Home→Blog - Page 11 << 1 2 … 9 10 11

Parenting a Child with Dyslexia – My Story

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

My Story of Raising a Child with Dyslexia

Demystifying the early signs of Dyslexia is challenging and navigating treatment options can be overwhelming. As a parent of a dyslexic child and a psychologist, I know the challenges that are familiar among families raising a child with a learning disorder. Dyslexia is confusing, painful, hidden, and real. Through the lens of my journey raising my son, this post explores how awareness, resilience, creative responsiveness, and early interventions can make a huge difference in the life of a child with dyslexia.

child with dyslexia

Early Signs of Dyslexia

Our son had been already been identified with Child Find at 18 months for Sensory Processing Disorder and speech language delays. By the time he was 6 we had already received years of interventions from speech pathologists and occupational therapists. There was something else wrong that we were missing.

In pre-school, he was the child who never sang his ABC’s. In kindergarten, he never remembered the days of the week. And, by the time he was in first grade he told me he was “stupid”. Every day, after school, he brought home his “reader”. He was at level “C” but the other kids were at “J” and “K”. He said, “the other kids can do something I can’t, mom.” As a six-year-old boy, he was smart enough to know that something wasn’t right. I listened.

The Raw Truth about Parenting a Child with Dyslexia

We sat down side by side on the couch so he could read to me; that was his only first grade homework, 15 minutes of reading a day. But my son had stories to tell so I listened to those first and he closed his book. Then I would open his book and he would yawn and say he was tired or suddenly have so much energy he would jump off the couch and run around the living room. I corralled him back to the couch, “I want to read in my room, instead.” We get comfy upstairs but the avoidance behaviors continued. Then we would finally break down a word, “his,” “the,” or “what.” Success! However, the same word was on the next page and we would have to start over, every time. It was nearly impossible to remain patient. We would melt down in frustration, tears, and anger. Was he just being defiant? Couldn’t he just try a little harder? I had already been through early reading stages with my older child and it wasn’t like this.

Identifying and Demystifying Dyslexia

By mid-year of first grade we had my son tested by a neuropsychologist whose testing supported our experience. What I loved about having my child tested was the ability to see his strengths as well as his challenges. He is very smart, has visual-spatial strengths, has an extraordinary memory, and generally is a delight to be around. He has Dyslexia. He didn’t have the neurological capacity to develop meaning associated with the symbols that are the basis of letters, phonics, words, and language itself. Until this point, I had taken for granted how we learn to read.

Shortly after my son was given his diagnosis I sought out opportunities to educate myself as his parent. I heard Jonathan Mooney (author of The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal) speak about his journey from a dyslexic, 6^th grade drop-out to international speaker and published author. I took my son to watch the movie “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia.” at a local sold out showing. We looked around the theater with over 500 attendees and I said, “All of these people are here because they either have dyslexia themselves or love someone that does.” After the movie, he turned to me with a big smile and said, “I’m not alone.”

Creative Responsiveness and the Power of Early Intervention

As a result of early intervention and a profound journey providing him social and emotional support, my son is currently completing 3^rd grade and is reading at grade level. Here is what worked for us:

I had to learn to be flexible and creative as his parent in order to support his learning. I have learned to trust my instincts as his mom.
I understand that no one can learn when in fight/flight activation and that connection and calming down must precede schoolwork.
I’ve had to educate myself in order to be an advocate for his learning needs with his school such as appropriate IEP services and classroom accommodations. We approach his school with gratitude for all that they can do and recognize that his classroom and special education teachers are caring human beings with real life constraints of high demand, limited supply, and limited budgets.
In addition to school interventions, we chose to work with after school teachers and tutors to provide homework support and one-on-one direct instruction methods that are well researched for dyslexia. (This significantly reduced the homework struggles at home and improved the quality of our family time).
Most importantly we found that teaming up with our child’s educators allowed them to connect to my son in a kind and compassionate manner and helped him to feel safe to learn at his own pace.

