“If I had one dollar deposited into my savings account whenever anyone downplayed their trauma, I’d be a millionaire by now.” “If a stranger handed me twenty bucks every time someone contemplated whether or not their trauma ‘counts’, I’d be set for life in no time.” Know that there’s no such thing as a trauma club gatekeeper, and keep in mind that it’s not up to me or others to pound the gavel … [Read more...] about Trauma Markdowns and Narcissistic Abuse Fog
Go with this (Part 2): EMDR, Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
By: Chelsea Robinson What should you consider doing before reading this blog? Phone a friend. Read part 1 first. (hint: Go with this!) Take a walk. What else does bilateral stimulation (BLS) do? What is the adaptive information processing (AIP) model? During EMDR, BLS activates adaptive information processing—somewhat of a cognitive special effect that helps clients access, … [Read more...] about Go with this (Part 2): EMDR, Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
Go with this (Part 1): A Quick Intro to EMDR Therapy
Which of the following combinations is the correct acronym for one of the most effective, widely-researched trauma therapy approaches? a. REMD b. EMDR (hint: Go with this!) c. MEDR Time heals all, they say. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a rare, shining gem that magically defies time—and hands millions of clients first-class train tickets, placing them on a … [Read more...] about Go with this (Part 1): A Quick Intro to EMDR Therapy
“I liked it?”: Unpacking Sexual Coercion and Sexual Trauma Response Misconceptions
Even if you aren’t a full-time attention-seeker, being serenaded likely gives you an adrenaline rush and makes you feel wanted, connected to others. When humans bask in either genuine or false positive attention, we often feel worthy—like we’re on top of the world. When others look the other way, however, we likely feel wounded, worthless. These are innate responses rooted in human nature, and, … [Read more...] about “I liked it?”: Unpacking Sexual Coercion and Sexual Trauma Response Misconceptions
Code-switching (Fawning): A Race-based Traumatic Stress Response
What’s the password? We enter these secret codes daily. Why? It’s all about protection, us wrapping our precious information and assets with padded, warm layers of security. We use codes to prevent or annihilate pesky threats like the strongest insecticide. We use them like fences—cueing strangers to keep out and respect our privacy. Overall, secret codes and passwords are designed to enhance … [Read more...] about Code-switching (Fawning): A Race-based Traumatic Stress Response
Mother Dearest?: Understanding Covert Maternal Narcissism
“Mother knows best,” they say. Have you ever questioned the possibility that such a bold statement could’ve come straight from the maternal mouth of ‘mother dearest’? What if these words are just a ploy to make the world bow down and mindlessly adhere to the matriarch’s narcissistic regime? Whatever purpose this declaration serves, we know that it can be detrimental; it prevents the world … [Read more...] about Mother Dearest?: Understanding Covert Maternal Narcissism
