I have an immense passion for normalizing mental health and wellness, and reducing the stigma that is often associated. Additionally, I am a huge advocate of encouraging self-compassion and love throughout one's mental health and wellness journey. While participating on my own adventure of personal growth, I became inspired to research, write, and share information with all of you. Life can be hard- please know you are not alone!
Read more below!
A Shame-Sensitive Approach to Therapy
There are three major concepts of a shame sensitive approach to therapy:
1) Shame is inevitable (just like trauma);
2) Shame is unpleasant, and because of this, many people avoid it (to a detriment); and
3) Service providers need to respond appropriately to clients shame to mitigate negative impacts and retraumatization (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022).
Shame and its Impact on Mental Health
Experiencing shame can bring up feelings of rejection, inadequacy, inferiority, disrespect, worthlessness, insignificance, failure and even disgrace (Gilligan, 2003, as cited in Dolezal & Gibson, 2022). It is no wonder then, that such a powerful emotion plays a major role and presence after trauma has occurred (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022).
Shame kills our capacity to experience positive emotions
-Ruth Lanius
Shame is an important topic related to mental health but it is not all doom and gloom. We must remember that all emotions, including shame are unavoidable in our lives (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022). Additionally, healthy shame does exist and can act as a very effective stimulus for change in one's life (Dolezal & Gibson, 2022).
Healing Trauma with EMDR: Understanding How Unresolved Wounds Affect Our Mind and Body Today
The past is the present- Our mind and body is intertwined.
Previous traumatic memories and experiences are stored within us and may influence our current self, whether we recognize it or not. These old memories impact our daily life in the way of our thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviours. These responses may not always seem appropriate. Our bodies and minds may not realize we are in the present day, and we are still reacting to "old stuff" to keep us safe. When this happens, our neural networks may have become blocked, preventing natural healing processes.
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)
This blog post aims to help readers understand the terms “trauma-informed” or “trauma-informed care” (TIC), terms frequently used in the world of therapy. Although these terms are common, they are not regulated or protected, meaning anyone can claim to be trauma-informed. This post will assist clients in choosing a mental health professional who truly offers TIC.
An educated trauma informed therapist offers safety, evidence based treatment, empowerment, and a strengths-based approach to their clients. This approach includes a collaborative journey of resilience, healing, and the promotion of reconnection and integration. One who offers TIC assumes the client has likely experienced trauma (often under reported and recognized), which impacts how they are served (Engle, 2023).
The Stages of Trauma Recovery
1) Safety and Stabilization
This stage is about understanding and overcoming dysregulation. We will learn how symptoms present, begin to understand traumatic reminders, triggered experiences, and cognitive distortions (Janet & Herman, as cited by Fisher, n.d.).
2) Processing
In order to metabolize trauma, evidence based treatments should be utilized. The client must have the ability to stay in their window of tolerance for processing to be effective-otherwise they may become overwhelmed or attempt to avoid the pain, memories, and flashbacks (Janet & Herman, as cited by Fisher, n.d.).