Trauma

These days most people have heard of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The disorder arises from exposure to a life threatening event and results in psychological problems. The disorder began to be understood among veterans returning from war, but now many traumatic events are understood to cause the disorder. Many therapies have been developed to address the problem. Currently, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become the most used therapy. However, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are also commonly used. Neurofeedback and biofeedback techniques are sometimes added to address difficulties in emotional modulation, support in the reprocessing of traumatic memories, and difficulties of sleep.

Assess

Most commonly, a psychodiagnostic interview is used to diagnose PTSD and other trauma related disorders. Questionnaires may be used as well. A Heart Rate Variability (HRV) assessment and Quantitative Electroencephlagram (qEEG) are also conducted to identify anomalies.

Plan

With the assessment complete, a plan can be developed for your therapy. This typically includes referral to your physician for a medical assessment and medication if warranted. In addition, a plan can be developed for psychotherapy, biofeedback and neurofeedback. Although EMDR is commonly used in trauma, some individuals may not be good candidates for the approach or may be seeking additional therapy after already having experienced a course of EMDR.

Practice

Once the planning stage is complete, psychotherapy, biofeedback, and neurofeedback may begin. Typically some form of psychotherapy would be included with biofeedback and neurofeedback. Often times individuals will use their therapy as a impetus to rethink the events that have occurred to them. In addition, triggered emotional reactions and nightmares can be decreased.

Resources

The Body Keeps Score, by Bessel van der Kolk

This is Your Brain on Food, by Uma Naidoo

Heart Math Inner Balance

Neurofeedback research bibliography