I have begun an innovative training for EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). In this course I am learning all about how the brain changes when someone experiences trauma, as well as how to reverse those changes.
The first thing I think of when I hear PTSD or trauma is someone who experienced this incredibly terrifying event. In this training course, we are encouraged to think of trauma as not only these big events, but also small events--like being called stupid day after day, accomplishments not being recognized, not being validated when having a difficult experience, ect. The word “trauma” has become increasingly common, to the point where some might think it is being misused. I just had a conversation with a psychiatrist the other day about how trauma is the new buzz word and very similar to depression in the 1980’s and 1990’s. We need to be cautious about how we are using this word to avoid minimizing the experience of individuals who have had traumatic experiences that result in changes in their brain chemistry.
I have developed such a feeling of hope when I began learning about this course and treatment (which is evidenced based, by the way). Research is branching out and EMDR is now being used not only for PTSD, but for addictions, borderline personality disorder, and relationship issues. As I continue to learn about how to use EMDR in my practice, I will be providing information about how the brain changes and what we can do to reverse the changes. I’m really excited to begin using this new therapy to help others.