Seeking A Psychotherapist

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
by Barton S. Sloan, LCSW and Thomas M. Gormley, ANP

 

EDMR can bring about healing very quickly because the process taps into the neural network in which the trauma is stored.

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic process originated and developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1988. It is an accelerated processing modality that is very effective in resolving trauma. The process was originally viewed with skepticism by many in the psychiatric and psychotherapy field, and some in the therapeutic community continue to view it as such. It was felt the process worked too fast, too easily, and was too different from the traditional psychotherapy approaches. This controversy spurred a great deal of research on EMDR to measure its effects and efficiency. What makes EMDR so different from most approaches appears to be the use of bilateral stimulation of the brain and the rapid rate at which healing can occur.

EMDR is a method that brings together elements from major clinical theoretical orientations including psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, and body-centered approaches. The EMDR protocol combines these modalities into a single healing approach. It combines thought (cognition), emotion, behavior, the physical sensation and the location of that sensation in the body along with bilateral stimulation, which seems to produce an accelerated healing. The protocol seems to allow the brain to access the neural network where the dysfunctional information is stored. Different areas of the brain control each of these parts (cognition, emotion, and physical sensation). The bilateral stimulation seems to bring them together at the same time, which may help account for the speed of the processing.

EMDR was originally studied on adults who had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The original research was done on Viet Nam veterans and rape victims. Since that time, EMDR has been used to help both adults and children in the resolution of issues that evoke distress. EMDR has also been used effectively in the treatment of anxiety (phobias, panic attacks, separation), addictions (food, chemicals, sex, smoking), grief and loss, depression, as well as chronic and phantom limb pain. One of the most innovative uses of EMDR is in the area of performance enhancement, which aims to help people improve their efficiency in work, sports, and the performing arts.

For single incident traumas, EMDR can often be very effective in just one to three sessions. For example, I saw an individual who had been in a major car wreck and was suffering feelings of anxiety at the thought of driving and panic when she neared the place of the accident. The anxiety and panic were cleared in two sessions and she has been able to drive again without any further symptoms.

In situations where the trauma is ongoing (such as in cases of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse), treatment time may be longer due to how the individual's ability to cope with emotional distress was effected. Often, the body's natural ability to dissociate is used when a person is experiencing trauma. Because the trauma had to be endured for a length of time, the brain and body grow accustomed to dissociating whenever the experience is triggered. These individuals have to re-learn how to stay in their bodies before EMDR will be effective.

Children seem to process much faster than adults do. It is assumed that this occurs because children have fewer experiences to untangle. Variations of the standard EMDR protocol are often used with children. Sandtray therapy, art therapy, and stories may also be used with children to assist in processing distressing events. For example, an 8-year-old boy was having night terrors, outbursts of anger, and was being physically aggressive at home. He had been subject to numerous health problems that required hospitalization and surgeries since infancy. As he had no direct memory of the earlier experiences, I asked his parents to write a story about him and read it to him while EMDR was used. His anxiety cleared up after two sessions.

The impact and benefits of EMDR, like any other approach, are dependent on the skill of the clinician and the willingness of the client. EMDR can help resolve trauma quickly, but it is very important that a thorough assessment be done and that the process is done in a safe manner. People develop ways of coping with traumas in order to protect themselves and stay safe. If those means of coping are stripped away too fast without proper preparation, the individual often becomes too vulnerable and could be at risk.

While EDMR is no different than any other form of therapy, it can bring about healing very quickly because the process taps into the neural network in which the trauma is stored.

I have been using EMDR since 1997 in my practice and have found it to be the most effective means of healing that I have come across. I have used EMDR with children, adolescents, and adults and have found the results to be extremely fascinating. The connection people make from one experience to another and how that affects the way we believe, feel, and think about ourselves is amazing. Seeing a belief of a person change from "I am not lovable" to "I am lovable" is a beautiful thing to see. I think as we learn more about how the human brain works, we will have opportunities to learn more about its natural ability to help us heal.

 

Barton Sloan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. He is Level II trained in EMDR and works with adults and children. He can be contacted at (907) 563-5765.

Thomas Gormley is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in private practice and is Level II trained in EMDR. He works with adults and adolescents and can be contacted at (907) 563-5765.

Family Constellation - A New Model of Healing
by Kabira Lyon

 

Everything that is suppressed by a family does not dissolve into thin air, but rather "floats" within the system.

