Therapeutic Approach
Providing an Integrated and Dynamic Approach to Healing Trauma
For over 30 years, through practice and research, Dr Ann has developed Integrated Spiritual Theory, guiding her practice approach. This theory and practice model was developed through the study of and practice in various spiritual traditions and pathways, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufism, and New Age Spirituality juxtaposition with concepts from Quantum Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Politics and Social Work.
This approach highlights the importance of including all elements of self, mind, body and soul in therapeutic practice and guides practitioners in selecting the best spiritual and physical theories, methods and techniques to align with the presenting needs of each unique client. Trauma is often experienced through all elements: mind, body and soul, making it essential to include such an approach when working with any form of trauma to help facilitate sustainable healing and change.
The Integrated Spiritual Practice Model (ISPM) allows for integrating and including theories and practices to best meet clients' needs at any time in their healing journey. From an Integrated Spiritual Theory perspective, the aim of any therapeutic intervention is to assist the client in finding balance and progress in their journey of self and/or spiritual healing and development. Drawing from different approaches positioned within different sectors of the ISPM structure helps to achieve this.
While Dr Ann has a broad range of theories and approaches she draws from, in her daily practice with clients the following are those that tend to be staples in her work with trauma:
Critical, feminist, post-modern,
Cognitive Behavioural,
Internal Family System, parts models
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR),
Psychodynamic, expressive therapies,
Emotional freedom technique,
Embodiment,
Mindfulness, meditation,
Conscious spiritual theory,
Emmett Technique,
Breathe work, chanting/sound, energy and presence.
All trauma work is also informed by the three-phased model (the established gold standard for trauma work) and trauma-informed practice.
EMDR is one of the main approaches she uses in the processing phase and is an effective and well-researched way to process trauma and to achieve sustainable change and healing.
Integral to Dr Ann’s practice is a client-centred approach, meaning she works to each individual’s comfort and adjusts her practice to meet the client where they are. This includes the use or non-use of any practice approach/method, spiritual or physical.
“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.”
— Pema Chodron
