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iNSIGHTS
SPRING 2021
THE BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS’ MAGAZINE
TRAUMA AND
RESILIENCE
in a First Nation
Community
Connection
is our Nature
NATURE AS A HOLDING ENVIRONMENT IN TRAUMA THERAPY
Mindfulness- Event-based Top ten tools for
informed trauma and relational grounding and staying
therapy during the traumas in the connected in the
COVID-19 pandemic developing child present moment
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CONTENTS SPRING 2021
iNSIGHTS
THE BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS’ MAGAZINE
The Insights team wishes to thank
the writers who contributed to this
edition of our magazine:
Kuljit Bhullar, Diane Brussell,
Monica Dragosz, Mary M. Lang,
Sonia Plewa, Gurleen Dhial Sangha,
Britta West
BCACC is dedicated to enhancing
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from an RCC working with clients who have experienced trauma and/or abuse
Contributing Agency: Getty Images,
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Insights is published three times a year.
FEATURES To submit article proposals, contact
the editor, Carolyn Camilleri, at
8 CONNECTION IS OUR NATURE Nature as a ccamilleri@pageonepublishing.ca.
Find more information about submitting
holding environment in trauma therapy
article proposals at bc-counsellors.
org/media/insights-magazine or by
12 AFTER THEY TASTE THE RAISIN contacting Marci Zoretich or Elana
Ilott, BCACC editorial advisors, at
Mindfulness-informed trauma therapy during the communications@bc-counsellors.org.
COVID-19 pandemic Printed in Canada by Mitchell Press.
IN EVERY ISSUE Ideas and opinions expressed within this
22 POST-PARTUM PTSD A unique type of PTSD 4 Plugged in Resources,
publication do not necessarily reflect the views
of BCACC or Page One Publishing Inc. or its
affiliates; no official endorsement should be
that’s distinct from post-partum depression information, and tools inferred. Insights writers are responsible for
the accuracy of the information in their articles
7 Good to know
28 THE WHAT AND THE WHO OF TRAUMA
and for obtaining permission to use source
News and information from material, if applicable. The publisher does not
assume responsibility for the contents of any
Event-based and relational traumas in the BCACC advertisement, and any and all representations or
warranties made in such advertising are those of
developing child 34 Member profile the advertiser and not the publisher. No part of
this magazine may be reproduced, in all or part,
Bruce Tobin, RCC in any form — printed or electronic — without
32 TRAUMA AND RESILIENCE IN A FIRST 38 Check it out Ideas to
the express written permission of the publisher.
The publisher cannot be held responsible for
unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.
NATION COMMUNITY Reflections of a counsellor motivate and inspire
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 3
PLUGGED IN Resources, information, and tools for your practice 4 Contemporary racism 5 Complex trauma resources 6 Gardening as therapy CONTEMPORARY RACISM THE IMPACT OF MICROAGGRESSIONS ON 4 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS
Training and education in race and racism is COMPLEX
no longer a specialty but a duty. It is our duty TRAUMA
and ethical responsibility as practitioners to RESOURCES
honour the stories of our clients.
Complex Trauma Resources
was founded in 2012 by Dr.
Chuck Geddes, R. Psych, to
provide education and
RACIALIZED POPULATIONS support to the parents and
care givers, foster parents,
adoptive parents, care teams,
educators, clinicians, and
professional agencies who
BY GURLEEN DHIAL SANGHA, RCC
care for traumatized children.
F
In addition to a variety of
professional online training
or my MA program, I conditioning that is imposed upon us opportunities, the website
researched barriers to throughout our lifetimes. Mental health includes:
accessing mental health professionals are in positions of power where
A free resource section
services faced by South Asian they can create diagnoses and treatment plans
organized by topic: e.g.,
Canadians, particularly those and potentially impact the lives of clients
ACES, attachment, brain and
born and raised in Canada forever. When therapists are uncomfortable neglect, emotional
and who are the children of with the topic of race and racism, they shut regulation, holidays and
immigrants. If this population is experiencing down avenues for clients to explore issues of trauma, etc., and features
racism, I wanted to know in what forms, what identity, internalized oppression, erasure, tools, information, and videos
the impact is, and what the implications are for power, privilege, cultural history, code to help deepen a clinician’s
clinical practitioners. I did not know it then, but switching, allyship, bias, bigotry, colonialism, understanding of trauma.
I was about to open Pandora’s Box. colourism, eurocentrism, or xenophobia. When Healing tools: Because
I began my research by interviewing 15 working with racialized clients, counsellors complex trauma often causes
participants about their experiences of must recognize the systems of oppression changes in brain integration
contemporary racism. Their stories were clients are navigating and operating within. and organization, resulting in
poignant, heart-wrenching, and a powerful Training and education in race and racism is delays in developmental
reminder that racism is alive and well in no longer a specialty but a duty. It is our duty areas, many children and
Canada. Participants came from all walks of and ethical responsibility as practitioners to youth require support in
life, including a cashier, students, teachers, a honour the stories of our clients. We must be areas of sleep, stress,
nurse, doctor, former provincial judge, dental able to walk alongside the oppressed and aid in emotions, learning, energy,
hygienist, accountant, and those working in etc. These tools are based on
dismantling unhelpful narratives. We must be
questions commonly asked
the human services field. able to aid in social reconstruction.
by parents and care teams
The impacts of microaggressions include The goal of this research is not to
and may be helpful in
anxiety, insecurity, struggle, pain, shame, convince anyone that racism exists, but providing support.
