Develop skills to improve your relationship with yourself and others.
We are all a product of our environment, and our early experiences have shaped our thinking, emotions, behaviors, and how we interact with the world around us. Many who have experienced developmental and relational trauma (neglect, abuse, adverse events) struggle with issues in self-esteem, codependence, boundaries, interpersonal skills, anti-dependence, too dependent on others, moderation issues, and attachment that make being relational with others… well… painful.
We all want to do our best. We want healthy relationships, to feel secure in who we are and what we want, set healthy boundaries in our personal and professional life, and overall find happiness.
DARTT can help.
It’s possible to heal from childhood wounds, and develop the skills to become a more functional version of yourself. By understanding how early experiences have shaped your thinking, emotions, and behaviors, you can begin to make sense of your reactions and relationships with yourself and others.
DARTT helps reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, low self esteem, codependence and other relational issues. By learning coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and somatic exercises; you can better manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
After learning how to manage your reactions and symptoms, you develop the skills of “living in the middle” and getting out of patterns of extremes. Patterns of extremes can develop in the areas of:
- Self-esteem: feeling less than or better than others
- Boundaries: being porous and soaking up others emotions/words/behaviors, or being walled off.
- Humanity: have to be good and perfect or rebellious/act out.
- Needs and Wants: anti-dependent or too dependent.
- Moderation and Containment: overcontrolled or out of control.
- Attachment: Anxious-Ambivalent, Avoidant, or Disorganized.
Developing the skills of “living in the middle” can help you find your more functional adult self so that you are more present in relationships and move towards a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapy (DARTT)
What is Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapy (DARTT)?
DARTT aims to help individuals who have experienced developmental and relational trauma to build healthy, secure attachments and relationships with others, and to develop a stronger sense of self. The therapy approach draws on principles from attachment theory, neurobiology, and somatic psychology to help clients process and integrate traumatic experiences, and to develop skills for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal communication.
DARTT sessions typically involve talk therapy, but may also incorporate somatic experiencing, movement, and other experiential techniques to help clients connect with and release emotions that are held in the body. The therapy is typically conducted in a safe and supportive environment, and the therapist works collaboratively with the client to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and goals.
How does DARTT work?
DARTT typically begins with an assessment phase, in which the therapist gathers information about the client’s history and experiences. This may involve exploring the client’s childhood experiences, family relationships, and any traumatic events or experiences they may have had.
Once the assessment phase is complete, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. This may involve a combination of talk therapy, somatic experiencing, movement, and other experiential techniques.
In DARTT, the therapist focuses on helping the client develop skills for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal communication. The therapist may use a variety of techniques to help the client process and integrate traumatic experiences, such as mindfulness exercises, grounding techniques, and guided visualization.
DARTT also emphasizes the importance of building healthy, secure attachments and relationships. The therapist may work with the client to identify patterns in their relationships, and to develop strategies for building more positive and supportive relationships with others.
Overall, DARTT aims to help individuals heal from developmental and relational trauma by addressing the underlying issues related to these experiences, and by providing support and guidance as they work towards building a stronger sense of self and more positive relationships with others.
When is DARTT needed?
DARTT may be helpful for individuals who have experienced developmental and relational trauma. This can include individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other adverse childhood experiences, as well as individuals who have experienced trauma within their relationships, such as intimate partner violence or betrayal trauma.
DARTT may be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with issues such as:
- Attachment difficulties: Developmental trauma can disrupt a person’s ability to form healthy, secure attachments with others. DARTT can help individuals develop a stronger sense of self and build healthy, secure relationships with others.
- Emotional dysregulation: Trauma can make it difficult to regulate emotions, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. DARTT can help individuals develop skills for emotional regulation and self-awareness.
- Low self-esteem: Developmental trauma can impact a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. DARTT can help individuals develop a stronger sense of self and increase their confidence and self-esteem.
- Relationship problems: Trauma can impact an individual’s ability to form healthy, positive relationships with others. DARTT can help individuals identify and address patterns in their relationships, and develop strategies for building more positive and supportive relationships with others.
Overall, DARTT may be helpful for individuals who have experienced developmental and relational trauma and are struggling with a range of emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal difficulties as a result.
How much does DARTT cost?
How long does the Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapy process take?
In general, DARTT is a longer-term therapy that may take several months or even years to complete. This is because the therapy focuses on addressing underlying issues related to developmental and relational trauma, and may involve building new skills and relationships over time.
The therapy may begin with an assessment phase, in which the therapist gathers information about the client’s history and experiences. This phase may take several sessions to complete.
After the assessment phase, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. This may involve a combination of talk therapy, somatic experiencing, movement, and other experiential techniques.
The length of time required to complete the therapy will depend on the individual client’s progress and needs. Some clients may benefit from ongoing therapy over a longer period, while others may see significant improvement after a shorter period of time.
It is important to note that the therapist and client will work together to determine the length and frequency of therapy sessions, and may adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome for the client.
How do I know if DARTT is right for me?
If you have experienced developmental or relational trauma, it may be worth considering Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapy (DARTT) as a potential treatment option. Here are a few signs that DARTT may be right for you:
- You are struggling with attachment difficulties: Developmental trauma can impact a person’s ability to form healthy, secure attachments with others. If you are struggling with forming and maintaining relationships, DARTT may be a helpful treatment option.
- You are experiencing emotional dysregulation: Trauma can make it difficult to regulate emotions, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. If you are struggling with emotional regulation, DARTT may be a helpful treatment option.
- You have low self-esteem: Developmental trauma can impact a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. If you are struggling with low self-esteem or a negative self-image, DARTT may be a helpful treatment option.
- You are experiencing relationship problems: Trauma can impact an individual’s ability to form healthy, positive relationships with others. If you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships, such as conflicts, mistrust, or lack of intimacy, DARTT may be a helpful treatment option.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue DARTT will depend on your individual needs, goals, and preferences. It may be helpful to speak with a therapist or mental health professional to explore your treatment options and determine whether DARTT may be a good fit for you.
Get Started With Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapy (DARTT) in Eugene, OR
Want to learn more about how DARTT can help? Reach out through email or by calling to get started.