Dr. Pria Alpern

The phrase "time heals" is an unhelpful platitude, especially in the context of grief and trauma, for many reasons:

1. Oversimplification of Complex Emotions: Grief, trauma, and emotional pain are complex processes that involve various stages, feelings, and coping mechanisms. It’s not linear.

2. Ignores the Need for Action: Healing from trauma or grief often requires active effort, such as seeking therapy, building support systems, or engaging in self-care practices.

3. Can Lead to Guilt or Shame: For those who find that their pain persists despite the passage of time, the idea that "time heals" can create feelings of inadequacy or shame. They may wonder why they haven't healed yet, blaming themselves rather than recognizing that healing is a non-linear and individualized process.

4. Neglects the Ongoing Impact of Trauma or Loss: Some experiences, particularly traumatic ones, can have long-lasting effects. While time may help in adapting to the loss or trauma, it doesn't erase it. The idea that time heals overlooks the fact that some wounds may never fully heal but can be managed and integrated into one's life.

5. Invalidates the Experience of the Sufferer: The phrase can be dismissive of the current pain someone is feeling, as if it’s just a temporary inconvenience that will go away on its own. This can make the person feel misunderstood or unsupported, exacerbating their sense of isolation.

✨Somatic Resourcing in EMDR (10/4/24, 12-2pm ET)✨ This virtual training covers integral principles of somatic resourcing and teaches participants somatic interventions to incorporate into the preparation phase of EMDR. ✨EMDRIA approved (2 CEUS)

https://centerpsych.thinkific.com/courses/somaticresourcinginEMDR

New piece on the CPG blog: “Dissociation is a complex psychological concept with various definitions and interpretations that extend beyond the scope of this discussion. Historically, it was first described by theorists like Pierre Janet, who viewed it as the mind’s way of splitting off from trauma to protect against extreme pain.”

Where did you just go? An overview of dissociation - Center Psychology Group Explore the different ways dissociation manifests in trauma survivors, from zoning out to feeling disconnected from reality. This post provides an overview of dissociative experiences, explains the impact on daily life, and offers insights into therapeutic strategies for grounding and healing.

Embodiment involves three key sensory feedback systems that help create a sense of self and maintain dual attention, crucial in trauma therapy. Together, these systems create a sense of boundaries and self, allowing you to respond to your environment both consciously and automatically. For example, removing your hand from a hot stove happens instinctively, without conscious thought, demonstrating how these systems help regulate and protect you in daily life.

“Although initially apprehensive to try EMDR, Bullock found it to be deeply transformative. EMDR involves focusing on distressing memories while receiving bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or “tappers” (vibrating paddles), which Bullock used during her sessions.” ✨Follow the 🔗 to read more ✨

Sandra Bullock Does EMDR Sandra Bullock has been open with the public about her ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from a traumatic home invasion in 2014.

“This meta-analysis strongly implies that childhood traumatic events have serious health implications later in life.” Follow the 🔗 to read more ✨

Childhood Trauma: a hidden link to adult headache disorders I recently came across a research paper that found a link between childhood trauma and adult headache disorders. A comprehensive meta-analysis detailed in the October 2023 issue of Neurology suggested that people who have experienced childhood trauma are significantly more likely to experience vario...

“You told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave.” Check out my new Substack piece below 👇🏽 https://traumajournal.substack.com/p/understanding-the-red-flags-of-narcissistic?r=cgfhx&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ2pDEZFINRQWNx2MyTnkp7LZ79gTROgZAHG0NuSmn8EO60Rzk93rE7nNY_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Understanding the red flags of narcissistic abuse through Taylor Swift's “The Tortured Poets Department” In Taylor Swift's moody synth-pop track “The Tortured Poets Department,” one particular lyric stands out for its raw portrayal of manipulation and control: “You told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave.” This line sheds light on a troubling dynamic often found in abusive relationships...

