Trauma Therapy for those suffering from Neurological Disorders and Chronic Illness
by Paul Krauss MA LPC
Few people realize that psychotherapy has advanced so much in the last 15 years that the fields of Neurology and Neurobiology are validating several new types of therapy through advanced studies and brain scans of patients. Two of the therapies that have been empirically proven to change the brain for the better are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Paul Krauss has over 60 hours of advanced EMDR training past his EMDR level-II certification. EMDR therapy has been shown to help people suffering from those suffering from trauma (or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) to reduce symptoms of anxiety, flashbacks, triggers (sights, sounds, smells, memories or anything that causes you relive the event), hyper arousal, negative changes in feelings and beliefs, trouble sleeping, nightmares and more.
The research into the neurobiological efficacy of EMDR therapy is still in its infancy, but there already dozens of studies pointing to both patient-report outcomes and hard-outcomes (via MRI and other indicators) that EMDR therapy not only vastly improves the quality of life of patients suffering from different forms of trauma, but that it may actually change the brain over time.
EMDR therapy can help people feel better emotionally and mentally–this is a well established fact. And new research is emerging that indicates that EMDR may also change the the brain. In Fact: “All psychophysiological studies have indicated significant de-arousal. Neurobiological studies have indicated significant effects, including changes in cortical, and limbic activation patterns, and increase in hippocampal volume.”
In addition: “EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective trauma treatment and recommended worldwide in the practice guidelines of both domestic and international organizations. Including: American Psychiatric Association, Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense, SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, United Kingdom Department of Health, World Health Organization, and many more.
Paul Krauss will use EMDR with both people suffering from trauma due to neurological disorders and for those suffering from chronic illness. The aim is to decrease symptoms associated with the stress of experiencing a neurological condition or chronic illness. In fact, this therapy may even help improve functioning if a person now feel free of the psychological burden associated with living with a chronic illness and neurological disorder. EMDR is most famous for treating post traumatic stress disorder, but is shown to be effective in other realms as well.
Paul Krauss has over 10 years of experience utilizing Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) techniques. Numerous studies have shown that utilizing Mindfulness therapies can literally change the brain in MRI brain scans–and in some cases, in as little as 90 days.
In fact, recent “research in 2011 with a study on participants who completed an eight-week mindfulness program. We observed significant increases in the density of their gray matter [in the brain].” The density in the gray matter in the brain is associated with improved ability to tolerate stress and improved brain function. In fact, more gray matter can also positively affect a person’s memory, sense of self, and empathy.
Paul Krauss can help you whether you are preparing for neurological surgery, going through neurological treatments, or are post neurological treatments to help you recover a sense of well being. Paul Krauss can utilize EMDR or Mindfulness techniques to treat the trauma and also the stress associated with neurological surgeries and treatments.
Mindfulness can also help those suffering from chronic illness, by increasing their ability to handle stress associated with the illness, the social affects of having a chronic illness, the difficulties with every day living, and relationship, etc.
Paul Krauss can utilize EMDR and Mindfulness with you or your loved one if they are suffering from a chronic illness or neurological disorder, to help with their overall emotional state, decrease stress, and help resolve difficult symptoms associated with these difficult conditions.
Want to work with Paul Krauss MA LPC? Call 616-200-4433 or 616-365-5300, or contact Paul at https://healthforlifegr.com/contact/
Thank you for reading.
References:
http://www.emdr.com/frequent-questions/
https://hbr.org/2015/01/mindfulness-can-literally-change-your-brain
