Pasadena Trauma Therapy

On this Father's Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the fathers, father figures, and mentors who have played a pivotal role in shaping our lives. Your love, guidance, and unwavering support make the world a better place.

It is also important to address that Father's Day can be a complicated and emotionally charged day for many, especially for trauma survivors. For those who have experienced loss, abuse, neglect, or strained relationships with their fathers or father figures, this day can evoke a range of painful emotions.

For some, the absence of a father, whether due to death, estrangement, or abandonment, brings a poignant reminder of what they have lost or never had. The societal celebration of fatherhood can amplify feelings of grief, loneliness, and longing. Seeing others share joyful moments and memories can unintentionally deepen the sense of isolation for those who are mourning or struggling with unresolved issues.

For survivors of abuse or neglect by a father or father figure, Father's Day can trigger traumatic memories and emotions. The emphasis on honoring and remembering fathers might conflict with their experiences, leading to feelings of confusion, anger, and sadness. It's a reminder of betrayal and pain that can be difficult to reconcile with the positive narratives surrounding the day.

It's essential to recognize and validate these complex emotions. Trauma survivors may find comfort in self-care, connecting with supportive friends or family members, or seeking professional help to navigate this challenging day. Acknowledging their feelings and giving themselves permission to experience and express these emotions in a way that feels right for them is crucial.

To all trauma survivors, your experiences and feelings are valid. You are not alone, and it's okay to approach this day in a way that prioritizes your well-being.

To everyone, whether you are celebrating or reflecting, you are seen, you are appreciated, and you are not alone.💜

What a wealth of knowledge!! Thank you to Dan Drake, who was our June staff presentor this month!!

Dan Drake is a licensed clinician, and he is the Founder and Clinical Director of Banyan Therapy Group in Los Angeles, California. He is a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist Supervisor and a Certified S*x Addiction Therapist Supervisor. Along with Dr. Janice Caudill he co-founded Kintsugi Recovery Partners and co-authored 5 books in the Full Disclosure Series with her. They developed the first full disclosure training and certification course, and they provide the highest level of support for professionals. In addition, they continue to work on new support resources that clients can use directly.

Dan has co-authored several other books, including Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection that Stands the Test of Time and Letters from a S*x Addict: My Life Exposed. Dan is a husband and father to two amazing kids and two fur babies.

In his passion to help s*x addicts, their partners, and families restore relational, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wholeness to their lives, Dan strives to provide a safe environment where his clients can grow and heal. www.banyantherapy.com.

Brainspotting is a ther**eutic approach designed to help process and release trauma that is stored in the body. Developed by Dr. David Grand, it is based on the premise that where you look affects how you feel. Here’s how Brainspotting can help with trauma:

1. Focused Attention on Bodily Sensations: Brainspotting involves identifying and focusing on a specific "spot" in the visual field that is connected to the client's emotional and physical experience of trauma. This spot is believed to correspond with areas in the brain and body where trauma is stored.

2. Deep Processing: By maintaining focus on this spot, the therapist facilitates a deep processing of the traumatic memories and sensations. This allows the client to access the subconscious mind and the deeper brain structures, where trauma can be lodged.

3. Body-Brain Connection: Trauma often manifests as physical sensations or tensions in the body. Brainspotting helps clients tune into these sensations and connect them with the corresponding emotional and cognitive experiences. This holistic approach helps release the trauma from both the mind and the body.

4. Attunement: The therapist’s presence and attunement are critical in Brainspotting. The therapist provides a safe and supportive environment, which is essential for the client to feel secure enough to explore and process deeply rooted trauma.

5. Working with Implicit Memory: Trauma can be stored as implicit memory, or non-verbal memory. Brainspotting helps access these implicit memories, which are often beyond the reach of traditional talk therapy. This can lead to a profound release and integration of traumatic experiences.

6. Regulating the Nervous System: By focusing on specific spots that correlate with traumatic experiences, Brainspotting helps regulate the autonomic nervous system. This can reduce symptoms of hyperarousal (like anxiety and panic) and hypoarousal (such as dissociation and numbness)

Feel free to reach out to us if interested in Brainspotting.
Www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com

One of our trauma specialists, Aimee Ford, is offering Couples, Adolescent & Family Trauma Therapy!! Please contact us for more information at Www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com

S*xual abuse can profoundly impact an individual’s relationship with s*x and intimacy, often leading to avoidance or discomfort in these areas. Internal Family Systems (IFS) Theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex interplay of parts involved in this avoidance and guiding the journey towards healing and integration.

