I discovered the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) approach to working with developmental trauma a week after undergoing a full evaluation and being “diagnosed” with developmental trauma by a psychiatrist I found and paid out of pocket to see in October, 2018. I put “diagnosed” in scare quotes because developmental trauma isn’t listed in the DSM-5, so technically it’s not a disorder you can diagnose and treat. But of course, it can be diagnosed and treated. Powerfully so.

After discovering NARM, reading the book Healing Developmental Trauma, and doing my own work through journaling, I was ready to experience my survival styles in a controlled situation with a person trained to help me recognize my automatic responses. I found my first NARM practitioner and started on a life-changing journey.