Trauma Informed
Psychodynamic
Person-centred
Somatic
Integrative
Relational
Get to know Gaynor
Our current relationships are greatly influenced by those we experience in childhood. By resolving our childhood attachment wounds, we can better understand and improve our present-day relationships.
Attachment styles are not set in stone and a good therapeutic relationship can provide some of the missing experiences that help instil secure attachment. Early attachment stress can inhibit the healthy development of neural networks. Psychotherapist & Counsellor Gaynor Connor works to support the reversal of these effects, utilising the brains plasticity, via the therapeutic relationship.
“Your mind is in every cell of your body.”
– Candace Pert
Gaynor Connor is a Psychotherapist & Counsellor who works holistically to provide trauma-informed, client-centred treatments that incorporate both the mind and body. She works top down (cognitively) and bottom up (with sensations, feelings and the bodies autonomic nervous system).
Her methods include working with Attachment Theory, Somatic therapies, Psychodynamic therapy, Gestalt and Neuropsychotherapy. She also incorporates her dog, Florence (she’s the cutest). Animal assisted therapy goes much deeper than just the tactile comfort and soothing that it provides. Florence also helps people to develop a more positive sense of self.
“It is hard for our inner critic to see us as unworthy or unlovable when we are presented with such unconditional affection and clear desire for our interaction. I believe much of therapy is about providing these missing experiences.”
Psychotherapist & Counsellor Gay’s tip for engaging the Vagus Nerve
“The Vagus nerve is a key part of the ‘rest and digest’ nervous system. It can rapidly turn off stress after our bodies fight/flight system has been set off. We can turn on this effect by stimulating the Vagus nerve. Here’s 3 ways how:
1. Have a cold shower – start by ending your shower with a cold blast of water and build-up to longer periods of time.
2. Deep, slow breathing – breathe from the diaphragm (your stomach should expend outwards) at a rate of 6 breaths per minute.
3. Singing, humming, chanting and gargling – this activates the vocal cords and muscles at the back of the throat which massages the Vagus nerve.”
What I’m reading…
