After working a whole day and dealing with a few family problems, John finally gets time to work on his bills. He's afraid that some of them are overdue as he approaches his desk to work on them; he feels overwhelmed a nagging pressure on his chest and abdomen; his thinking is cloudy; he feels tingling under his skin, and the palm of his hands are getting moist. John's reaction is connected to remembering those dreadful days in his past when he lost all his savings, properties, and, even worse, his first wife. She left him without giving him any explanation at the same time he was declaring bankruptcy. Those were terrible times for John. The sensations he experienced can be called "psychosomatic reactions," meaning sensations in our body produced by our mind and emotional brain. John's devastating experiences in the past were traumatic. Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. Right after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer-term reactions include erratic emotional responses, flashbacks, strained relationships; even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea, and others.
Some people have difficulty moving on with their lives after traumatic events. Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, a pioneer and arguably the number one expert in trauma worldwide, has said, "The body keeps the score." Painful memories can be stored in our brains. John's symptoms and feelings can be triggered by anything that reminds him of those catastrophic experiences.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Could Accute Resolution Therapy be a healing option for John? We certainly believe so!
JM Arrunategui/"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma." Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
The content published is for informational purposes. The content included in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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