Having been in the world of alternative healing and psychology for the last 20 years, I'm amazed at a new method called "Family Constellation," created and developed by Bert Hellinger, a renown psychoanalyst, psychotherapist and best-selling author in Germany.

What touches me most is the effectiveness and the mystery that surrounds this method, as well as the profound changes that occur for the participants.

What Is Family Constellation?

This method allows the family of the participant to come into harmony by setting the family into a constellation and then bringing that constellation into order. The facilitator sets up different people who will represent, for example, the mother, father, and siblings of the participant in different positions that mirror the type of dynamic that is played out in the family unit. Usually, there is a lack of order and the family is out of balance.

The therapist moves the participants until the constellation finds its natural order. All the while the therapist does this, the participant watches how the process develops. The individuals that play out the roles feel the same feelings the participant felt while living in the family. By the family physically moving to harmony, the individual can now leave the nest, feeling the power of the family behind him or her.

Only when the connection to the family is recognized and responsibilities cleared and divided equally does the individual feel unburdened. The individual can now move forward without burden or ties of the past.

How Does It Work?

Hellinger's work with constellations has shown that a family is a system or energy-field in which certain orders are at work. Though there are exceptions, it is clear that certain laws are repeated in families over and over. When looked at over many generations, one might compare a family to a mobile. If there is an imbalance at any point on the mobile, there is a reaction at a different place to compensate. Children are the family members who are most affected by this compensatory reaction. They take over stray energies in the family so that the system as a whole regains order.

Everything that is suppressed by a family does not dissolve into thin air, but rather "floats" within the system. This includes feelings that are not expressed, members of the family who are unjustly shut out, and guilt. The newer family members (most usually children) feel this energy, receive it and relive it or act it out. They are "entangled" by their ancestors by taking over these old behaviors, feelings and fates.

For example, a death in a family causes pain and sadness to all members. These feelings are sometimes so strong that it seems they cannot be overcome. If a family member dies young, a particularly lasting effect can burden the entire family.

Monica's Story

For illustration purposes, consider the case of Monica who had been suffering from bouts of depression to the point that she pondered suicide. Her depression seemed to spread to other family members and her 10-year-old daughter began to suffer the same feelings. When asked if someone in her family had died young, Monica confirmed that when she was 3 years old, her 5-year-old brother died in an accident.

When someone dies before the age of 25 or so, the death has far-reaching, penetrating consequences for all family members. In particular, the death has an immediate impact on surviving siblings. Feelings of guilt may arise because they live on, while the brother or sister had to die. Deep inside, the siblings feel that it is unjust for them to live. From such feelings spring an inclination towards death. Often, the siblings want to be where the departed brother or sister went, best expressed by the statement, "I will follow you." This type of statement expresses an unconscious movement towards death.

When observed from outside the family unit, we see that the effects of death vary on the remaining siblings. One sibling may acquire a disease at a young age as the will to live is weakened and the body reacts by getting sick. Others may reach toward death by taking a path towards drugs and excess. Still others may act out this death inclination by engaging in high-risk sports. Every early death leaves deep emotional wounds in the family. In Monica, the inclination towards death revealed itself through depression and thoughts of suicide.

When Monica's brother (keep in mind that this is the representative of the family member) took his place by Monica's side in constellation therapy, Monica was at first afraid of him. The dead brother had no feeling for the little sister at his side. An important first step came when Monica stood before her brother, overcame her fear and looked at him. She then bowed to him and gave him her attention. She said to her brother, "You are my older brother and died young. I honor you and your death. Be happy for me, your little sister, if I live on."

The big brother then looked at his littler sister in a more friendly way. Monica began to have less fear of her brother and began to feel lovingly connected to him. The tremendous burden that had been pulling her towards death suddenly changed into a positive force.

Resolving Entanglements

Entanglements can only be resolved when a loving bond exists as a base -- not when anger and disdain are the base. That which we try to rid ourselves of in anger comes back to us through the back door. Anger works like a rubber band -- with a lot of energy. We can hold a feeling or behavior away from love for a certain amount of time. However, when we ease up and relax, it springs back.

The love that binds a child to his or her family is immense. A child would not hesitate to give his or her life if that were required from the family. This is why the child shares the fate of the family members and helps to carry their pain.

There is a great deal more to Family Constellation therapy, but the essence of the work is best summed up by the words of Bert Hellinger himself: "What happens through love and is maintained by love can only be dismantled through love."

