Trauma is: A subjective experience to an unexpected, unprepared for, perceived threat to life or bodily harm of oneself or another, in which one’s normal coping mechanisms are overwhelmed, leaving one feeling disconnected and hopeless.
Dr. Miles Neale, Gradual Path Module 2
Some may say we all have trauma in our histories. It is the triggered memory of trauma that causes us to “over-REACT” in certain situations. Traumatic stress is also linked to many other conditions including addictions, some personality disorders, anxiety, and more.
“An undercurrent of trauma runs through ordinary life, shot through as it is with the poignancy of impermanence. I like to say that if we are not suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, we are suffering from pre-traumatic stress disorder.” Mark Epstein, MD in The Trauma of Being Alive.
What do we know about treating trauma?
As our knowledge of neurobiology has evolved considerably over the past couple of decades, our knowledge of trauma and its impact has grown as well.
Body (somatic) based practices that encourage the regulation of the nervous system and allow for the release of stored emotion and sensation are an important component of trauma therapy. This can include yoga, mindfulness practices, somatic experiencing and/or sensorimotor or body psychotherapy, and many other modalities that incorporate somatic experiences.
Other contemplative practices like yoga nidra (or i-rest), meditation and mindfulness practices have also been well-researched to show profound effects on both our nervous systems and reducing pain and anxiety.
EMDR – eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is another well-researched modality for working with trauma that is also effective if working with many other issues including anxiety, depression, and addictions.
Attachment and reparenting processes are often another important components when healing from trauma especially childhood traumas that result in attachment-type disorders.
My Approach
My own approach to working with clients with trauma histories is multi-dimensional.
It includes, as needed, resourcing or learning specific strategies for connecting to and calming the nervous system. This is informed by polyvagal theory and the work of both Stephen Porges and Deb Dana.
It also includes somatic inquiry and trauma-sensitive mindfulness techniques that create more safety in the body and mind. This may include attachment-focused modalities if needed.
My approach has recently included a combination of EMDR with Parts Work or Integrative Somatic Parts Work.
EMDR therapy is very helpful in desensitizing memories of both single event trauma and more complex trauma histories in children, adolescents and adults.
Healing from trauma is possible.