“Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival. Once those protectors trust that it is safe to separate, the Self will spontaneously emerge, and the parts can be enlisted in the healing process” Bessel A. van der Kolk
Advanced Empathy
Deep Acceptance
Calm Therapeutic presence
Emotional and Cognitive Processing
Firm and Flexible Boundaries
Careful Negotiation of Power and Control Issues
Relationship Repair Work
Shona has extensive training and experience working with Adult Survivors of Complex Trauma, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse and neglect. This includes; Emotion Focused Therapy for Trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodrama, and Neuroscience presented by Bessel van der Kolk, Daniel Siegal, Babette Rothschild and Pieter Rossouw. She has been working in private practice since 2006.
She has a Doctorate (PhD) at Swinburne University of Technology titled "What is it about the therapeutic alliance that enables trust with adult survivors of childhood abuse"
Phoenix Australia, a guide for Posttraumatic Stress Click here
Tudge, S.M. (2017). What is it about the therapeutic alliance that enables trust with adult survivors of childhood abuse? Click Here
The Body Remembers, Babette Rothschild (Book)
The Body Keeps the Score, Van der Kolk (Book)
“Pay attention to your insecurities. They are there not to taunt you, but to show you where to heal”, Dr Gabor Mate