The core of my sessions
Our Deepest Longing and Greatest Fear
Body-oriented and trauma-informed
Supports developmental trauma and early relational patterns
Not focused on processing the past or fighting symptoms
Focused on exploring how protective patterns may limit the present moment and what can emerge beneath them
“The spontaneous movement in all of us is towards connection, health and aliveness. Just as a plant naturally moves towards sunlight, there is an impulse within each of us that moves us towards connection and healing.”
Laurence Heller, founder of NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model)
Perhaps you know moments when there is something you genuinely want to pursue, yet you can feel that something inside is holding you back. Or situations in which a sense of contraction arises, making it difficult to express yourself freely and fully. You may also notice yourself behaving in a certain way while sensing: this is not quite how I would naturally show up.
These patterns are not mistakes. They are intelligent adaptations of our system that once served an important purpose. Most likely, they helped us preserve connection and belonging. Yet even when they are no longer needed, they can continue to operate in the background and limit our freedom of choice.
The NARM approach is therefore not about getting rid of these patterns. Instead, we explore what you want for yourself today and what may be getting in the way. With curiosity, we explore what and who may emerge beyond these patterns.
This perspective is the foundation of my relationship coaching for individuals and couples, where we explore how these patterns may affect your connection with yourself and others.
These elements shape our collaboration
Intention
The foundation of our sessions is your heart’s desire: what you deeply long for in your life right now.
Presence
Rather than staying focused on the past, we explore what happens when you come into contact with these patterns in the present moment, and what may begin to shift.
Obstacle
A central question in NARM is: What is getting in the way of your heart’s desire?
Connection
An underlying assumption: beneath our protective patterns lies our authentic self. This means we do not need to become someone different. Rather, the process is about reconnecting.
NARM™ (NeuroAffective Relational Model) is a neuroscience-informed approach for working with developmental trauma and deeply rooted relational patterns. Developed by Dr Laurence Heller, NARM integrates body-oriented psychotherapy, attachment research and contemporary trauma research. Rather than focusing on processing the past, it explores how old patterns may be limiting someone in the present moment and who can emerge when they no longer do.
Note: The support I offer is not psychotherapy as defined by the German Psychotherapists Act and is not a substitute for psychotherapy. If you are experiencing a mental health condition that requires treatment, seeking medical or psychotherapeutic support should be the first step.
NARM™ differs from traditional talk therapy primarily through its holistic approach. It works not only with what someone thinks or talks about, but also with what is happening in the body, such as tension, breathing and posture. Rather than focusing mainly on the past, it explores what is showing up in the present moment. NARM does not centre on what is wrong or lacking, but on the coherent self that may emerge beneath protective patterns.
Developmental trauma describes the possible effects of early relational experiences in which essential needs such as safety, connection, trust, autonomy or love could not be sufficiently met. People often develop intelligent protective strategies in response. Although these strategies may once have been necessary, they can later make self-connection and fulfilling relationships more difficult.
Early experiences can shape how safe we feel in relationships, how we respond to closeness and distance, and whether we can express our needs, emotions and boundaries. Older protective patterns often become particularly visible during stress or conflict. Becoming more aware of these dynamics can create greater choice in how we relate in the present.
You do not need to describe your past in detail or relive distressing experiences. Earlier experiences are included only when they help us understand something that is happening in the present. The main focus remains on your current experience and the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations and relational patterns.
Yes. A NARM®-based perspective can help illuminate how protective patterns, shame and early relational experiences affect present-day relationships. In couples sessions, we explore what happens between you without treating either partner as the problem. The intention is to support greater awareness, responsibility and authentic connection.
No. My services are coaching and do not constitute psychotherapy or medical treatment. They are not a substitute for medical, psychiatric or psychotherapeutic diagnosis and treatment. I am currently completing NARM® training and integrate elements and principles of the approach into my coaching in accordance with my current level of training.
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