My Favorite Moments of Trauma Therapy

Today, I want to share some of my favorite parts of trauma work. Many times, the first thing we think of when we think of trauma therapy is that it is hard work (which is often true) and that it can be very heavy (also true). However, this work also includes some exciting and joyful moments. Here are two examples:

The Moment When a Client describes a Problem and the Path is Clear

One of my favorite moments in therapy actually happens early in the process, when I am meeting a client and getting to understand their stuck points. Often my clients will describe the work they have done and then the parts of their lives that feel stuck or not changeable. As this happens, my brain is making connections, checking boxes, organizing a theory, and starting to hatch a plan...and it's usually exciting! Generally, I can tell how far my client has come and how had they have worked, and I can also identify some 'missing pieces' that they have needed and haven't been able to find. It is as if the path lights up in my mind...or the beginning of it does, and I know that once we start walking down the path things are going to shift into place and become clear, often quickly. The anticipation of them having access to these missing pieces and the associated relief is energizing for me and my clients, even if they aren't yet sure if it will work.

The Moment When a Client Looks for a Trigger and Cannot Find It

This is one of my favorite fun things. After we have cleared a particularly big memory, cluster of memories, pattern, or trigger, I will ask the client to check thoroughly and see if they can find anything that is triggering, distressing, or stressful about the old memory or the thing that they would normally find triggering. Inevitably, eventually, the answer is "No." And when that "No, there's nothing" comes, it is often filled with awe, surprise, and a tentative sense of freedom. Clients are surprised at this new experience. They are often unsure if it will stick. Occasionally if we are just doing this for the first time in session, they will go home, let things integrate, live their lives, and they might find little layer or smaller piece that we didn't fully clear using EMDR or IFS. But often, most of the time in fact, when we reach this point...the trigger and reactions are just gone, never to return. It is a joyous reward for all of the hard work it takes to get there, and it is so satisfying to witness and be a part of.

These moments of hope and enjoyment are exciting for me and my clients. If you'd like to learn more or talk about what your desires for healing are, please reach out.

Keywords: Trauma Therapy, Trauma Healing, EMDR, IFS, EMDR Intensives, IFS Intensives