NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)

NeuroAffective Relational Model, also known as NARM, is a therapeutic approach that follows a specific model (based on both traditional psychotherapy and somatic approaches) for trauma. NARM does this by working with the attachment patterns that cause life-long psychobiological symptoms and interpersonal difficulties. These early, unconscious patterns of disconnection can have an impact on our identity, emotions, physiology, behavior and relationships. NARM is a non-regressive model of therapy that emphasizes helping clients establish connection to the parts of self that are organized, coherent and functional. It helps bring into awareness and organization the parts of self that are disorganized and dysfunctional without making the regressed, dysfunctional elements the primary theme of the therapy. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one  of TherapyDen’s NARM specialists today. 

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Neuro-Affective (NARM) and psychodynamic therapies emphasize uncovering unconscious patterns, relational trauma, and emotional regulation. By blending skills-based techniques with insight-driven approaches, this holistic method addresses both immediate challenges and the deeper roots of emotional and relational trauma, promoting emotional regulation and healing.

— Lauren Kelley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Nashville, TN

I use NARM, character styles, and bioenergetics to address unresolved trauma, especially from developmental or relational wounds. NARM focuses on building connection to self and others, allowing clients to release survival patterns that no longer serve them. This model helps clients experience self-compassion, resilience, and freedom by addressing shame, identity, and deep beliefs on a body-based level.

— Clara Mackinlay, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Pasadena, CA
 

I am currently enrolled in a year long level 2 training. In general, I see the world through a lense of CPTSD. Not to diangose folks but rather empower.

— Traci Ruble, Marriage & Family Therapist in , CA
 

I had the incredible privilege of training under, world-renowned author, psychologist and relationship expert Dr. John Townsend. He founded the Townsend Institute for Leadership & Counseling, through Concordia University, Irvine, CA to address both the head and the heart, incorporating scriptural truths with current neuroscience and tried and true therapeutic approaches to bring real and lasting breakthroughs and growth.

— Karissa Catlin, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Marietta, GA

The NARM model was developed specifically for the treatment of developmental trauma resulting from environmental failure in the early years of life, whether this be community violence or an ill-attuned caregiver. In work with all of my clients, I utilize the principles of open-inquiry, self-acceptance, and the promotion of agency to support my client's in exploring the dilemmas within themselves and in making the decisions that are right for them.

— Genevieve Green, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern in Gulf Breeze, FL
 

The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is an advanced treatment for individuals who have experienced complex or developmental trauma. NARM focuses on how survival strategies, developed in response to trauma, manifest in the present. Unlike exposure-based treatments, NARM is a non-regressive model that promotes healing without reliving trauma. It emphasizes mindful awareness and self-inquiry, inviting clients to explore their experiences and relationships in the present moment.

— Josh Davis, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Fort Lauderdale, FL

NARM is a model for treating attachment, relational, and developmental trauma by working with the attachment patterns that cause psychobiological symptoms and interpersonal difficulties. I routinely attend consultations and professional development opportunities to continue to deepen my understanding and practice of NARM. I also serve as a member of the NARM training team for practitioners and community member's learning of the NARM model.

— Cali Babey, Psychologist in Greenwood Village, CO
 

In 2020, I completed NARM Therapist training and in the summer of 2021 received my NARM Master Therapist certificate. I was the host of the NARM Training Institute podcast Transforming Trauma for the first two years.

— Sarah Buino, Social Worker in Chicago, IL

I completed training through the NARM institute with Brad Kammer, Dr. Laurence Heller, and Stefanie Klein.

— Jackie Cook, Therapist in Raleigh, NC
 

Using techniques from NARM I work to connect the people I support to themselves, their true somatic and emotional experience, and their innermost hearts.

— Anna Stern, Therapist in Saint Paul, MN

The NeuroAffective Relational Model(NARM) is an advanced clinical training for mental health professionals who work with complex trauma. NARM is a cutting-edge model for addressing attachment, relational and developmental trauma, by working with the attachment patterns that cause life-long psychobiological symptoms and interpersonal difficulties (https://narmtraining.com/).

— Sladja Redner, Psychotherapist in Austin, TX
 

I have been training for NARM and believe in the healing power of it. NARM is a treatment for developmental and complex trauma. The reasons why I love NARM is that is is non-regressive, works in the moment, and does not pathologize. What is developmental and complex trauma? Developmental trauma stems from environmental fails while we were growing up and that our needs were not being met. Complex Trauma is repetitive traumatic events in a context of a relationship.

— Joshua Davis, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Fort Lauderdale, FL

I am a NARM-certified therapist. This model is utilized to treat the effects of developmental, attachment, and relational trauma. I believe as humans, all of us have been subject to traumas like these in various ways. I relate to this model because it is oriented around acting within our own agency and helping clients discover the barriers getting in the way of what they most want for themselves. It is also a relational model that values the relationship between client and therapist.

— Bethaney Clark, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gresham, OR