Amy Zajakowski Uhll
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Working with Parts
Parts work is essential to the treatment of Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). Internal Family Systems (IFS) has made a significant contribution to the discussion of the treatment of parts, but it is not the only available model. Many philosophers and psychological thinkers have explored the concept of consciousness and the self and agree that they are…
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Practicing Together: Therapy in Uncertain Times
There has been a shooting. The Supreme Court has handed down a ruling. Bombs have been dropped. Floodwaters are rising. Fire is raging. As I reach for my phone to read the news, I am immediately flooded with emotion by the coverage and commentary that fill my feeds. I am aware of feelings of anger,…
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Our Essential Concepts: An Integrated Approach
There is no single model that can address all the complexity of human experience and suffering. Therefore, it is important that we wrestle with the task of integrating neurobiological understanding with relational approaches to develop an approach that is unique to each person with whom we are on the journey.
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Our Essential Concepts: Therapist Experience
At CCIH our work with clients and our professional development is grounded in four essential concepts: an Integrated Approach, an Anti-Oppression Lens, the Therapist Experience, and Community Formation. In this series, CCIH Director Amy Zajakowski Uhll expands on each of these concepts and why we believe they are necessary for effective trauma-informed treatment. Research has…
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Our Essential Concepts: Anti Oppression Lens
Traumatic wounding is not only potentially part of someone’s history, it may also be part of their ongoing present. Systems of oppression create harm, impact individuals and their relationships, and diminish central nervous system regulation in a real and measurable way. Contacting and naming the impact of oppression through the patient’s life story is a…
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Remembering What We Know About Trauma
Though it can seem like “Trauma-informed treatment” is a recent concept in the field of mental health, awareness of the impact of traumatic events has been present since the beginning of contemporary mainstream psychological thought.
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Building a Somatic Vocabulary
You might be familiar with the “feelings wheel” – a helpful tool in building awareness of emotions that bring more specificity to our experience, especially when trying to communicate it to another person. Identifying our feelings can also help us identify our needs, ways to cope, increase our understanding of self, sense into boundaries, or…
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Learning to Hear the Body’s Wisdom: Some Reflections on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
If we start with the idea that every symptom makes sense in the context of your unique lived experience and that our work is to honor that wisdom and get curious about new possibilities, we can open up the door for growth to naturally unfold.
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Seeing Suicidal Ideation through a Trauma-Informed Lens
“I don’t want to be here anymore.” These words strike fear in the hearts of all therapists. They remind us of the reality that pain may be so deep and pervasive that someone would think of ending their life. They also raise questions of our legal and moral responsibility for the lives of others. The…
