Like many of the emerging defense responses to trauma, the collapse/submit response can be difficult to recognize. So to give you a clearer idea of what this trauma response can look like, we created this free infographic that highlights four key ways it might present in a client. To put this infographic together, we gathered […]
Working with Self-Harm: Pat Ogden, PhD with a Safe Replacement for Harmful Actions
In the aftermath of trauma, some clients turn to self-harm to relieve intense feelings of shame, anxiety, or even emotional numbness. Over time, these harmful behaviors can become addictive – and helping clients break that cycle can be a challenging process. So in the video below, Pat Ogden, PhD explains how she helps clients gain […]
Challenging the Fear of Abandonment, with Pat Ogden, PhD
When a client fears abandonment, they may desperately reach out for emotional connection in their relationships . . . . . . only to feel pain and heartbreak when their behavior overwhelms the other person and drives them away. And this can especially be the case when it comes to romantic relationships. Over time, this […]
Addressing White Privilege in a Session
A little while back, Pat Ogden, PhD was talking about resentment, and she made a key distinction. You see, there’s resentment that stems from an event that is now over. But then there’s resentment fueled by something that’s ongoing – like systemic oppression. So how does this impact the way she works, particularly with members […]
How to Rebuild Secure Attachment After Trauma
When a person experiences trauma, there’s one key factor that can play an important role in whether or not PTSD symptoms develop – and that’s secure attachment. But what happens when someone has never had a connection to a secure attachment figure? How can we help our client build the feelings of safety that are […]