The “Gifts” of Dyslexia

There is a lot written about the “gifts” associated with dyslexia such as inherent right-brained, out-of-the-box thinking. While these traits will indeed allow him to bring his creativity into the world, in our experience thus far, the most valuable long-terms gifts are related to the development of strength of character such as:

The recognition that not everything comes easy and that hard work pays off.
That he learns differently than other children in his class and it is important accept who he is rather than compare himself to his peers.
To focus on his strengths rather than his weaknesses
To trust himself and his pace

While good grades in math or reading are important, the wisdom gained from facing learning obstacles builds a person capable of handling life’s challenges.

As a parent and a psychologist, it is a pleasure to support you to raise your child through his or her unique journey through the increased awareness, creative responsiveness, and early interventions that make the difference in the life of a child with dyslexia.

About Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Dr. Arielle Schwartz Complex PTSD, EMDR Therapy, Somatic Psychology

Dr. Arielle Schwartz is a licensed clinical psychologist, wife, and mother in Boulder, CO. She offers trainings for therapists, maintains a private practice, and has passions for the outdoors, yoga, and writing. Dr. Schwartz is the author of The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole. She is the developer of Resilience-Informed Therapy which applies research on trauma recovery to form a strength-based, trauma treatment model that includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic (body-centered) psychology and time-tested relational psychotherapy. Like Dr. Arielle Schwartz on Facebook, follow her on Linkedin and sign up for email updates to stay up to date with all her posts.

Early Childhood Developmental Disorders – Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Trauma Exposure, and Anxiety

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

Sensory Processing Disorder and Related Diagnoses

Differentiating between sensory processing disorder, ADHD, learning disorders, autism, anxiety, and early trauma exposure requires diagnostic skill and accuracy. Once clear about your child’s diagnosis, this knowledge is essential in developing the right treatment plan for your child. Read on to learn interventions drawn from child-centered play therapy and occupational therapy that can help your child with the tantrums, challenging transitions, and anxieties associated with early childhood developmental disorders.

Sensory Processing and the Brain

Historically, sensory processing symptoms were not considered to comprise a standalone diagnosis. Rather sensory challenges were thought of as symptom indicating another diagnose in the same way a fever was a symptom but a virus or an infection was the cause. However, a 2013 study out of UC San Francisco, revealed that sensory processing disorder is linked to quantifiable differences in brain structures and has a biological basis differentiated from other childhood disorders. neurons

Underlying all our sensory systems is the vestibular system which functions within the inner ear which takes in information about our relationship to movement and gravity and provides ongoing feedback between mind and body about where we are in space. The vestibular system gets information from the body through proprioceptors, sensory neurons located within the joints of the body. This sensory feedback helps to organize the the information we receive from the world and how we respond. If we cannot orient to where we begin and end in space we tend to feel anxious. When in fight/flight activation it is difficult to pay attention, learn new information, and communicate effectively about our experience. The brain hijacks higher functioning learning systems and engages lower brain resources as if we are experiencing immediate threat. For a child, this can become a repeated habit repeatedly wiring the brain for survival.

Differential Diagnosis

Sensory Processing Disorder has its own biological and neurological underpinnings; however, our sensory system is complexly intertwined with the neurological mechanisms responsible for spatial awareness, attention, language processing, emotional regulation, and learning. Therefore, sensory processing disorder often accompanies other disorders such as:

Speech and language delays
Dyslexia (reading learning disorder)
Dyspraxia (movement and coordination difficulties)
Dysgraphia (handwriting difficulties)
ADHD and difficulties with focus, attention, hyperactivity, and self-regulation
Autism and difficulties with social emotional communications
Anxiety and heightened fight/flight nervous system activation
Children with early trauma, neglect or attachment disruption often develop sensory integration challenges

Knowing the right combination of symptoms and diagnoses allows you to target the right kind of treatment and to avoid unnecessary ones. For example, SPD can contribute to inattention and hyperactivity but medications that treat ADHD may worsen symptoms, create further agitation, or simply be unnecessary. Recognizing and addressing the underlying nervous system activation often helps children with SPD learn how to focus their minds for learning. If you have a child with multiple diagnoses it is important that all professionals understand the role that sensory processing is playing for the child. A teacher, speech pathologist, or psychologist who can integrate tools for sensory integration can make greater progress towards their learning treatment goals. For example, the speech pathologist working with my son had him wear a weighted vest that helped him feel his body. As a result he could have greater control of his mouth when learning new speech sounds.

