Posted by Pfinstegg on April 2, 2005, at 22:13:41
In reply to Re: The Post-Traumatic Model » Pfinstegg, posted by alexandra_k on April 2, 2005, at 21:08:42
I'm trying to learn more about it. The whole field is just exploding because of things like functional MRI's. This is all talked about with so much excitement at conferences and seminars but not a whole lot is published yet. When and if the studies are completed and validated, there will be a lot of amazing stuff published. But the hints of new information are already causing a lot of experienced therapists to rethink how they practice. The knowledge of the importance of the right hemisphere as the container of unconscious memories, traumas, and also joyful and meaningful relationships and experiences has caused a lot of therapists to put a much bigger stress on the importance of a feeling of a "good fit", and on how the tone of a therapist's voice, and the expressions on his/her face contribute to new emotional experiences and learning which can bring about healing. There's a much greater respect and awareness that all the non-verbal parts of interpersonal relationships are terribly important. Putting it all into words is probably only the last step. My therapist has been working with me in these ways- it is a very powerful experience. often very moving. As we go along. the words become less important, and the feelings much more so. He wants me to remember and feel again fully the things which made me ill. Then I get- or the traumatized part of me gets-a chance to know that things are different now. He is not going to hurt me. Even though I'm often afraid that I'll be too much, and that he'll want to get rid of me, I also know he never will. When I get angry, he remains calm but intensely interested in what made me mad. I can count on him looking at me with a warm, really loving, gaze, never failing to listen intently and letting me know that understanding me is his most important function.
Well, you know I do tend to go on about this, but I hope you find someone who can do this with you. It helps so much. I've been doing it for two years, and am amazed at how intense and painful it has proved to be. It's hard for me to think of myself as being really better yet, but HE thinks I am! And, strange as it may seem to say this, I look different. My husband says that my eyes are no longer so sad, and that I look "cuter"!. And somehow my hair is starting to look pretty, having been a disaster area despite monumental hairdressing efforts- my clothes are mysteriously prettier too!
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:476320
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/write/20050321/msgs/479165.html