mistrust, guilt, humiliation, bitterness, instead to give voice to racialized Canadians
brokenness, degradation, dehumanization, and who have been silenced for far too long. The The Clinical Director’s
feeling unsafe, horrified, awkward, confused, first step in dismantling racism is to explore View is an online forum to
and targeted. Visceral responses include promote thought and
deep inside ourselves to truly understand our
conversations among
wanting to vomit, biochemical responses such own power, privilege, and implicit and explicit
professionals about the
as the release of cortisol and adrenaline, socialization. Only then will we understand implications of a complex
sweating, shutting down, crying, shaking, what we bring into the room when we are trauma perspective on child
inability to function, and freezing. The working with clients who are trusting us with welfare service practices.
cumulative burden of experiencing these their stories. Posts include “Bamboo Trees
affronts negatively impacts participants in a and ABCs” and “Working
multitude of ways, such as identity With Complex Trauma is
development, parenting, vocational decision Gurleen Dhial Sangha, MEd, RCC, is a clinical Challenging: How to Increase
making, accessing mental health services, and practitioner at the Centre for Response Based Resiliency” written by Dr. Kirk
interactions with white people. Practice. In addition to counselling, she is Austin, RCC.
Counsellors are not exempt from an anti-racism educator and activist. Her full Find more information at
perpetrating microaggressions against thesis, Contemporary Racism in Canada: Lived www.complextrauma.ca.
colleagues and clients. The therapeutic Experiences of Canadian South Asians, is
environment is not excused from the cultural available at is available at www.gurleensangha.ca.
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 5
CULTIVATING
WELLNESS
GARDENING
AS THERAPY
BY DIANE BRUSSELL, RCC
I am here to hail the healing potential of gardening
in all its glory, as the epitome of magic, growth, and
the miracle of life. Gardening is the quintessential
collaboration with and connection to sustenance,
nourishment, and creation. It is also the most
fundamental grounding tool there is, literally and
figuratively.
Connecting our bare feet — or any other part of
our skin — to the soil grounds the electromagnetic
radiation stored in our body and provides release
and well-being.
“Multi-disciplinary research has revealed that not more to do with providing the perfect anecdote REFERENCES
electrically conductive contact of the human body to the fear and uncertainty surrounding the 1 Oschman J, Chevalier
with the surface of the Earth (grounding or pandemic as it did with having extra time. The core G, Brown R. The effects
of grounding (earthing)
earthing) produces intriguing effects on physiology of our being, where we are wired for survival, on inflammation, the
and health…. Grounding resonates with growth, immune response, wound
appears to improve sleep, healing, and prevention
is comforted by the and treatment of chronic
normalize the day-night proximity of inflammatory and
cortisol rhythm, reduce pain, sustenance, and autoimmune diseases. J
Inflamm Res. 2015;
reduce stress, shift the delights in the sensory 8:83-96. https://doi.
autonomic nervous system pleasures the garden org/10.2147/JIR.S69656
from sympathetic toward affords. 2 Glausiusz, J., (July 2007),
parasympathetic activation, Mind & Brain/Depression
We grow ourselves
and Happiness – Raw Data
increase heart rate variability, in the garden: our “Is Dirt the New Prozac?”
speed wound healing, and attention, presence, Discover Magazine,
https://discovermagazine.
reduce blood viscosity.”1 faith, nurturance, com/2007/jul/raw-data-
Additionally, antidepressant adoration, and is-dirt-the-new-prozac?
microbes in the soil are said gratitude. We meet 3 Lowry, C. et al. (March
to be as effective as Prozac. It Antidepressant microbes in blockages and have 28, 2017) Identification of
an Immune-Responsive
seems perhaps they are more the opportunity to
effective, as they are reputed
the soil are said to be as Mesolimbocortical
Serotonergic
outgrow our
to have effects lasting for effective as Prozac. limitations with
System: Potential
Role in Regulation of
three weeks — and are dedication. We learn to Emotional Behavior.”
provided for by nature not human manufacturing.2 Neuroscience. 2007
cultivate our caring and the pleasurable wellness of May 11; 146(2-5):
The bacterium found in soil is called getting grounded in the garden soil. So, please, 756–772. doi: 10.1016/j.
mycobacterium vaccae and has shown a positive wash off any residual sanitizer, take off your mask, neuroscience.2007.01.067
link to human health in studies: it stimulates and go heal in the soil. OTHER SOURCE
serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and Chevalier G., (2015) The
happier, reducing stress with no adverse health effect of grounding the
human body on mood.
effects.3 The bacteria can enter us through our skin Diane Brussell, MA, RCC, offers therapeutic
Psychol. Apr;116(2):534-
and through our breath, as it is also airborne. gardening sessions as an option for counselling, 42. https://pubmed.ncbi.
Gardens flourished in 2020 with a huge spike in working alongside her clients in the dirt, engaging nim.nih.gov/256748085
plant and seed sales. I imagine this had as much if metaphors, and supporting their full growth potential.
6 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS
GOOD TO KNOW news and information from BCACC
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOP
SAVE THE DATE PRESENTERS INCLUDE:
COUNSELLING IN
A CHANGING WORLD
MORE THAN EVER, COUNSELLORS ARE NEEDED TO BRING
COMPASSION, HOPE, AND RESILIENCE FORWARD AND TO HOLD
SPACE FOR THE CHALLENGES AND GRIEF WE ARE ALL EXPERIENCING. DR. ALFRIED LÄNGLE DR. BRUCE PERRY
From June 17 to 19, 2021, BCACC’s virtual conference, Counselling in a
Changing World, will bring together counsellors from around the
globe to discuss the many aspects of counselling in a rapidly changing
world and globally connected communities.
Find connection, community, and inspiration with your peers both
at home and abroad — join us! Registration opens spring 2021.
https://conference.bc-counsellors.org.