Treating Sensory Processing Disorder

Once clear about your child’s diagnosis this knowledge is essential in coordinating efforts among your child’s treatment team. You know your child best and can help teachers and other professionals working with your child understand your child’s sensory world. Here are some interventions drawn from play therapy and occupational therapy that I have found helpful:

Create a “sensory diet” for your child. A sensory diet provides your child with regular exercises tailored to meet his or her sensory needs. Examples include skin brushing, jumping on a mini-tramp, listening therapies, and eye exercises. Integrate sensory tools into your child’s school environment by having the teacher provide noise cancelling headphones in your child’s classroom or limit unnecessary sensory stimuli when possible.
Understand your child’s triggers. Recognize when they are in fight/flight and emphasize emotion regulation strategies that help them express emotions in healthy and safe ways. Help your child’s teachers and treatment providers recognize these triggers also so they can be aware of the early signs of dysregulation and hopefully avoid the big meltdown.
Develop routines. Routines are a way to create more safety and predictability around tricky transitions such as leaving the house or going to bed. Talk your child through these routines and transitions so that they can develop an internal dialogue for themselves.
Create a “safe” learning environment. In order to learn, children need to feel safe. When it comes to sensory sensitivity, it is important to reduce distractions such as background noises, visual stimuli, or social interactions that create anxiety. Integrate a body-centered practice such as brain gym before homework sessions, use weighted blankets over your child’s lap when reading together.
Integrate play therapy interventions into your home. Create regular child-centered play times that let your child be in charge while you offer your reflective and attuned presence. Turn off the phone and the computer. Show how you feel when your child behaves in an out of control fashion and model self-regulation techniques.

Further Reading:

About Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Meet Dr. Arielle Schwartz

As a psychologist and mother of two, my passion is to teach parents how to integrate the tools of play therapy into your home and through clinical supervision, teach other clinicians how to support families with highly sensitive children. I understand the unique challenges parents can face in raising sensitive children and specialize in working with children with sensory processing disorders, speech/language delays, anxiety, challenging behaviors, trauma exposure, and emotional problems.

Parenting a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder – My Story

Posted on April 26, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

My Story of Raising a Highly Sensitive Child

When my daughter was born I entered motherhood ready and excited, yet I was also nervous about how the experience would change me. I was grateful to have several close friends enter parenthood around the same time as me. I had hopes and expectations about motherhood that were realistic enough to include the anticipated challenges of sleep deprivation amidst a major life change. What I didn’t expect was the complete overwhelm I experienced associated with raising a highly sensitive child.

When our daughter was born she was strong but fragile and fearful. The car and car seat felt like torture and simple outings to visit other parents or attend an activity led her to cry, scream, shake, or at worst throw up. Vacuuming the house was another ordeal as loud sounds seemed to cause physical pain. I knew that something was different but I didn’t understand what it was.

Her differences became even clearer when I joined my friends to attend early childhood music and gymnastics classes. I watched the other 2-4 year olds dance around the room, shake the shakers, sing along with the music, participate in forward rolls, and jump on the trampoline. However, my daughter clung to me, cried, and put her fingers in her ears and consistently refused to participate. Something was definitely different. Our lives became more and more restricted as we avoided crowds and turned down invitations to circumvent the public tantrums.

Getting the Right Diagnosis Changed our Lives

I spoke to our pediatrician who also noted that her speech was delayed compared to other children and as a result we were referred to the local clinic for an evaluation. It was the speech therapist who put her finger on a diagnosis; Sensory Processing Disorder.

I read about sensory processing disorder in children and I finally had the information I needed to support my daughter and stop blaming myself! My daughter was having neurologically based triggers that were repeatedly activating a fight/flight response. I began to understand her anxious approach to the world.