Exiled Parts: hold the memories, emotions, and sensations of the traumatic experiences of s*xual abuse. These parts may harbor deep feelings of shame, fear, and vulnerability, making the idea of engaging in intimate or s*xual relationships overwhelming or triggering. They may actively resist any situation that could potentially reawaken these painful memories, leading to avoidance behaviors.

Manager Parts: may contribute to avoidance of s*x and intimacy by seeking to maintain control and stability in the aftermath of trauma. These parts may engage in hyper-responsible behaviors, such as prioritizing work or other activities over personal relationships, as a way to avoid confronting the pain and discomfort associated with intimacy. They may also impose unrealistic standards or expectations on themselves or others, creating barriers to genuine connection

Firefighter Parts: intervene with more intensity, in efforts to engage in behaviors that provide temporary relief. In the context of avoidance of s*x and intimacy, these parts may resort to numbing strategies, such as substance abuse or compulsive behaviors, to escape from overwhelming feelings of fear or shame. While these coping mechanisms offer temporary respite, they ultimately perpetuate the cycle of avoidance and prevent the individual from addressing the root causes of their distress.

Self: At the core of the Internal Family Systems model is the concept of Self—the compassionate, wise, and grounded aspect of the individual. While avoidance of s*x and intimacy may be driven by the protective efforts of various parts, reconnecting with the Self can offer a path towards healing and integration. Through the IFS lens, survivors can gradually learn to engage with their avoidance patterns with curiosity and compassion.

Healing is possible 💜

What an incredible morning/afternoon with the Pasadena Trauma Therapy Team! A huge huge huge thank you to Leah Smith for creating such a safe and beautiful space for a sound bath experience for us today! Followed by a staff lunch. So much gratitude for this team🙏

We missed you Kate, Daphne, and Stephanie 💜

There are so many ways to foster internal dialogue when it comes to Parts Work. One of my favorite approaches is to “exchange pictures.”

After a part has shared an image of something distressing or traumatic, the person is instructed:

● “Could you show that part a different picture that captures your life now?"

●"That shows how and where you live now?”

It’s also common for parts to feel stuck in time. Orienting techniques are really helpful here. Rather than going back into traumatic memories with the parts, the person is encouraged to bring the parts into the safety of the present:

●“Would any of you like to come live here with me (here in 2024)?"

●" Would that feel better than being stuck in the past?”

"Exchanging pictures" of where the part is stuck in time AND where in person lives today in 2024 could be so healing. For instance, knowing that you live in your own place, with your own dog, with your own bed...very far away from those who have harmed you, could bring tremendous relief to younger parts who still be think and feel that the abuse is still going on.

Healing is possible 💜

I'd love to hear how others foster internal dialogue in parts work as well!

So exciting to share this news with you all!

Brainspotting & IFS Intensives are now being offered with Stephanie Gross

Brainspotting intensives are a half day (4 hours) of trauma processing that span from 1-3 days. Time can be adjusted depending on a client’s needs and availability.

Brainspotting intensives can be beneficial to
●Clients seeking adjunct trauma services to their talk therapy sessions. An intensive can help clients gain a deeper awareness of their experiences and safely process more of their trauma at once which will help talk therapy to be more effective.
●Clients whose schedules do not allow for weekly therapy. Intensives dedicate more time in 1-3 days to dive deeper into trauma work that a weekly 50-minute session just can’t offer.
●Clients looking to save time and money by safely processing trauma using the power of Brainspotting and IFS. Traditional therapy can often take months to years to achieve the same goals compared to the cost of a 1-3 day intensive

For more information, go to https://pasadenatraumatherapy.com/therapies/brainspotting-ifs-intensives-stephanie-gross/

This post is intended to address how being “Blended” has a different meaning when it comes to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Last week, I explored this term from an IFS perspective and it’s important to note how this term has a different meaning when it comes to DID.

“Blending” or “merging” speaks to the collaboration of two or more parts, usually on a temporary basis, to function in a unified way.

Examples:

- Two parts coming together for a work project - perhaps a part who is highly organized and stays on task with a part who is highly competent in the topic at hand. Imagine what a power duo this could be!

- Two or more parts coming together for a potentially triggering event. For instance, a gyno appointment may be incredibly triggering for a s*xual abuse survivor. Imagine if you had a part that was able to easily talk to adults (who the rest of the system perceives as a scary authority figure) and another part who is aware of what healthy boundaries are. This could be a really successful duo in getting through an appointment with a gyno.

