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
PTSD & Trauma Related Disorders
“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
Coping with Continuous Traumas in Uncertain Times
As I sit in the aftermath of yet another mass shooting in this country, trying to absorb the gravity of the news that 14 second, third and fourth graders and one educator are dead. As of now, one 10-year-old girl is fighting for her life; it’s early, there might be more. As the parent of an 11-year old boy, this is worse for me than others, as painful as the rest have been. Less than 2-weeks ago, … [Read more...] about Coping with Continuous Traumas in Uncertain Times
Exploring the Connection between Sexual Abuse Rape Culture and (Mass) Grooming
Dear cancel culture, Cancel rape culture, already. Nowadays, cancel culture mainly intimidates public figures—leaving them deathly afraid of the demise of their careers, as well as willing to think twice about the words that they utter or have expressed about others in the past. Cancel culture likely knows that it’s beyond time for larger society to eradicate the toxic attitudes and traditions … [Read more...] about Exploring the Connection between Sexual Abuse Rape Culture and (Mass) Grooming
Pelvic Pain and Emotional Scarring: Navigating Medical Trauma and Medical Gaslighting in Women’s Reproductive Health Care
Q: Is there more to poor bedside manner? A: Without a doubt. Q(s): Is your pain real? Is the suffering abnormal? Are your concerns valid? A(s): Yes. Absolutely. Of course. These inquiries shouldn’t even be up for discussion. Unfortunately, however, pelvic pain survivors who are denied the compassionate, comprehensive care that they deserve may dwell on the second set of posed … [Read more...] about Pelvic Pain and Emotional Scarring: Navigating Medical Trauma and Medical Gaslighting in Women’s Reproductive Health Care
Secret Lifesaver: The Freeze Response (Tonic Immobility) and Sexual Assault-related Trauma
We often hear pet owners—particularly dog lovers—attempt to train man’s best friend to: “Roll over and play dead!” On the surface, this behavioral conditioning session appears to be just for fun and games. The owner enjoys an opportunity to develop or maintain secure attachment with the pet, and the pet looks forward to a tasty treat after compliance. However, have you ever taken a moment to … [Read more...] about Secret Lifesaver: The Freeze Response (Tonic Immobility) and Sexual Assault-related Trauma