Early Intervention for Sensory Processing Disorder

This began a five-year process of supporting her development with a caring team of professionals that included play therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and an exploration of personal, family and inter-generational patterns. As a result of early and consistent intervention, my daughter now channels her sensitivity into her creativity, she honors her pace when entering a new environment, and she carries herself with a quiet self confidence.

Raising The Highly Sensitive Child – Sensory Processing Disorder

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

There are a set of shared experiences among the parents of children with Sensory Processing Disorder and there is comfort in knowing that you are not alone. As a parent of two and a psychologist who works with parents and children, I understand the unique set of challenges faced by families raising highly sensitive children.

The Highly Sensitive Child

Photo of highly sensitive child with sensory processing disorder The sensitive child is like a unique and multifaceted gem. This child shines brilliantly sometimes allowing you to see into the depth and clarity at the center, and at times reflecting you so intensely that you are called to see yourself in challenging and uncomfortable ways. At times, these children can project diamond quality strength. Other times, the intensity which with they feel the world can result in meltdowns and tantrums and we must help them through these scattered and intensely challenging moments. That is if we haven’t melted down right along with them! Helping the sensitive child make sense of their inner and outer world can take parents to and beyond their limits.

Raising a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder

There are a set of shared experiences among the parents of sensitive children and there is comfort in knowing that you are not alone in the challenges you are facing. Here is what parents of sensitive children often say:

My daughter is different than other children.
My 6 year-old son disrupts our home with his extreme meltdowns; he always needs to be the center of attention
My spouse and I are fighting more and blaming each other for our child’s behavior
Raising this child takes everything out of me! I’m exhausted and sometimes feel that I am not cut out for parenting.

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and Highly Sensitive Children

Once I understood Sensory Processing Disorder I finally had the information I needed to stop blaming myself or feeling as though I was crazy! My child was having a neurological “traffic jam” that was the invisible culprit behind her behavioral breakdowns and anxious approach to the world.

Technically, Sensory Processing Disorder and Highly Sensitive Children are two different but related conditions. Sensory Processing Disorder was first identified by A. Jean Ayres an occupational therapist who identified that some children over- or under-respond in one or multiple senses (e.g. tactile sensitivity, sound sensitivity, light sensitivity). The highly sensitive child is a related concept developed by Elaine Aron who describes these children as easily overwhelmed by high levels of stimulation, sudden changes, and the emotional distress of others.The sensory challenges shared by parents and children I work with include:

My child says that most clothes hurt her. She will only wear two pairs of pants and I can barely get her to school in the mornings if those pants are not clean.
If my child gets bumped while standing in line at school he reacts as if someone hit him purposely.
There are sounds that I hardly notice but my child puts her hands to her ears in pain!
We can’t go to the movies because my child feels everything so strongly like it is happening to him.

Guidance for Parents of Highly Sensitive Children

Stop blaming yourself and/or your partner. Sensory processing challenges are real and require tremendous patience.
Get a thorough assessment. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder often have other co-presenting neurodevelopmental challenges such as learning disorders (dyslexia), ADHD, autism, and anxiety. However, getting an accurate diagnosis is important as some children are inaccurately diagnosed with ADHD and are medicated unnecessarily.
Trust your child! Highly sensitive children often also have a capacity for deep reflection and empathy when given the time to process their environment.
Get down to their level. The language of the younger child is play. Most children with sensory challenges feel out of control much of the time. Let your child take the lead in imaginary play, allow yourself to follow, and give your child an experience of being in charge or his or her world.
Become your child’s emotional coach. Help older children talk about their feelings and reflect on what they are experiencing. Validate, reflect, and help them develop problem solving skills.
Repair your rocky moments. Reviewing our rough times involves admitting when we parents are not perfect and gives our children permission to make mistakes as well. Good-enough parenting involves ruptures and repair that allows everyone to learn from even our most challenging experiences.
Get help. It takes a village and when it comes to raising the highly sensitive child build your team. Often a treatment team involves play therapy, occupational therapy, speech language, and parenting support. Find a support group or online forum to talk with other parents raising children with Sensory Processing Disorder. I am available to help.

