What is STAIR therapy—and how can it help with trauma recovery?
A gentle, skills-based approach to feeling more in control emotionally and in relationships
If you've experienced trauma—especially from childhood, relationships, or ongoing stress—you might sometimes feel overwhelmed by your emotions or disconnected from others. You might struggle with intense feelings, low self-worth, or patterns in relationships that leave you feeling hurt or misunderstood. These are very human responses to painful experiences.
STAIR Therapy (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation) is a type of trauma therapy that can help you feel more stable, emotionally balanced, and connected—before diving into any deeper trauma processing.
STAIR: A trauma-informed approach that builds safety first
STAIR is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but it’s specifically designed for people who have been through complex or ongoing trauma. Rather than focusing immediately on traumatic memories, STAIR starts by helping you build the skills and confidence to manage the emotional and relational challenges that often come after trauma.
Think of STAIR as a first step in your healing journey: building a steady foundation so you feel safe and supported before exploring deeper wounds.
What Does STAIR Therapy Help With?
- Feeling overwhelmed by emotions like anger, fear, shame, or sadness
- Shutting down or numbing out when things feel too much
- Struggling with relationships, boundaries, or trust
- Harsh self-criticism or not feeling “good enough”
- Difficulty calming yourself or feeling emotionally steady day to day
What Happens in STAIR Sessions?
Skills for Emotional and Relationship Regulation
- Learn to recognise and name your emotions
- Practice grounding and calming techniques when you feel overwhelmed
- Build a more compassionate relationship with yourself
- Understand your relationship patterns and practice healthy boundaries
How is STAIR different from other trauma therapies?
Unlike therapies that go straight into trauma memories, STAIR focuses first on safety, emotional strength, and connection. It’s especially helpful if:
- You've tried trauma therapy before but felt flooded or shut down
- You’re not sure you're “ready” to talk about past experiences yet
- You want to feel more in control emotionally before going deeper
You don’t have to dive into painful memories right away to start healing.
With STAIR, we begin by helping you feel more steady, self-aware, and confident—so you can move forward with clarity and choice.
