Chapters 19 & 29

 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'm having a hard time convincing the juvenile court and the child welfare system that mental health therapy has to be done by the clients. No one believes me and a lot of parents do not follow through with that recommendation. We then see a repeat of families. I wish professionals understood the importance of re-wiring their brain and how substance abuse treatment isn't enough to help the client achieve success. 

Chapter 20 talks about integrating theater. While that is a great idea, how do we convince the emotionally frozen person to do that? Is it after or right before they unlock their trauma? I believe that people could try anything related to their hobby and it make them feel liberated of their emotions. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Van Der Kolk has taught me so much that I want to tell everyone everything. I hope that our society starts to understand that trauma is real, the aftermath of how people react or don't react is real, and that we need to start providing treatment that we know works. Professionals get stuck in doing the same thing over and over again. We as helpers expect our clients to change; however, we are unable to change and provide treatment that works for that particular client. What kind of message does that send? I hope Van Der Kolk has other books. I plan on researching that. You know, so I can read during all of my free time!!

Comments

  1. Mariah LaughlinApril 18, 2021 at 4:45 PM

    Nari, I will miss reading your blog posts - they are always insightful and touch on your personal and professional experience. You even include humor sometimes which I appreciate. I, too, was amazed at the results of the child's drawing and the details that he was able to create. I also wish more organizations - such as JPO- recognized trauma. I have a handful of 'JPO kids' on my case and very view of them see a therapist. I recently got one of the kiddos into therapy and I believe they will be starting EMDR soon as well to help him work through that trauma - I was fortunate enough to finally have a probation officer who took my concerns and knowledge seriously.

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