Category: Trauma/ EMDR
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What Happened to You: A Guide to Trauma Healing
“What Happened to You” by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey explores trauma’s effects on mental and physical well-being. This engaging dialogue combines evidence-based practices with personal insights, serving as a valuable resource for those beginning their trauma healing journey. It aims to enhance understanding and promote resilience in overcoming…
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Healing Trauma: Using the Body to Benefit Your Mind (Part 9)
The post discusses the benefits of somatic therapy, emphasizing the importance of incorporating the body in the healing process. It suggests somatic breathwork, shaking, and movement as tools to regulate emotions and release stress. The author encourages readers to explore these exercises and share their experiences for a happier, healthier…
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Healing Trauma: Exploring How Collective Trauma Impacts Younger Generations (Part 8)
Younger generations, Gen Z and Millennials, are facing a mental health crisis with higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to older generations. Factors such as 9/11, school shootings, and social media have significantly impacted their mental well-being. Their reactions are a response to prolonged and unprecedented stress, not a…
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Healing Trauma: The Spectrum of Trauma Responses (Part 7)
The post explores trauma responses, including fight or flight, freeze, fawn, and fold, and their impact on daily life. These automatic, natural reactions serve to protect individuals from various dangers, influencing behaviors and decision-making. Understanding one’s stress response is crucial in addressing trauma’s consequences and moving forward.
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Healing Trauma: Deconstructing the Myths of Personality Disorders (Part 6)
Personality disorders, often colloquially used to describe toxic behavior, are complex trauma reactions, reflective of distorted realities resulting from severe trauma. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are common types. These disorders, although challenging, can be treated with specialized therapy. Understanding their roots in trauma can help…
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Healing Trauma: Understanding Your Beliefs and Memories (Part 5)
The human brain forms beliefs based on early experiences and trauma, aiming to keep us safe. These beliefs can lead to negative self-perception. EMDR therapy can weaken negative beliefs and reinforce positive ones. It’s important to understand that the brain’s priority is safety, not happiness. Healing from trauma is possible,…
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Healing Trauma: Understanding Dissociation (Part 4)
Many people experience dissociation as a way to cope with extreme stress or trauma. This can lead to a feeling of disconnection from reality and a distorted perception of space and surroundings. Understanding and listening to the body’s needs is crucial for healing from trauma and dissociation, as it helps…
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Healing Trauma: Learning Emotional Regulation Skills (Part 3)
The content discusses how individuals can struggle with emotional regulation, especially when healing from trauma, and offers strategies for staying within their “window of tolerance”. It emphasizes using sensory techniques like sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound to regulate emotions and encourages practicing self-regulation. The post also invites readers to…
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Healing Trauma: What is EMDR? (Part 2)
Two weeks ago in our deep dive into EMDR, we looked at what trauma is and how it impacts the body. If you haven’t read this article yet check it out before you read this week’s! It’s okay, I’ll wait. *Jeopardy Theme Song* Great, glad you’re back! This week we…
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Healing Trauma: What is Trauma? (Part 1)
Trauma, whether “big T” or “small t”, overwhelms the brain and body’s coping abilities. Its impact ranges from the classic fight or flight response to lesser-known reactions. Trauma changes brain chemistry, structure, and behavior, leading to PTSD. Healing is possible, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Check back…
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