of our response to adversity.” Sheryl Sandberg
What is Trauma?
According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word “trauma” derives from the Greek word “wound.” While the initial interpretation only held true for physical injuries, we now understand the word “trauma” to also include psychological wounds. These psychological wounds can occur from a single emotional upset, or prolonged exposure to mental or emotional stress.
Whether an individual suffers from a single exposure to trauma, or whether her exposure is over a period of time, it is well-accepted that trauma initiates the primitive “fight, flight or freeze” portion of the brain. However, that activation is not always momentary. That response can be held in the mind and the body, sending both into a constant “survival mode” state of being. Because traumatic memories are not integrated into normal memory patterns, when a traumatic memory is triggered, the body and the mind will experience that memory as if the traumatic event or events is currently occurring.
How Can I Heal?
In recent years, there have been many advances in the treatment for victims of trauma. There is no longer the presumption that emotional wounds take a long time to heal, and only with lengthy “talk” therapy. The prevailing authorities, including the National Institute of Health, now believe that the mind can heal from emotional trauma much like the body can heal from physical trauma.
Please review the modalities listed below, as well as the certified therapists in those modalities, to see if any may be a good fit for your healing journey.
“As human beings we belong to an extremely resilient species.”
- Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (“EMDR”)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or “EMDR” is one of those therapies. EMDR uses an individual’s own eye movements and rhythms to transform the emotional response to traumatic memories. You can find more information about EMDR here. You can find local therapists certified in EMDR below.
Somatic Experiencing (“SE”)
Somatic Experiencing, or “SE” is another therapy that has proven effectiveness. As traumatic memories keep the body in “fight or flight mode” SE works to alleviate those primal, physical responses, and transition an individual into responding to the memories with more ease. You can find more information about SE here. You can find local therapists certified in SE below.
Brainspotting
You can find more information about Brainspotting here. Brainspotting assists individuals in identifying traumatic memories as “spots” within the brain, and allows those spots to integrate into normal memory patterns. You can find Michigan therapists certified in Brainspotting below.
Havening
You can find out more information about Havening here. The Havening Techniques® is a method, which is designed to change the brain to de-traumatize the memory and remove its negative effects from both our psyche and body. As part of its protocol The Havening Techniques uses the sensory input of human touch as a therapeutic tool which we have identified as Havening Touch®. The process of the Havening Technique requires touch.
Emotional Freedom Technique (“EFT” or “Tapping”)
Tapping therapy is based on the combined principles of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology. Tapping with the fingertips on specific meridian endpoints of the body, while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations, helps to calm the nervous system, rewire the brain to respond in healthier ways, and restore the body’s balance of energy. You can find out more information about Tapping here. Here is an article with the latest clinical research on the use of Tapping as an evidence-based healing for post-traumatic growth.
More Information About Trauma-Based Therapies
Datebase of Providers - See Attached List (requires Microsoft Excel)
Tools for First Responders
Awareness Video: https://vimeo.com/263551824/81ab08322e
From the Office for Victims of Crime – The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit
Local Resources
Battle Creek- Victim Support Services Resources Listing:
- Summit Pointe
- National Alliance on Mental Illness of Calhoun County
- Gryphon Place
- Kalamazoo YWCA
- Prevention Works
- Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
- National Alliance on Mental Illness of Kalamazoo
Library
- The Body Keeps the Score, Brain Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
- Brainspotting, the Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change by David Grant, PhD.
- The Creation of Health: The Emotional, Psychological and Spiritual Responses That Promote Health and Healing by Caroline Myss, PhD and C. Norman Shealy, M.D.
- The iRest Program for Healing PTSD: A Proven-Effective Approach to Using Yoga Nidra Meditation & Deep Relaxation Techniques to Overcome Trauma by Richard C. Miller PhD.
- Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
- Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
- Trauma and Memory, Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past by Peter A. Levine, PhD.
- Overcoming Trauma through Yoga, Reclaiming your Body by David Emerson and Elizabeth Hopper, PhD.
- When the Past is Always Present by Dr. Ronald A. Ruden
- Before Happiness, The Five Hidden Keys to Achieving Success, Spreading Happiness and Sustaining Positive Change by Shawn Achor
Digital Library
- The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) Publications
- Mental Health America (MHA)
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Prevention Institute
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit
- National Alliance on Mental Health
Check back with us, as our Resources page will continue to add additional information as it becomes available.
