Modern neuroscience has dramatically transformed our understanding of trauma and memory, encouraging new therapeutic approaches that focus on a more holistic framework using non-verbal, cognitive, and somatic responses and memories. Research over the past two decades has highlighted how traumatic memories are not just stored as isolated events but are deeply embedded as nonverbal physical and emotional responses that can persist for decades. For clients, these can often reflect as difficulties in emotional regulation, cognition, daily functioning, as phobias and intrusive flashbacks as well as bodily dissociation. These findings underscore a significant clinical need for newer synergetic approaches that address the underlying effects of trauma and provide long-term healing for our clients.

How This Approach Differs:

Contemporary trauma therapies, such as those incorporating mindfulness-based interventions, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, focus on these enduring physical and emotional responses. Unlike traditional methods that prioritise the recollection of traumatic events, these newer approaches aim to dismantle the persistent somatic and cognitive subconscious reactions that keep trauma “alive.” The goal is not merely to recall what happened but to reframe the client’s relationship with their traumatic past, fostering a sense of safety and closure.

At this cutting-edge workshop, which seamlessly integrates contemporary research in trauma therapy into the fold of the traditional approach, Dr Janina Fisher will:

• Articulate Neuroscience Research Findings: Participants will explore the latest neuroscience research on how traumatic memories are encoded and how these processes differ fundamentally from normal memory formation. This includes understanding the distinct brain activity patterns observed in individuals with PTSD when recalling traumatic events compared to neutral or sad memories.
• Differentiate Implicit and Explicit Memory Effects: Participants will learn to distinguish between implicit (nonverbal, often subconscious) and explicit (verbal, conscious) traumatic memories. This differentiation is crucial for tailoring therapeutic interventions that appropriately target the type of memory being addressed.
• Discuss Memory Processes: The training will cover the differences between remembering, reprocessing, and repairing traumatic memories. Understanding these processes helps in applying the correct therapeutic techniques to achieve long-term healing and relief from trauma-related symptoms.
• Identify Interventions for Implicit Memory: Participants will be introduced to three specific interventions designed to resolve implicit trauma memories. These may include techniques such as body-based mindfulness exercises, sensory-motor activities, and nonverbal communication strategies that help in releasing the physical tension associated with traumatic memories.
• Identify Interventions for Explicit Memory: The workshop will also highlight two interventions aimed at explicit memory resolution. These could involve structured narrative therapy and guided recollection sessions that allow clients to articulate and reframe their traumatic experiences in a controlled, safe environment.

Key Learnings of this newer approach:

• Addressing Effects, Not Events: Shifting from focusing solely on traumatic events to processing their lasting emotional and physical effects to help clients find healing and growth
• Techniques for Safety: Practical methods to help clients process and release the trauma they continue to hold somatically, in a safe and contained manner, and to ground themselves in the present
• Tailored Interventions: Specific, research-backed techniques adapted from EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy such as bilateral therapy, mindfulness techniques and gentle, guided awareness exercises to process, release and integrate traumatic memories in a holistic manner

Join us for this transformative training experience with internationally acclaimed trauma therapy expert Dr Janina Fisher. Elevate your practice with the most advanced and effective trauma therapy techniques available today. The training will equip you with an in-depth understanding of how traumatic memories are encoded differently from normal memories, and how these insights can transform your therapeutic approach; specific, research-backed techniques to address both nonverbal emotional and somatic memories and verbal, conscious recollections – this dual approach ensures comprehensive healing for your clients and practical methods to help clients process and release somatic trauma safely, grounding them in the present and promoting holistic healing.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how to shift from focusing solely on traumatic events to processing their lasting emotional and physical effects to help clients find healing and growth
• Discuss practical methods to help clients process and release the trauma they continue to hold somatically, in a safe and contained manner, and to ground themselves in the present
• Apply specific, research-backed techniques adapted from EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy such as bilateral therapy, mindfulness techniques and gentle, guided awareness exercises to process, release and integrate traumatic memories in a holistic manner

© nscience 2024 / 25