DR. NICOLE REDVERS DR. DIXON CHIBANDA
Better coverage for your clients from ICBC
On May 1, 2021, the provincial that significantly impact their daily client to help coordinate the care and
government, together with ICBC, will lives. Under Enhanced Care, your services needed to support recovery.
launch a new care-based auto clients will continue to have Early ICBC hosted a one-hour webinar for
insurance system. Access treatments within the first 12 clinical counsellors on Friday, April 16
Enhanced Care will provide British weeks following a crash to meet their at 8 a.m. to provide more information
Columbians with access to rehabilitation needs; these are on Enhanced Care and what is
significantly more medical and currently known as preauthorized changing at ICBC. To find out more
rehabilitation care if they’re injured in treatments. and to watch the recorded webinar,
a crash — with no overall limit to the Health care providers, such as visit ICBC’s Health Services Partners
care and recovery benefits available. clinical counsellors, will continue to page at www.icbc.com/
In particular, Enhanced Care will lead the development of the injured partners/health-services.
provide extended care and recovery person’s recovery plan. ICBC claim
benefits for people who need it most representatives will work
— those who have serious injuries collaboratively with you and your
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 7
CONNECTION
IS OUR
NATURE
NATURE AS A HOLDING ENVIRONMENT IN TRAUMA THERAPY
BY MONICA DRAGOSZ, RCC
8 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS
or many people, the word deeper connection and relationship to it.
“trauma” still conjures up Interestingly, trauma may have a role in
the big T traumas — the that for a subset of this population.
experience or witnessing Jerome Bernstein, an author and
of acute bodily threat. Jungian analyst, coined the term
But what most therapists are working “borderland consciousness” — not
with day in and day out are the little t to be conflated with borderline
traumas — exposure people have had personality disorder — to describe a
as children to repeated and chronic phenomenon in which some individuals
experiences of all forms of abuse, experience a quality of communion
neglect, and boundary violations and communication with nature he
otherwise known as developmental or calls transrational — not understood
relational trauma. by logic or cause-and-effect structure.4
While even we, as therapists, This orientation was witnessed to be
may regard the trauma we see in our extremely valuable to these individuals,
offices as personal in nature, there are often more so than their relations
undoubtedly sociocultural and historical with other people and, therefore, even
influences. This is well known in the necessary to their functioning in the
field of ecopsychology, a still somewhat world. Bernstein came to regard this
new and emerging field of study that orientation as non-pathological, but
explores the relationship of the human he observed that some come to this
psyche to the rest of nature.1 From an orientation through what he calls the
ecopsychological perspective, personal, “trauma portal” — an experience of
little t traumas have their antecedents in childhood trauma, often sexual trauma.5
and are exacerbated by the severance of Nature can undoubtedly be an
the human psyche from its roots in the important attachment relationship
natural world, a condition author and for clients with relational and
activist Chellis Glendinning has referred complex trauma. With eye movement
to as “original trauma.”2 desensitization and reprocessing
(EMDR), one of the first tasks is for
RECONNECTING TO NATURE the client to choose and establish calm
It stands to reason that part of our or safe-place imagery for the resourcing
healing, individually and collectively, lies phase of treatment. For many, this
in a reconnection to our nature within calm or safe place is within the natural
nature. A plethora of research confirms world, and the way it is set up in EMDR
nature’s health benefits for modern is a good example of how, for some
people, evidenced by the growing clients, nature can function as a primary
network of physicians across the relationship in the context of their
country who are formally prescribing therapeutic process.
time in nature to their patients.3 But Incorporating nature connection is
there are those individuals who, in spite an easy accompaniment to some of the
of the collective condition of alienation somatic, mindful, and felt-sensing work
from the natural world, seem to retain a that has become widespread in trauma
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 9
When clients are able to pursue —
with encouragement — their fuller
sensory capacity while exploring
the natural world, they embrace
more of their human nature.
therapy. Even for those clients who do I then suggest they actively pursue As she sat with this storm inside of her,
not bring experiences with nature or these connections. Sometimes, we lay I looked for something to help ground
nature symbolism into their therapy the framework for an exercise or simple her. Knowing this client treasured her
sessions on their own, they can be ritual engaging these elements to be regular forest walks, I suggested she
gently reminded of and turned towards undertaken outside of the session to think of the trees she encountered and
what is both an important relationship further integrate insights and shifts that focus on their rootedness and solidity.
and an accessible source of strength and occurred within sessions. I find these The client felt connected to a particular
support. In the words of therapist Ellen “homework” assignments can be more tree and, spontaneously, she imagined
B. Macfarland: readily embraced than other types of herself becoming that tree. What
Adults who have been abused as cognitive and behavioural tasks. The followed while she maintained this
children need to find new ways of being following example illustrates this, along posture was that she imagined telling
in the world. They need to be open to with the somatic focus that can be the truth about her abuse, effectively
all the nuances of life. There are rich woven between trauma therapy and re-creating that moment. This was very
lessons in the world of Nature that could nature connection. powerful for the client. When she was
not be learned when trying to survive in A client of mine who experienced once again more present-oriented, I
the chaotic world of an abusive family. significant abuse in her childhood once suggested she visit this tree in real time
Being in Nature can literally help in the spoke of being triggered as similar to to both connect with its strength and
generation of new neural pathways that being in a hurricane. Much of our work give thanks.
can bring calm to the psyche.6 centred around trying to bring more The client returned next session
calm to these stormy feelings. reporting that after having visited this
NATURE HOMEWORK One day in session, she recalled a tree, she felt an impulse to go to the
I regularly ask clients about the time in childhood when she had the ocean shoreline in the midst of a mildly
elements in nature in which they find opportunity to say that she was being stormy evening. She stood there alone
meaning, support, and strength, and abused, but due to threats from her with a new sense of her own truth
many are able to easily answer to this. perpetrator, she chose to remain silent. in the face of the wind and crashing
10 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORSwaves. While she was relating this to seeks to show more reciprocity with the sense of this as an imprint of a nervous-
me, a memory arose in which, some natural world.8 system state she could draw upon.
