What is NARM and what does it mean to be a NARM Therapist?

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NARM is a therapeutic approach specifically designed to address complex trauma and the internal patterns that affect quality of life that often emerges alongside it. These patterns usually began as adaptations to early adversity, but can become automatic and unhelpful when responding to a source of stress that is no longer present.

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Learn more information about Complex Trauma

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Being a NARM Master Therapist means I have completed the full formal training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model and remain connected with those trained in the model to remain competent in providing it. I integrate NARM principles and skills into almost every session I offer.

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NARM Process 

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One of the things I appreciate most about NARM is how well it translates to online therapy. As long as you are in a private, comfortable space where you can safely turn inward, we can do this work together from anywhere. While many nature-based or mindfulness approaches focus on awareness of the external world, NARM centers on your internal world in how you relate to your own thoughts, sensations, and emotions in the present moment as the foundation for healing.

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NARM is trauma-informed and depth-oriented. It recognizes the impact of unprocessed trauma and the role of the subconscious in shaping our lives. Sessions are experiential and mindfulness-based, meaning we work together in real-time with what arises. This approach is also relational as we pay attention to how you’re feeling in our present connection, and somatic in including the awareness of physical sensations and nervous system shifts that happen as part of the healing process.

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Within a NARM session, there are four distinct interventions:

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Clarifying the Therapeutic Contract – getting clear about what you want from therapy and receiving your active consent for our work

Asking Exploratory Questions – gently inviting curiosity with your experiences and how it may relate to what you want with therapy

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Reinforcing Agency – supporting your capacity to choose your experience based on what we learn

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Reflecting Psychobiological Shifts – noticing present physical shifts as we explore to support embodied, fuller awareness

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How NARM views complex trauma

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NARM also explores what are called survival styles or patterns developed early in life as a means to survive.​​
 

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Connection Survival Style

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Core dilemma: disconnect or connect with one's body and the immediate environment

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Attunment Survival Style

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Core dilemma: attune to the other person for needs to be met or meet own needs directly

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Trust Survival Style

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Core dilemma: continue to trust self or trust the process in the relationship

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Autonomy Surival Style

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Core dilemma: continue to perform or be authentic in the relationship

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Love-Sexuality Survival Style

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Core dilemma: continue to be open up to love and sexuality or remain closed to it

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More information soon based on my training and clinical experience providing NARM therapy.