Chapters 1 & 2

 Neurofeedback is so amazing. Would this be considered the new electroshock therapy? It is my understanding that since the development of physcotropic medications, the studies and applications of neurofeedback went away? I was blown away at the 10 year old boys art work. His mind healed so much that he was able to actually form detailed pictures. I'm curious as to why Europe, Russia and Australia have taken the lead in this form of therapy? I wonder if neurofeedback is in my area?  I have not had experience working with clients who have done neurofeedback; however, I've never asked either. If we could apply this to parents working involved in the child welfare system, perhaps, we could have better outcomes for their children. It seems like such an easy solution, I'm not sure why this isn't standard practice.  In the later part of Chapter 19, Van Der Kolk talks about substance abuse and how 1/3 to 1/2 of severely traumatized people develop substance abuse problems. I...

 In Chapter 17, Van Der Kolk talks about dissociative identity disorder. I don't believe that I have dealt with that in my current profession. The example of Mary stood out because that would be the stereotypical definition of DID. When Van Der Kolk talked about Peter and Joan having DID, it was shocking to me. The clients did not present as having different personalities but there was obvious dissociative features. It was at times confusing reading about the manager, firefighter and understanding what they meant. But after reading it again, the terms make sense.   I found that when Van Der Kolk talked about internal family systems therapy (IFS), the way that he described it made sense. That brings me to the question of do we attempt that approach with our trauma clients at the forefront?  Van Der Kolk talked about ODD as a diagnosis for children. I have become to loathe that diagnosis because often times my children on my caseload are diagnosed as that even though t...

 I have decided that I have a love hate relationship with Van Der Kolk. I like reading about his experience, but then at the same time he makes me start thinking of all sorts of things. I don't have time for this. Here is the rabbit hole of thoughts I had while reading these two chapters.  I wish I had my life together sooner so that perhaps I would have done my masters while I'm not trying to be a wife, mom and full time employed.  I waited too long to do my homework and we have a big assignment in this class and my other class.  I wish I will have different experiences like Van Der Kolk. His experiences have shaped him to become what I believe an effective therapist.  I can't practice yoga because I don't have enough time right now.  There is a lot of content in all of these classes that I'm just going through the motions trying to absorb as much as I can. I'm just trying to survive and graduate while keeping everything else in my life in tact.  Ther...