Trauma-Informed Care and Counselling

At Umi to Yama, we embrace a trauma-informed approach to counselling that is deeply rooted in the principles outlined by Dr. Judith Herman (2022) in her landmark work on "Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence-from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror". We understand that trauma disrupts the very core of your sense of safety, identity, and connection with others. Our goal is to create a space where healing can begin, one that respects your pace and honours the wisdom you’ve developed in surviving difficult experiences. 

• Safety and Trust: Establishing safety is the first and most essential step in trauma recovery. Our counselling space is built on trust, non-judgment, and consent, ensuring that you feel in control of your healing process from the moment we begin. You deserve a space where you can feel emotionally and physically secure as you process your experiences.

• Empowerment and Control: One of the core tenets of trauma recovery is the restoration of personal control. We believe in honouring your autonomy by offering counselling that respects your choices and supports your agency. Our work together will allow you to rediscover your strengths, build resilience, and regain control over your life and your decisions, without feeling overwhelmed by the trauma of the past.

• Remembrance and Mourning: Recovery requires acknowledging the past and integrating it into your life in a way that allows for healing, not re-traumatization. Guided by Dr. Herman’s work, we create a compassionate space to process painful memories, not to relive them, but to mourn what has been lost. Together, we’ll work to honour your past while focusing on reclaiming your future.

• Reconnection and Empowerment: A critical part of trauma recovery is rebuilding healthy relationships and reconnecting with your sense of community and belonging. We’ll support you in navigating the complexities of intimacy, trust, and connection, helping you build meaningful relationships with others, and most importantly, with yourself.

Our trauma-informed care honours your strength and your resilience. We understand that recovery is not linear, and each step you take is an achievement. With compassion and respect, we will work together to support your healing and help you reclaim your life on your own terms.