motivation
headache
suicidality
despair
social anxieties
brooding
sleep disorders
restlessness
How can psychological trauma lead to physical illnesses?
In the second part of this blog post, I explore the subject in more in detail:
HELENA
ABAY
I was already interested in psychology as a teenager, but professionally, the only option for me was a career in the arts.
It was only after I became aware of my own history and traumatic burden that I realized that the work of integration and healing is a highly creative process.
The happiness that I couldn't find in my artistic career suddenly lay at my feet, opening before me like a magic gate.
I now understand that my decision against pursuing a career in psychology also protected me from stigmatization and from being confined within therapeutic and diagnostic frameworks.
In my opinion, my “talent” for artistic expression has been my salvation, because through creative expression I have been able to partially integrate many things and maintain my vitality despite traumatic stress.
Today, I have the honor of accompanying people through the highly personal and moving process of trauma healing, of creating a space for emerging processes and witnessing them unfold, and in doing so, of continually learning new things about the wonder of life.
2005 Diploma in art therapy/art education for the performing arts
2004-2007 Freelance actress in theatre projects
2005-2011 Various theatre pedagogical projects with adults and children
2009-2018 Advanced trainings in the field of camera acting
Since 2015 I have worked as an actress, primarily for film and television, and as a voice actress
Since 2017 Continuous participation in seminars on tree communication and geomancy with Birgitt Paulus
Since 2018 intensive engagement with the topic of trauma-related disorders and dissociative disorders, regular participation in subject-related online events and master classes by:
NICABM, polyvagal academy and others
Since 2023 Heilpraktikerin für Psychotherapie
2024-2026 Trauma therapy training with Vera Dreher, Arche Medica:
Module 1: Post-traumatic stress disorders, Feb.-Oct. 2024
Module 2: Complex post-traumatic stress disorders, Nov. 2024 - Jun. 2025
Module 3: EMDR and hypnotherapy, June 2025 - February 2026
2025 Clean language with Vera Dreher, Arche Medica
tree communication
In addition to psychotherapy, I offer tree communication exercises and exercises for deepened earth contact. I learned about geomancy (according to Marko and Ana Pogačnik) and tree communication from an experienced geomancer in Berlin.
For me, the experienced contact with the earth and the communication with trees are an important resource that I would like to share.
Furthermore, research in the field of psychotraumatology also demonstrates how crucial these methods can be, particularly for people with dissociative symptoms.
Ruth Lanius and Bettany Brand, along with other authors, describe in their book "finding solid ground: overcoming obstacles in trauma treatment" grounding as the first, necessary step in therapeutic work, especially when complex trauma has led to a lack of a sense of embodiment and connection with oneself and one’s environment.
earth contact
Nature-based therapies unfortunately still recieve little attention. As complex beings, contact with our non-human environment is an essential aspect, that can enable us to grow.
From a geomantic perspective, we perceive the landscape with all our senses and accompany and support the earth in its healing processes. Participating in and experiencing these transformative processes also activates our own personal healing.
The healing process follows the same principle as in a trauma therapy setting: experiences that were previously dissociated are integrated by being met with kindness and interest, and by being acknowledged as part of the greater system. They find their expression.
Essential to communication with the earth and trees is a kind of embodied perception. The exchange takes place on the level of sensing, feeling, and perceiving, but also on the level of cognition and all other forms of perception. Contact with the beings of nature thus also deepens our connection with ourselves.
The earth is vast, and we are unaccustomed to feeling ourselves as part of it. Communicating with trees is easier because we have a clear counterpart in them. At the same time, they are a part of the earth in which they are firmly rooted. Trees invite us to embrace authenticity, and they help us do so. They guide us, step by step, as far as we can tolerate to feel ourselves.
practice
I offer psychotherapy in individual sessions. Sessions can take place in my practice in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg or online.
english speakers welcome!
Jag talar svenska. Terapin kan till stor del genomföras på svenska.
Bütün terapiyi türkçe yapmak icin dil bilgim yeterli degil, ancak belirli seyleri türkçe ifade etmek isterseniz, anlayabilirm.
process
We’ll schedule an initial introductory call (15–30 minutes) via email or phone. This call is free of charge. It’s a chance for us to address any initial questions you may have.
Therapy begins with three exploratory sessions, during which we can determine whether we want to work together. We also use these initial sessions to clarify the therapeutic goal and establish the therapeutic framework (frequency and duration of the sessions).
conditions
My services are aimed at self-paying clients. As Heilpraktikerin für Psychotherapie I cannot bill statutory health insurance companies. Private insurance or supplemental insurance may reimburse the costs (partially) if outpatient psychotherapy is included in the policy.
advantages of privately funded psychotherapy
- therapeutic methods that go beyond the standard procedures
- the therapy will not be recorded in the files of the statutory health insurance company
- therapy duration and frequency are individually tailored
- in most cases, therapy can begin at short notice
prices
60 min. 100€
90 min. 140€
The initial telephone consultation (15-30 min.) is free of charge
*
A reduced rate may be possible in individual cases upon request.
I invoice all appointments collectively once a month. I send the invoice by email.
*
- Appointment cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
This leaves time for another person to use the appointment. If you cancel later, I may have to charge for the appointment.
contact
We’ll schedule (via email or phone) an appointment for our initial introductory conversation over the phone.
telephone:
+49 163 7041163
email:
mail@healingwithatree.com
address:
Marienburger Straße 5a
10405 Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg
The practice is located at
it is my sadness
that holds me
it is my ability
to feel that
keeps me alive as
one of the sentinent
beings the world is
made of that weaves
me into the fabric
of life and keeps
me safe from the
monsters of
numbness heartlessness
heartkillers
with
killed hearts
I tell you there is an
entity of sadness a
vast being full of love
and grace and it
holds me it
consoles me
it keeps me
safe from all the
horrors I
have lived it is
my salvation
and my
grace
thank you