TRANSFORMING TRAUMA THROUGH ENERGETIC HEALING Paige Valdiserri, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, BCETS, RMT Traumatic Stress and Intuitive Healing Consultant Director of Behavioral Health, Comprehensive Health Services, Inc. President/CEO, Paige Valdiserri, LLC http://www.paigevaldiserri.com/ POLL QUESTION Who are you? Clinical counselor in Private Practice Clinical Counselor in Agency/Hospital/Education/Community setting Counselor Educator Student School Counselor Rehabilitation Counselor 1
Connection to Soldiers, Veterans, and Military Families Areas where the approach I will be discussing is currently being applied: In theatre: Iraq Face-to-Face Afghanistan Stateside: Virtually (i.e. Skype) Private office (military, first responders, families, etc.) Behavioral Health providers Practitioners from other disciplines CHS corporate Trainings for all deployed medical/bh providers 4 Major Goals 1. Introduce participants to the scientific background on the principles of energy and its connection to the healing field for Behavioral Health providers. 2. Provide background of energetic modalities used for integration of new technique. 3. Introduce new technique - Energetic Body Dialogue (EBD). 4. Create awareness of how the integration of Eastern approaches can be used to complement Western-based counseling approaches. Ultimate objective = Help our clients thrive! 2
At our most elemental, we are not a chemical reaction, but an energetic charge. Human beings and all living things are coalescence of energy in a field of energy connected to every other living thing in the world. This pulsating energy field is the central engine of our being and our consciousness. -Lynne McTaggart, The Field Goal #1: Energy Fields [Overall Goals] Scientific background on matter and energy What does this mean for Behavioral Health providers? Lipton implications of energy on cell growth & development Asian cultures/eastern medicine central concept of energy Connection b/w Eastern concept of energy & Western technology Establish relevance of treating body s energy fields 3
Energy Fields Matter can be defined as a solid (particle) and as an immaterial force field (wave) Atoms can be described by scientists in terms of physical properties (mass/weight) Atoms can also be described in terms of voltage potentials and wavelengths, thus, exhibiting qualities and properties of energy (waves) Every material structure in the universe including you and I, radiates a unique energy signature Energy Fields [Energy and matter are one and the same] Einstein concluded: We do not live in a universe with discrete, physical objects separated by dead space the universe is one indivisible, dynamic whole in which energy and matter are so deeply entangled it is impossible to consider them as independent elements. -Bruce Lipton, The Biology of Belief 4
Energy Fields So what does this mean for Behavioral Health providers? We need to treat the body as an integrated unit its physical parts and its energy fields which comprise the whole. Energy Fields Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D., cell biologist, medical professor, research scientist (University of Wisconsin & Stanford School of Medicine) Examined mechanisms by which cells receive and process information Major finding: Genes and DNA do not control our biology DNA is controlled by signals outside the cell Signals include the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts 5
Energy Fields Dating back thousands of years, Asian cultures have honored energy as the principal factor contributing to health and well-being In Eastern medicine, body is defined by elaborate arrays of energy pathways called meridians In Chinese physiologic charts of the human body, these energy networks resemble electronic wiring diagrams Energy Fields Chinese physicians test patients energy circuits, using aids like acupuncture needles This process is analogous to the work electrical engineers use to troubleshoot printed circuit-boards BOTTOM LINE Both are searching for electrical pathologies 6
Energy Fields [Energy Scanning Devices in Western Medicine] Quantum physicists have created energy-scanning devices: CAT scans, MRIs, Pet scans Diagnose internal problems by differentiating the spectral energy character of healthy and diseased tissue in the scanned images Ex) Kidney stones: Doctors non-invasively focus a harmonic frequency on the kidney stone Focused energy waves interact with atoms of the stones causing quick vibrations stones explode and dissolve Goal #2: Energetic Modalities [Overview of Energetic Modalities] (Used for integration of new technique) 1. Reiki 2. Kundalini Yoga 3. Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Trauma Therapy 7
