Psycho-Emotional Healing: Difference between revisions

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Recent developments in the treatment of emotional trauma include effective forms of psychotherapy and somatic (body) therapies that were developed with new brain science information in mind. Although often intensely interpersonal, these therapies are also psychological and neurological in their focus and application and may be helpful for certain groups of people. This group of therapies relies on innate instinctual resources, rather than medications, to bring about healing. They differ in some ways, but the one thing they have in common is combining talk therapy while simultaneously having a focus on the body. As with any therapy, but especially due to the intensity of the emotions involved, it is important to find a therapist with whom one feels trust, rapport and a strong bond. They include:
Recent developments in the treatment of emotional trauma include effective forms of psychotherapy and somatic (body) therapies that were developed with new brain science information in mind. Although often intensely interpersonal, these therapies are also psychological and neurological in their focus and application and may be helpful for certain groups of people. This group of therapies relies on innate instinctual resources, rather than medications, to bring about healing. They differ in some ways, but the one thing they have in common is combining talk therapy while simultaneously having a focus on the body. As with any therapy, but especially due to the intensity of the emotions involved, it is important to find a therapist with whom one feels trust, rapport and a strong bond. They include:


Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of counseling intervention that draws on various theories of alternative medicine including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). It is best known through Gary Craig's EFT Handbook, published in the late 1990s, and related books and workshops by a variety of teachers. EFT and similar techniques are often discussed under the umbrella term "energy psychology".
*Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of counseling intervention that draws on various theories of alternative medicine including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). It is best known through Gary Craig's EFT Handbook, published in the late 1990s, and related books and workshops by a variety of teachers. EFT and similar techniques are often discussed under the umbrella term "energy psychology".


Eye Movement Desensitization/Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by psychologist, Francine Shapiro, after she noticed her own stress reactions diminishing when her eyes swept back and forth as she walked through a park. It is conducted by licensed mental health professionals who have taken specific training in this complex approach. It combines elements of a range of therapeutic approaches with eye movements or other forms of rhythmical stimulation, such as hand taps or sounds. Theories as to why EMDR is effective are still evolving. Some speculate that the rapid unique therapeutic element of EMDR, the eye movements or other rhythmical stimulation may help the brain access and process traumatic material.
*Eye Movement Desensitization/Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by psychologist, Francine Shapiro, after she noticed her own stress reactions diminishing when her eyes swept back and forth as she walked through a park. It is conducted by licensed mental health professionals who have taken specific training in this complex approach. It combines elements of a range of therapeutic approaches with eye movements or other forms of rhythmical stimulation, such as hand taps or sounds. Theories as to why EMDR is effective are still evolving. Some speculate that the rapid unique therapeutic element of EMDR, the eye movements or other rhythmical stimulation may help the brain access and process traumatic material.


Somatic Psychotherapies - The term somatic, coined by Tomas Hanna, means mind/body or more precisely brain/body. The idea is that to change the body, we have to engage the brain and change the brain, not only how we think and feel, but also the neurological connections themselves. The body, its sensations, and direct sensory experience are referenced throughout the therapeutic process. Somatic therapies include:
*Somatic Psychotherapies - The term somatic, coined by Tomas Hanna, means mind/body or more precisely brain/body. The idea is that to change the body, we have to engage the brain and change the brain, not only how we think and feel, but also the neurological connections themselves. The body, its sensations, and direct sensory experience are referenced throughout the therapeutic process. Somatic therapies include:


Somatic Experiencing: developed by Peter Levine, this approach evolved in part from observations of how animals literally "shake off" traumatic experiences, allowing the body to process stress chemicals completely until they return to normal levels. The SE therapist may be a licensed professional or unlicensed but with some mental health training. All SE therapists complete an extensive training program, in which they learn to observe the body, facial expressions and gestures carefully and to help the person "thaw" a response that was "frozen" in a traumatic situation (illustration: the person might be observed to make short gestures that almost appear to be a pushing motion, but that stop abruptly, the therapist might have the person complete the gesture in full, and notice how the body's tension level changes).
*Somatic Experiencing: developed by Peter Levine, this approach evolved in part from observations of how animals literally "shake off" traumatic experiences, allowing the body to process stress chemicals completely until they return to normal levels. The SE therapist may be a licensed professional or unlicensed but with some mental health training. All SE therapists complete an extensive training program, in which they learn to observe the body, facial expressions and gestures carefully and to help the person "thaw" a response that was "frozen" in a traumatic situation (illustration: the person might be observed to make short gestures that almost appear to be a pushing motion, but that stop abruptly, the therapist might have the person complete the gesture in full, and notice how the body's tension level changes).


Hakomi Method: originated by Ron Kurtz, this system is based on five therapeutic principles - Mindfulness, Organicity, Non-Violence, the Mind-Body Connection, and Unity. It is a body-centered approach for which, in part, the therapist helps the client experiment with small changes in gesture or other movements, to see what differences occur in the processing of emotionally charged content (illustration: the person might be observed to always make a certain gesture or have a certain posture when talking about the attacker - the therapist might suggest the gesture or posture be changed to a different one as an experiment, and then to notice the changes in feelings or thoughts).
*Hakomi Method: originated by Ron Kurtz, this system is based on five therapeutic principles - Mindfulness, Organicity, Non-Violence, the Mind-Body Connection, and Unity. It is a body-centered approach for which, in part, the therapist helps the client experiment with small changes in gesture or other movements, to see what differences occur in the processing of emotionally charged content (illustration: the person might be observed to always make a certain gesture or have a certain posture when talking about the attacker - the therapist might suggest the gesture or posture be changed to a different one as an experiment, and then to notice the changes in feelings or thoughts).


This is the time to take an active role in healing ourselves, healing our lives. When we can identify our emotional pain and are willing to take steps to heal our emotions, we empower ourselves in taking steps that lead us to spiritual freedom. May love, peace and strength bless you. Lisa Renee
This is the time to take an active role in healing ourselves, healing our lives. When we can identify our emotional pain and are willing to take steps to heal our emotions, we empower ourselves in taking steps that lead us to spiritual freedom. May love, peace and strength bless you. Lisa Renee <ref>[http://www.energeticsynthesis.com/index.php/resource-tools/blog-timeline-shift/3033-psycho-emotional-healing Psycho Emotional Healing]</ref>


(Source: ES Newsletter, Golden Gate, I gratefully acknowledge the role of www.healingresources.info/emotional_trauma_overview.htm in providing some of the healing resources included in this article.)
(Source: ES Newsletter, Golden Gate, I gratefully acknowledge the role of www.healingresources.info/emotional_trauma_overview.htm in providing some of the healing resources included in this article.)