Skip to main content

Transforming Lives: How Occupational Therapy Supports Clients with Complex Trauma

Complex trauma can impact a person’s daily functioning and quality of life significantly. 

As an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful role of occupational therapy in helping people on their journey of healing and recovery from complex trauma. 

In this post, we explore how occupational therapy can make a significant different in the lives of those who have experienced complex trauma, fostering resilience, empowerment and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Understanding complex trauma: The Blue Knot Foundation (www.blueknot.org.au) defines complex trauma as “repeated trauma experienced by a child or young person, although it can also occur as an adult. Some people experience trauma across their lives.” These experiences can lead to a range of social, emotional, cognitive and physical challenges, such as anxiety, depression, dissociation, chronic pain, and difficulty with emotion regulation. This in turn has an impact on a person’s daily functioning, and relationships. 

Understanding the role of occupational therapy: Occupational therapy takes a holistic and client-centered approach to address the many impacts of complex trauma. By focusing on meaningful and purposeful activities, occupational therapists can help clients regain a sense of control, self-worth, safety and connection. Here are some of the ways occupational therapy can make a difference: 

  1. Creating a safe therapeutic environment

Establishing a safe and nurturing environment is crucial for those that have experienced complex trauma. Occupational therapists work to build rapport and trust, providing a safe space where people feel comfortable expressing themselves and their emotions. 

  1. Developing coping strategies 

Occupational therapists collaborate with those they work with to develop healthy coping strategies to support their function. These strategies can include mindfulness techniques, deep breathing techniques, or sensory modulation techniques to manage distressing emotions. 

  1. Emotional regulation and self-awareness 

Complex trauma can disrupt our self-awareness and ability to regulate our emotions. Occupational therapists help people with trauma identify, label and regulate their emotions, fostering greater self-understanding and emotional control. 

  1. Restoring daily functioning 

Engaging in meaningful daily activities is essential for rebuilding a sense of identity and purpose. Occupational therapists collaborate with those they work with to set achievable goals, whether it is returning to work, participating in hobbies, or managing daily routines. 

  1. Addressing sensory processing challenges

Complex trauma can lead to sensory processing difficulties, where different stimuli in our daily environments can trigger distress. Occupational therapists use sensory modulation techniques to help people regulate their responses to sensory input, allowing them to engage with their environment more comfortably. 

  1. Building healthy relationships 

Rebuilding trust and establishing healthy relationships is a key aspect of recovery from complex trauma. Occupational therapists can help people to develop social and communication skills, including establishing healthy boundaries. 

In summary, an occupational therapist can be a valuable addition to the care of individuals who have experienced complex trauma. By addressing social, emotional, cognitive and physical challenges through meaningful activity engagement, occupational therapists empower individuals to reclaim their lives, and embark on a journey of healing and growth towards a brighter and more fulfilling future. 

Heidi is a Principal Occupational Therapist at Lifeworks Occupational Therapy. She has postgraduate qualifications in Loss, Grief and Trauma Counselling, and her particular area of interest is working with those who have experienced complex trauma. Heidi is passionate about empowering and supporting those that have experienced trauma to build a meaningful life and restore their daily functioning. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unraveling the Complexities of Functional Neurological Disorder: Insights from a Masterclass

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a challenging condition that has gained increased attention in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, 2024, I had the privilege of attending a masterclass titled “Working with Functional Neurological Disorder: Current Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches,” presented by Dr. Vance Locke, a clinical psychologist from the University of Western Australia, and Mr. Rowan Pearce, a senior physiotherapist and head of the Complex Care Clinic at Western Kids Health. The seminar, organized by the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy, shed light on the latest developments in diagnosing and treating FND, providing valuable insights for practitioners working with individuals affected by this condition. The Growing Importance of FND: Dr. Locke and Mr. Pearce began by discussing the increasing prevalence of FND, which has become more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted potential links betwe...
Post a Comment
Read more

​​Improving Sleep Quality: A Holistic Approach to Well-being

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our lives that plays a crucial role in supporting our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. At Lifeworks Occupational Therapy, we understand the profound impact that sleep-related challenges can have on overall functioning and quality of life. That’s why we have developed an approach to sleep management that is rooted in individualisation and evidence-based interventions. When it comes to addressing sleep disturbances, we take a meticulous approach. We carefully assess the factors that may be contributing to sleep difficulties and collaborate with our clients to devise tailored strategies aimed at improving overall sleep quality. Our interventions encompass a spectrum of techniques, including meaningful and purposeful activities, creating a soothing environment, and lifestyle interventions. Meaningful and Purposeful Activities (Occupations): We work closely with individuals to integrate calming activities into their daily routines before bedti...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sleep and PTSD

Sleep problems are intimately connected to PTSD, with insomnia and nightmares being common symptoms experienced by individuals with the disorder. Sleep is essential for our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. We all know how important sleep is. Without it, we feel slow, sluggish, and unproductive. On the contrary, a restful night of sleep leaves us feeling refreshed and energised. Research indicates that sleep problems may precede the development of PTSD or arise as a consequence of the disorder itself [1]. Among those who experience a traumatic event, individuals with significant sleep problems are more likely to develop PTSD in the future. Sleep disturbances in PTSD interfere with the brain’s ability to process memories and emotions, thereby impeding the recovery process after a traumatic event. Recognising the significance of sleep in PTSD recovery, it is crucial to implement strategies that promote better sleep hygiene and address sleep-related difficulties. Occupationa...
Post a Comment
Read more