Resources: Healing From Trauma

Few of us get through life without experiencing trauma in some shape or form.  It is part of the human experience.

Trauma can arise from a number of life events including: witnessing the suffering or death of someone, divorce, experiencing neglect, bullying, growing up with addiction or in a dysfunctional household, chronic illness, and witnessing/experiencing abuse.  This is not a complete list and it’s important to understand what might be traumatic for one person may not be for someone else.  There are numerous factors in the development of trauma and each person’s needs and their healing path are unique. 

It’s not uncommon for someone suffering from unresolved trauma to think there is something inherently wrong with them.   There can be an undercurrent of shame, vulnerability and fear that’s hard to pinpoint.  Quite often their nervous systems are off-kilter and they feel unsettled and anxious.  A sense of impatience and lack of compassion is common and people often wonder “What’s wrong with me?  This happened so long ago…why aren’t I over this by now?” 

There have been extensive studies that show the connection between unresolved trauma and anxiety, chronic pain, depression, addiction, autoimmune disease, cancer, and the development of chronic disease.  This is why I always screen for trauma with each of my patients, and why I’m sharing these resources with you.  The resources below consist of podcasts, videos, books and the three most clinically researched trauma healing modalities: Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and EFT.  

I cannot tell you how you should heal from your trauma or how it’s going to unfold.  I can tell you it is possible – and in my opinion essential –  if you want to heal your physical body and live your greatest life.  I understand that it can be daunting to peel back the layers and really look at the things that cause us pain, and are keeping us stuck in negative patterns and habits.  But, I can tell you first hand, it is worth the effort.  The opportunity for growth and transformation is tremendous.

John Rigg: The Affects of Trauma on the Brain

Peter Levine:  Releasing Trauma from the Body

Peter Levine:  Nature’s Lessons in Healing Trauma

Peter Levine:  Healing Trauma and Spiritual Growth 

Scott Musgrave:  How Trauma can Cause Chronic Conditions 

Gabrielle Bernstein: On healing Trauma and spiritual freedom 

Gabor Mate:  When the Body Says No

Gabor Mate: Trauma as Disconnection from the Self

Gabor Mate: Trauma, Over-eating and Addiction

Adam Young:  The Place we Find Ourselves 

Guy MacPherson:  The Trauma Therapist 

Irene Weinberg:   Grief & Rebirth – Finding the Joy in Life 

Ichan School of Medicine Mt. Sinai:  The Road to Resilience

Emily Stroia: Grow and Let Go 

Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book has long been touted as one of the best trauma resources around.  In it he explains just how trauma leaves it’s imprint and how as our minds desperately try to leave trauma behind, our bodies keep us trapped in the past. This book is steeped in personal narrative, clinical studies, modern neuroscience and real-life case studies,  and most importantly the tools to heal.  

Dr. Peter Levine has spent his life researching the effects on unresolved trauma and developed a way to heal without re-living or re-experiencing it.   This program, Somatic Experiencing, is captured in his book and helps you identify the physical symptoms that are arising from trauma so you can normalize them and heal them.  Most importantly, it helps you to understand why you respond and behave in certain ways after experiencing trauma so you can be compassionate with yourself. 

This Dr. Peter Levine’s companion book to Waking the Tiger.  It’s a how-to guide to actively heal unresolved trauma using his Somatic Experiencing techniques.  It also provides you with tips and tricks to reduce anxiety and prevent trauma in times of distress.

In an Unspoken Voice is a more in-depth look at trauma by Dr. Peter Levine.  It provides a more detailed understanding of the affects of trauma on the nervous system and explains the far reaching effects within the body as a whole.  As with his other books this is based on the tenets of Somatic Experiencing and full of practical advice on how to initiate long-term healing. 

Below are the three most clinically researched and proven methods of clearing trauma:  Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and EFT.  Once you decide on the methodology that resonates most for you, then you will need to find a practitioner to guide you through the process of healing.   In my opinion, this is one of the most important investments you can make, so take your time and really shop around.   I recommend asking if they provide a complimentary 15 minute session so you can get a better sense of their training and approach.  Most importantly, look for someone that makes you feel like you are being heard, and safe.

SOMATIC EXPERIENCING

Somatic experiencing:  Traumahealing.org 

Somatic Experiencing: Find a Practitioner

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDRCanada.org

EMDR Canada Find a Therapist

EFT
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)