There are times when a client may get triggered and overwhelmed in the middle of difficult trauma work. For some clients this can look like anger, irritability, a rapid heart rate, and other signs of hyperarousal. But for other clients, you might see them become less and less responsive as their arousal drops. And this […]
Bessel van der Kolk, MD, On Trauma-Induced Shame
Trauma can leave clients with deep, debilitating feelings of shame. And for clients who experienced trauma in early childhood, those feelings may have shaped their self-narrative for years. So in the video below, Bessel van der Kolk, MD shares how he approaches trauma-induced shame that stems from childhood trauma. Have a look. […]
Enhancing Trauma Therapy with Compassion – with Dennis Tirch, PhD
Sharing a traumatic memory can be a challenging and painful part of therapy for clients. It’s a time when we have to be particularly alert for signs that the client is getting either too hypo- or hyperaroused to safely continue. But compassion-based approaches increase a client’s capacity to revisit traumatic memories and explore difficult sensations. […]
Looking at Political Differences Through an IFS Lens – with Frank Anderson, MD
Does your client have a friend or family member they’re stressed about seeing? Someone they’re uncomfortable being around because of their political views? It’s a common situation for many clients (and practitioners, too) – and it can be hard to connect with these people when we disagree so strongly. But Frank Anderson, MD has an […]
Reporting In – Giving Back in 2021
Ever since I was a little girl, my mother and father emphasized the importance of giving back. I’ve always admired how, even when we didn’t have much, they taught us to tithe and give 10% of our allowance to the church. Not only that, but they also encouraged us to give an offering beyond our […]
[Infographic] A Four-Step Approach for Overcoming Anxiety
When a client suffers from anxiety, they’re often locked in worry about the future . . . . . . which can prevent them from enjoying meaningful parts of life in the present. But one way that clients can work through their anxiety is by building a values-based mindset. So in the infographic below, we […]
A Three-Step Approach to Help Clients Tolerate Distress
When a client is in emotional distress, their first instinct is often to try to make the pain go away . . . . . . but by avoiding those feelings, the pain usually just grows. That’s why helping clients learn to sit with and manage distress is critical. In the video below, Michael Yapko, […]
Working with Traumatic Memories, with Raymond Rodriguez, LCSW-R
Traumatic memories can linger long after the trauma is over, leaving clients with the feeling that the threat is still present. So in the video below, Ray Rodriguez, LCSW-R shares how he worked with one client whose traumatic memory was being triggered by current events. He’ll walk you through the exercise he used to help […]
Why Resentment Can Be an Important Step in Healing from Trauma, with Thema Bryant, PhD
Resentment can be a toxic emotion that hurts a client’s ability to connect with others and develop meaningful relationships. But are there times when it can be considered “healthy?” Well, in the video below, Thema Bryant, PhD shares how resentment can sometimes be an important step for clients healing from trauma. She also walks us […]
Stephen Porges, PhD on Political Differences at Holiday Dinners
For many clients, the holiday season is a time to get together with friends and family. But when relationships are strained by ideological differences, these reunions can quickly turn into stressful situations. So in the video below, Stephen Porges, PhD shares one way to help clients connect with people who hold strong opposing views. Have […]