Dealing With Grief and Loss – Hanuman’s Story

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

A Story of the Courage and Healing from the Hindu tradition

Stories and poems offer metaphors providing a language for the soul. In many stories there is a demon, dragon, or monster that needs to be conquered, a reminder that we need to face our fears and turn towards our challenges rather than avoid our problems. As a Yoga Instructor, I draw upon eastern philosophy as a source of insight. In this story form the Hindu tradition, Hanuman’s journey offers guideposts that help orient us when facing difficult times. This story comes from the Hindu tradition and teaches us about how to find courage and healing when dealing with grief and loss.

Graphic showing the hindu god hanuman Ocean and Shadow Self Dealing with grief and loss

Hanuman and the three obstacles

Hanuman has been set forth on a seemingly impossible task in response to ease the wounded heart, Rama’s loss of his beloved Sita. In the process of his journey across the ocean, hanuman faces three challenges-those common to when crossing the seemingly endless passage set in motion by loss or trauma.

Hanuman’s First Obstacle

The first challenge Hanuman encounters is the unsurpassable obstacle. As Hanuman prepares to take his leap across the ocean a tremendous mountain rises up from the middle of the ocean. Hanuman could not fight, could not run around this mountain, nor could he fly above. Without any reserves, his only choice was to let go. And as he allowed his weight to rest upon the earth, the Gods spoke to him and he discovered that the mountain offered a place to rest in the midst of the long journey. While he could not stay there (as he did need to continue on his way) he learned the importance of rest pacing himself when faced with great a challenge.

Hanuman’s Second Obstacle

The second challenge faced by Hanuman is that of a fearful serpent demoness who swallows all who come across her path. Trying to avoid this fate, Hanuman tries in every way to enlarge himself…he grows larger yet the mouth of the serpent grows larger as well. He expands even larger and she expands along with him until she swallows him whole. Hanuman was swallowed by the snake. He feels utter despair and in his grief begins to shrink until he was so small that he was as small as a grain of sand, and still he shrinks until he is as small as the tiniest atom; allowing him to squeeze out between her teeth, beyond her lips and escape. Once in the open the demoness acknowledges that he has learned an important lesson about himself. He could not avoid the truth and had to surrender.

Hanuman’s Third Obstacle

Exhausted Hanuman is released forth to continue his journey, but at this stage he moves forward as if in a dream; in disbelief that we will ever make it through to the other side. He feels unable to proceed and is depleted and yet at this very moment is faced with his third challenge; this time a demoness who has the power to possess the shadow of all who she encounters and pull them into the ocean. She takes hold of Hanuman’s shadow and begins to drag him into the sea. At first Hanuman feels that he has no reserves and that he too will die. However, what is required of him in this final phase of the journey is courage. Against all odds, he gathered his strength to turn towards his past and his pain. As long as he can see clearly the murky, avoided, or disowned places in himself he can prevent the demoness from having the power to drag him under by his shadow. He takes hold of his shadow and is released to arrive at his destination, complete his journey, and return love to the broken heart.

Dealing With Grief and Loss

Dealing with grief and loss photo of ocean at sunset We are reminded that at times that which we perceive as an obstacle is really a reminder of the importance of rest, slowing down, and the careful pacing that is needed to when moving through the disorientation of trauma or grief. This story also suggests that we cannot outrun or avoid reality as it is. Despite our need to feel powerful and in control there are life events that we have no control over. We cannot bring back a loved one who has died. We cannot reverse time. In these moments we are asked to surrender. There are also times in which we are asked to find our courage and strength. When dealing with grief and loss there is benefit in turning towards the pain, to feel what we perceive is unbearable, even if we are afraid that we will break in two. In these moments we may discover a new found strength, our courage, and a new sense of self more capable of living in this unpredictable yet exquisite life.

