Traumaform & the Team

Our Mission Statement

  • To be able to offer affordable long-term therapy to those affected by Complex Trauma or PTSD and their co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm or addictions. 
  • To increase people’s awareness of the effects of Complex Trauma and PTSD and the contributing factors. 
  • To offer education and training to those professionals interested in working with trauma. 
  • To help individuals, families and organisations work together to prevent its occurrence. 
  • To offer Supervision to Trauma Therapists. 
  • To help clients identify and increase post-traumatic growth.
  • To develop links with charitable organisations working with trauma survivors worldwide.

About Traumaform CIC

Traumaform CIC is a non-profit organisation with the aim of offering long-term affordable trauma-informed therapy to anyone suffering with the effects of difficult, stressful or traumatic experiences. Since our foundation in 2017, Traumaform has expanded to include a number of qualified and diverse trauma informed Practitioners who bring with them a vast amount of skills, knowledge and experience from different modalities. By incorporating their own unique way of working into our 3 phased trauma informed approach, we can offer a range of therapies to suit each person's needs. The Practitioners range from our Traumatologists providing evidence based practice, to more experiential and/or body based therapies generating practice based evidence.


Traumaform offers Counselling Placements to those interested in developing their skills in this specific area, which means that we can offer sessions at

significantly reduced cost.


Traumaform has recently appointed 3 new members of staff, one admin coordinator and 2 part-time post-graduate Trainee Trauma Therapists to help meet the growing demand for our Services, and help deliver our specialist evidence based Trauma Processes.


Please see below to meet the Traumaform Team.

Traumaform History

Traumaform was incorporated in Sep 2017 by  Founder and Director Georgina Gray as a Ltd Company initially. The aim was to establish viability of the project which initially operated in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Swansea, before expanding from the initial 1 person venture into a non-profit organisation.  Traumaform was changed to Traumaform CIC - a not for profit Community Interest Company in March 19. This means that any profit made is used to further and develop the organisation. It also means that Traumaform CIC can apply for funding, which is also a work in progress! If there is anyone out there who would like to donate their services to help with this, please email me!  If you feel you would like to make a small donation please click on donate.


Since Traumaform was established there has been an increase in clients seeking therapy for trauma related issues – this meant that there was somewhat of a waiting list at times. To help this and in order to develop more services, Traumaform CIC expanded and had taken on 2 trainee therapists initially, one in Carmarthen, and one in Aberystwyth, who are now fully qualified therapists still offering their expertise to Traumaform as Affiliate Counsellors.


During 2019, Traumaform developed further to expand our network of Affiliate counsellors across West-Wales, including a Traumatologist in Carmarthen, and an Occupational Therapist based in Pembrokeshire also specialising in Mindfulness and Meditation. 

As well as individual therapy, our group work was also developed and offered in Aberystwyth and Swansea.


Workshops covering trauma-informed therapy and practice were offered at affordable prices.


Walk and talk group sessions were delivered at low cost.


In 2020 we welcomed 2 more Counselling Affiliates to the Team, offering Adlerian Therapy in Narberth and Dance Movement Psychotherapy in Aberystwyth, as well as another trainee placement covering Aberystwyth, to be soon followed by one more in Aberystwyth, and one in Pembrokeshire.

The Traumaform Team

Georgina Gray MSc

Working in the substance misuse field for many years as an addictions counsellor, clinical lead and team leader for both an abstinence based charity as well as a harm reduction organisation, the close link between addiction and trauma was obvious to many, and it felt to me that addressing the addiction without the trauma was often at the heart of relapse for many individuals and families.


Whilst not every one with addiction issues had suffered a deep trauma growing up, or later in life (although many had!), the experience of addiction can in itself be traumatic, and as such trauma and addiction are often inseparable.

picture of Georgina

Over the years I followed my interest in trauma work and continued with my professional development to gain a Post-grad Diploma in Traumatology and PTSD and have worked with trauma (as well as generic counselling) in part-time Private Practice coming up to 10 years.

In 2017  I left my full-time addictions work and formed Traumaform with the aim to offer affordable long-term Trauma Therapy to help address often deep seated issues that may lie at the heart of not only Addictions, but many other co-occurring issues that trouble many people.