Blending is a useful process and helps systems in creating more co-consciousness, cooperation, and communication amongst parts.

What Does It Mean To Be “Blended” with Parts?

Blending is when someone interprets feelings, thoughts and sensations as “me.”

Example:

“I feel afraid of my mom attacking me.” Even though it’s been years since you’ve seen her, the younger part of the self feels continual threat from your mother. You have blended with this younger part and taken on her old fear.

Unblending means reframing the fear as a part. This creates compassion towards that part and how they have learned to survive.

Unblending also takes the step of saying “my 6 yr old part is afraid of mom attacking her” instead of “I am afraid.” This helps lessen the intensity of the fear.

Once you’re able to unblend from the part carrying fear from the past, you will be able to better witness and care for them.

Healing is possible.

Parts Work is a beautiful way to work with trauma, from a curious and compassionate place.

To my mental health professional friends!!!

Consult group for therapists via Zoom for those who work with or want to to learn more about about complex trauma/dissociative disorders/DID/OSDD

May 17th is our next meeting!

Go to Www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com/events for more information!

A big thank you to our May consultant, Jared Anderson, LMFT!! Thank you for your wisdom today and thr energy you brought to our team. We so appreciate you!

Here's more on Jared:
Jared Anderson, LMFT is a trauma therapist treating professionals in film/tv, academia, corporate, and technology recovering from complex trauma and structural dissociation. His 25 years of experience originated with a decade caring for severely abused and neglected children at a group home. He then explored a range of neurodivergent presentations providing play therapy, family developmental consultation, and facilitated communication. Jared found special fulfillment at an LGBTQ+ rehab center in Hollywood as a primary therapist running groups and nature hikes before transitioning to private practice. He has training in Somatic Experiencing, TRM, IFS, EMDR, dissociative disorders, and transgender and neurodivergent identities. Jared lives in Joshua Tree, CA with his partner Mikel and two dogs.

Trauma influences how we feel about our bodies. Find ways to reconnect to the body. It's gone through a lot and deserves being paid attention to.

We must address fears of reconnecting to the body. Many survivors learn to disconnect from their bodies as a way to not experience the hurt.

Many have found that writing a letter to the body has been helpful. How has the body disappointed you? Failed you? AND how has the body protected you? Helped you heal? Experienced pleasure? Etc.

Healing does not mean forgetting. It means remembering with more love (for your parts) than with pain. When we talk about healing, it's about acknowledging the pain and the experiences that caused it, but it's also about embracing the wounded parts of the self with compassion and understanding.💜

Big thank you to our April speaker today, Dr. Richard LaBrie. His perspective on treating trauma, dissociation, and Dissociative Disorders was invaluable🙏

Dr. Richard LaBrie is a clinical psychologist in Pasadena, California. He primarily works in private practice, providing psychotherapy to a variety of clients regarding trauma, dissociation, depression, anxiety, identity exploration, self-esteem, grief and loss, creative issues, and life transitions. He has also worked with Salus Solutions as a senior advisor in individual trauma, mass trauma, and behavioral/security issues for the FAA and Department of Homeland Security.

Consult group for therapists via Zoom for those who work with or want to to learn more about about complex trauma/dissociative disorders/DID/OSDD

May 17, 2024 is our next meeting!

Go to Www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com/events for more information!

What a fun night!! Thank you to everyone who attended the mixer last night!! Here are a few fun photos to share with you all! Lulu, Aimee, and Kristen, your presence was definitely missed💜

Today's lunch crew!! So appreciate of this amazing group of therapists right here!! Kristen, you were missed💜

Anger serves as a potent emotional signal, often indicating a breach of personal boundaries or a perceived injustice. When we experience anger, it can be a valuable cue to examine the situation and identify where our boundaries have been crossed. By paying attention to our anger, we gain insights into what we value, what we're willing to tolerate, and where we need to assert ourselves.

Furthermore, exploring the root causes of our anger can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationships. It may reveal patterns of behavior or situations that consistently trigger our anger, highlighting areas where we need to set clearer boundaries or communicate our needs more effectively.

Learning to recognize and respect our own boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and self-respect. It allows us to assert ourselves confidently, protect our well-being, and cultivate mutually respectful interactions with others. Anger, therefore, can be viewed not only as a source of discomfort but also as a valuable teacher guiding us towards greater self-awareness and empowerment.