Learn More:

Resilience Psychology and Coping with Grief

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

Finding Hope after Facing Loss

At some point in our lives all have had to or will have to confront the loss of a loved one. When facing the death of a loved one we can feel disoriented, uprooted, and isolated. Sometimes, the loss doesn’t feel real, we feel lost in the dark, or we feel as though the grief will never end. This post shares a very personal loss and offers tools for coping with bereavement.

“My husband and I were married less than a year. We had plans. I was applying for my doctorate in clinical psychology and we were talking about the timing of our first child. Then tragic loss changed everything. The call came in the middle of the night. A helicopter had gone down during a routine mission and my husband’s brother (a military pilot) was aboard…”
-Dr. Arielle Schwartz Continue reading →

EMDR Case Study – Marie

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

**Marie’s Story* How EMDR Can Change Your Life**

*Marie is not an actual person, but a composite of several patients Dr. Schwartz has seen over the past several years. Identifying details have been changed to protect their privacy. The treatments and outcomes are real.

Phase 1 – Taking a In-Depth History

Marie had been date raped while in college. Now as an adult, Marie is suffering from anxiety and finds it challenging to develop a meaningful long term relationship. She had been in talk therapy for some time without success. In fact, she never really dealt directly with the trauma surrounding the incident. Marie was very skilled at avoiding dealing with the trauma of this incident.

In order to continue to function after a traumatic event, as a coping mechanism, it is common to bury or avoid dealing with the painful feelings or memories. I will take a thorough life history to provide the foundation for successful EMDR treatment. History taking includes life events, family systems and the strengths and resources that are currently available.

Phase 2 – Preparation for EMDR

Marie had lost a sense of choice or control over her emotional life. She felt flooded with anxiety and needed some resources to help her fell safe again. In our therapy I helped Marie identify times and places in her life where she felt safe. We also gave her tools to use between sessions to help her manage her anxiety. When Marie came back for her next session, she shared that she felt calmer and more in control of her emotions throughout the week.

As we prepare for EMDR therapy, you will build your own tool kit to help you manage overwhelming emotions and your reactions to stressful events. In addition, you will choose the form of bilateral stimulation that works best for you. The methods used are: eye movements, tactile sensations, or bilateral sounds.

Phase 3 – Assessment and Setting an EMDR Target

Marie realized that the rape had a much more profound impact on her life than she had ever allowed herself to feel. She understood that she had internalized the helplessness of that moment and would repeatedly feel helpless when faced with triggering stressful situations at work with her boss and when she was home alone in the evenings. She recognized that she had compensated for the vulnerability she was feeling by pushing people away when they wanted to get close.Marie identified that she wanted to feel capable of taking care of herself and she wanted to allow herself to develop a loving nurturing relationship.

At this point in EMDR treatment we will identify the trauma that will be worked on during desensitization. This trauma is referred to as your target and we will identify the image, emotions, beliefs and body sensations that are associated with that event.

Phase 4 – Desensitization

Using bilateral eye movements, I asked Marie to think about the rape and the image that represented the worst part of her experience Marie noted that she felt disconnected and numb when she thought of the event. Through careful pacing she began to tolerate the vulnerable and uncomfortable emotions that came up when she thought about the rape. As Marie began to feel the emotions she had a series of memories come forward about what happened that day and associations to other times in her life when she felt helpless. Eventually Marie was able to think about the rape without experiencing any upsetting feelings or thoughts. Furthermore, she began to feel stronger in herself and arrived at a sense of how this event contributed to who she is today.

We know that trauma is primarily stored in both the limbic or mid-brain and in the right hemisphere of the brain. However, we need our entire brain to access the integrative functions of reflective thought and meaning making in order to heal from trauma. By using bilateral stimulation, we rhythmically alternate between the two hemispheres of the brain while thinking about the traumatic event. This process allows the associations, feelings and memories from the past to be brought forward so they can be experienced and resolved. Desensitization of a target can occur in a single session or across multiple sessions.

Phase 5 – Installation

Now Marie was able to think about the rape and feel strong and in control. She recognized that what happened was not her fault and there were changes she could make in how she approached the world today that reflects this new experience of herself. Marie thought about being home alone and the vulnerability she used to feel and allowed a new sense of strength of to infuse her being. She felt more open to the possibility of taking the risk associated with allowing someone to get close to her. She visualized what this would look like in her life today.

