The Psychology of Trauma

What emotional, physical, and psychological effects might there be on those who have experienced traumatic events? How does neurodiversity, culture, and individual experience affect trauma responses? How can you support someone experiencing symptoms of trauma?

The Psychology of Trauma integrates the knowledge and research from clinical practice and neuroscience to offer a scientific approach to understanding and managing symptoms of trauma. It debunks the myths and prejudices around trauma-informed therapy, shifting people’s view from ’What’s wrong with you?’ to ’What happened to you?’, and provides an overview of the different concepts and counselling approaches that are most suitable to support working with trauma. It also explores how neurodiversity, cultural differences, or social contexts affect the way we respond to any trauma.

Using a trauma-informed framework, The Psychology of Trauma explores how clinical understanding can help family and community to support the journey of recovery It provides an overview of key aspects around trauma-informed practices and principles whilst shining a light on new and emerging treatments for trauma.

Dr Shanti Farrington is a Charted Psychologist (BPS) and trained as an Integrative counsellor and a register member of the BACP (UK). Shanti works as a Principal Academic (Psychology) with Bournemouth University and is an Honorary Associate Psychologist Acquired Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Services, Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust. She is the co-founder of Sheetal Astitva - a charity (Pune, India) and The Trauma-Informed Practice Services, a CIC developed to offer low-cost therapy and accessible training for people affected by, or working with, trauma. She has previously worked as a counsellor within sexual trauma organisations.

Alison Woodward trained as a UKCP accredited Psychotherapist and Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) at The Metanoia Institute, London and currently works in her private practice and as a Senior Lecturer at Bournemouth University. She is the co-founder of The Trauma-Informed Practice Services, a CIC developed to offer low-cost therapy and accessible training for people affected by, or working with, trauma. She has previously worked within sexual trauma organisations, jointly leading the provision of clinical therapeutic services.