Developmental trauma therapy in London
Therapy for emotional neglect, shame, self-criticism and old survival patterns
Developmental trauma therapy in London
Many people come to therapy because they feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or dissatisfied in their relationships, yet cannot fully understand why. They may have spent years trying to meet other people’s expectations, putting others first, or feeling that no matter what they achieve, they are somehow not enough.
I’m Jacqueline Davis, a UKCP registered psychotherapist and I offer developmental trauma therapy in London and online.
This can help adults explore how early emotional experiences continue to shape their sense of self, relationships, boundaries and emotional wellbeing.
What is developmental trauma?
Developmental trauma often begins in childhood, particularly when a child grows up with chronic criticism, emotional neglect, inconsistency, emotional unavailability, or a lack of emotional safety.
In these environments, children adapt in order to cope. They may become highly responsible, pleasing, perfectionistic, self-critical, watchful, withdrawn, or disconnected from their own needs. These adaptations may have been necessary at the time, but they can continue long into adulthood.
Emotional neglect and what was missing
Developmental trauma is not always the result of obvious abuse or major life events. Sometimes it arises from what was missing rather than what happened: emotional attunement, validation, encouragement, protection, repair, or the sense of being truly seen and understood.
The impact can be subtle, but profound. You may appear to be coping well on the outside while privately feeling anxious, ashamed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unsure who you really are.
How developmental trauma can show up in adulthood
The effects of developmental and relational trauma can show up in many ways, including:
- Chronic self-criticism
- Perfectionism and fear of failure
- People-pleasing and difficulty saying no
- Difficulty setting healthy boundaries
- Anxiety, shame, or feelings of inadequacy
- Struggles with trust, intimacy and relationships
- Feeling responsible for other people’s feelings
- A persistent sense of not being good enough
Therapy for developmental and relational trauma
I have a particular interest in helping people understand and heal the effects of developmental and relational trauma. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore the origins of these patterns with compassion rather than judgement.
Together, we can begin to understand the survival strategies that once helped you cope, and whether they still serve you now. Over time, therapy can support a stronger sense of self-worth, agency, emotional freedom and connection with yourself and others.
Healing does not mean changing who you are. It means recognising the adaptations that once protected you, understanding them with care, and creating space for new ways of relating to yourself and others.
If this resonates, you are welcome to contact me to arrange a free initial consultation.
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