During the Installation Phase, I guide you to connect the positive beliefs and sense of self that is achieved through the successful completion of desensitization. We have you imagine the past and present life triggers as you would approach them with this new found sense of capability.

Phase 6 – Body Scan

I invited Marie to scan her body for any lingering areas of tension and to allow any residual distress to release.

We use the body as a gauge to verify the successful completion of the EMDR process.

Phase 7 – Closure

Before leaving the session, I made sure that Marie felt grounded and complete with that day’s process.

Closure is essential to successful treatment in that it allows the challenging work of desensitization to be contained between sessions. Containment is built upon an agreement that we will return to address any remaining distress associated with the traumatic event. This also frees you up by asking you not to think (worry, obsess) about traumatic material between sessions.

Phase 8 – Re-evaluation

In the following session, I asked Marie to check in about how she feels now when she thinks about the rape. Marie shared that she no longer felt any disturbance. She also spoke about feeling lighter throughout the week and that she felt less unprovoked anger toward her boyfriend.

The purpose of re-evaluation allows us to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and address and residual or unresolved feelings.

In Marie’s case EMDR was a very successful treatment of choice. While it is not for every client or every presenting condition, EMDR has been well researched and is considered an evidenced based trauma treatment.

Happy couple

Additional Reading:

Looking for a mind-body approach to healing PTSD?

Connect to this post? The Complex PTSD Workbook, is now available on Amazon! Click here to check it out and increase your toolbox for healing. Whether you are a client or a therapist this book will offer a guided approach to trauma recovery.

About Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Dr. Arielle Schwartz Complex PTSD, EMDR Therapy, Somatic Psychology

Somatic Psychology Interventons and EMDR Training

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Arielle Schwartz

Attend an EMDR Training in Somatic Psychology Interventions and EMDR Taught by Dr. Schwartz with Maiberger Institute!

What: Two day Training on Somatic Interventions & EMDR (Boulder, CO)
When: July 26 – 27, 2014
Where: Maiberger Institute
2995 Baseline Road, Suite 206
Boulder, CO 80303

Learn More About EMDR

Why Somatic Psychology and EMDR:

The field of somatic psychology explores the relationship between the body and psychological states or processes. Somatic psychology centralizes body awareness as a primary healing agent in psychotherapy. We cannot always think our way out of a trauma response because the physiological reactions are so central, the heart rate quickens, there are feelings of panic, we feel tension throughout the body, or perhaps we feel stuck and unable to move. Somatic interventions are valuable tools within the therapeutic arena because they work directly with how traumatic events impact our bodies through breath constrictions and tension patterns that are held pre-consciously (just under our conscious awareness). When working with either recent of historical traumatic events, the body provides tremendous feedback about the psychological impact of that event. Tracking the somatic experience in trauma work also gives clear feedback about when the traumatic incident no longer holds power over us. As a result, we have increased access to choice and a greater range of healthy ways to respond to present day challenges.

Photo of Dr Arielle Schwartz teaching EMDR for attachment injury at Maiberger Institute

When combining somatic interventions with the 8-phase treatment model of EMDR, body awareness greatly enhances the effectiveness of both. Adding the technology of bi-lateral stimulation that is central to EMDR amplifies the processing of traumatic events. Likewise, somatic awareness in EMDR brings mindful awareness to the subtleties of trauma release with careful attention to nervous states, the pacing of process, and the relational exchange between therapist and client.

Somatic Interventions and EMDR Training Description:

This two-day workshop is an opportunities for therapists already trained in EMDR to introduce them to somatic interventions for trauma treatment.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

Summarize a basic understanding of Somatic Psychology in relationship to EMDR
Demonstrate at least one somatic intervention for each of the 8 Phases of the EMDR protocol
Recognize how self – awareness of nonverbal communication increases therapist’s trustworthiness and facilitates therapeutic alliance.
Exhibit how Somatic interventions facilitate client’s ability to self regulate.