years later, the person who could have After several months in regular This speaks to MacFarland’s idea about
protected her asked if she had been therapy for her trauma, my client came how nature’s nuances can help clients
abused. In her anger over their not in one day speaking of a confrontation generate new neural pathways. l also
having known at the time, she failed to with family members about her like to think of it as a small example of
disclose it then as well. The client then attempts to involve them in household what Buzzell-Saltzman calls the “Circle
wanted to go back to the shoreline to recycling. She felt that she had been a of Reciprocal Healing,” where the client
tell them. bit harsh with her words. As therapists, increasingly recognizes themselves as
As we spoke, a fuller ritual took we know how easily clients with past connected to nature, and nature keeps
shape. I suggested bringing objects trauma can default to trauma responses informing them how to live their lives
with her to signify her important of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, as well as effectively act on its behalf.9
relationships. She decided to take without ever knowing how to express
flowers to represent her caregiver, EMBRACING NATURE
themselves calmly and directly.
her child, and her grandchild. The I’ve seen the benefits of incorporating
client had successfully staged an early nature into work with trauma clients,
intervention in her own child’s abuse, Part of the gift of without even accompanying them
and for her, the flowers symbolized ecotherapy is that it may outside. When clients are able to
hope that the abuse would truly stop move clients toward pursue — with encouragement — their
there, and that her grandchild would post-traumatic growth fuller sensory capacity while exploring
not experience this in their life. the natural world, they embrace more
in the form of enhanced
The forest and the ocean shoreline of their human nature. This not only
appreciation for life and fosters resilience within the trauma-
provided a holding environment
for this client to process aspects
increased compassion recovery process, but it also leads to
of her trauma that still required and altruism. becoming more empathetic to various
attention. Furthermore, I feel the non-human others — a real step
client’s simultaneous attention to toward establishing an ecological self.
We explored the notion of
her own bodily experience and to And as a therapist, it gives me great
expressing convictions firmly but non-
the raw elements of nature around satisfaction to see clients re-establish
aggressively. I asked her to think about
her — experiencing “nuances of life” their belonging within the greater earth
an animal that may model this, and she
somatically in the movement of wind community with more connection,
recalled a startling encounter with a
and water — provided a powerful motivation, and bandwidth to be an
deer — an animal which most would
means of integrating this trauma-related active agent in its unfolding. ■
agree has an aura of gentleness — who
material.
simply stood her ground. I could see
I further believe that part of the Monica Dragosz, RCC, works in the unceded
my client was feeling into the deer’s
gift of ecotherapy (the applied arm of territory of the K’omoks First Nation, treating
stance as she spoke. We spent some trauma and incorporating knowledge from
ecopsychology) is that it may move
time having her contact her own felt the field of ecopsychology.
clients toward post-traumatic growth
in the form of enhanced appreciation
for life and increased compassion and REFERENCES 3 Metcalfe, Z. (2020, December 7). Reaching the divine through
Take two hikes and call me in the nature’s healing symbols. North
altruism.7 Whereas much of ecotherapy 1 Buzzell-Saltzman, L. (2016).
morning. National Observer. Atlantic Books.
The Many Ecotherapies.
is limited to improving outcomes for Ecotherapy: Theory, Research & 4 Bernstein, J. S. (2005). Living in 7 Kaufman, S.B. (2020, April
Practice, eds. Martin Jordan & Joe the Borderland: The evolution of 20). Post-traumatic growth:
human health, Buzzell-Saltzman points Hinds. Palgrave Macmillan, pgs. consciousness and the challenge Finding meaning in creativity and
70-79. of healing trauma. Routledge. adversity. Scientific American.
out that it is possible to practice “Level
2 Glendinning, C. (1994). My name 5 Bernstein, (2005). 8 Buzzell-Saltzman (2016).
2” ecotherapy, which helps clients go is Chellis and I’m in recovery from
6 Macfarland, E.B. (2008). The 9 Buzzell-Saltzman (2016).
beyond the idea of nature as a personal western civilization. Shambala.
sacred path beyond trauma:
resource to grow an ecological self that
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 11AFTER THEY
TASTE THE
RAISIN
MINDFULNESS-INFORMED TRAUMA THERAPY
DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
BY MARY M. LANG, RCC
O
ne of the earliest of what triggers post-traumatic surfaces between sessions.
mindfulness symptoms, while learning and Almost everyone’s sense of safety
exercises in practising a repertoire of strategies to in the “here and now” has taken a
mindfulness- self-regulate these reflexive trauma hit.
based stress responses. This serves to restore
reduction and related trainings is an embodied sense of safety in the COVID STICKING POINTS
to eat a raisin — mindfully. The “here and now.” Almost immediately upon the
purpose of this simple exercise is The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown in March 2020, a pattern
to initiate a familiar activity with however, has presented a unique began to emerge in my counselling
deep attention. It is an invitation to counselling challenge for therapists. sessions. Many of my clients
focus awareness on the contents of Both clinicians and clients are amidst developed an intractable COVID-19
immediate experience, which might a shared disaster. As clinicians, we’ve narrative — specific things that
otherwise be overlooked absent the had to face our own personal fears terrified, haunted, or just really,
focusing lens of mindful attention. and concerns, while supporting really irritated pinned many of my
Mindfulness-informed practices are our clients in their response to the clients under a barrage of intrusive
an invaluable adjunct to my clinical pandemic. We closed our offices in thought loops. Post-traumatic
practice, which is almost entirely March 2020 and shifted to phone symptoms long soothed and
devoted to working with adult and online services. Many of us mastered re-emerged and resisted
survivors of sexualized child abuse who have since returned to indoor well-practised self-regulating efforts.
