“Between stimulus and response there is space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Victor E. Frankl
About Me
Victoria Garland
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist.
I use my knowledge of the psychological and physiological function of the human body as an approach to the treatment.
Having supported clients for more than 10 years, I have worked in a variety of settings. Some of which are the NHS, occupational health, private practice and in academia. I am a lecturer and a clinical and research supervisor of students on the doctorate programme of the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC) at Middlesex University.
My commitment is to provide a confidential, non-judgmental and empathetic environment. This will enable you to feel safe and supported. We will work together to explore your challenges and how you can address them.
Take Control of Your Life with Trauma Therapy
Making the decision to take control of your life is one of the most challenging yet empowering steps you can take. The fact that you are here suggests you are ready to embark on this journey.
In my practice, I utilise trauma therapy techniques to facilitate healing. Our brains register and react to distressing experiences, which are stored in our bodies and can be triggered by present events. For effective healing, it is crucial that your brain, mind, and body feel safe.
I integrate various therapeutic approaches to tailor the healing process to your needs. My training includes:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
- DBR (Deep Brain Reorientation)
- ImTT (Image Transformation Therapy)
- CRM (Comprehensive Resource Model)
- The Existential Approach
- Polyvagal Theory
- Healing Intergenerational Trauma
Together, we will address the root causes of your challenges and work towards meaningful change.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that helps with processing and recovering from past experiences that are affecting the patient’s mental health and wellbeing. My application of EMDR is informed by Polyvagal Theory of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
This involves using side to side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured environment.
Consequently, EMDR helps with processing the negative images, emotions, beliefs and body sensations associated with traumatic memories that seem to be stuck. Undoubtedly, these can contribute to a range of mental health problems.
EMDR ultimately provides the person with a different perspective and relieves the symptoms they might be suffering.
The Safe and Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) utilizes specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve, helping to regulate the nervous system. This process shifts the body from a defensive state (fight, flight, or freeze) to a calm and socially engaged state, effectively calming the nervous system.
SSP is designed to support recovery from trauma, anxiety, and sensory processing issues by improving emotional regulation and ability to connect socially.
It is delivered through an app-based platform and over-ear headphones, either in-clinic or remotely, over a period of 6-8 weeks. The program may be used on its own or alongside other treatments, making it a comprehensive approach to improving overall well-being. SSP has shown significant benefits in reducing stress and enhancing resilience.
Additionally, music therapy can effectively address core symptoms of ADHD and other co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and sleep issues.
Image Transformation Therapy
Image Transformation Therapy, or ImTT for short, uses a breathing and visualization technique to help clear out unpleasant emotions and the memories that are associated with them.
The emotions, which can range from shock and freeze, to terror and horror, are sequentially breathed out of different parts of the body after some preparation from the therapist. After this, you are asked to identify an image that’s related to the trauma you can repeatedly deconstruct in your mind’s eye until it either no longer can be brought into working memory or it is transformed into a positive-feeling image.
In a similar way, you sequentially breathe out of your body the particles from the deconstructed image until there are no more of these particles left in your body.
Deep Brain Reorienting
In Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) we work with a knowledge of the brainstem systems involved in orienting to a stimulus – internal or external – and in responding to it at a brainstem level.
Healing from adversity is an organic process that has somehow been blocked by the traumatic experience – or the responses of others to it.
This approach allows the participant to process the memory in an emotionally manageable way, changing how it is represented/accessed in the brain’s natural defensive system.
What conditions can counselling help?
We all have times in life when we experience challenges which may be helped with counselling or psychotherapy. These include:
- Depression
- Anxiety, panic attacks and phobias
- ADHD
- Loss and bereavement
- Low self esteem
- Eating disorders
- Stress
- Relationship issues
- Sexual problems
- Feeling isolated or rejected
- Traumatic experiences both past and present
- Coping with crisis or change
- Lack of purpose, direction and meaning in life
- Work and performance
Contact Me
I offer online therapy (video) or at my office in Rooms for Therapists, 1A Belmont Rd, Chiswick, London W4 5UL (UK).
If you would like to learn more or book a session please contact me:
victoria@victoriagarland-therapy.co.uk
+44 (0) 7900 332367
Accreditation
Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and BSc (Hons) Psychology at Middlesex University.
Accepted Insurance:
Resources
Trauma and Nervious System: A Polyvagal Perspective
Polyvagal Theory Made Simple
Listed in Directory of Hounslow Psychotherapy