In my previous blogs, I've explored what trauma formulation is and how it guides your treatment plan. Today, I want to talk about something that makes formulation truly effective: collaboration. As a trauma therapist based in North Berwick, I believe your active participation in formulation isn't just helpful, it's essential.

You're the Expert on Your Experience

Here's something that might surprise you: in trauma therapy, you're not a passive recipient of treatment. You're an active partner in understanding and healing from your experiences. Whilst I bring expertise in trauma treatment, you're the expert on your own life, feelings, and what makes sense for you.

Together, we create something neither of us could develop alone. This partnership is what makes formulation so powerful.

What Collaboration Actually Looks Like

Collaboration means you're free to share observations, correct misunderstandings, and add new information as it emerges. If something doesn't feel right in our formulation, you can say so. If you're noticing patterns I haven't spotted, you can bring them up. If a treatment approach doesn't feel safe or helpful, we adjust it together.

This isn't about being polite or agreeing with everything I suggest. It's about honest dialogue that leads to treatment that truly fits you.

A Living, Breathing Process

Your formulation isn't fixed after our first few sessions. It evolves as we learn more about your experience. New patterns emerge during therapy, and our understanding deepens over time. Perhaps we discover a trigger we hadn't identified initially, or you remember something significant that changes how we understand your symptoms.

This flexibility isn't a weakness, it's a strength. It means your treatment stays relevant and responsive to your actual needs, not some theoretical template.

The Real Benefits

When formulation is truly collaborative, several things happen. You feel genuinely understood rather than slotted into a category. You have agency in your own recovery. The treatment actually fits your life and circumstances. And perhaps most importantly, you develop a deeper understanding of yourself that extends far beyond the therapy room.

Your Voice Matters

Good collaboration means it's safe to say things like "This doesn't feel quite right" or "I'm not ready for that yet" or "Can we try a different approach?" These aren't problems, they're valuable contributions that make our work together more effective.

If the idea of collaborative trauma therapy appeals to you, where your experience and input are valued from day one, please get in touch. Your healing journey works best when we walk it together.