and related attachment trauma. settings sit farther away, wear masks, As I listened, I wondered why it was
One of the earliest stages of perform health screenings before one COVID detail for one person,
trauma therapy is becoming aware each client’s session, and disinfect while it was a completely different
12 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORSCOVID detail that got under another The invitation began with questioning Though the
client’s skin and caused intrusive thoughts why a particular aspect of the COVID-19
reality of the
and PTSD symptoms to re-emerge. experience might be so difficult to accept
COVID-19
We were having a shared experience of while others weren’t as “sticky.” In
a disaster, so it took a little while for me to examining clients’ narratives together, we
pandemic is
sort through my own countertransference discovered strands reaching from the past
shared the
and discern that my clients were inviting into the present. As we viewed the present
world over,
me to witness two stories. First, they were situation together, using the metaphor of our response
debriefing their current experience of living an x-ray, we could see evidence of historical to it remains
through the pandemic. Secondly, and more fractures along the “bones” of their accounts profoundly
significantly, they appeared to be sharing of the COVID-19 experience. This, to personal —
key, unresolved pieces of their personal me, presented an important new level of intimately tied
trauma stories, projected through the lens psychodynamic, mindfulness-informed to our own
of COVID-19. I began to invite clients trauma practice — to work with real-time unique history.
to examine their fixations on the ongoing experience of the pandemic and invite
pandemic experience with more focused clients to discern the trauma memories
curiosity. colouring that experience. To what trauma
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 13memory was the body reacting, while un-metabolized pieces of their historical Naming the themes often brought
the conscious mind thought it was just trauma story — pieces activated, but immediate relief. Instead of feeling out
coping with a pandemic? previously unnoticed, acting inexorably of control, many clients began viewing
My clients became very interested on their autonomic nervous system to their fixations with compassion. They
with this investigative approach. manifest as PTSD symptoms. Mindful became enthusiastic observers of how
Historical trauma themes, like fracture attention to particularly problematic their amygdala, recognizing the vaguest
lines, became remarkably easy to see COVID themes and parallels in the outlines of their historical trauma in a
once we focused conscious attention. client’s trauma story allowed us to particular COVID-19 theme, would
As we began to shine the light of recognize and start working with the unleash the stress response. Every
consciousness on their particular difficult trauma pieces currently calling client has expressed respect for the
“sticking point,” we inevitably found for witness (refer to chart). defensive logic to which their soma and
psyche respond.
A PARTIAL LIST OF COVID THEMES AND PARALLELS MANAGING RESPONSES
UNDERLYING HISTORICAL With curiosity activated, the client’s
EXAMPLE OF COVID-19 NARRATIVE
TRAUMA THEME “social engagement”1,2 system is more
easily brought back “online” thus
“How can people think this pandemic’s fake!
Not being believed enabling them to analyze or redirect the
Why do people dismiss how serious this is?”
COVID theme more skillfully. Once
“My (family member) says I’m making a mountain the trauma piece, piggybacking on a
Family members being
out of a molehill with this COVID thing. They think COVID detail, is brought to awareness,
dismissive
I’m ridiculous. Nobody takes me seriously.” clients exhibit more motivation to
employ self-regulation practices during
“Why isn’t (family member) telling (insert family and between sessions. I suspect this
member) to follow the guidelines for all our Family members being
is because the trauma piece has been
safety? They won’t even wear a mask when they silently complicit
visit!” acknowledged rather than encoded in
a re-enactment of the theme of being
“I never know when (friend/family member) will overlooked.
post some crazy-assed theory that I’m supposed A terrified, dangerous, or
By engaging in discussions and
to accept… I can’t open my FB without a barrage erratic attachment figure
of panic posts from (friends/family).” somatic experiments,3 clients become
more adept at differentiating between
“I feel trapped — I can’t get away from it.
The inability to escape harm historical trauma and current stressors.
I’m afraid of being infected by people I love.”
I can invite them to appreciate how
Not knowing when it will be this current experience is actually
“This pandemic feels like it’s never going to end!”
over different from the trauma story.4
Clients are calmed enough to explore
Feeling like tainted goods;
“I’m afraid of infecting people I love.” fear of destroying the family felt senses and hitherto unrecognized
with the truth acts of agency, enumerate current
allies or support people, and review
Isolation and having no one
“I’m all alone; there’s no one to take care of me.” current strengths.5 This exploration
who can stop the harm
paired with somatic practices of
“Who’s right — Dr. Bonnie? Theresa Tam? Fauci? centring and grounding become vital
They’ve changed their minds, too? Is it a hoax or Not knowing who to trust to managing clients’ responses to
not? I don’t know who to believe.” the stressors experienced during the
current pandemic, while attending
“I can’t tolerate the thought of coming in with a The unapproachable
to vulnerabilities triggered by parallel
mask and seeing you wearing a mask.” attachment figure
themes in their historical traumas.6
14 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORSOnce the
trauma piece,
piggybacking on
a COVID detail,
is brought to
awareness,
clients exhibit
more motivation
to employ self-
regulation
practices during
and between
sessions.
