Progressive Relaxation in Traumatic Incident Reduction
For years now, I have been using a method of treating abused people by expanding on some principles I learned from Dr. Louis Tinnin, Professor Emeritus at the University of West Virginia. A therapist rather naturally develops his own style after many imitations of a good method.
Most of my patients have been women who were abused in a frightening way during childhood. Many of them know that something bad happened, and they are haunted, but they are not sure why. They cannot in most cases remember the incident, at least not all of it.
My method helps recover repressed memories. My patients for the most part are convinced that there is something to recall. Therefore, I am not implanting any false memory.
First, I ask the patient to think diligently about a place they have encountered in life that has given them the greatest sense of complete safety and happiness. Then I have her (or him) discuss that place at some length, in order to refresh the experience of peace. When she has a firm hold on that location, I move to the next step.
I lead her through the standard process of progressive relaxation and stop just short of a somnabulistic state. At most, she is in a light trance. Then it is explained that she is now in her safe place and will stay there until I ask her to come back. Staying in the safe place is emphasized repeatedly.
Next, I suggest to her that she is looking through a magic telescope and that she can look at anything at any stage in her life without the slightest upset because she is far away in her safety zone, where she remains at peace no matter what. Anything that would even seem scary or sad will only make her happier to be where she is.
I ask her never to stop looking through the magic telescope and never to leave her safe place. Then I ask her to focus in on various stages of her life, especially early childhood, and tell me if she sees anything unpleasant. If so, I remind her that she is merely looking through a magic telescope from far, far, away.
Those with true repressed or incompletely formed memories quickly come to the traumatic incident. More reassurance is piled on at that time. Then she is asked whether or not she would like to describe what she sees. Usually she does want to share, but she is given the choice to postpone any description until a later time if she so wishes.
Again, most patients exhibit relief at the discovery and want to talk about it at length. Many are elated that they can look right at the ugliness with vivid recall and yet not be upset. They feel unburdened and set free. During any discussion, they remain in the safe place.
After the event has been described thoroughly, I bring them back to their normal state, back to reality. I point out that monsters have power only in the dark, and that now there is bright light. Further talk therapy follows, either during the same session or at the next one. The decision is left completely to the patient.
Before leaving, she is given a telephone number by which she can reach me at any time that she feels that she may become upset. She is urged to call at the first sign of upset.
It must be strongly emphasized that the procedure must be stopped immediately at any point when there is a sign of upsetif not stopped, at least paused until the patient is ready to proceed. Sometimes patients are reluctant to go through the procedure, and that fact must be honored.
There are also many patients who remember too well what happened to them and thus cannot discuss the trauma. I have found that a similar procedure is effective in these cases as well.
When the above is followed up by same-sex group therapy, strong supportive bonds form quickly. The participants in the groups focus on empowerment, the process of becoming, the discovery of the true self that has been covered up most of their lives. They come to understand that abuse has altered their concept of self and given them a false identity laden with guilt and a second-class mentality.
It is beautiful and most rewarding to watch this process of unfolding during these group sessions. I have seen women go from a position of perceived helplessness to one of great confidence and productivity.
My co-therapist for several years was a psychiatric nurse who had enjoyed a successful career before being brutalized by her husband. She began as my patient and became my co-therapist. She went on to represent herself in court proceedings against her ex-husband, who was a federal district judge.
My next step is to approach her about accepting diplomate status in our new organization, Catholic and Orthodox Professionals International (COPI). This article is furnished as a courtesy by this new fellowship.
Dr. Heyward Ewart, III, is a former psychologist and now active priest with 25 years of commitment to victims of abuse and other violence, both males and females. He has spoken widely on these issues and has served as an expert witness in several states. He is a diplomate of the American College of Forensic Examiners and a former member of the White House Conference on Families. His book, AM I BAD? Recovering from Abuse, is available through Loving Healing Press. Catholic and Orthodox Professionals International (COPI) is described at http://www.child-to-adult-victim.com
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