ABSTRACT
A significant number of clients presenting for therapy have experienced trauma. This is only to be expected, especially if one takes into account that most adults have experienced at least one traumatic event capable of causing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among the general population. Traumatic events are emotionally overwhelming experiences which the individual perceives as life-threatening or significantly threatening, or where an individual witnesses injury or death to another person or learns about such experiences of a loved one. Stabilization alone is known to be highly effective for the treatment of trauma. It is important that the client can effectively regulate their emotions before they begin to discuss details of traumatic events. Disclosure of details of trauma needs to be done slowly, and ensuring the client remains within their ‘window of tolerance’ throughout.
