Trauma Therapy: Trauma therapy was first introduced into psychotherapy in the early 1980’s. It originated with Neurological research findings, spearheaded by Bessel Van der Kolk M.D., and in the last 20 years, by many neurological researchers. Its early concepts were brought into the field of psychotherapy by Judith Herman. M.D., and now have also been developed by many other contributors to the field. Modern Trauma therapy continues to be brain research centered. As a result, it is widely believed now that the effects of trauma are often centered in the body, and the nonlinear centers of the brain. For that reason, the newest and most effective Trauma therapy interventions are Somatically-based (Body oriented), Mindfulness-oriented, and emphasize Mind/Body approaches integrated with traditional psychotherapy.
Modern Trauma Therapy also is informed by Attachment Theory, paying attention to both childhood attachment wounds, and adult attachment wounds. Attachment theory looks at how we learned to relate to others as a result of how we were parented. Healing the attachment wounds allows people to experience safety and security in relationships in the present, and often involves a re-parenting of the wounded child parts of self. Mindfulness and mindful relating are very important in this aspect of healing.
Buddhist Psychotherapy: Buddhist Psychotherapy integrates aspects conventional Western psychotherapy with Traditional Buddhist psychology and practice. Well known teachers and psychotherapists such as Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach and Deborah Rozelle, among many others have put forth skills, techniques and philosophies of wellness and healing based upon their exposure to Buddhist practice over the past 30 years. From this rich background, Judith has developed her own Dharma informed practices:
- Mindfulness Meditation and Therapy
- Contemplative Healing Practices
- Philosophies of Wise Living: (Developing: Wisdom and Compassion Behavior, Speech and Thought.)
- Loving/Compassionate Presence and Interaction.
- Developing and Nurturing a loving/compassionate Presence for yourself and your relationships.
D.B.T. (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) is one of the first ground-breaking therapeutic approaches. It was developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. and it is based on extensive research and tested over years of experience. It is the first of many subsequent therapies that integrates Cognitive/Behavioral therapy with Buddhist philosophy and skills. It is called “dialectical” because it is based on the synthesis of polarities (integrating apparent paradoxes) in both its philosophy and its practical uses.
E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-used therapeutic approach to desensitize and heal trauma, developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Through an integration of visual imagery, cognitive therapy and hypnotherapy with the use of rapid eye movement (activating both sides of the brain), the client releases the painful and wounding effects of trauma from both body and mind. E.M.D.R. also utilized Resource development (utilizing Contemplative-based practices), to establish safety and establish a sense of personal goodness, often damaged by trauma.
C.B.T.T. Contemplative-based Trauma Therapy © is a 6 month course developed by Judith Prebluda, based on the research of Zindel Segal Ph.D., and influenced by the work of Jon Kabat Zinn, Marsha Linehan and Deborah Rozelle, and others. This psycho-educational group combines Mindfulness-based therapy interventions and Resource Development techniques that come from both Trauma Therapy and Contemplative Practices. In addition, the therapy integrates the Group Relational Process and skills based on the latest Adult attachment/ relational research, and Inner Child dialoguing work. This group is divided into Part One and Part Two to give participants maximal time to integrate the tools and skills presented; however, Part One can also be taken on its own.
I.F.S. (Internal family Systems/Self leadership) is another modern approach, developed by Richard Swartz Ph.D., which integrates a gestalt-like focusing on “parts of self” (I.e. your “”internal family”) with the goal of healing and integration of traumatized parts. As this process happens, people find their central Authentic Self, which usually lies underneath the traumatized parts. This approach is also psycho-spiritual, in that Authentic Self is similar to the Buddhist concept of Buddha Nature, the Hindu concept of Self, and the Judaeo/Christian concept of the Still small voice within. Unlike many other psychological systems that see a person as incomplete or damaged, this approach sees all people as having this “Authentic Self”, no matter how troubled you may be or how much pain you may be in, Uncovering this leads to faster and more complete healing.
M.B.C.T. (Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy) Is a ten week course which teaches Mindfulness Meditation, to prevent the recurrence of Depression, and to stop the course of its development at its early stages. It is based on Jon Kabat Zinn’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction program and the empirical research of Zindel Segal Ph.D., and colleagues, funded by the MacArthur Foundation.
Psychotherapeutic Reiki is a method of combining the energy healing approach of Reiki with Somatic-based Body/Mind oriented techniques. Judith sees this as a Contemplative-based therapy as well, for Reiki has the qualities of meditative focusing as well as energy healing. Reiki can be done both in a hands on manner, or in a more meditative manner. It helps people to access a peaceful, centered internal place and source of healing from within.
Principles, Practices and Philosophy of Healing is a rich, unique spiritual and practical system. Developed and taught by Dawna Memont. This system draws upon and integrates the wisdom of many traditions, modern and ancient; forgotten and remembered. It also has its own unique perspective and voice, and a depth of meaning and application that is rarely found in one system. Dawna presents a healing system and a way of “Being ” in the world that helps people to discover their Soul’s meaning and purpose and reconcile wounding experiences. “This paves the way to Transmute, Transform and Transcend” what presents itself as pain, illness and blocks in life into an understanding which allows the resolution and reclaiming of Self on the deepest levels.