Trauma &
Dissociation
Therapy and training based on the logic of the latest insights in neurobiology
Working from neurological and neurobiological understanding
What makes working from a neurobiological framework so valuable is that behavior no longer needs to be interpreted. There’s no need for assumptions based on beliefs or theories—we can directly observe what happens in the brain during trauma and dissociation. This allows us to develop therapies that target specific brain circuits.
Equally important: we can investigate whether a given therapy actually changes the brain, and therefore whether true healing is taking place. Not just changes in behavior, but the re-establishment of deeper neural connections. Behavioral change alone tells us little about the degree of recovery in terms of safe neurobiological regulation. Brain scans can reveal functional shifts that point to real healing—rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
“While trauma has been seen as an invisible injury, it is now a visible injury, which we can see when we image the brain.”
Dr. Ruth Lanius (Canada) – specialist in treatment and research of the Mind-Body effects of trauma
Working from neurological and neurobiological understanding
Working from neurological and neurobiological understanding
What makes working from a neurobiological framework so valuable is that behavior no longer needs to be interpreted. There’s no need for assumptions based on beliefs or theories—we can directly observe what happens in the brain during trauma and dissociation. This allows us to develop therapies that target specific brain circuits.
Equally important: we can investigate whether a given therapy actually changes the brain, and therefore whether true healing is taking place. Not just changes in behavior, but the re-establishment of deeper neural connections. Behavioral change alone tells us little about the degree of recovery in terms of safe neurobiological regulation. Brain scans can reveal functional shifts that point to real healing—rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
“While trauma has been seen as an invisible injury, it is now a visible injury, which we can see when we image the brain.”
Dr. Ruth Lanius (Canada) – specialist in treatment and research of the Mind-Body effects of trauma
Common symptoms that can be observed in brain scans
Common symptoms that can be observed in brain scans
When an experience is too overwhelming, our neurobiology automatically adapts in order to maintain a sense of safety. Over time, however, that adaptation can actually get in the way of dealing with everyday situations. It becomes part of the ‘normal’ functioning of your entire system. Your behavior—and the way you register feelings and sensations—is a response to that adaptation.
- Overanalyzing—knowing everything but not feeling it
- Feeling different from the rest of the world
- Feeling too much—or too little
- Often not fully present
- Living in the past and sometimes still feeling like a child
- A sense of powerlessness and lack of control
- Wanting to connect with others, but fearing closeness
- Not understanding why your reactions are so intense—or so numb
- Struggling with self-care and maintaining relationships
- Always being ‘on’ and picking up everything around you
Me, therapy (again)?
You may have already tried many different forms of therapy—so it’s understandable if hope and patience feel a bit worn out. I invite you to take your time exploring the information on this website, and to do so with a critical eye. If anything is unclear, feel free to reach out with your questions. Trauma therapy doesn’t always have to mean ‘working hard’.
Logical reasons to not do therapy
If your neurobiology is working this hard to keep you safe, it will also do everything it can to avoid unpredictability—especially when it comes to unfamiliar processes or unknown outcomes. Of course there’s resistance, whether it’s realistic or not.
- That won’t work for me
- I’m too complicated
- It’s already too much
- I’ve tried everything
- It takes too long
- It’s too vague
- I already have too much on my plate
- I don’t have the time or space
- Just forget it
REVIEW
Man, 50 years old from Belgium
I’m someone who is highly cognitive by nature, and part of a generation that often sees seeking help from a therapist as taboo. Because of that, I approached therapy with a lot of skepticism. But that skepticism started to fade after just two sessions—because I began to see real results: my anxiety eased, I could sleep again, and I learned to connect with the emotional world inside me. Bit by bit (with ups and downs), I began to recognize the automatic behaviors that would arise in response to certain triggers.
Nikki’s approach is unlike that of many other therapists. It’s not about analyzing the past in order to intellectually understand my current behavior. It’s about healing trauma—and by that I also mean the smaller wounds that can shape how we move through life. This work helped me reconnect with the part of myself that can lead, that can choose how I respond rather than act on autopilot.
Nikki is highly professional in everything she does. She deeply believes in her work, even if it sometimes goes against the grain of what our society tends to value. And she’s truly exceptional at what she does. There’s a clear process, a sense of direction. On top of that, she brings warmth and humanity to her practice. She gives her all and truly goes the extra mile to support her clients in their growth.
Today, I can honestly say I’ve regained my self-confidence and self-worth, restored balance between work and personal life, and found a better connection between my thinking mind and emotional world—with the intention to keep growing. I couldn’t have done that without Nikki’s professional and heartfelt guidance.
REVIEW
Man, 50 years old from Belgium
I’m someone who is highly cognitive by nature, and part of a generation that often sees seeking help from a therapist as taboo. Because of that, I approached therapy with a lot of skepticism. But that skepticism started to fade after just two sessions—because I began to see real results: my anxiety eased, I could sleep again, and I learned to connect with the emotional world inside me. Bit by bit (with ups and downs), I began to recognize the automatic behaviors that would arise in response to certain triggers.
Nikki’s approach is unlike that of many other therapists. It’s not about analyzing the past in order to intellectually understand my current behavior. It’s about healing trauma—and by that I also mean the smaller wounds that can shape how we move through life. This work helped me reconnect with the part of myself that can lead, that can choose how I respond rather than act on autopilot.
Nikki is highly professional in everything she does. She deeply believes in her work, even if it sometimes goes against the grain of what our society tends to value. And she’s truly exceptional at what she does. There’s a clear process, a sense of direction. On top of that, she brings warmth and humanity to her practice. She gives her all and truly goes the extra mile to support her clients in their growth.
Today, I can honestly say I’ve regained my self-confidence and self-worth, restored balance between work and personal life, and found a better connection between my thinking mind and emotional world—with the intention to keep growing. I couldn’t have done that without Nikki’s professional and heartfelt guidance.
