In our society, there’s a common belief that if you feel bad, you should take something to make that feeling go away. This mindset was prevalent when I began working for the Veterans Affairs (VA) and examining the treatments available for trauma. I conducted the first studies on Prozac and Zoloft for PTSD, but the results were disappointing. These conventional methods weren’t effective, prompting me to explore alternative solutions.
My name is Bessel van der Kolk, and I am a physician and psychiatrist who has studied trauma for nearly 50 years. Trauma affects us deeply, as our survival brain interprets experiences as either dangerous or safe. The challenge in treating trauma is helping individuals feel safe in their own bodies. Effective psychotherapy can be beneficial, not by fixing people, but by helping them acknowledge their experiences and care for their internal wounds. Self-compassion and understanding one’s reactions are crucial steps in trauma recovery.
One groundbreaking approach I encountered was Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Initially skeptical, I was amazed by the results. EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories while following a therapist’s finger movements. This process alters brain circuitry, allowing individuals to reinterpret their reality and let go of past trauma.
We also studied yoga as a treatment for PTSD. Yoga helps individuals connect with their bodies, learn to breathe calmly, and pay attention to themselves. It fosters a deep relationship with one’s internal sensory system. Surprisingly, yoga proved more effective than any drug we had studied for PTSD, yet psychopharmacology clinics haven’t transformed into yoga studios.
Theater and movement therapy also showed promise. Playing different roles helps individuals experience their bodies in new ways, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves. In the Berkshires, a program called “Shakespeare in the Courts” helps juvenile delinquents explore different facets of their identity through acting, which has been enormously beneficial.
Neurofeedback is another innovative technique. By placing electrodes on the skull, individuals receive rewards for producing brainwaves that promote calmness and focus. This method can reshape the brain’s configuration, opening it to new experiences.
About 15 years ago, I was approached by two individuals interested in exploring psychedelics for trauma treatment. As a child of the sixties, I was intrigued by the potential of substances like LSD and MDMA (ecstasy or molly) to expand consciousness. Despite initial concerns about legality, they pursued a study on MDMA for trauma, which yielded promising results.
In the study, participants spent a day taking MDMA under the supervision of two therapists. This experience allowed them to confront traumatic memories with compassion, significantly improving self-perception and self-awareness. MDMA helped individuals acknowledge their past without self-blame, leading to a substantial reduction in PTSD symptoms.
One crucial lesson from these explorations is that one size doesn’t fit all. Different people require different treatments. What works for one person may not work for another. Healing from trauma is an experimental journey, and finding the right approach is key to recovery.
Engage in a hands-on workshop where you simulate the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) process. Work in pairs to practice guiding each other through recalling a neutral memory while following finger movements. This will help you understand the mechanics and potential impact of EMDR on trauma treatment.
Participate in a guided yoga and mindfulness session designed to connect you with your body and breath. Experience firsthand how these practices can foster self-awareness and calmness, which are crucial for trauma recovery. Reflect on how these techniques might be integrated into therapeutic settings.
Join a theater-based role-playing exercise where you explore different characters and scenarios. This activity will help you understand the therapeutic potential of theater in allowing individuals to experience their bodies and identities in new ways, promoting self-discovery and healing.
Attend a demonstration of neurofeedback technology. Observe how electrodes are used to monitor brainwaves and how feedback is provided to encourage calmness and focus. Discuss the implications of this technique for reshaping brain configurations and its potential in trauma therapy.
Engage in a structured discussion about the use of psychedelics like MDMA in trauma treatment. Review case studies and research findings to evaluate the benefits and ethical considerations of using psychedelics in therapeutic settings. Consider how these substances might complement traditional therapy methods.
Trauma – A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental health and well-being. – After the car accident, she sought therapy to help process the trauma and regain her sense of safety.
Psychotherapy – A therapeutic interaction or treatment between a trained professional and a client, aimed at improving mental health and emotional well-being. – Through psychotherapy, he was able to explore his feelings and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Self-Compassion – The practice of being kind and understanding to oneself in instances of pain or failure, rather than being harshly self-critical. – By cultivating self-compassion, she learned to forgive herself for past mistakes and focus on personal growth.
Yoga – A mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance mental and physical health. – Incorporating yoga into her daily routine helped reduce her anxiety and improve her overall well-being.
Neurofeedback – A therapeutic intervention that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. – Neurofeedback sessions helped him gain better control over his attention and reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Psychedelics – Substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, sometimes used in controlled settings to facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs. – Recent studies have explored the potential of psychedelics in treating depression and anxiety.
MDMA – A psychoactive drug that has been studied for its potential to enhance psychotherapy, particularly in the treatment of PTSD. – Clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy for individuals with severe PTSD.
PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. – Veterans often seek treatment for PTSD to help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Healing – The process of restoring health and well-being, often involving emotional and psychological recovery from trauma or illness. – Her journey of healing involved therapy, support groups, and self-reflection.
Recovery – The process of regaining a normal state of health, mind, or strength after an illness, injury, or traumatic experience. – Recovery from addiction requires a comprehensive approach, including therapy, support, and lifestyle changes.