MINDING OUR OWN the thematic significance of our own
NARRATIVES and our clients’ particularly intractable REFERENCES
By inviting clients to examine their COVID-19 narratives presents an 1 Porges, Stephen. (2011). The
Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological
COVID narratives for personal trauma opportunity to soothe and transform foundations of Emotion, Attachment,
themes, my countertransference has historical wounds amenable to change
Communication, Self Regulation. New
York: W.W.Norton.
also been better kept in check. Keeping and grants an opportunity to witness, 2 Rosenberg, Stanley. (2017). Accessing
a lookout for trauma parallels in clients’ with gentleness, those wounds not yet
the healing power of the vagus
nerve: Self help exercises for anxiety,
narratives, supports me in maintaining ready to risk transformation. depression, trauma, and autism. North
Atlantic Books.
openness to my unique responses to With compassion and curiosity, 3 Ogden, P. & Fisher, J. (2015)
COVID and my own unconscious counsellor and client together can Sensorimotor psychotherapy:
Interventions for trauma and
fixations linked to personal, historical investigate parallel themes that reach attachment. New York: W.W. Norton.
trauma themes. It prevents me from across time from the distant, personal 4 Siegel, D & Solomon, M. eds. (2003)
Healing trauma: Attachment, mind,
assuming I know what clients are going past into our shared challenging and body, and brain. New York: W.W. Norton.
through “…because we’re going through uncertain present. In so doing, we 5 Wade, Allan. (1997). Small acts of
living: Everyday resistance to violence
it together.” We are, but we are also not. discover a richer, deeper experience of and other forms of oppression.
Contemporary Family Therapy, 19: 23-39.
Though the reality of the COVID-19 the present moment and ourselves. ■
6 Van der Kolk, Bessel. (2020). On the
pandemic is shared the world over, Global Coronavirus crisis: Steering
ourselves and our clients through new
our response to it remains profoundly and developing traumas (video accessed
Mary M. Lang, RCC, works with clients
personal — intimately tied to our own through https://uncw.edu/counseling/
seeking relief from and acceptance of covid-19.html)
unique history. the legacy of childhood trauma and OTHER SOURCE
Counsellors and clients alike are attachment issues. She draws inspiration
Van der Kolk, Bessel. (2014). The body
from interpersonal neurobiology, attachment
reverberating to both this present keeps the score: Brain, mind and body
theory, narrative theory, and relational in the healing of trauma. New York:
crisis and to un-metabolized pieces psychodynamic theory and is guided by the Penguin.
of our histories. Mindful inquiry into work of somatic and trauma specialists.
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 15TRANSFORMING
TRAUMA TRIGGERS
TOP TEN TOOLS FOR GROUNDING AND STAYING
CONNECTED IN THE PRESENT MOMENT
BY DIANE BRUSSELL, RCC
H
ealing from trauma has and conscious, where good decisions of historical abuse. And the wait list is
two main stages: the can be made. People need to be able to long.
immediate ability of maintain an experience of present-time The tools presented here are those
calming the nervous safety to be able to do the deeper work. I have found to be the most effective,
system, body, and For the last three years, I have fundamental tools for grounding
mind and the longer-term, reparative worked at a non-profit that provides and staying connected to oneself in
processing of the “undigested,” implicit, affordable counselling for people who the present moment — tools I am
fragmented, emotional memories. have experienced trauma and/or abuse. told, again and again, that have given
The initial work is aimed to support We provide up to 24 sessions to clients the necessary support to regain and
clients in stabilizing from an activated coming for the first time. While this remain in a mindful state, where the
alarm state of danger to a state that is is a lot, it is not enough to resolve all transformative experience of healing
responsive rather than reactive — alert the wounding internalized from a life can occur.
16 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS1 NOTICING 2 SOMATIC AWARENESS
SENSORY ANCHORING TRANSLATION TO SENSATION
Simply recognizing that we are triggered When I studied somatics in the consciously, deliberately. As we
starts to deactivate the “alarm centre” and 1980s at Antioch University, I notice patterns, inclinations, and
awakens the “thinking” part of the brain that used the definition put forth by tendencies, we are better able
shuts down in emergency, survival situations. Stanley Keleman: “Somatics is to make choices and expand the
Reflecting on how we know we are triggered the awareness of one’s internal “vocabulary” of experience in this
continues that shift from alarm to thinking. experience; the body sensing world.
Noticing is the most important initial itself from the inside.”1 Thirty It feels abstract enough to ask
step. The tools are simple. The hardest part years later, neurobiological people who typically “live in their
is being aware that we need them, then studies explain why somatics are heads” to locate a given thought,
remembering to use them when we need beneficial, as the fundamental feeling, sensation in their bodies,
them most. Practice makes new responses agent of neuroplasticity and even without historic abuse. For
stronger. “rewiring” the brain. According to clients whose bodies have been
Noticing our experience in the moment Daniel Siegel, the brain actually chronically mistreated, it can be
is the basis of mindfulness and can be done grows and thickens in proportion very strange and even scary to be
in myriad ways. I like to start with the to the amount of time we spend asked to feel themselves.
kinesthetic sense of noticing the position our being cognizant of our internal I let them know they are
body is in — where we are making contact experiences.2 reclaiming their nervous system,
with whatever is holding our bodies to notice I ask that clients learn to because the same nerves that
how and where gravity is affecting us and to “translate” positive and negative allow us to enjoy our world rally
feel the various sensations of our points of thoughts and feelings into for our survival. Once we know
contact. Then proceed to notice what each sensations, to locate where and we are safe, we can turn our
sensory ability is aware of, one by one, sight, how they are experiencing a given attention to both the momentary
sounds, smells, tastes. thought, feeling, or belief and in neutral experiences, as well as the
Everything we have ever learned or this way, re-inhabit their body pleasurable sensations.
experienced in the world — memories,
perceptions, judgments — came to us by
way of our sensory motor system. Our
physiological processes are the foundation of
emotion and predate thought, the building
material of our brain, which holds our
schemata of the world.
