3 Stages of healing from trauma
Trauma is any experience that overwhelmed the nervous system, and leaves a lasting negative cognition about the self (ie. I’m not safe / It’s my fault).
Healing from trauma often takes place in three stages (all of which can take place with an EMDR therapist):
1 - Resource development
Creating personalized resources that help you to handle strong emotions, disturbing memories or physical and mental symptoms that are troublesome. Some people feel stuck in a high alert, vigilant state, unable to relax. Others find themselves stuck in a shut-down, fatigue or frozen state. Restoring a sense of safety through resource development is the first step to begin to help the nervous system move out of these states. These could include people, places or things (such as meditation practices or rituals) that help the body feel safe in the now moment, and more grounded and supported.
2 - Reprocessing traumatic material
EMDR is an example of a therapeutic modality which helps the brain & body to reprocess troubling memories, body sensations, emotions or thought-patterns associated with traumatic experiences. During EMDR, the maladaptive (unhelpful) information is processed and connected with adaptive (helpful) information. Negative beliefs, body sensations, thoughts and memories can be transformed.
3 - Integration
The third stage of trauma recovery focuses on integrating the positive changes into one’s sense of self, and into daily life. Reflecting on your process, including any lessons or awakenings have been revealed to you on your spiritual journey help to make meaning of life’s challenges. A more embodied sense of self will result from this process, and bring you closer to your dharma (soul’s path).
Healing from trauma is not an easy path. It’s not for the faint of heart. But for those who wish to follow their highest destiny, and find peace within themselves, it is a necessary ingredient to uncover the wisdom that our soul wants us to have. If you’re in doubt, remember that it takes the same amount of energy to be in a destructive state as it does to be in a creative one.
If you’re interested in reclaiming your energy, releasing old ‘stories’, and stepping into the latest version of yourself, it would be my honour to serve you. Book an intake session by emailing me at therapy@andreaskitch.com.
