I've been working with T2 for almost a year now on my CPTSD using sensorimotor therapy, somatic experiencing and mindfulness etc, but in the last few months she's been homing in on my predominant character strategy based on Hakomi psychotherapy. In case you're wondering, my predominant coping strategy is 'sensitive withdrawn'; apparently stemming from feeling unsafe in the first 6-12 months of my life
T identified the sensitive withdrawn strategy quite quickly and I'm inclined to agree with her, although I have other less dominant ones as well of course.The work has revolved around T using various techniques to make me feel safe and welcome in sessions; some vocal, like her saying "AV, I think you are OK as you are" or "AV, you are welcome here" and seeing what thoughts or feelings or emotions come up for me. Another is to get me to literally reach out to her with my hand, again to see what feelings come up. For me it's all been very powerful stuff and rarely recently have I left a session without having shed a few tears. Just hearing someone use my name in such a caring positive way evokes all sorts of strong emotions!
I was wondering if anyone else is using this method with their T's and how useful you are finding it.
Btw; there's some useful information on character strategies on the blog of the Kiron House Trauma Centre website.
Kiron House blog
AV
