When trauma has occurred, neurological disconnects get wired into pathways through which we process information. Trauma can be biological -- anaphylactic shock, surgery, chronic illness-- as well as emotional. Vulnerable parts that have experienced shock and pain tend to split off, and protective parts develop ways of avoiding re-experiencing the pain.

These disconnects enable us to avoid feeling pain. But they also make it difficult to know what's going on, and difficult to access this experience in treatment Talking does not help. Talking is wired into the "protective parts" whose job is to keep the pain split off from awareness.

However, recently non-verbal treatments have been developed which enable us to by-pass neurological disconnects and connect with parts that are split off. These treatments include the following.

* HYPNOANALYTIC THERAPY uses trance states to help access parts of experience usually blocked out by the conscious mind. Trance states can be light or deeper. The individual remains in control and can stop the experience at any time.

* EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses eye movements to help by-pass neurological disconnects. Focus on the image, physical sensations, emotions, and cognitions associated with painful experience help release patterns associated with the experience.

* INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY allows access to manager parts, vulnerable parts, and protective parts that are split off or extreme. Light trance states allow experience of Self or Center to allow rapid resolution of stuck and conflictual patterns.

* TRANSFORMATIONAL IMAGERY works with images associated with trauma in particular ways to allow contact with repressed memories and shifts in experience. Light trance states are experienced.

* MEDITATION creates a calm, compassionate space where there is curiosity and openness to all parts of our experience. Vipassana meditation provides powerful tools for working with the mind. Metta, loving kindness meditation, provides a different approach. We are taught to open our hearts and feel compassion for all beings, including ourselves. Taoist meditation offers additional methods, including meditative states of Qi Gung, which calm the mind, clear blocks in the body, and strengthen the immune system.

For additional information about altered state treatments, and to find out whether these treatments would be suitable for you, please contact me.

Dr. Elizabeth H. Fisher
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
(727) 344-1110