Reiki Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing Mikao Usui (Usui Sensei) - founder of the Reiki System of Healing Tokyo, April (1922) 1 st Reiki institute opened to the public for instruction and treatment Administered by "laying hands on or above the body Founding Principle: We have an invisible life force energy" that flows through us and is the source of life Reiki [Misconceptions] Reiki is NOT a religion It has no dogma Reiki is not dependent on religious belief It is spiritual in nature Many find Reiki compatible with their religious beliefs including those within Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. 8
Reiki [ Reiki means Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy ] Goal is to find balance According to the founding principle: If one's "life force energy" is low: More likely to become ill or experience stress If it is high and/or balanced: More capable of being happier, healthier and able to address the traumas Reiki [Integration of Reiki] Reiki energy works in harmony with all other forms of healing including: Medications Surgery Psychological care/treatment Organ transplants Chemo/radiation Or any type of medical care Currently being used in hospitals, medical clinics and hospice programs to aid in the healing process 9
Kundalini Yoga The word yoga means union Kundalini is known as the Yoga of Awareness Union of mind, body, spirit Spiritual practice in Hinduism dating back to the 5 th century B.C. Underlying Goal: Connect with one s creative energy Opens the heart Stimulates the immune, glandular, and nervous systems Balances the chakras Science of the mind and body - to elevate the spirit Spirit has no boundaries, no discrimination, no limits Kundalini Yoga Most comprehensive of yoga traditions Safe way to stimulate the body s natural resources Kundalini Yoga was designed for the householder Those who live in the world, have families, jobs and want to balance inner and outer worlds. Focus is on self-awareness: Awaken the full potential of human awareness in each individual and expand that awareness to one s unlimited Self 10
Kundalini Yoga Kundalini is the spiritual energy or life force located at the base of the spine The flow of energy and consciousness which is thought to exist within each person Two nerve channels that intertwine around the central nerve and spinal column (negative and positive energy) act as main conductors of the Kundalini energy The Kundalini energy rises up the spine and feeds the entire nervous system Kundalini Yoga Benefits of Kundalini Strengthens the nervous system and immune system Creates mental and emotional balance Deepens self awareness Facilitates personal growth and transformation Benefits of Kundalini Rising Quiets the mind Creates clarity Builds core strength Transforms negative emotions Increases flexibility in mind and body 11
Biodynamic Cranialsacral Trauma Therapy (BCST) Craniosacral approach of working with the body has its roots in the experiments and experience of osteopath, Dr William Sutherland, in the early 1900s. Discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and further research revealed different 'tidal' rhythms in the body. Further observation showed movements are also inextricably linked with mental and emotional health. Restriction of movement corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal/repair. Biodynamic CranialSacral Trauma Therapy (BCST) Views health as a state of dynamic balancing among mind, body, and spirit A body s fluid systems become shaped by one s life experiences and stress Life experiences/stress interfere with fluid rhythms 12
Biodynamic CranialSacral Trauma Therapy (BCST) These fluid patterns change the density and shape of fluids leading to abnormal physiology such as: Changes in: Metabolism Respiration Reproduction And the body's internal processes and overall functioning Biodynamic Cranialsacral Trauma Therapy (BCST) Gets to the level of the traumatic imprint, so one does not need to stay in the same symptom-relief cycle It is actually possible to access what the body is holding, and witness it transforming It is NOT important for the client to know, or share the details of the trauma, as the work can be done without the context of the event Some BCST approaches, integrate Peter Levine s Trauma Resolution model 13
Biodynamic CranialSacral Trauma Therapy (BCST) Works with deep internal fluid rhythms to balance/slow down energy flow in body This creates stillness for repairing Practitioners first cultivate a contemplative state of mind, translating into quality of touch, allowing clients to deeply relax Practitioners allow their own calm nervous system to resonate with client s; in turn client s mind/body becomes more coherent Practitioners give up intention of fixing their clients Biodynamic Cranialsacral Trauma Therapy (BCST) In resting/stillness the following occurs: Breathing slows Muscles soften Circulation increases Digestion improves Other internal self-care processes become active 14
Biodynamic CranialSacral Trauma Therapy (BCST) Requires clients to have and learn how to have a meditative mind To be in stillness Engaging the deep internal fluid rhythms fosters healthy and balanced flow throughout the body Goal #3: New Technique [Energetic Body Dialogue (EBD)] [Overall Goals] Foundation principles Application to clients Role of practitioner Overview of approach 15