Healing is possible 💜

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is very real. It's unfortunate that people, including mental health professionals, still question this. According to the DSM-5, DID is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within an individual, along with recurrent gaps in memory that are not consistent with ordinary forgetfulness. These identities may have their own names, ages, genders, mannerisms, and even physical attributes.

One way to understand DID is as a survival strategy (and superpower, in my opinion) developed in response to overwhelming and often repeated trauma, typically during early childhood. The fragmentation of identity allows individuals to compartmentalize traumatic experiences, shielding themselves from the full impact of the abuse or trauma they endured. By dissociating into different identities, individuals can navigate their lives while minimizing the risk of emotional or psychological harm.

In situations where escape or confrontation is not possible, dissociation provides a way for individuals to endure and persevere. Each identity may serve a specific purpose or function, such as protecting the individual from pain, managing difficult emotions, or interacting with the outside world.

For example, a child who experiences ongoing s*xual abuse may cope with the abuse by saying "that's not me, that's someone else" or "there's no way my parents would have ever done that to me." By doing this, overwhelming thoughts, feelings, and memories are displaced onto different aspects of the self and kept separate.

Please stop questioning this diagnosis. Please start listening. DID is way more common than people think it is.

Dissociation is a defense mechanism that allows survivors to disconnect from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity as a way to cope with overwhelming stress or trauma. In the context of childhood trauma, dissociation can serve as a survival strategy, enabling the child to navigate life without being constantly overwhelmed or haunted by the memories or emotions associated with the traumatic experience.

By dissociating, the child may create a psychological distance from the traumatic event, effectively compartmentalizing it and allowing themselves to function on a day-to-day basis without being overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, emotions, or memories. This can manifest as a sense of detachment from reality, a feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one's surroundings, or even experiencing gaps in memory.

In essence, dissociation acts as a protective barrier, shielding the child from the full impact of the trauma and enabling them to continue with their development and daily activities.

This post is specifically for those who have judged themselves for having dissociation. Dissociation is not a bad thing. Instead, it should be viewed as a natural and adaptive response that allows survivors to endure experiences that would otherwise be intolerable.

Thank you to Dr. Ericha Scott for sharing her wisdom with us today in how to incorporate art in healing trauma. Here is more information on Dr. Scott

Ericha Scott, PhD, LPCC917, ATR-BC, REAT, is a licensed psychotherapist with additional certifications as a registered and board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC), registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) and as an Interfaith spiritual director. In addition, she is a published author, artist, and advocate for disempowered populations. Dr. Scott is a healer who walks the fine line between mysticism and evidenced-based psychotherapy. For 39 years, she has worked with those who struggle with substance and behavioral use disorders, survivors of trauma, complex trauma, torture, dissociation, and victims of s*x trafficking and ritual crime. She is an honorary Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Her commitment to health, wellness, and "art as medicine" includes experiential teaching for medical doctors in Andrew Weil’s University of Arizona Center for Complementary Medicine, professional clinicians, the public, and her own personal health journey.

EMDR for CPTSD
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that is often associated with prolonged and repeated trauma, such as chronic abuse, neglect, or interpersonal violence, that was particularly common during one’s childhood.

Here's how EMDR can be applied in the context of CPTSD
Addressing Multiple Traumatic Experiences:
CPTSD often involves exposure to multiple and chronic traumatic events, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. EMDR is adaptable and can be used to target and process various traumatic memories and experiences that contribute to the complexity of CPTS

Targeting Core Beliefs and Negative Self-Perceptions:
EMDR Therapy is an effective way of combating the negative, core beliefs and self-perceptions that can be deeply ingrained in individuals with CPTSD. Through the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR, individuals are empowered to reprocess and replace these negative beliefs with empowering, more positive and adaptive ones.

Targeting Specific Symptoms:
CPTSD often involves a range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. EMDR can be adapted to target specific symptoms, helping individuals gain relief and develop more adaptive responses to triggers.

EMDR can be integrated with somatic approaches:
This combination helps address the physical and sensory aspects of trauma, contributing to a more holistic healing process.

It's important to note that while EMDR can be effective for many individuals with CPTSD, the ther**eutic process should be tailored to each person's unique needs. A thorough assessment by a trained and experienced therapist is crucial to determine the suitability of EMDR and to ensure that the therapy is applied in a safe and supportive manner.

If you'd like more information on how EMDR may be beneficial to your healing journey, feel free to reach out!

