Trauma Work

A trauma is a psychological injury triggered by a distressing event that affects personal well-being. Such events may include birth complications, separation, medical interventions, or physical and/or emotional abuse.

Not everyone who experiences negative events becomes traumatised — the ability to process experiences is very individual and depends on resilience, coping strategies and the social environment. In my trauma work I therefore meet each person individually and work together on their specific concerns and challenges.

Birth Reflection

Not every birth goes as planned. Examples of experiences that some mothers find traumatic include:

  • inadequate communication,

  • unexpected complications,

  • unwanted interventions

  • verbal or physical mistreatment by hospital staff,

  • problems with newborn adaptation, or

  • separation after birth

Symptoms arising from a traumatic birth can affect a woman in her role as a mother and may strain her relationship with her child. Processing a traumatising birth can strengthen the mother and heal the bond between mother and baby.

trauma-integrative Birth Preparation

If a previous birth was experienced as distressing and has not yet been processed, subsequent pregnancies can bring up fears and heightened stress. The I.B.T.® method can be used in a subsequent pregnancy to prepare emotionally for the upcoming birth.

As first step, the previous experience will be processed. Take-aways of positive and negative happenings will be integrated when talking about the upcoming birth.

Trauma in Infants and Children

I.B.T.® stands for Integrative Attachment-Based Trauma Work. Unlike many conventional therapeutic methods, this approach can include both the primary caregivers and the child directly. A central focus is strengthening the caregiver–child relationship. The method is suitable for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Possible traumatic events for children include:

  • inadequate communication,

  • pregnancy complications,

  • loss of a twin

  • birth complications,

  • separation after birth,

  • operations and other painful medical treatments,

  • neglect, physical and/or emotional abuse, etc.

Common symptoms:

  • sleep problems,

  • increased startle responses,

  • difficulties in self-regulation,

  • separation anxiety,

  • intense, panicked crying — often linked to a distressing event

This is how working with me can feel:

"I treasure deeply"

"Giving birth in a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language was daunting, but having Andrea by my side gave me peace of mind. Even when my birth didn’t go as planned, her gentle guidance helped me make the right decisions, turning the experience into something I now treasure deeply."

Raquelle & Gregon, South Africa

"Plethora of Knowledge"

"Andrea was an amazing doula with a plethora of knowledge that helped prepare my husband and I for the birth of our first child. With her support and advocacy, I was able to deliver a happy and healthy baby."

Jennifer & Hulon, USA

"Moments of laughter"

"Andrea was such a great resource before and during both of our births. She made sure we knew all of our options and felt comfortable throughout the process. What could have been two stressful experiences went smoothly and had moments of laughter thanks to this amazing woman."

Sarraha & Bryan, USA

"Successful VBAC"

"In Mexico doctors had told my wife that her body wasn’t suited for natural birth. After her first birth by C-section, we never imagined a vaginal birth could be possible..But with Andreas support and the medical team’s approval, my wife was able to have a successful VBAC and experience the joy of a natural birth."

Maria & Carlos, Mexico

"Brightest Memory"

"I could not imagine that Andrea would help so much! Even though it was our second baby, it was very difficult and painful. And my brightest memories from it are her eyes (very deep and hypnotic) and my husband’s hand holding me.."

Marina & Yuri, Russia

"Peace of Mind"

"We had such a wonderful and supportive experience with Andrea. She made sure we understood everything that was happening and kept my husband informed and involved throughout the process. Her calm presence, knowledge, and advocacy gave us peace of mind and made all the difference in our birth experience. I would highly recommend her services to anyone looking for someone who truly listens, understands your wishes, and stands by you throughout the journey.."

Jessica & Johann, South Africa