Energetic Body Dialogue (EBD) Based on the principle that stress, trauma, and life-changing personal events become lodged in the body and must be released in order for the body to restore to a healthy state Technique empowers clients to listen intently and safely to the messages their body is trying to communicate Gives the body permission to tell its story [Three levels of EBD; basic, intermediate, advance] Energetic Body Dialogue (EBD) Clients connect to their body in a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental manner Creation of empathy/connectedness social nervous system Having some sense of clarity about one s own embodiment Fosters resilience: shift from overabundance of dopamine (being on) to oxytocin (being in the stillness) = moving toward state of connection Client controls the pace of the approach Doesn t need to be in or of the trauma Learns to embrace the elephant in the body Practitioner is a guide/coach 16
Energetic Body Dialogue (EBD) Allows practitioner to get out of the way of client s own knowing Brings empowerment to the client Clients can use the EBD approach daily in their own life without practitioner involvement Clients can teach this approach to their children, etc., Can be integrated into every modality EBD Approach How does your client breathe? Teach foundation breathe Resourcing of nature Ease in body, body scan Allows client the body connection, safely Practitioner able to see ability or lack of client s mind/body connection Brings calmness, slows down SNS Use of nature resourcing Use of time intervals Witnessing 17
EBD Approach Visualization rooting exercise (anchoring) Golden Chord Core of Earth exercise (anchoring) Heart Connection exercise (anchoring) Anchoring gives one: Safety Security Clarity calmness EBD Approach Talking the Loudest body scan Body part receptivity Resourcing of nature Time intervals Internal/External body processes 18
EBD Approach Body Dialoguing: allows the client to hear the knowing in their body, address the elephant, receive messages for their healing and what the body needs moving forward Adjectives 1-10 scale Giving body permission to tell its story in this moment Listening Closing a session EBD Approach Final body scan Checking for ease Client check in Homework plan from session outcome 19
Goal #4: Integration of Eastern [Theme of Integration] Eastern traditions Aimed at liberation and setting people truly free so they can control their thoughts Empowerment Everything that happens in the body affects the mind/emotions Eastern thought rooted in integration of mind-body and energy Utilize body s natural healing systems & restore balance Integration of Eastern Counseling Today (October 2012) ACA Publication Cover article: Blending Eastern and Western approaches to counseling Recognizes importance of blending Western counseling techniques/modalities with Eastern approaches Practitioners (highlighted 5 ACA members) Incorporate contemplative approaches (i.e. meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, Ayarveda, Chinese medicine) along with Western-based approaches 20
Conclusion It begins with Self first as the practitioner Look within Create your stillness Use your tools Live what you teach and what you teach will flourish Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself. - Rumi 21
Bibliography The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter &Miracles - Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D (Hay House, 2005). The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe - Lynne McTaggart (Harper, 2002). Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: Volume One - Michael J. Shea, Ph.D (North Atlantic Books, 2007). Meditation as Medicine: Activate the Power of Your Natural Healing Force - Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. & Cameron Stauth (Atria, 2001). Kundalini Rising: Exploring the Energy of Awakening -Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Newberg, Radha, Wilber & Selby (Sounds True, Inc., 2009). Additional Resources International Center for Reiki Training http://www.reiki.org/abouticrt/abouticrt.html The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education http://ccare.stanford.edu/ http://www.mindfulexperience.org/newsletter.php The Emotional Life of Your Brain: How Its Unique Patterns Affect the Way You Think, Feel, and Live--and How You Can Change Them - Richard J. Davidson Next webinar: Wednesday November 14, 1PM ET Webinar #4: Providing Counseling Support to Returning Veterans Colonel (Retired) David Fenell, PhD,completed combat tours in Afghanistan (2002-2003) and Iraq (2006). He served as a Behavioral Sciences Officer, retiring as a Colonel, U.S Army Reserve in 2008. He has extensive experience working with combat veterans and their families and has published and presented nationally on providing counseling support to returning veterans. Webinar series questions: Rebecca Daniel-Burke rburke@counseling.org 22