Nancy Newport LPC, LMFT
Trauma Therapy
Using EMDR and other leading edge trauma resolution strategies, symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can usually be resolved effectively. It becomes part of the tapestry of our life memories yet it
I have successfully worked with people who have been victims of violence (such as sexual assault/rape), injured in accidents, natural disasters, school shootings, 9-11 trauma, and terrorist attacks domestically and overseas. I have worked with firefighters and police officers involved in traumatic incidents in the line of duty.
If you or someone you love is struggling with trauma, you already know it is not going away by itself. Give yourself the gift of healing and get help right away.
EMDR: An Effective Trauma Treatment
An effective protocol has been developed to assist us in resolving painful past experiences that continue to intrude on our lives. These experiences may involve assault, abuse, accidents, or natural disasters. Even though the traumatic events may have occurred months or years ago, their impact persists. After an unresolved trauma, many of us may experience intrusive memories, anxiety, numbing, sleep disruption, nightmares and lowered self-esteem. These symptoms may linger and appear unresponsive to the “time heals all wounds” adage. Living with these symptoms makes it difficult for us to move forward in life.
Even though we know that the traumatic event happened in the past, it feels like a fresh hurt each time we think of it. The same emotions and sensations that were experienced during the trauma arise again. In addition, we often develop a negative way of thinking about ourselves, either for having been in the trauma or for having not “gotten over it” more quickly.
The EMDR procedure, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (http://www.emdr.com) activates a person’s coping skills to deal more effectively with the effects of the trauma. It can help neutralize the painful images and sensations and bring more positive thoughts and feelings. It can also help us think in more healthy ways about ourselves in relation to the trauma.
Often these techniques allow intense emotions such as feeling in peril (“I’m not safe” or “I’m in danger”) and negative core beliefs (“I’m not worthy” or “I’m not lovable”) to be dissolved. Clients who have benefited from this work are always amazed at the elegant way the mind, given the opportunity to get “unstuck,” will rapidly move in the direction of healing.
Karl G. Maeser