Trauma
Experiencing trauma is like pressing the ‘reset’ button on who you thought you were as a person– and as a musician.
Anyone can experience trauma at any time in their life. Trauma with a Big ‘T’ could look like war, natural disasters, violent crimes, or maybe witnessing something deeply disturbing. These events are often sudden, intense, and can leave you feeling incredibly overwhelmed and helpless.
Then on the other end, you've got little ‘t’ trauma, the sneaky stuff. These are smaller events that might not seem like a ‘big deal’ to others, but they can still pack a nasty punch to our inner core. Think things like chronic bullying, constant criticism, neglect, or even repeated stressful situations. These experiences can really add up over time.
Then on the other end, you've got little ‘t’ trauma, the sneaky stuff. These are smaller events that might not seem like a ‘big deal’ to others, but they can still pack a nasty punch to our inner core. Think things like chronic bullying, constant criticism, neglect, or even repeated stressful situations. These experiences can really add up over time.
Experiencing trauma within a musical environment can be complexly layered with how you view your musicianship.
Tragically, traumatic experiences can equally happen in the context of musical performance or training. These experiences can range from verbal, physical, sexual or emotional abuse by a teacher or conductor to sexual assault or harassment, discrimination, to name a few harrowing examples. The impact of this trauma can be devastating leading to depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Is any of this familiar?
There any moments on stage where the emotions get particularly raw or overwhelming
The joy and passion that once fuelled you playing is replaced with fear, anxiety, or even resentment
Your inner critic is relentless, sabotaging your confidence and creativity
Your written lyrics or score interpretations stem from experiences like anger, sadness, and fear
You find yourself wondering: If I'm not a good musician anymore, who am I?"
You’ve noticed heightened performance anxiety taking on a different form after a significant life event
You struggle with perfectionism or self-criticism
You notice yourself dissociating as a coping mechanism, disconnecting from your emotions and memories while on or even off the stage
You feel detachment from your own music and artistry—maybe you’ve stopped playing all together because it’s too difficult to approach your instrument
Your journey of growth starts here, and it will be uniquely yours. We'll move at your pace, starting from wherever you feel ready, and adapt the focus of our work as your goals evolve.
My approach
Anchoring
As a trauma-informed therapist, my goal is to provide a confidential, protected, safe space to foster an environment where healing can occur. We will gently work and untangle your experiences-- and we will never go at a pace that you are not comfortable with. We'll focus on coping skills and strategies to use when dealing with triggers (like certain sights or smells) that might cause flashbacks or intrusive thoughts. You’ll learn practical and easy-to-access tools to help you feel grounded during emotionally challenging moments, inside and outside the therapy room.
Acknowledging
You’ll never be pressured to speak directly about your past trauma unless you would like to do so. I’ll bear witness to your experience in whatever way you would like to share it. I will be guided by you and always check in with you to make sure that you always feel safe and held in your session. When you’re ready, exploring feelings around the trauma can be cathartic and a key step in healing because it acknowledges the reality of your experience and validates your own emotions surrounding the event. Our work together can help piece together any fragments about your experiences that you might be holding, leading to a clearer understanding of the event and its impact on your life.
Awareness
Healing from trauma can be a gateway to profound self-awareness. By delving into the shadows of past experiences, we shed light on hidden patterns, triggers, and defence mechanisms. We’ll become mindful of how trauma manifests in our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, gaining a deeper understanding of who we are and why we react in certain ways. This newfound awareness will help to empower you to break free from automatic responses and make conscious choices, ultimately stepping into a more authentic and empowered version of yourselves. It's a journey of peeling back layers, not to dwell in the darkness, but to illuminate the path towards healing and wholeness.
Affirming
Trauma work can be a powerful affirmation of your resilience. As you navigate the depths of past pain, you're actively reclaiming your narrative. With each step, you validate your experiences, acknowledge your strength in surviving, and witness your capacity for healing. This journey isn't about erasing the scars, but understanding how they shaped you and learning to honour your warrior within. Through self-compassion and empowered choices, you rewrite your story, no longer defined by the trauma, but by the courage it took to confront it—yet with a newfound freedom you will discover along the way.
Trauma is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength. It is the mark of someone who has survived something difficult and come out the other side. --Bessel van der Kolk
As humans, we are incredibly resilient. We have the ability to overcome even the most difficult experiences, and to find strength and growth in the aftermath of trauma. I've seen countless examples of artists who have gone through unimaginable hardship, and yet have emerged on the other side stronger and more compassionate than ever before. Trauma doesn't have to define you. With time, support, and courage, you can heal from your wounds and build a brighter future for yourself—and your musicianship.