I offer EMDR therapy to help adults overcome trauma and distress. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective approach that stimulates the brain's natural repair process. It can help you process negative experiences, reconsolidate memories, and achieve emotional healing.
Will I be the person I used to be?
That is a question many clients share during the therapeutic process: 'Will I be the person I used to be?' It's a profound inquiry that touches on the essence of change, growth, and recovery. The answer, nuanced and deeply personal, acknowledges both the longing for familiarity and the inevitability of transformation.
Firstly, it's important to recognise that change is a constant element of the human experience. Life events, relationships, challenges, and even therapy itself shape us in ways both visible and unseen. The person you are becoming through your therapeutic journey is being molded by your experiences, insights, and the coping mechanisms you're learning along the way.
However, the essence of who you are – your values, your passions, and the core of your being – remains a guiding light. Therapy often serves as a pathway to rediscover these aspects, perhaps viewing them through a new lens or appreciating them in a deeper way. It's not so much about returning to a previous version of yourself but rather integrating your experiences to become a more authentic version of you.
Moreover, the longing to 'be the person I used to be' can sometimes reflect a desire to return to a time of perceived simplicity or happiness. It's a natural feeling, especially during times of distress or upheaval. Yet, it's also an opportunity to explore what aspects of your past self you value and wish to reclaim, and which parts of your current self you want to nurture and develop.
In essence, therapy is a journey of becoming, not a process of returning. It encourages growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself. You may not be the person you used to be in every aspect, but through the therapeutic process, you can become someone who embodies the best of your past and present, equipped with the tools and wisdom to navigate the future with confidence and authenticity.
So, while you may not return to being exactly the person you once were, you have the opportunity to become someone richer in experience, more resilient in the face of challenges, and deeply connected to the essence of who you truly are.
EMDR
The Interplay between Mental Health Concerns, Complex Trauma, PTSD, and Chronic Pain:Chronic pain frequently coexists with mental health concerns, complex trauma, and PTSD, forming a complex and interdependent relationship. Here's an overview of their interconnectedness:
Mental Health Concerns: Conditions such as anxiety and depression often accompany chronic pain, amplifying the distress experienced by individuals. Psychological factors, such as negative emotions, stress, and maladaptive coping mechanisms, can exacerbate pain perception and decrease pain tolerance.
Complex Trauma: Complex trauma refers to prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, often occurring in interpersonal relationships, such as childhood abuse or neglect. Individuals with a history of complex trauma may develop heightened physical and emotional sensitivities, including increased vulnerability to chronic pain.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and involves the persistent re-experiencing of the trauma, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Chronic pain can be an embodiment of trauma, as the body holds memories and emotional imprints from past traumatic experiences.
Understanding the link between mental health concerns, complex trauma, PTSD, and chronic pain highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors in pain management. EMDR offers a unique approach by directly targeting and resolving the emotional and cognitive aspects associated with chronic pain.
EMDR provides a transformative path to address chronic pain by recognizing its psychological roots. Through its targeted approach to processing distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs, EMDR offers individuals like Jane an opportunity to heal from both physical and emotional burdens. By acknowledging the interplay between mental health concerns, complex trauma, PTSD, and chronic pain, we can adopt a holistic approach to pain management that considers the mind-body connection and fosters comprehensive healing.
EMDR RESOURCES
EMDR EVIDENCE
Several studies have explored the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing chronic pain severity and improving overall well-being. While the exact mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood, EMDR is thought to modulate neural networks involved in pain perception and emotional processing. Some noteworthy research findings include:
A randomized controlled trial by Schneider et al. (2017) demonstrated that EMDR, when combined with standard medical treatment, resulted in significant reductions in chronic pain intensity compared to the control group.
Van der Vleugel et al. (2018) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, revealing that EMDR significantly reduced pain intensity and pain-related disability in individuals with chronic pain conditions.
A case study by Ignatius and Smeets (2020) explored the application of EMDR in fibromyalgia, indicating a reduction in pain intensity, psychological distress, and fatigue after treatment.
EMDR offers a novel therapeutic approach for individuals with chronic pain, addressing the psychological factors that contribute to their suffering. By facilitating the reprocessing of distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs, EMDR has shown promise in reducing pain severity and improving overall well-being. While further research is warranted, the existing evidence supports the integration of EMDR into comprehensive treatment plans for chronic pain management.
References:
WINDOW OF TOLERANCE
The Window of Tolerance model is a framework that explains how individuals cope with different types of demands, triggers, stressors, and unexpected events. It describes the range of emotions, physiological responses, and behaviors that are considered to be "normal" or "adaptive" in any given situation. Dealing and responding within the window of tolerance means that an individual is able to remain resourced, resilient, and relaxed in the face of various demands. They are able to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively and without becoming overwhelmed. However, some events or triggers may be more powerful than others and can push an individual outside of their window of tolerance. For example, a traumatic event from the past may be particularly triggering for an individual and push them into a state of hyperarousal or dissociation. It is important to note that the window of tolerance is not a fixed concept and can change depending on an individual's current level of stress, their past experiences, and their overall resilience. Therefore, it is important for individuals to understand their own window of tolerance and to work on developing strategies to expand it. Examples of strategies to expand the window of tolerance include practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular physical activity, building a supportive social network, and seeking professional help when necessary. By expanding the window of tolerance, individuals can increase their ability to cope with demands, triggers, and unexpected events, and lead a more resilient and fulfilling life.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
A regulated nervous system is one that is able to effectively respond to different types of demands and stressors without becoming overwhelmed. As mentioned before, this means that an individual's physiological responses, emotions, and behaviors are within a "normal" or "adaptive" range. You are able to regulate your physiological arousal, such as heart rate and breathing, and are able to modulate your emotions and behaviours in a way that allows you to respond effectively to different situations. You are within the window of tolerance. On the other hand, if your nervous system is unregulated you are easily overwhelmed by demands and stressors. This can lead to a state of hyperarousal or dissociation, where an individual's physiological responses, emotions, and behaviours are outside the window of tolerance. You may experience symptoms of dysregulation: rapid heart rate and shallow breathing, and unable or struggle responding effectively. You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, agitated, angry (signs of hyperarousal). Or your mind goes blank, your body freezes, or experience a sense of disconnet and not beng fully present. This state is called hypoarousal. An unregulated nervous system can have negative impacts on an your mental and physical health, and can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and difficulty with relationships and daily functioning.
DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER
REGINA GERLACH
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
EMDR THERAPIST
GLOBAL MINDFULNESS CONSULTANT
MEDICARE PROVIDER SORRENTO 4421022Y
MEDICARE PROVIDER HILLARYS 4421026W
AHPRA: PSY0001579188
ABN: 33717445485
Sorrento Rooms | Mindfulness2Be | High Street | Sorrento | WA | 6020
Hillarys Rooms | Green Road Psychology | 31 Green Road | Level 1 | Unit 11| Hillarys | WA | 6025
