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For the event
For the first time in October, Stefan Conrad Niederwieser will be our guest in Bulgaria with an introductory event in NARM - a neuroaffective relational model for working with developmental trauma and complex trauma.
The main focus during the two days will be working with chronic shame and guilt - two of the deepest and most enduring consequences of developmental trauma, which often continue to shape the way we experience ourselves, others and the world.
Developmental trauma and identity based on shame
Every human being is born with fundamental needs for connection, emotional adjustment, trust, autonomy and love. When these needs are sufficiently supported, they naturally develop into lifelong abilities.
When this does not happen, children learn to adapt to circumstances they cannot change. These adaptations are intelligent survival strategies, but they come at a cost. Instead of experiencing themselves as intrinsically valuable, children begin to draw painful conclusions:
“There is something wrong with me.”
“I’m not good enough.”
“I have too many needs. I overwhelm others.”
“I’m not worthy of love.”
Children fail to recognize the limitations of significant adults who care for them. Instead, they begin to think that they themselves are the problem. Over time, these conclusions become shame-based identifications. They become embedded not only in our thoughts but also in our posture, our breathing, our nervous system, our attachment patterns, and thus quietly shape the way we experience ourselves, other people, and the world.
What begins as an adaptation to maintain attachment gradually becomes part of our identity. NARM helps us recognize these outdated identifications with compassion and curiosity, creating space for more connection, vitality, and inner freedom.
The NARM Model
Developed by Dr. Laurence Heller, NARM integrates attachment theory, psychodynamic, somatic, and humanistic perspectives into a comprehensive model of human development. At the heart of the model is a respectful examination of the unconscious beliefs and identifications that continue to organize our lives.
Rather than asking only in the direction of the story, “What happened to you?”, NARM is curious about:
“How do the beliefs you hold about yourself shape your experience in the present?”
“How do you consciously and unconsciously contribute to the patterns that cause you suffering?”
“What becomes possible when these old conclusions are no longer experienced as truth?”
This research is never about blame. It supports the growing recognition that we are not simply shaped by our past, but can have a say and influence in our present experience, have the power and opportunity to make choices and act.
Workshop Topics
Over the course of these two days, we will explore:
NARM’s understanding of working with developmental and complex trauma;
coping styles as creative adaptations;
shame-based identifications;
ways to work with chronic shame and guilt in NARM;
the integration of top-down and bottom-up approaches in NARM;
fundamentals of the therapeutic mindset in NARM;
the four pillars of therapeutic work in NARM: - negotiation, - exploratory inquiry, - supporting choice and action, and - reflecting on movements toward connection
The workshop includes theoretical teaching, live demonstrations, experiential exercises, small group exploration, discussion time, and Q&A to allow participants to experience the principles of NARM.
Who is this event for?
The workshop is aimed at psychotherapists, psychologists, doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, coaches, somatic practitioners and other professionals from the helping professions. It is also suitable for people interested in developmental trauma, chronic shame and guilt and the NARM approach.
No previous experience with NARM is necessary.
This introduction is a stand-alone workshop, but also provides an opportunity for participants to become familiar with the spirit, principles and way of working in NARM before the planned professional training in the NARM method in Bulgaria in 2027.
About the presenter
Stephan Konrad Niederwieser is a psychotherapist, NARM Master Practitioner, international teacher, trainer and supervisor. For many years he has worked with the consequences of developmental trauma, chronic shame, guilt and shame-based identity.
His work combines NARM with extensive experience in Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, Integral Somatic Psychology, DARe, NeuroAffective Touch and Compassionate Inquiry. He is the author of the books Das Trauma von der Seele schreiben and Nie mehr schämen, as well as co-author with Dr. Laurence Heller of Healing Chronic Shame and Guilt.
Registration information:
Venue: “Prostrastvoto”, 7 Sheinovo Str., 2nd floor
Time:
October 10th, 10 am - 6 pm, with a lunch break between 1 pm and 3 pm
October 11th, 10 am - 6 pm, with a lunch breakbetween 13:00 and 15:00
Participation fee:
190 euros if registered by September 20th and
230 euros after that date