Understanding Complex Trauma with Catherine Powell

We dive deep into the world of trauma, neurodiversity, and therapy with our esteemed guest, Catherine Powell. With over 30 years of experience in special educational needs support and family advocacy, Catherine shares her invaluable insights into working with neurodivergent individuals, including those labeled with ADHD and autism. Today, she’ll discuss the intricacies of complex trauma, the critical role of safety and rapport in therapy, and the importance of psychoeducation tailored to individual needs. Our conversation will also touch on the societal pressures faced by neurodiverse individuals, particularly during challenging transitions like moving to university or adapting to new environments. Catherine emphasizes the necessity of kindness, community support, and understanding our own internal resources to navigate these waters. Whether discussing her therapy techniques or the impact of COVID-19 on educational settings, Catherine’s expertise is sure to enlighten and inspire. Join us as we explore how to support and advocate for those who often feel they don't fit into conventional frameworks, and why continuous learning and a team approach to therapy are crucial for long-term resilience.

Catherine is a trauma-informed therapist, coach, and neurodiversity specialist, offering face-to-face and online sessions. The course of my life has been a little bumpy, and I learned firsthand early on that a person’s well-being can be very fragile and easily knocked off course by events. I am also part of a wonderful, extended neurodivergent family, and I so appreciate the joys but also the difficulties this can bring. Having worked in industry and SEN education services, studied psychology, and trained extensively in the field of neurodiversity, I then studied under Trevor Silvester at The Quest Institute and further enhanced my skill set, qualifying in Applied Memory Deconsolidation and Reconsolidation (AMDR) under Gill Wood and Joshua Isaac Smith to enable me to work safely and effectively with trauma. I am passionate about supporting my clients to find out how they can quickly achieve positive change in their lives.