As mentioned above, Traumaform is now a non-profit organisation that is expanding with the aim to be able to offer affordable therapy and support to those in need. This can be achieved in part by ensuring that staff and volunteers can be provided with specific trauma training. If you would like to donate please click here.

Qualifications and Training

  • BSc (Hons) Psychology (1996-99)
  • MSc Psychological Research Methods (2001-04)
  • Diploma Addiction Counselling (2007-08)
  • Diploma Addiction Studies (2007-08)
  • Cert Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Substance Misuse (2008)

 

  • Reality Therapy/Choice Theory Cert. (2010)
  • Brief Solution Focused Therapy (2012)

 

  • ESTSS Certificate in Psychotraumatology (2014)

 

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Traumatology and PTSD (2015-16)
  • Narrative Exposure Therapy Training (Eremo, 2016)

 

 

  • (2017-18) Phases 1-3 and Brainspotting 
  • EMDR Levels 1 – 4 (2018/19) (as part of MSc in EMDR Therapy ongoing)
  • Part time Psychology PhD  June 20 - June 25
  • Online and Telephone Counselling Course Certificate 80 hrs CPD (2020)
  • Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision (2021)

 

Meet Our Part-time staff

Post-graduate Trainee Trauma Therapist: Jill Cassidy

Jill Cassidy  Dip IIP MBACP MSc BSc (Hons)


I am a qualified Adlerian Counsellor and have completed a post-grad diploma in Traumatology & PTSD as part of my role of Trauma Therapist with  Traumaform CIC. I am a member of BACP, Asiip, ASoW and am accredited with the NCIP.

I have completed the BACP introduction course to online counselling and can work with clients online by video link or by phone, as well as face to face, and currently work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays.


I have a background in consultancy and support services, having volunteered in crisis support. I have a wide range of experience of working with people in different industries with different problems.



picture of Georgina


Trauma Therapy


I am trained to use STAIR (Skills Training in Affective & Interpersonal Regulation), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), Prolonged Exposure (PE), IRRT (Imaginal Rescripting and Reprocessing Therapy) & NET (Narrative Exposure therapy). These are evidenced based Trauma Processes that form part of a 3 phased approach to Trauma Therapy utilised by Traumaform.




Adlerian Counselling


My background is Adlerian counselling. Adlerian psychology places the individual at the core of change, encouraging and supporting understanding of childhood logic and patterns of behaviour to enable progress and change in the present.


In Adlerian Counselling we work on identifying the areas in which you are stuck or struggling to focus the work on understanding what you need and how to get there


Adlerian Counselling provides a solid foundation upon which to build the specialism in Trauma-work that forms part of the current in depth training in Traumatology.





Post-graduate Trainee Trauma Therapist: Angie Evans MBACP

Mental health, PG dip; Mental disorder, FDA dip; Integrative Counselling, MBACP.

I am based in Pembrokeshire and am a qualified integrative counsellor. I recently joined the Traumaform team as a post-graduate therapist studying Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress. 


I have a wide and varied experience in physical and mental health support, which has been both a personal and professional process. I have gained practical experience in grief, bereavement and loss counselling.

picture of Georgina

In addition I completed developmental courses in neurolinguistic programming, neuropsychology and other relevant, evidence-based practice. 

Using the integrative approach, I currently demonstrate the Person Centred modality and use tools such as Brief Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 


I am excited about my new role and am warm, authentic, candid and genuine. I am happy to offer Zoom and face to face sessions, which are done in safety and always led by the client and their goals and needs.

Meet our Trauma-Informed Affiliates

Counsellor in Transactional Analysis: Clive Patrick Nolan

Personal intro

I am a Psychotherapist practising within the modality of Transactional Analysis.


I have worked in mental health for a number of years in a support role for adults with complex disorders.


I work closely with people with varying histories and diagnoses including PTSD, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia, Intellectual Disabilities, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.

picture of Georgina

Outside of my ongoing practice my working background has mostly been in media and the arts and I have been a photographer for the last 15 years or so, having worked in publishing and the theatre before that. I bring this experience and knowledge into the therapy room and have an interest in art therapy and the use of other creative therapeutic tools and approaches.’ 

Modality explanation

Transactional Analysis is an integrative and humanistic talking therapy which is very versatile. It uses many models and ideas to help bring awareness to why we think, feel and react in the ways that we do and helps us make ‘re-decisions’ when we become stuck in unhelpful, and often painful, patterns. 