For many people, dissociation became
a habitual response to a life of chronic,
inescapable abuse. Dissociation is not a
mental illness, but a survival strategy and
a way to exit the body when other survival
responses are not possible, and it is simply too
painful to inhabit and experience sensation.
This practice brings consciousness to all
of our chronic survival responses and allows
for new skills to be integrated. We want to
introduce the concept and experience of
feeling the body anew, slowly, integrating the
reality of safety in the present.
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 17The Straw Breath is nothing more than taking a comfortable full inhalation and exhaling as though through a small straw held in your lips. 3 PRANAYAMA 4 HANDS ON BREATHWORK AND THE ELONGATED EXHALE Hands on is noticing where in Pranayama is the branch of yoga that them as different breaths, but because our body we are feeling a given involves breathing techniques. Yogis have they have the same central principle of thought, feeling, or belief and used breathing practices for millennia to activating the parasympathetic nervous placing our hands on that or those cleanse, calm, centre, and alter states of system, I present them together. parts of our bodies. being, activating or relaxing, depending The Straw Breath is nothing more I invite people to close their on the intention and the breath used. than taking a comfortable full inhalation eyes if they are comfortable to do The most common breath practice I and exhaling as though through a small so, and breathe into those hands offer is for calming: slowing an activated straw held in your lips. By making the and the parts of the body that sympathetic nervous system, the nervous exhale as long as possible without stress they are contacting. Typically, system which readies us for action, or strain, our parasympathetic system is it is the heart and/or stomach, excitement, enthusiasm as well as activated. Even three of these breaths but wherever it is, I ask that survival. If life is full of experiences of facilitate a recognizable change, but more they allow that body part to actual or perceived danger, we develop is better. register the supportive presence a chronic, habitual state of sympathetic For the Honeybee Breath, or of their hands to comfort, care, arousal, flooded with cortisol and Bhramari Pranayama in Sanskrit, the and acknowledge and to feel the adrenaline and experienced as anxiety. exhale is done humming, again, as slowly warmth, connection, and love. I The parasympathetic nervous system is and as comfortably possible. Yogis claim then ask the hands to feel what the counterpart and is responsible for this is the best cure for stress as it lowers they are feeling and to experience relaxing and going to sleep. Activating blood pressure, heart rate, and cerebral how good it is to show up as a the parasympathetic nervous system tension. It is also said to soothe the nurturing, stabilizing presence. sends a signal to the brain that all is well. nerves, stimulate the pineal and pituitary This positive reflection will amplify There are two variations of the breath glands, and free the mind of agitation, the benefits and strengthen the practice, which technically characterize frustration, anxiety, and anger. resourceful purpose. 18 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS
5 TAPPING
Several different practices use tapping with taps on alternating sides of our
to access and enhance positive states, body. In doing so, we are said to be
activate resources, and produce a building new networks of positive
calming effect. In her book, Tapping
Tapping experiences that are neurologically
In,, Laurel Parnell, an EMDR specialist,
In encoded and can be accessed through
describes many protocols for instilling tapping as needed.
a range of resources to manage Emotional freedom technique
anxiety, establish a sense of safety and teaches a particular tapping sequence
empowerment, boost performance, upon acupressure points to alleviate
and enhance creativity.3 energetic stagnation that causes stress,
Tapping can be done as a stabilizing pain, and other discomforts.
preparation for EMDR or alone. It If nothing else, remembering to 6 GETTING
involves visualizing a resource — a tap is itself a form of mindfulness and GROUNDED
person, place, thing, emotional state, provides present-moment sensory
Nature is a huge, infinite resource
inner experience — and allowing grounding, which are the building
that helps us connect to ourselves
ourselves to feel it both emotionally blocks to reset the “breaker switch”
and physically, then “tapping it in” when triggered. Smokey and our place in this world on many
different levels at once. Many different
studies confirm the grounding effect
of connecting our skin to the earth.
Emotional freedom If possible, take off your shoes
technique teaches and connect bare feet to the soil.
a particular Gardening and getting your hands
tapping sequence in the soil is also good, and hugging
upon acupressure
points to alleviate
Joe
trees literally grounds the excess
electromagnetic charge in our bodies.
energetic stagnation
If possible, connect with the larger,
that causes stress,
natural world, if not physically, then
pain, and other
abstractly through photographs or
discomforts.
touching unprocessed natural objects.
Mentally recalling a place and positive
experience in nature through all five
senses can provide stabilizing, calming
effects on the body and brain, as
does listening to recordings of natural
sounds, such as the ocean, wind, and
birds.
A commonly known guided
meditation is to connect with the
sensation of your feet on the floor
and imagine roots growing out of your
feet, down through the floor, the
building, the foundation and into the
earth, connecting you to a network
of strength below, where energy and
nourishment can be absorbed.
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 197 SWITCHING 8 INVENTORY
AND ALTERNATING OF JOY
PERSPECTIVE Create an “Inventory of
A very effective tool for mitigating Joy” by making a grid
triggers is to cover one eye for four with eight columns and
to five breaths, then switch eyes and at least six rows. The
breathe four to five breaths. As you columns are for our five
switch back and forth between eyes, senses plus activities,
notice changes or shifts in the level places, and memories. In
of activation, rated from 0-10, and each column, list at least
where in the body the activation six things that inspire a
is showing up. Usually one eye feeling of joy, enthusiasm,
carries more of our trauma triggered calm, peace, appreciation, brains. In this way, we practise the
responses. The practice of switching or warmth. Once completed, put it ability to change our state to a pleasant
not only mitigates the trigger, but somewhere easy to reference — on one. It is a study guide to remind us
also supports lateral integration of the the refrigerator, cell phone, computer when we forget that there are things
experience in the brain. If repeated screen, anywhere it can be easily and to listen to, places to go, things to do,
several times, four to five breaths frequently accessed. scenery to behold, pictures to look at
each time, you will likely experience As we recall and consider these or draw, textures to touch, smells, and
decreased activation and a deeper things, we activate the neural networks tastes that can shift our experience to
sense of calm. associated with these states in our one that is more favourable.
