BT18 Workshop 16 - Healing Traumatic Wounds Using a Brief Therapy Model - Janina Fisher, PhD

Description:

Traditional models of trauma treatment emphasize a narrative approach centered on the overwhelming events, a very long, slow, painful approach in which clients get worse before they get better. But rather than ‘treat’ the events, neuroscience teaches us how to treat their effects. When trauma symptoms are “decoded” as evidence of how individuals survived, they become comprehensible and treatable. Clients are recruited as active participants in the treatment, are educated to understand trauma-related responses, reassuring them that they are not inadequate or crazy. Best of all, a brief therapy model can be inherently relational while avoiding the 'side effects' of long-term therapeutic relationships.

Educational Objectives:

1. Define the 'living legacy' of trauma.
2. Describe the stages of brief therapy for trauma.
3. Identify three somatic interventions for treating post-traumatic.   

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Healing Traumatic Wounds Using a Brief Therapy Model

• Limitations of Traditional Therapy

  • Traditional talk therapy may not be effective for trauma.
  • A brief therapy model is needed for managed care systems.
  • Trauma symptoms stem from implicit, not narrative, memory.

• Implicit Memory and Emotional Responses

  • Trauma is stored as non-verbal, emotional, and body memories.
  • Emotional reactions should be normalized and understood in context.
  • Therapists can use empathy to help clients process their emotions.

• Somatic Symptoms and Addictive Behaviors

  • Trauma can manifest as physical symptoms (migraines, dizziness, pain).
  • Addiction and self-destructive behaviors may be survival strategies.
  • Therapy should address the trauma behind these behaviors.

• Psychoeducation and Mindfulness

  • Visual tools help explain trauma’s effects on the nervous system.
  • Mindfulness techniques assist clients in managing emotions.
  • Therapists should use calm speech and body-awareness techniques.

• Somatic Interventions in Therapy

  • Sensory motor psychotherapy helps regulate trauma responses.
  • Simple interventions like sighing or hand-over-heart techniques aid in self-regulation.
  • Verbal and somatic approaches should be integrated.

• Phase-Oriented Trauma Treatment

  • Phase 1: Stabilization—psychoeducation, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
  • Phase 2: Addressing implicit memories using EMDR and body-based therapies.
  • Phase 3: Overcoming fears of normal life, challenge, and intimacy.

• The Therapist’s Role

  • A safe, supportive environment is essential.
  • Right-brain-to-right-brain communication builds trust.
  • Playfulness, empathy, and curiosity enhance therapy effectiveness.

• Gender Differences in Trauma Treatment

  • Cultural norms shape how men and women process trauma.
  • Helping men understand vulnerability can aid healing.
  • Trauma treatment should be personalized for each client.

• Neurofeedback for Trauma

  • Initially met with skepticism but has shown significant benefits.
  • Can stabilize the nervous system and reduce medication reliance.
  • Recommended as part of an integrated trauma treatment plan.

• Therapy Session Frequency

  • Bi-weekly sessions allow time for clients to integrate tools.
  • Six to ten sessions are ideal, followed by occasional booster sessions.

• Addressing Nightmares

  • Self-soothing techniques help manage distressing dreams.
  • Exploring underlying emotional themes is more important than remembering details.

• Integrating Sensory Motor Psychotherapy

  • SP enhances traditional talk therapy.
  • Helps therapists develop stronger overall skills.

• Clients in Dangerous Situations

  • Trauma therapy should not begin until clients are in safe environments.
  • Pre-stabilization strategies focus on safety and readiness for therapy.

• Final Thoughts

  • Integrating multiple therapeutic approaches improves trauma treatment.
  • Flexibility and individualized care are key to effective therapy.