I have an interest in a trauma-informed practice and have completed certificates in ‘Interpersonal Neurobiology’, ‘Working with the Body’ and an ‘Introduction to Narrative Exposure Therapy’ amongst more ongoing CPD training.

Dr Clare Scott PhD

I first trained in psychotherapy 15 years ago. 

 Then I was distracted by my other passion – creative writing - and undertook an MA and PhD in this subject, alongside my ‘day job’ managing the coordination of a disability service across a university. I have been working as a specialist with young people and adults on the autism spectrum and their families and have acted as supervisor to other professionals in this field since 2000. 


I realised that I wanted to combine my skills and returned to focus on psychotherapeutic work in 2018. I am delighted to join Traumaform and to contribute to the work of the company.


Clare has a background in Creative Writing, having completed an MSc and PhD in this subject. Clare started studying counselling quite some years ago, but her career in a local University together with the writing took over.

picture of Georgina

She has synthesised her commitment to both professions in poetry therapy training with iaPOETRY since 2015 and as Chair of Lapidus International, the words-for-wellbeing organisation since 2016. She has been involved in the development of support to those affected by trauma. 


Most recently, she has been providing therapeutic creative writing workshops for women in the local community, also for mental health professionals and as part of an experimental project in two care homes, specialising in dementia, Creative reCollections.

In 2018 Clare returned to Counselling Training with the Adlerian Counselling Society, with a Trainee Counsellor Placement at Traumaform, and has now come towards the end of her Counsellor Training.


Clare has continued with CPD activities and has recently completed Phase 1 and 2 of Brainspotting and an 80 hr Online and Telephone Counselling Certificate. Clare has been working with Traumaform to deliver 1-1 sessions with clients either face to face or via Zoom in Phase 1 of Trauma Therapy as well as Group work in our Writing for Wellbeing Courses.


Clare is based in Carmarthen but can also see clients in Gorseinon, Swansea, if appropriate and according to restrictions, as well as online or by phone.s

Karolina Orenczak BSc

I started off with a degree in Psychology at Aberystwyth University and went on to train for a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and Transactional Analysis a few years later.


I have also completed a certificate in Grief and Bereavement Counselling, Brainspotting Phase 1 and phase 2, Rewind Therapy and introduction to Narrative Exposure Therapy training.

picture of Georgina

I work with Transactional Analysis through a trauma-informed lens. I work with Traumaform within the stabilisation phase 1 of trauma therapy as I combine TA models with the STAIR protocol, grounding and Brainspotting. I also facilitate Group work in the Stabilisation Phase of Trauma Therapy. I am based in Aberystwyth and see clients both face-to-face (depending on government and BACP Covid-19 guidelines) and on Zoom. I am a registered member of BACP and have completed the introduction course to online counselling.

Jackie Turner

I have been a therapist for over twenty years, during this time I have trained in a range of approaches working holistically with individuals and groups to inform, support and transform the physical and psychological effects of Trauma, PTSD and related comorbidities such as addiction, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional problems and somatic symptomology. 


I have been a student of yoga for over thirty years and a yoga teacher since 2011. I am currently integrating my work as a trauma informed therapist and yoga teacher, working with the body (asana) and the breath (pranayama) where appropriate in the stabilization and regulation phase of the therapeutic process. I also work as an Equine Assisted Human Development Facilitator, my therapy horses assist individuals to enhance self awareness, emotions fitness, regulation and stabilization, creating and maintaining health boundaries, relationships and effective leadership.

As a Trauma informed therapist I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of trauma survivors, including:

  • Survivors of childhood sexual abuse
  • Survivors of rape and sexual assault,
  • Survivors of developmental trauma (childhood emotional neglect or abuse),
  • Military veterans 
  • Emergency first-responders


Jackie also trained as a Traumatologist on the Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma and PTSD (2018) Course and utilises:

  • STAIR protocol (skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation)
  • Breath work
  • Grounding techniques
  • Rewind

As a trauma informed therapist sessions align with the NICE guidelines for Psychotraumatology and include evidence based protocols such as:

  • CPT (Cognitive processing therapy) 
  • NET (Narrative Exposure therapy)
  • PET (Prolonged exposure Therapy)
  • IRRT (Image Rescripting and reprocessing therapy)


Jackie also recently completed Brainspotting Phase 1 and II and is hoping to continue with her professional development by undertaking a CBT DIploma Course.


