been extremely
stressful to most of us.One of the best ways to reduce stress is to meditate on a daily basis. I teach Mindfulness Meditation. This is where the client learns to close her eyes and breathe deeply from their abdomen letting all their thoughts go with their exhale. It's hard at first because most of us have nonstop thoughts. But, with practice this can be accomplished and the feeling of being at peace and being in the moment is achieved. When we are in the moment, we are not feeling guilty about something we did in the past or worrying about doing something dreadful in the future. We are in the moment and that is the place of complete peace.
I teach other techniques that can be very helpful in releasing stress and bringing ourselves to that place of lower blood pressure and total relaxation.
It is important to
remember that when we suffer trauma at a young age we usually can't defend
ourselves. When we are adults even though most of us can get ourselves out of a
bad situation, a similar trauma that reminds us of the childhood trauma can
trigger that past trauma. We can feel like a child again with no protection,
even though our logical mind knows that isn't true. It can feel as bad as it did
when we were a child.
When this happens, usually our brain knows whatever is happening is not the same thing. But, our body memory sees the similarities and feels like the awfulness is happening all over again.
When a person can understand that the current situation is not the same as the past they can begin to heal. I use EMDR Lifespan Integration and other modalities to help that child part of us know that we are no longer a helpless child. We are now a grown-up with choices and many ways to protect ourselves.
PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
UNDERSTANDING PTSD
We are all concerned about mental health and a condition called PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) has finally started getting the attention it deserves. Although PTSD can be the result of any sort of trauma at any age, it has become a huge issue for our returning vets. According to familyofavet.com if you or your loved one is affected, certain symptoms will begin to show up, usually early on, but may be delayed.
As a counselor/therapist I know there is help, I know of those who have found relief through talk therapy as well as a variety of therapy techniques. I am trained in many different therapy modalities which can help those who are suffering from trauma.
This is the time to put a spotlight on this issue, to take away any shame or quilt one may feel which prevents them from getting help. PTSD effects whole families, not just one person. Children, wives, family members are all effected by this issue.
Because of this I decided to make June and July about awareness and helping others seek help.
Understanding PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something terrible and scary that you see, hear about, or that happens to you, like:
• Combat exposure
• Child sexual or physical abuse
• Terrorist attack
• Sexual or physical assault
• Serious accidents, like a car wreck
Natural disasters, like a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake
If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of any trauma, call or e-mail me at:
For more information on PTSD visit Jane's blog page
