Watch on YouTube:
Healing Journeys: Understanding EMDR and Trauma Recovery
Today’s episode focuses on EMDR for the treatment of birth trauma and reproductive trauma. You’ll learn what EMDR is and how this therapy technique can support families through trauma recovery.
Healing Journeys: Understanding EMDR and Trauma Recovery Show Highlights:
- Understanding the scope of reproductive trauma
- The philosophy behind EMDR, a therapy approach to unprocessed memories and negative beliefs
- Examples of traumas during pregnancy
- Trauma can manifest itself in PTSD and PMADs, both of which can be addressed by EMDR
- Understanding EMDR and the phases of its therapeutic use to process trauma
- What Dr. Alpern sees most in her clinical practice regarding birth trauma
- Similarities between reactions to birth trauma and sexual assault
- Flexibility within the EMDR protocol
- Finding “the window of tolerance” so someone can be present in the moment
- Therapy, support, community, and emotional support from family can work together to bring healing.
- Using the structure of a tree as a metaphor for the depth and variance of EMDR therapy
- Dr. Alpern’s wide range of work in training other therapists, with highlights on EMDR for racial and cultural oppression
- Race, identity, and positionality cannot be ignored in the therapeutic relationship.
- Dr. Alpern’s perspective on trauma: “For anyone who has experienced trauma, it can be very helpful to talk to someone. Please reach out for help.”
About Dr. Pria Alpern
Dr. Pria Alpern is a licensed clinical psychologist, EMDRIA-approved therapist, and EMDRIA-approved consultant. She is the founder of the Manhattan Center of Trauma Studies and the director of the Center Psychology Group in NYC, a psychotherapy practice specializing in treating trauma in the adult and perinatal populations. Outside her clinical practice, she creates mental health content, provides education, and raises awareness about EMDR and trauma-informed psychotherapy on social media platforms. She’s been featured in numerous news outlets and is here to share her wisdom and experience with us.
Resources:
Connect with Dr. Pria Alpern
Website, Instagram, and TikTok
Find EMDR resources at EMDRIA.org.
Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov
Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services.
Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!
Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.
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Manage thoughts & feelings of overwhelm
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