2016 Presentation at ISSTD
In April 2016, Sara Rependa and Kristina Cordeiro, our Graduate Research Assistants, presented at the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation conference in San Francisco. In this presentation, Sara and Kristina describe the Trauma Practice Approach and our novel research study. They also share some information about our first research participant!
Introducing the Trauma Practice Approach - A 3 Phase Model
PHASE I: SAFETY AND STABILIZATION
Introducing the Client to Trauma Practice
Trauma Practice Phase I always starts with an introduction session. James has agreed to allow us to film an early session on his recovery journey. He was severely mauled by a dog at his workplace. Dr Anna Baranowsky demonstrates an early session in the Trauma Practice approach.
Finding Calm - Using Breath training & Biofeedback for Physiological Stabilization
In the next video, Dr. Baranowsky demonstrates the 3-6 breathing approach using the Emwave biofeedback system. The client is able to integrate each step of the breathing exercise.
Find Calm
There are many stabilization exercises to choose from and breathing is simply used as one of many examples that could be selected in the Phase I portion of Trauma Practice. Here you will find a link to 10 days of find calm exercises in the phase I of Trauma Practice.
Relief After Breath Training
Grounding Lightstream for Finding Calm
TRANSITION INTO PHASE II: WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA
Capturing the Target Memories or Trigger List
Capturing the Themes or Negative Beliefs
PHASE II: WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA
Once there is a stable base and capacity to demonstrate the ability to settle down the nervous system, emotional body and mind we move into exercises to Work Through Trauma.
Using Thematic Map & Release for Trauma Processing
This DEMO illustrates the powerful Thematic Map & Release approach. The individual working with Dr Baranowsky experienced a savage dog attack that resulted in a trip to emergency and multiple stitches. By the end of the video he admits that he would have difficulty feeling bad about the memory after the TMR exercise. TMR is used in Phase 2 of Trauma Practice.
Thematic Map & Release (TMR) - Example 1
Thematic Map & Release (TMR) - Example 2
PHASE III: RECONNECTION TO MEANING IN LIFE
In this phase, reconnecting with the meaningful things in life, shrugging off apathy or avoidance is crucial. When you start to re-activate and engage in life the fogginess of trauma starts to lift in a profound way.