I’m so excited to be running my Birth Trauma Recovery training again on 5/24/24 (virtual). I’ll be providing a comprehensive overview of relevant research literature on birth trauma and offer assessment/history taking recommendations when working with birth trauma survivors. ✨Bonus: It’s PSI and EMDRIA approved✨ Grab your spot below ⬇️

https://centerpsych.thinkific.com/courses/birth-trauma-recovery-overview-assessment-and-history

✨My Birth Trauma Recovery trainings (Parts 1 and 2) are available on demand (via 🔗 in my bio) ✨These trainings are appropriate for psychotherapists and birth workers who would like to learn more about the research literature on birth trauma as well as stabilization interventions to incorporate into your clincial work. ✨Both trainings are approved by Postpartum Support International for 2 CEUS 🎉

Birth Trauma Recovery: Overview, Assessment, and History Taking, is available on demand! It’s approved for 2 PSI CEUS 🎉 All perinatal professionals are welcome to take this training.

https://centerpsych.thinkific.com/courses/Birthtraumarecoverypart1

Birth Trauma Recovery: Overview, Assessment, and History Taking (On Demand) This on demand training provides a comprehensive overview of relevant research literature on birth trauma and offers assessment/history taking recommendations when working with birth trauma survivors. All perinatal providers welcome!

✨12/7/23 training✨Birth Trauma Recovery: Resourcing and Stabilization covers integral principles of resourcing/stabilization and teaches participants clinical interventions to best prepare birth trauma survivors for trauma processing. 🎉EMDRIA Approved (2 CEUS) AND Approved as an advanced course requirement by Postpartum Support International (2 CEUS)!🎉

Birth Trauma Recovery Training: Resourcing and Stabilization This training covers integral principles and of resourcing/stabilization and teaches participants clinical interventions to best prepare birth trauma survivors for trauma processing.

✨12/7/23 training✨Birth Trauma Recovery: Resourcing and Stabilization covers integral principles of resourcing/stabilization and teaches participants clinical interventions to best prepare birth trauma survivors for trauma processing. 🎉Approved as an advanced course requirement by Postpartum Support International (2 CEUS)!🎉

Birth Trauma Recovery Training: Resourcing and Stabilization This training covers integral principles and of resourcing/stabilization and teaches participants clinical interventions to best prepare birth trauma survivors for trauma processing.

Birth Trauma Recovery: Overview, Assessment, and History Taking, is available on demand! It’s approved for 2 PSI CEUS 🎉 (link to preview training in the comments below ⬇️)

Birth Trauma Recovery: Overview, Assessment, and History Taking (On Demand) This on demand training provides a comprehensive overview of relevant research literature on birth trauma and offers assessment/history taking recommendations when working with birth trauma survivors. All perinatal providers welcome!

https://centerpsych.thinkific.com/courses/emdrconsultationjuly

EMDR Consultation Group w/Dr. Pria Alpern (7/7/23, 12-2pm EST) This monthly EMDR consultation group to supports therapists who wish to deepen and strengthen their EMDR skills. Participants will receive documentation of completion of 2 group EMDR consultation hrs after participating in this consultation group.

❤️‍🩹Birth Trauma Recovery❤️‍🩹 This is prt one of a two part training on birth trauma (EMDRIA CEUS, PSI CEUS, and NY state CEUS included in this training!)

Birth Trauma Recovery: Overview, Assessment, and History Taking (7/27/23, 4-6pm ET) This live training provides a comprehensive overview of relevant research literature on birth trauma and offers assessment/history taking recommendations when working with birth trauma survivors. All perinatal providers welcome!

Birth Trauma Recovery training — Join me on July 27th from 4-6pm ET for an overview of relevant birth trauma research, history taking, and assessment tools that therapists can incorporate into their clinical work

Birth Trauma Recovery: Overview, Assessment, and History Taking (7/27/23, 4-6pm ET) This live training provides a comprehensive overview of relevant research literature on birth trauma and offers assessment/history taking recommendations when working with birth trauma survivors. All perinatal providers welcome!

