In this episode, Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel interviews Dr Cheryl Cross, an experienced integrative clinical psychologist specialising in trauma recovery. We discuss the broad psychological and physiological impact of trauma and some important theories that can help us understand our nervous system and how we relate to others, including polyvagal theory and attachment theory. While there are many approaches to working with trauma, this episode focuses on finding appropriate psychological support, including therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and AF-EMDR. We conclude with some exciting new developments in trauma therapy and a message of hope for trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth. The human capacity to overcome adversity and the power of neuroplasticity is truly amazing, and a change for the better is possible with the right support.
Resources – websites and directories
· https://emdrassociation.org.uk
· https://drlaurelparnell.com
· https://www.bps.org.uk
· https://www.drcherylcross.com/
Resources – useful books
· The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
· Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deborah Dana
· It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn
About Dr Cheryl Cross
Dr Cross is a dedicated and passionate Chartered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in working with adults who have experienced trauma and have symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), dissociative disorders, anxiety and depression.
Dr Cheryl’s absolute passion and area of expertise is using working with people who have experienced trauma and/or are presenting with dissociative symptoms, including people who have experienced a traumatic bereavement and are presenting with both PTSD symptoms and complex grief. Dr Cross uses a range of psychological therapies to suit the needs of each individual, including EDMR and AF-EMDR, CFT, CBT, DBT, ACT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness and Schema Mode Therapy.
About Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel:
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is an Oxbridge-trained medical doctor and scientist with over a decade’s experience in integrative health and in-depth additional training in nutrition, integrative and herbal medicine, yoga, mindfulness and other modalities. Dr Nina is a Fellow of the College of Medicine and the Co-Chair of BSIO (British Society for Integrative Oncology), specialising in complex multisystem women's health cases and integrative cancer care. Dr Nina is the Director of Synthesis Clinic, combining her clinical work with education for healthcare professionals.
Please rate, review and subscribe to the Synthesis Clinic podcast on your platform of choice. If you are enjoying the podcast, please support us by buying us a coffee (or a green tea!).
