"In order to live, do I have to die?": Therapy Beyond Survivor Identity

We’ll explore: • Some key themes in the identity literature and why it's important in trauma work. • How trauma shapes and organises identity • The development and function of survivor identities • What different identity formations looks like in the therapy room. • Protective parts and survival strategies • Honouring the survivor self while making space for a self beyond survival Drawing on trauma theory, attachment, schema therapy, EMDR and parts-based approaches, the workshop combines clinical discussion, experiential exercises and reflective exploration. We’ll consider how these ideas can be integrated into therapy — including the moments when identity, trauma and survival collide in the therapy room. This workshop is for practitioners who... Work with trauma, complex trauma and dissociative or identity-related presentations, and want to deepen their understanding of the person beyond the diagnosis, symptoms or trauma history. Morning tea and lunch will be included, please let me know any catering requirements. About Me: I’m a Counselling Psychologist with a particular passion for working with complex trauma, identity, and the ways trauma shapes our sense of self. My clinical experience includes working with complex trauma, PTSD, dissociation, attachment difficulties and personality-related difficulties, alongside training in EMDR and Schema Therapy. I’m passionate about weaving together theory, research and clinical knowledge to create a deeper, more integrated understanding of trauma and its impact, and translating this into practical ideas that can be used meaningfully in the therapy room.