NARM: What It Means
The NeuroAffective Relational Model for developmental trauma.
Citeren: Ramos, M. (2025). NARM: What It Means. InnerBloom. Herzien op 12 oktober 2026. https://innerbloom-agency.com/kennisbank/narm-uitleg
Dit artikel hoort bij: Somatic Concepts Explained: A Glossary for Therapists
The Five Survival Styles
NARM describes five survival styles that emerge in the first years of life when core needs are not adequately met: connection, attunement, trust, autonomy, and love-sexuality. Each style has its own patterns, bodily signals, and relational dynamics. The work isn't about 'revisiting trauma,' but about breaking the pattern in the here and now.
In Practice
A NARM session looks less at the past and more at what currently protects against what was once needed. 'What are you doing right now, in this moment, that protects you from genuine contact?' That's a typical NARM question. The work happens in the relationship between therapist and client, not in re-experiencing the past.
Common Misconception
The mistake is seeing NARM as talk therapy because many words are used. It continuously incorporates somatic awareness: muscle tension, breathing, eye contact. But the emphasis is on breaking identity beliefs that maintain the survival style.
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Veelgestelde vragen
How does NARM differ from Somatic Experiencing?
Both are inspired by the Levine school. SE focuses on shock trauma and incomplete survival responses. NARM focuses on developmental trauma and identity formation. Many therapists learn SE first, then NARM.
Who is NARM most suitable for?
For people with patterns they cannot explain from a single trauma: chronic feelings of not-good-enough, difficulty with intimacy, perfectionism, shame. Often after some previous therapy.
Where can I take NARM training?
NARM Training Institute offers international training. In the Netherlands and Belgium, training is regularly available in English or Dutch.