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December 10, 2020 by JCQLNJCKSN887 Leave a Comment

What is Trauma Therapy?

Not many of us will get through life without facing our own share of challenges. But some people experience not just stress and strife, but actual trauma. Trauma may come in the form of a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, a physical accident such as a car accident, rape, the sudden loss of a loved one, or war.

When a person experiences trauma, their entire world changes almost instantly. Many trauma survivors have a hard time feeling safe and secure. They begin to feel anxiety and depression, have trouble sleeping, and may experience other behavioral changes that are frightening to them and their loved ones.

 

How Does Trauma Therapy Work?

When you have experienced trauma and begin to see some of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s time to explore treatment so you can begin healing. The idea of therapy can feel scary and overwhelming to people with PTSD, mainly because they need to have a sense of total control to feel safe.

But trauma therapy is really something that can empower an individual with PTSD. With the help of a caring and qualified mental health professional, the person can begin to process past events, stripping that traumatic event of its power.

Trauma therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and has the potential to actually change the way your brain works through what is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity simply means our brains and neural pathways (how we think and feel) are malleable. Through specific mental health tools and strategies, we can retrain our brains to let go of the fear and begin to heal.

Some of the goals of trauma therapy are:

  • To safely process the traumatic event
  • To eliminate the symptoms of trauma
  • To improve day-to-day functioning
  • To regain your personal power
  • To obtain the skills and tools to prevent an individual from relapsing

If you or a loved one are living with PTSD, it’s important that you recognize the symptoms and seek help. Life does not have to continue to be scary or overwhelming. There are strategies that can help you process your pain so that you may continue to live your life full of joy and peace.

If you would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I would be very happy to help you leave the past in the past and move on to brighter tomorrows.

 

SOURCES:

  • https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/trauma/what-is-trauma-therapy-and-how-does-it-work/
  • https://pro.psychcentral.com/trauma-therapy-101-the-basics/
  • https://blogs.psychcentral.com/caregivers/2019/08/7-signs-trauma-has-you-stuck/

Filed Under: Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Trauma / PTSD

October 6, 2020 by JCQLNJCKSN887 Leave a Comment

Treating Muslims for PTSD

A Pew Research Center analysis of new hate crimes statistics from the FBI found the number of assaults against Muslims living in America rose significantly between the years of 2015 and 2016. These figures surpassed the level of hate crimes reported even after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. And according to a report put out by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the number of anti-Muslim hate crimes in this country rose an astounding 91% in the first half of 2017 compared with the same period the year before.

Needless to say, the current political and social environment has led to a majority of Muslims dealing with hateful rhetoric. This Islamophobia adds to the trauma many Muslims, who have emigrated to this country seeking safety from war-torn regions, already face.

Often times, trauma has been suppressed by people who have dealt with the reality of savage war. When they come to this country and deal with anger and hostility, this hatefulness can often bring up their suppressed emotions.

Treating PTSD in Muslim Populations

Among others, Kunst’s research suggests that harassment and hostility are the biggest factors contributing to the long-term mental health issues found in Muslim populations. What has also been uncovered is that the younger they are when they experience harassment, the more likely they are to develop PTSD.

While this country has some of the best mental health services available to residents, members of the Muslim community share a similar worldview based on their religious beliefs that dictate how and if members receive treatment from the Westernized healthcare system. For a majority of Muslims, God’s will comes before their own will. This makes seeing treatment for PTSD a bit tricky. Other cultural differences also make seeking treatment next to impossible.

But there are some things clinicians can do to reach out to the Muslim community in an effort to help alleviate their symptoms of PTSD:

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

Research shows how culturally sensitive interventions may make it more likely for Muslims to accept care. The first step is to recognize the hostilities Muslims face in this country. A report in the Journal of Muslim Mental Health suggests therapists recognize the microaggressions and unconscious intolerance Muslims experience on a daily basis that are adding to their trauma. Understand where some of their trauma comes from, specifically their experiences with discrimination based on ethnic background, culture, or religion, and the fear of being deported.

Consider Offering Religious Integrated Therapy

It’s a great idea to seek religious sensitivity training so that you may provide culturally appropriate care to Muslim patients. You may also want to consider implementing religious integrated therapy into your practice. The Khalil Center, the largest national mental health provider for Muslim faith communities, provides a recommended standard for spiritually integrated interventions.

Engage

To understand the people you seek to help, it’s best to engage with them personally to find out how you can best help them. If there are institutions and hospitals in your area that focus on serving Muslim populations, these can be ideal engagement partners to learn more from.

If you or someone you know is Muslim and would like to explore treatment options in a safe and non-judgmental environment, please get in touch with me. I would be happy to discuss how I may be able to help you.

 

SOURCES:

  • https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/cultural-competency/education/stress-and-trauma/muslims
  • https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/working-with-muslims-perspectives-and-suggestions-for-counseling.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Filed Under: Religion / Spirituality, Trauma / PTSD

Jacqueline Jackson, LCSW



(478) 796-2947 lifesolutioncounselingservices@gmail.com

146 Pierce Avenue
Macon, GA 31204

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