EMDR therapy is a great way to heal and conceptualize trauma memories in individuals who have PTSD, OCD, Dissociation or other forms of trauma. Most individuals wonder what actually occurs in a typical EMDR session. There are eight phases of treatment and the initial one focuses on taking a thorough client history followed by a preparation stage. In the Rapid Eye Movement portion, the client focuses on a troubling memory and identifies the belief he has about himself connected to this negative memory (for example, in dealing with rape, the person may believe “I am dirty”). The individual then formulates a positive belief that he would like to have about himself (“I am a worthwhile and good person in control of my life.”). All the physical sensations and emotions that accompany the memory are identified. The individual then goes over the memory while focusing on an external stimulus that creates bilateral (side to side) eye movement. This is most often achieved by watching the therapist moving a finger. After each set of bilateral movements, the individual is asked how he feels. This process continues until the memory is no longer disturbing. The individual is processing the trauma with both hemispheres of the brain stimulated. The chosen positive belief is then installed, via bilateral movement, to replace the negative one. Each session normally lasts for about one hour. It is believed that EMDR works because the “bilateral stimulation” bypasses the area of the brain that has become stuck due to the trauma and is preventing the left side of the brain from self-soothing the right side of the brain. (Snippets taken from the New York Times article on understanding EMDR therapy)

Essential oils have been found to have a positive effect on olfactory stimulation and can be used as an adjunct to traditional therapies for trauma. The olfactory system, which is responsible for our sense of smell, is closely linked to the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for emotions and memory. When essential oils are inhaled, they can stimulate the olfactory system and activate the limbic system, which can have a calming effect on the mind and body. This can be particularly beneficial for people who have experienced trauma, as trauma can be stored in the body and trigger a stress response. Some essential oils that are commonly used for trauma include: Lavender: Lavender essential oil has a calming effect and can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Rose: Rose essential oil is believed to have a grounding effect and can help promote feelings of safety and security. Bergamot: Bergamot essential oil has a citrusy scent and can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Frankincense: Frankincense essential oil is known for its grounding and calming properties and can help promote relaxation and reduce feelings of stress. At Sauna Therapy, we make and create our own scented essential oils and will be launching our essential oils for purchase with our therapy boutique opening.

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MONDAY MANTRA How can we change and break away from the stimulus-response cycle in our lives? If we are truly suffering, it is because we're locked into a pattern of being rooted in fear, inhibiting us from progress or change. In order to wake up from the chain reaction, it is important to 'pause' and to 'remember love.' When we are caught in the stimulus reaction cycle (which can be very much relational), interpersonal neurobiology thinks of the brain as an arousal point for several different stimuli making meaning, reason, and logic. When the brain is integrated, there is constant signaling from the pre-frontal cortex to the limbic system helping us discern the difference between danger and anxiety. Whenever we get stressed, it is easy for our brain to stop down-signaling calming sensations to the limbic system, and instead, communicate up-signaling responses reminding us to panic. It is important to allow for less rigid structure in our mind and thought to increase the brain's tolerance for distressing sensations, emotions, and experiences. This will allow us to through moment-to-moment awareness, 'keep calm and carry on.'

When undergoing an Internal Family Systems session, typically there is a part of us that comes up as our 'inner critic,' 'worrier,' 'perfectionist' or a 'work manager.' Typically, this part of us is trying to hide or protect an exiled part that is wanting love, attention, and validation. There are parts of us that we develop throughout life that have protected the traumatized childhood parts of us that feel unworthy or unlovable. Through attending to all of the parts within our system (neurobiological/psychological), we are able to witness their pain and allow for a higher sense of self-integration. When we experience self-integration, we're able to bring together a sense of the totality of presence, belonging and purpose. Through an internal family systems session, acknowledging and attending to the parts that have been exiled or 'locked away' within us can be extremely therapeutic and healing. Broadening our scope of self-integration and understanding the latent nature of the context we bring into a session can help to accomplish our therapeutic goals with more presence and ease.