.Jackie has been working with Traumaform to deliver all phases of Trauma Therapy 1-1 either face to face or via online therapy, as well as facilitating Groups within our current Phase 1 Stabilisation work. .


Jackie is based in Carmarthen but can also see clients in Gorseinon, Swansea depending on Covid regulations, or see clients by phone or online.

Sharon Abel  BA (Hons), FdA, PGcert

Hello, I’m an Integrative counsellor and I work in a way which is influenced by a Humanistic and positive psychology approach towards post-traumatic growth. I like to incorporate strategies which are individual to you.


I’ve worked within social care services for over 20 years, and gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Health and Social Care. In that time I’ve had the opportunity to support individuals with many varied needs. I’ve always strived to enable individuals to build their own skills and resources to enhance their lives. 


Within counselling, I can help you to understand and process your trauma, whilst developing coping strategies and moving towards post-traumatic growth.

picture of Georgina




I use a trauma informed phased approach, to ensure you remain safe and grounded before processing the trauma. I’m trained in phase 1 & 2 Brainspotting, and often incorporate this as a resource within trauma processing.


Born into British forces family, I like to think I have a good awareness of the traumatic events related to those who are; or who have served in the armed forces. Combined with my work alongside frontline emergency service workers, I can see the need for individuals to address their PTSD as soon as they are able to reduce the long term effects. 


I like to encourage creativity within the counselling sessions. This is ideal for inner child work to help you explore your values, beliefs, and relationships with others. Many people find that they are able to express themselves when being creative and we can do this through arts, crafts, creative exercises, journaling etc.


Your sessions with me can be face to face in Burry Port or online. 

Majjham Warenfeld


I am a retired Mental health Nurse and as a Mental Health Nurse I worked in Acute psychiatry, Therapeutic Community and Alcohol & Drug addiction. It was especially my work in a Therapeutic Community with people who had suffered traumas from sexual and physical abuse or neglect in childhood and also other complex traumas that awoke my interest in becoming a therapist myself.

When I retired I took a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and are now a qualified Psychotherapy Counsellor registered with UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy)

My psychotherapy integration is mainly Humanistic-Existential and I have also trained in Compassion-focused therapy my aim in sessions is to create a nonjudgmental compassionate atmosphere so clients feel safe to explore the issues that brought them to therapy.

I also wanted to train in a Trauma approach and I chose Brainspotting, I have done several trainings in Brainspotting and I am now a certified Brainspotting practitioner.

I am a meditator since many years and I use meditation (mindfulness) in the sessions when it feels right

 

Qualifications

Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

B.Sc. (Hons) in Mental Health studies

Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy

Introductory and Advanced Clinical skills Course in

Compassion-focused Therapy

Brainspotting Phase 1-2, Expansion Brainspotting and Unlocking Trauma in

The Body with Brainspotting.

Certified Brainspotting Practitioner

 

UKCP registered Psychotherapy Counsellor.

I live in Worcestershire and do my sessions online via Zoom


Lucia Ortega

Ina Thompson




 I have worked therapeutically with clients for over twenty five years and also have many years experience in education in the special needs sector using music as a medium. I hold a space for you without judgment as well as focusing on your unique creative potential. We are exposed to many different stresses these days. I listen carefully to help you identify recurring themes and the way you relate to people and the world. Equine assisted therapy offers a unique way of understanding yourself through your connection with the horses.


 












I work with adults teenagers and children. I have a foundation degree in humanistic integrative counselling and a PGCE in education. My background working creatively means I integrate this knowledge with my psychological expertise.






I am experienced in body based therapy and can also offer outdoor therapy and equine assisted therapy with my beautiful gentle ponies.

 

New Throughout my life I have worked with people to support them to achieve their creative potential. I am a caring, sensitive person and approach problems calmly, with empathy and humour where required. I believe that nature can be transformative and love working outdoors as well as in the therapy room. I am fluent in English, German and ItalianaragraphParagraph

Meet our Add On Practitioners

Andy Jacques – Bowen Therapist

Allison Rudd-Mumford, Dip OT, RCOT, HCPC Reg

I have been qualified as an Occupational Therapist for over 25yrs. During that time I have worked in the NHS and Social Services supporting people to face change and difficulties within their lives.