We are expanding once again!!! We are so grateful to be able to offer quality trauma specific informed care to the community. Pasadena Trauma Therapy, Inc. is looking to hire an associate trauma therapist. Please check out our website to get a sense of the clientele we serve before applying: www.PasadenaTraumaTherapy.com

We work predominately with trauma (s*xual abuse survivors, dissociative disorders, etc) and also run groups for survivors. This position is ideal for someone who does not want to worry about the hassle of growing or maintaining a private practice. MUST have interest in working with trauma. Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] if interested. Feel free to also reach out with any questions.

HYBRID POSITION

S*xual abuse survivors may develop a fear of anger as a coping mechanism.

Let's address this...

Many survivors are afraid of getting angry because their past experiences with anger were negative.

○Some survivors associate anger with violence

○Anger could have been used in a destructive and out of control way

○Anger could be associated to the perpetrator

Anger might be associated with the traumatic experience itself or with feelings of powerlessness

○Survivors may fear their own anger because it can be overwhelming or remind them of the perpetrator's aggression

○Some may worry that their anger may connect them to their perpetrators

○Or worse, they are like their perpetrator

Expressing anger might feel counterintuitive or threatening to their sense of self.

○Furthermore, survivors may internalize shame and guilt, associating anger with negativity or wrongdoing.

○Societal expectations and gender norms can exacerbate these fears, especially for survivors who may have been conditioned to suppress their emotions

HEALING IS POSSIBLE 💜
○Therapy often focus on helping survivors understand and manage their emotions, including anger.

○Creating a safe space to explore and express these feelings is crucial in the healing process, allowing survivors to reclaim a sense of control over their emotional responses and gradually overcome the fear associated with anger.

We have some new followers here, so we wanted to reintroduce our practice to you all and what services we have to offer. Please feel free to reach out with any questions

Www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com

Anxiety can be seen as a somatic memory from childhood. In other words, certain bodily sensations or reactions associated with anxiety could be linked to early experiences that elicited fear, insecurity, or stress. These experiences might not always be consciously recalled, but the body retains a cellular memory of the associated emotions. Childhood events and environments can shape neural pathways, creating a somatic memory where the body responds to stressors in a way that echoes past situations. Our bodies carry imprints of emotional experiences, and anxiety may manifest as a physiological response tied to memories from formative years. Understanding these connections can be a crucial step in addressing and managing anxiety by exploring its origins and working towards healing those underlying experiences.

As a result, certain triggers or situations in adulthood can unknowingly activate these somatic memories, leading to heightened anxiety responses. Exploring the connection between current anxiety and childhood experiences in therapy or self-reflection can aid in unraveling these deep-seated patterns.

Healing is possible 💜

Thank you to Adriana Alejandre for your wisdom today! We appreciate your guidance today🙏🙏🙏

Here's more about Adriana:

Adriana Alejandre is a Trauma Therapist, Consultant and Speaker from Burbank, California, who has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Adriana owns her own bilingual group practice, EMDR and Trauma Therapy focusing on wellness for Black, Brown and Indigenous people. She is also the founder of internationally recognized, Latinx Therapy, a directory and bilingual podcast that destigmatizes mental health myths & provides education to combat the stigma. In 2021, she launched a community non-profit with a program called Therapy Dinero to create access to therapy services.

The level of dysfunction within a family system becomes evident when discussing abuse as it often uncovers underlying dynamics and patterns. Bringing up the topic of abuse can bring up a multitude of reactions, ranging from denial and defensiveness to acknowledgment and a willingness to address the issues.

In a healthy family system, open communication is encouraged, and discussions about sensitive topics are approached with empathy and understanding. However, in a toxic family environment, talking about abuse may be met with resistance. Family members might attempt to downplay or dismiss the severity of the situation, contributing to a culture of silence, shame, blame and/or avoidance.

The level of toxicity can also be gauged by the reactions of family members. If there is a lack of empathy or an unwillingness to acknowledge the pain caused by the abuse, it indicates deeper issues within the family dynamics. In some cases, there might be a tendency to blame the survivor shift responsibility, further perpetuating a toxic cycle.

Statements like "I can't do anything right" or "I guess I am just a bad person" take away from what the survivor is trying to communicate. Such statements often reflect self-blame, diverting attention from the survivor's experiences.😪

You do not need to go through any of this alone! Therapy could be a safe space to explore all of the above and help you navigate these heavy situations.

Healing is possible 💜