Hypnotherapy · Coaching · Personalised support
Trauma-informed support and nervous system regulation
A personalised approach to emotional overwhelm, protective patterns and the practical resources you want to develop.
English · Français · Español
Catherine Laberge
Trauma-Informed Humanist Hypnotherapist, Nervous System Practitioner & Relationship Coach. Canadian and based in Málaga, supporting expats, international clients and multicultural couples.
My work brings together humanistic and Ericksonian hypnosis, coaching, NLP, emotional release techniques and somatic and polyvagal-informed tools. I am also a Reiki Usui Level 2 practitioner.
When you cannot simply think your way into feeling safe
You may notice that you go into overdrive, become unusually alert, shut down or feel disconnected in situations you wish you could handle differently. Afterwards you may understand the reaction and still find that it returns.
Trauma-informed work starts with your present needs and your capacity to choose. We do not need to force memories, search for a hidden event or ask you to push through an exercise that feels too much. Your ability to pause and say no is part of the process.
A practical exploration of your responses
Nervous system regulation is a way of describing work with patterns of arousal, settling and connection. My practice draws on polyvagal-informed ideas, body awareness, hypnotherapy and coaching. This is an approach to support, not a diagnosis or a promise to “reset” your nervous system.
We might notice what happens before overwhelm, explore what helps you orient to the present, or practise a small change in a difficult interaction. Some people prefer to begin through conversation; others find it useful to include sensation, movement or imagery. We agree on what is relevant.
Does this sound familiar?
Tell me what you would like to change. The free 15-minute call lets us discuss your situation, ask questions and see whether this approach fits. You do not have to choose a technique before we speak.
Making room for your everyday life
The aim is to develop resources that you can recognise and use beyond the session. That could mean a more manageable response to a work meeting, greater clarity about a boundary or a way to notice when you are asking too much of yourself.
A complex trauma history may require specialist mental-health care. We discuss suitability and other support openly. Working slowly, adapting the format or referring you to another professional may be the appropriate next step.
Understanding your reactions with more curiosity
You may feel on alert, withdraw when a situation becomes intense, or notice that reactions arrive before you have time to choose. We can explore those experiences without assuming that every difficulty has the same cause.
A trauma-informed approach means paying attention to choice, pace and boundaries. It does not mean that you need to recount every difficult experience or accept a diagnosis.
Practical tools, adapted to you
Conversation, body awareness, hypnotherapy and polyvagal-informed tools can form part of the process. We may explore how you recognise tension, orient to your surroundings or make room for a different response.
Practices are invitations. If an exercise feels uncomfortable or unhelpful, we adjust it or choose another approach. No technique is compulsory.
Building autonomy
The aim is to help you understand your own patterns and identify tools you can use independently. We review their place in your work, relationships and daily routines.
When another form of care is needed
This accompaniment does not replace specialist trauma treatment or medical and psychological care where required. We discuss suitability and professional boundaries before deciding how to work together.
Practical details & investment
- Individual sessions: the current published rate is €120, or €350 for three sessions.
- Couples sessions and Reiki: contact me directly to confirm the appropriate format and fee.
- In person in La Malagueta, Málaga, or online where suitable. English, French and Spanish.
- Start with a free 15-minute call. We discuss your needs before deciding on a first session.
Your questions
Do I have to talk about a traumatic event?
No. We agree on what feels appropriate and respect what you do not want to explore. We can focus on present-day experiences and resources.
Are all body-awareness exercises relaxing?
Not necessarily. People respond differently, which is why we keep choice and adjustment central rather than require a particular sensation.
What happens before we start?
The free 15-minute call is a conversation about what brings you, what you have already tried and what you want to change. You can ask about my approach and decide whether a first session feels appropriate. It is a call, not a shortened therapy session, and there is no obligation to continue.
Will I have to be hypnotised?
No. Hypnotherapy is one of the tools available, alongside coaching, body awareness and nervous system regulation. We discuss what an exercise is for before you decide. You remain able to speak, ask questions and stop; you do not have to surrender control or tell me anything you prefer to keep private.
How many sessions should I expect?
We agree on priorities and review how the work is progressing. A focused concern and a longstanding pattern may need different plans. I will discuss what seems realistic for your situation rather than promise a fixed result or a set number of sessions before we have met.
Can I work with you as an expat or online?
Yes. I am Canadian and based in Málaga, and work in English, French and Spanish. Sessions can be in person in La Malagueta or online where suitable. For online sessions, we discuss privacy, a comfortable setting and whether this format fits your needs. Living abroad and multicultural relationships are welcome parts of the conversation.
Do I need a trauma diagnosis?
No diagnosis is required to discuss a difficulty and whether my approach fits. Equally, this service does not diagnose trauma or other mental-health conditions. If assessment or specialist treatment is needed, we discuss that openly and consider how different forms of support might fit together.
What if body-awareness exercises feel uncomfortable?
We can adapt, use another approach or stop. You are not required to focus inward or follow a breathing exercise. We discuss what you notice and what feels manageable, and may use conversation, orientation to the room or another agreed form of support instead.
A first conversation
If this sounds relevant to what you are experiencing, the free 15-minute call is a chance to ask questions and discuss the next step.