Join me on July 7th for two hours of EMDR group consultation! I facilitate monthly consultation groups to support clinicians who wish to deepen and strengthen their EMDR skills. More info👇🏽

EMDR Consultation Group w/Dr. Pria Alpern (7/7/23, 12-2pm EST) This monthly EMDR consultation group to supports therapists who wish to deepen and strengthen their EMDR skills. Participants will receive documentation of completion of 2 group EMDR consultation hrs after participating in this consultation group.

🎉EMDR THERAPISTS 🎉Come learn about the use of EMDR to support survivors of racial and cultural oppression. (6/15/23 at 9:30am-11:30am ET, 2 EMDRIA credits, replay will be available for 90 days after the training date):

Culturally Grounded EMDR: Working with Racial and Cultural Oppression (6/15/23) Join us for a live webinar (6/15/23, 9:30am-11:30am EST) to learn clinical adaptations to practicing EMDR through an anti-oppressive, culturally grounded lens . *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*

This training focuses on using EMDR to treat racial and cultural trauma. (6/15/23 at 9:30am-11:30am ET, 2 EMDRIA credits, replay will be available for 90 days after the training date):

Culturally Grounded EMDR: Working with Racial and Cultural Oppression (6/15/23) Join us for a live webinar (6/15/23, 9:30am-11:30am EST) to learn clinical adaptations to practicing EMDR through an anti-oppressive, culturally grounded lens . *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*

Last change to register for this live training happening on Thursday! (4/13/23, virtual, 2 EMDRIA credits, replay will be available for 90 days after the training date):

Culturally Grounded EMDR: Working with Racial and Cultural Oppression Join us for a live webinar (4/13/23, 11am - 1pm EST) to learn clinical adaptations to practicing EMDR through an anti-oppressive, culturally grounded lens . *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*

✨This EMDRIA-approved training on 4/13/23 focuses on using EMDR to treat racial and cultural trauma. It’s going to be an excellent learning experience, so if you’re an EMDR trained therapist, join us!(4/13/23, virtual, 2 EMDRIA credits, replay will be available for 90 days after the training date) ✨

Culturally Grounded EMDR: Working with Racial and Cultural Oppression Join us for a live webinar (4/13/23, 11am - 1pm EST) to learn clinical adaptations to practicing EMDR through an anti-oppressive, culturally grounded lens . *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*

This is an EMDRIA-approved training for folks who are interested in using EMDR to treat racial and cultural trauma. (4/13/23, virtual, 2 EMDRIA credits):

Culturally Grounded EMDR: Working with Racial and Cultural Oppression Join us for a live webinar (4/13/23, 11am - 1pm EST) to learn clinical adaptations to practicing EMDR through an anti-oppressive, culturally grounded lens . *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*

This upcoming training for EMDR therapists focuses on working with survivors of racial and cultural oppression (4/13/23, virtual, EMDRIA-approved for 2 CEUS):

Culturally Grounded EMDR: Working with Racial and Cultural Oppression Join us for a live webinar (4/13/23, 11am - 1pm EST) to learn clinical adaptations to practicing EMDR through an anti-oppressive, culturally grounded lens . *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*

EMDR therapists — this virtual training is happening on 4/13/23 and is approved for 2 EMDRIA Credits. Don’t miss it!

Culturally Grounded EMDR: Working with Racial and Cultural Oppression Join us for a live webinar (4/13/23, 11am - 1pm EST) to learn clinical adaptations to practicing EMDR through an anti-oppressive, culturally grounded lens . *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*

This Live (virtual) CIPOS workshop happening on 3/30/23 is approved for 2 EMDRIA credits! Check it out

Constant Installation and Present Orientation to Safety (CIPOS) Workshop Join us for a live webinar (3/30/23, 11:30am-1:30pm EST) to learn the CIPOS protocol to strengthen dual awareness in your clients. *A certificate for 2 EMDRIA CEUs is included in the price of the training*