Kabira Lyon is a family constellation facilitator as well as a certified Hypnosis, NLP, and Tachyon practitioner who leads training seminars throughout the world. Call 344-5533 or e-mail premkabira@hotmail.com

Seeking a Psychotherapist
by Skip Hrin

 

A therapist can act as a support. As the therapeutic process involves working intimately with difficulties in your life, it is of the utmost importance you feel comfortable.

Discussing personal issues with someone you know can be challenging. The prospect of meeting with a total stranger to do so can be downright scary. Because we seek therapy for deeply personal and often difficult reasons, it is important to find a therapist with whom you are comfortable, respect, and like.

Not all therapists are similar. They differ in training, theory, and personality. It may be helpful to remember that you are, after all, a consumer and if you are not comfortable with a therapist, it is necessary to shop around. Obtaining referrals for a therapist is a good place to start.

	Friends and family may be able to recommend someone. You can also ask your physician or religious leader. If you are looking for a child therapist, school counselors can be a good source for referrals.
	For help with specific issues, organizations on the Internet can assist you. The sites may provide local referrals with listings of experience in specific issues.
	If you do not have access to these resources, the phone book provides a list of therapists and their specialties.

Remember, you hire your therapist. I recommend talking to more than one therapist before you choose. Your first meeting should be partially viewed as the therapist's job interview. The following areas of questioning are recommended and appropriate:

	What are the therapist’s credentials? Education? Work experience?
	Does the therapist have experience with the issue you wish to explore?
	What is the fee and payment?
	Does the therapist accept your insurance plan or Medicaid?
	What is the therapist’s style and perspective of working with clients?
	When and how often would you meet?

The background, education, and experience of a therapist are also important. Here’s a quick guide to understanding all those letters following a therapist’s name:

	Psychologists have doctorates (PhD OR PsyD) in psychology. They are required to complete a higher level of supervised clinical work, perform psychological testing, and are licensed. They can also be more expensive.
	MFCC, LCSW, LPC, or PA therapists have a Masters degree and have been licensed. The various certifications for becoming a licensed Master’s level therapist are demanding and rigorous. Many have areas of specialty.
	Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD) who specialize in psychiatric medicine and sometimes provide therapy, too. Often, though, their main area of practice is addressing the physical components of psychological disorders.
	Counselors, who do not need an advanced degree or licensure to call themselves such, sometimes present their therapy under a religious or spiritual umbrella. They can be extremely effective and competent in their work.

All licensed mental health professionals are obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethical guidelines under the watch of licensing boards, which operate to maintain the well being of the public. For instance, sexually inappropriate behavior is not tolerated, and levels of competency are determined.

Licensure is necessary for most insurance and Medicaid, however. Consider your needs before accepting non-licensed therapy, as there are no safeguards.

Having a good feeling about your therapist is more important than whether or not they have a masters or doctorate. Take your time interviewing your new therapist. Arriving prepared for your first therapy session is very helpful. The clearer the picture you have about how therapy can help you, the easier it will be to find the right person. Spend some time thinking about your situation and expectations. Here are some questions you might consider:

	What is your goal with therapy?
	What qualities would you like to see in your therapist?
	Have you had previous experiences (positive or negative) with mental health professionals? What are they? How have they affected you?
	Are there things a therapist might do that would prevent you from working constructively with him or her? Are there any unacceptable forms of treatment?

The therapist may have questions for you, too. They are intended to shape your treatment, so it is vital to answer as honestly as possible.

	What brings you into therapy?
	Do you have any specific concerns about beginning therapy?
	What are you expecting to get out of therapy?

Lastly, here are some questions to consider following your initial meeting:

	Is this a person you can come to trust given the time and opportunity?
	Did the therapist put you at ease?
	Did you feel this person genuinely cared about you?

It does not matter if you are seeking help for pervasive mental health issues, if you need help gaining clarity on a pressing situation, or are seeking a different perspective of life events, looking for a therapist is a constructive, positive step to take for yourself. A therapist can act as a supportive and caring professional to help you through whatever is going on in your life. As the therapeutic process involves working intimately with difficulties in your life, it is of the utmost importance you feel comfortable. When you do find a good fit in a therapist, and as your relationship progresses, continue to monitor that you are reaching your original goals and the therapist continues to meet your personal needs. Therapy can and should be a wonderful opportunity and experience.

Dr. Skip Hrin is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Anchorage. He has over 11 years experience working with children, adults, and families. He can be reached at 350-9603.