My practice focused on the psychological impact of physical trauma, anxiety management, exposure therapy and social integration.


I incorporate Mindfulness Techniques into my Practice and am a Phase 1 qualified Brainspotting Practitioner. I have recently started training as an Adlerian counsellor. 

I have been involved with Traumaform CIC as a Practitioner within Phase 1 of Trauma Therapy coming up to a year, working 1-1 with clients and facilitating Mindfulness based Group work.


I'm excited to be part of the Traumaform team and to work with Georgina.Allison has been working with Traumaform to deliver 1-1 work within the Stabilisation Phase 1 of Trauma Therapy, which has included her work as Occupational Therapist in carrying out home visits.


During the Covid 19 pandemic any home-visits have had to go on hold, however, much needed and useful work can also be carried out online. 

Allison is based in Pembrokeshire but has been working with clients as far as Swansea and Llanelli doing homevisits prior to the Covid pandemic.


The Pandemic has been having a huge impact on many people, particularly setting back those with anxieties and phobias such as agoraphobia. Allison utilises various forms of exposure therapy to help individuals increase their confidence and regain independence. If you feel this is something you need support with, please let us know.


Allison is also involved in facilitating our Group work as mindfulness based practitioner.

Recent Volunteering Activities

Uganda

In March this year I travelled to Gulu, Northern Uganda, to observe and learn from the amazing work Vivo International are doing in treating those suffering from PTSD as a result of the conflict and civil war that had been raging in the area for many years (see www.vivo.org for further info). It has been estimated that 10000 people had been killed in the conflict, 2 million people displaced, and that up to 40,000 people, mainly children, had been abducted by The Lord’s Resistance Army and forced to fight, maim and kill, to carry heavy supplies and used as sex slaves. The majority of those who survived would now be in their 20’s, and still many years later suffer the consequences, not only in terms of PTSD symptoms, but in the wider context of loss of education, hope for the future, family and social connections, with high levels of unemployment, alcohol problems and domestic violence. Vivo International in Uganda, led by Anett Pfeiffer, uses Narrative Exposure Therapy, an evidence-based short-term Trauma Therapy to help clients reduce symptoms of PSTD and rebuild their lives. 21 lay personnel, trained in Narrative Exposure Therapy, are now employed by vivo international which has been present in the area since 2008.


Vivo international is a non-profit organisation founded in 2001 and has projects all over the world in order to “overcome and prevent traumatic stress and its consequences within the individual, the family as well as the community, safeguarding the rights and dignity of people affected by violence and conflict” (Vivo International mission statement)


I was made to feel very welcome by everyone at Vivo and by people in Gulu in general, and am continually amazed at the resilience of human beings to recover from such terror, and at the dedication with which all at vivo continue to work with often very distressing accounts of trauma. 


I am hoping to return to Gulu to offer any support I can and continue to learn from and exchange knowledge.

For information about PTSD and Complex Trauma and Trauma Therapy please feel free to browse these pages

Research, references and bibliography:

Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., (2014) The Body Keeps the Score. Viking, Penguin Group, 2014
Ziegler, D (Ph.D.) (2011) Traumatic Experience and the Brain. Acacia Publishing, sec ed.
Joseph LeDoux (1998), The Emotional Brain. Phoenix, New York.
Judith L. Herman (2010) Trauma and Recovery – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Pandora, London
Briere & Scott (2015) Principles of Trauma Therapy, DSM-5 Update. Sage Publications, London, sec ed.
Peter Levine, Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma
Rothschild, B. (2000) The Body Remembers: The Physiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment. Norton, New York
E. Foa, E Hembree & B Rothbaum (2007) Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD Oxford University Press 
Smucker & Dancu (1999) Cognitive Behavioural Treatment for Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma: Imagery Rescripting and Reprocessing (New Directions in Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy) 
Dr Damir del Monte – via You Tube – excellent information about the brain
Roth S., Newman E., Pelcovitz D., Van Der Kolk B., Mandel F. S. (1997) "Complex PTSD in victims exposed to sexual and physical abuse: Results from the DSM-IV Field Trial for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder". Journal of Traumatic Stress. 10 (4): 539–555. doi:10.1002/jts.2490100403. PMID 9391940.
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