therapy – ThinkCareBelieve

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) identifies distorted patterns of thinking, emotional response, inappropriate behavior and substituting them with more objective, realistic thoughts and coping skills. It can address challenges such as:

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Eating Disorders
Schizophrenia
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Generalized Anxiety
Specific Phobia
OCD
Dysthymia
Substance Abuse
ADHD
Stress
Relationship Difficulties
Anger

CBT Steps:

Identifying Negative Thoughts- To learn what thoughts, feelings and situations are contributing to maladaptive behaviors. It can be difficult for people who have trouble with self assessment and insights into what their negative self limiting thoughts.

Practicing New Skills- In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, people are taught new skills to use in real life situations to improve experiences and demonstrate empowerment in a situation. To practice coping skills and rehearse ways to avoid or deal with social situations that could trigger a reaction.

Setting New Goals- Goal setting can be an important step to establish forward momentum and to use newly polished interpersonal and coping skills. A CBT therapist can help set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based) with a focus on the process of attaining the goal.

Problem Solving- Learning problem-solving skills during CBT helps to identify and work to solve a problem resulting from life stressors. Being adept at solving problems can reduce harmful impact of psychological and physical illness. Problem Solving steps are:

Identify the problem
Generate a list of potential solutions
Evaluate the pros and cons of each possible solution
Choose a solution
Follow through with the solution

Self-Monitoring- Tracking behaviors, symptoms, or experiences over time and sharing them with someone to whom you are being accountable.

Other CBT Techniques- Journaling, role-playing, relaxation strategies and using mental distractions.

Benefits of CBT:

Healthier thought patterns
Potential short-term improvements
Effective for a wide variety of problems
Online or face to face
Doesn’t require medication

Challenges to CBT

Change can be difficult and uncomfortable while going through it. CBT is very structured and some people may not do well in heavily structured programs. For CBT to be effective, it will take an investment of time and effort on the patient’s part. A willingness to put out the effort and to be honest in the analyzation of ones thoughts and feelings. Progress can be gradual, and may not be for someone wanting immediate results. Change takes time.

Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is a treatment approach in helping mostly children and adolescents process and overcome their experiences of trauma. One of the ways a trauma survivor heals is to help them normalize their responses. TF-CBT can give them new skills to manage their feelings while educating them why they respond the way they do around the traumatic memories. By understanding the effects of trauma, they are better equipped to cope and find practical solutions. When someone with PTSD feels stuck in some of their thoughts because of the trauma they underwent TF-CBT can assist a person to recognize false beliefs they hold because of the trauma and to correct unhealthy behavior patterns that allows forward growth and momentum. It helps them develop new ways to cope, through self care, self healing and choosing emotional expression in healthy ways. In TF-CBT, parents and caregivers can also be involved in the therapy. This supports parents in building skills related to better parenting, improving communication, and managing any distress about the child’s trauma, all of which help the child feel more supported. The child is able to disconnect the memories and thoughts of the traumatic experience with the overwhelming emotions which arise by association.

Summing Up

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT can be an effective way to correct unhealthy habits and emotional responses and inappropriate behaviors. The changeover to productive empowered living involves practicing new skills, setting new goals and learning problem solving techniques. Progress is tracked using self monitoring and measurable results. Trauma Focused CBT or TF-CBT is mostly used for children and teenagers who have experienced one trauma event or repeated abuse. It has been successful in helping the young person disconnect their thoughts and emotions from the trauma event.

How Does Sensorimotor Therapy Heal Trauma?

Sensorimotor Therapy- Research has shown that people who have been diagnosed with PTSD, have experienced child or adult sexual abuse and those who suffer from anxiety, depression and other trauma-related symptoms benefit from Sensorimotor Therapy. It was first discovered by Dr. Pat Ogden in the 1970s and is meant to re-establish the connection between mental health and the sensorimotor skills of patients at the psychiatric hospital where she worked. It works on the theory that when we experience trauma or a traumatic event, memory of the experience can become trapped in the body. Affected persons may not even be aware that the energy of unresolved trauma is what is causing pain and problems in their body. It can affect the nervous system, mood and numerous other secondary symptoms.

Normal survival responses to trauma are fight, flight, freeze, flop or friend. The freeze response shuts us down in a paralysis, thus our attempts to physically protect ourselves may not have been completed for several reasons, we may have been overpowered by the assailant. Situations where we are unable to protect ourselves can lead to mannerisms like shaking, clenching or nervous ticks. It can also lead to anxiety, hopelessness and depression.

In Sensorimotor Therapy, the incomplete actions are played out in a safe environment which can give the person a sense of closure. The playact is performed in a state of mindful awareness or mindfulness in order for the experience to reach directly into the subconscious. Mindfulness helps the closure experience reach the old trauma memories to augment them into a better state of wholeness.

Benefits of Sensorimotor Therapy are:

· Reduction in physical and emotional pain
· Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms
· Reduction in anxiety-related symptoms
· Mood disorders and emotional regulation
· Improved physical coordination
· Increased capacity for intimacy
· Improved ability to set boundaries
· Substance abuse and addictive behavior
· Self harm and suicidal behavior

The Three Phases of Sensorimotor Therapy

Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization– This is a gentle exploration of thoughts, emotions, memories and sensations. Mindfulness is cultivated throughout the investigation.

Phase 2: Processing– This is an exploration of memories that are attached to physical sensations and movements in the body. The person learns and practices movements that empower them to defend themselves that they may not have been able to use during the time of the trauma. This stimulates a triumphant response to the original threat.

Phase 3: Integration– This is where the client is empowered with a strong sense of self, improve relationships and to cultivate an ability to pursue pleasant, playful activities to feel joy and contentment.

Conclusion

In Sensorimotor Therapy, people become aware of their awareness, thus remaining cognizant while being able to observe mind and body. People are taught how to regulate their nervous system and emotions. This enables them to remain calm despite the intrusion of traumatic memories. It can reduce fight or flight or freeze reactions to stressful situations.

Holistic approaches to healing trauma down-loadable free Ebooks written by Lou Lebentz.

https://docslib.org/doc/9096180/solutions-to-trauma-part-i-psychosomatic-and-holistic-methods-lou-lebentz-trauma-thrivers-trauma-thrivers

https://docslib.org/doc/9096180/solutions-to-trauma-part-ii-psychosomatic-and-holistic-methods-lou-lebentz-trauma-thrivers-trauma-thrivers