Trauma is a pervasive force.
It impacts countless lives across all walks of life. Its effects permeate just about every aspect of our existence. From our relationships and emotions to our physical health and well-being.
Within the challenges trauma presents, there is an opportunity for transformation and strength.
Hi, I’m Lynsey, as the founder of Rhythm of Breath, my mission is to provide a place for individuals seeking transformation and renewal. With a background in Psychology and specialised training in healing modalities such as various somatic therapies, breathwork and Spinal Energetics, I bring a unique blend of knowledge and expertise to my practice.
My approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care, recognising the connection between mind, body, and spirit in the healing process.
Mainstream Western psychiatric and psychological traditions have often overlooked the power of self-management, favouring pharmacological and talk therapies.
However, emerging research uncovers the transformative potential of traditional holistic approaches to trauma healing. One of the foremost figures in this field is Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned pioneer in trauma research.
Dr. van der Kolk’s work has revolutionised our understanding of trauma and its impact on the human psyche. His seminal book, “The Body Keeps the Score,” explores the intricate connections between trauma, the body, and the mind.
Dr. van der Kolk bases his research on neuroscience and emphasises the importance of self-awareness in healing. Asserting that true change begins by acknowledging and befriending our inner experiences. His insights have led to innovative therapies combining mindfulness, movement, and breathwork in trauma recovery.
Stay tuned for insights and strategies, and remember, if you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, consider booking a session with me to start your path of self-empowerment and renewal.
Join us as we explore how integrating these principles at Rhythm of Breath can lead to profound healing. Discover the power of holistic approaches to trauma recovery and unlock the keys to a more fulfilling life.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma often weaves its indelible threads through one’s mind, body and spirit, altering the very fabric of our being.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk illuminates the impact of trauma on individuals.
As he explains, trauma transcends mere memories. It manifests in the body, the mind, and the soul. It hides in the depths of the subconscious, revealing itself through tremors of fear and the presence of past agony.
Van der Kolk’s insights reveal the intricate link between past and present, as well as the fragmented self and the whole. The essence of unaddressed trauma, Van der Kolk states, “As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself.”
This internal conflict, reverberates through every facet of existence, shaping behaviours, and distorting perceptions. Yet, amidst the inner turmoil trauma creates, there exists a pathway to healing and transformation.
Through the guidance of therapies like Breathwork, individuals can start to reclaim themselves, and their narrative, and embrace a smoother and lighter way of life.
Empowerment Through Self-Awareness
Self-awareness lies at the heart of trauma recovery. It sheds light on the darkest corridors of the mind where the trauma resides.
Trauma often manifests as visceral sensations – the heaviness of heartbreak, the clenching of the stomach, or the constriction of the chest. Yet, suppressing these sensations further compounds the impact of the trauma – heightening vulnerability.
Within trauma therapy, the directives “Notice that” and “What happens next?” serve as simple prompts, guiding individuals to dig deeper and observe their internal landscape.
Dr. van der Kolk correlates between particular thoughts and their corresponding physiological reactions. This insight unravels how our bodies encode emotions and memories, enabling individuals to untangle suppressed emotions and impulses.
By tuning to these visceral sensations and discerning their triggers, you’re equipped with a map guiding you toward transformative healing from trauma.
“Understanding why you feel a certain way does not change how you feel. But it can keep you from surrendering to intense reactions.”
Understanding the roots of our emotions allows us to gain resilience against impulsive reactions, like lashing out or withdrawal. This comprehension enables us to release pent-up sensations and impulses that once held us captive.
Rhythm of Breath and Healing Modalities Based on Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s Principles
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk emphasises the crucial role of holistic approaches in trauma recovery, stressing the integration of body-centred practices.
At the core of healing practices at Rhythm of Breath are our therapeutic methods crafted to establish a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore and process their traumatic experiences.
I believe trauma affects every aspect of a person’s being, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Traditional talk therapy alone is not sufficient to address the impact of trauma on the body. Therefore, I incorporate holistic modalities such as Breathwork, EMDR, mindful movement, and somatic experiencing to facilitate healing on multiple levels.
I’m trained to recognise the signs of trauma and provide gentle guidance that encourages self-discovery. In each session, my goal is to help you feel safe and inspired to explore and release stored emotional stress.
By helping you to stay calm and notice what’s happening in the body, we can receive subtle but powerful messages. These may include gut-wrenching sensations or speaking with an uptight and reedy voice. It’s important to make a note of these occurrences each time they arise and to be mindful of when they occur.
The aim is to form a stronger connection to your emotional brain rather than your rational brain. While many tend to rationalise bodily sensations, taking a moment to drop into what we’re feeling through breath can be transformational.
Through Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s pioneering work, we’ve witnessed the transformative potential of integrating holistic approaches into trauma healing, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and self-management.
At Rhythm of Breath, I invite you to explore trauma-informed healing modalities tailored to address the interconnected effects of trauma on both the body and mind.
Remember, prioritising your mental health is essential, and seeking support when needed is a courageous step towards healing and self-discovery.
Take the first step on your healing journey here.