9 FIRST RESPONSE SENSORY KIT
A first response sensory kit is a little customized pouch we
put together and keep nearby — in the car or a handbag
or backpack — to remind us of our caring, protective self.
Put at least one object to activate each of our five senses:
• Something to look at that evokes joy, peace, and
comfort: a photograph of a loved one, pet, or favourite
place;
• Something pleasant to touch: a favourite rock, crystal,
or swatch of silk or velvet;
• Something to remind us of a comforting sound: a
seashell, feather, thumb drive with favourite songs, or
the first line of a favourite song to sing;
• Something fragrant: a little jar of essential oil, spices, or
bark; and
• Something to taste: a mint, gum, or dried fruit.
This is also a good place to put a copy of the “Inventory
of Joy” (see number 8) or anything that can bring us back
to our senses and provide a sense of safety in the present
moment, maybe even gratitude
20 BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORSThere is evidence to suggest
that while singing and dancing
are beneficial, there is even
more to be gained when we sing
and dance with other people.
10 MUSICAL THEATRE PATHWAY FORWARD
It takes practice to remember there are things we can
SINGING, DANCING, ACTING do to shift our experience — to use tools to change
Admittedly, by choosing musical theatre, I am squeezing our state of being from anxiety or depression to one of
in three tools in the space of one, but it also happens to be clarity and choice. However, each time a tool is used,
something I am personally partial to and have resourced as we forge and reinforce a new pathway, making it more
my number one tool for most of my life. I cannot convey accessible and effective. ■
my personal satisfaction, joy, and validation when trauma
specialist Bessel van der Kolk told me, when I attended his Diane Brussell, MA, RCC, works in private practice in Courtenay
workshop at Hollyhock in 2016, that musical theatre is the and with a non-profit specializing in trauma and abuse
best tool there is for healing trauma.4 counselling. She has studied and practised somatic psychology
for over 30 years and has offered a wide array of groups and
More and more research validates what we as humans classes. www.dianebrussell.com
know instinctively: singing and dancing have the ability to
soothe us when we are upset, lift our spirit, enhance our
enthusiasm, facilitate regulation in babies and toddlers, forge REFERENCES OTHER SOURCES
connectedness with other beings, and enrich the quality of 1 Keleman, S. (1979). Somatic Chanda, M.L.& Levintin, D. (2013).
our well-being. Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest that Reality, Center Press. The Neurochemistry of Music.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences, v.17
2 Siegel, D. (2008). The
while singing and dancing are beneficial, there is even more Neurobiology of We: How
(4)179-193.
to be gained when we sing and dance with other people. Relationships, the Mind and the Fancourt, D et al. (2016).
Brain interact to Shape Who We Ecancermedicanalscience. 10:631.
Sadly, our culture that does not integrate these activities Are, Audio CD, Sounds True Inc.
Fisher, J. (2017). Healing the
into common daily life, much less welcome and embrace 3 Parnell, L, (2008). Tapping In: Fragmented Selves of Trauma
A Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Survivors; Overcoming Internal
each person’s voice, dance, and story. For the purpose of Your Healing Resources Through Self-Alienation, Routledge.
Bilateral Stimulation, Sounds
these tools, I encourage everyone I speak to and everyone True Inc.
Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting;
The Revolutionary New Therapy
I support to sing, dance, and share their stories as often as 4 Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body for Rapid and Effective Change,
Keeps the Score, Penguin. Sounds True Inc.
they can.
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 21In a downwards spiral from PP-PTSD, a new mother not only feels detached from her friends, family, partner, but also her child.
POST-
PARTUM
PTSD
A form of trauma we aren’t talking about
BY KULJIT BHULLAR, RCC
A
s counsellors, we are rate was dropping, and I was told she was
constantly on a quest at risk of being exposed to the infection.
to learn everything There was an urgent rush to deliver her
we can about mental to minimize harm to her health. After a
health and how to fast-paced delivery, my daughter was born,
identify symptoms but that cry every parent waits for was
of struggle in our clients. However, when not heard. Before I could even so much
the roles are reversed and you begin to as glance at her, she was rushed to the
notice symptoms in yourself, you gain a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
deeper insight that is simply impossible to All my planning was out the window as
attain through textbooks and professional this was not a scenario for which I had
training. prepared.
As an avid planner, I was one of those I remember asking my doctor: “Is she
women who had her birth plan ready okay?” I kept getting the same answer:
months before delivering: I knew what “The doctors are with her.” My mind was
my rights were, I knew what options were filled with racing thoughts: What does that
available to me, and I was determined to answer mean? Is she okay? Is something
be a part of the decision-making process wrong? I was not given any concrete
every step of the way. I had also planned information. My only option was to wait.
for the unknown and was comfortable with What felt like a lifetime later, my husband
knowing things wouldn’t necessarily go as I came back from seeing our daughter and
had expected. told me she was safe but needed continued
Fast forward from my meticulous medical attention in NICU.
planning to the delivery room. Everything When I was finally able to meet her, my
was going as expected until I suddenly daughter was laying in an incubator with
developed an infection. With my tubes in her mouth and nostrils and an IV
temperature spiking, my daughter’s heart in her arm. I put my hand on her chest
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 23You can also read
