b'|PTSDmedications, and medications that decreasetraumatic material, as EMDR-treated patientsrates of heart disease, stroke, chronic obstruc-the response of the autonomic nervous systemhave often thought of the trauma as just antive pulmonary disease, and autoimmune (such as propranolol). However, he has statedevent in the past, rather than the experience ofdisorders.that drugs cannot cure trauma, can only bluntdisturbing sensations and images. AOTA has recommended SAMHSA a disturbed nervous system, and may inter- It is probable that many therapists and(Substance Abuse and Mental Health fere with trauma processing. He has tended torehabilitation professionals could incorpo- Services Administration) principles prescribe medications with less frequency, asrate some of this expert physicians suggestedfor occupational therapists working many patients have improved from participa- trauma treatments. with patients with a traumatic history. tion in mindfulness and yoga exercises. Occupational therapists can provide a safe Another method of being in touch withPTSD RECOVERY WITH THERAPISTS ANDtherapeutic environment; trustworthi-feelings is with free writing or being givenREHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS ness; peer support; collaboration; empower encouragement to allow self to write shortSocial workers, occupational therapists, andpatients; and assure sensitivity to cultural, phrases and draw about memories that theyrecreational therapists are in an ideal positionhistorical, and gender issues.may not be ready to discuss. Reading or show- to help patients, both on acute inpatient ing these writings or pictures may be over- units and in outpatient facilities, based onTOWARD A PHILOSOPHY TO DECREASE whelming, but van der Kolk gently encouragesmentioned therapeutic suggestions. THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAUMAthe sharing. Eventually, writing the deepestSocial workers are skilled to incorporateIt is noteworthy to consider the ideal, or con-thoughts and feelings about traumas improvedspecialized, empathetic trauma conversa- ceivable method, to decrease the instances mood and contributed to better physicaltion techniques and skills in individual ses- of the abused child; the teenagers view of health. sions. This occupational therapist and writersuffering; the veterans war horror; a young This physician has described the techniquehas implemented pet-assisted therapy, withwomans brutal, intimate betrayal; and the and benefits of eye movement desensitizationthe assistance of local pet adoption agenciespolitical wifes life-long trauma. and reprocessing (EMDR). In EMDR, a ther- and the most gentle, affectionate cats and dogs.In the words of Dr. van der Kolk, More than apist instructs a patient to notice this andThese sweet animals were often rewarded withanything else, being able to feel safe with other asks the patient to follow the therapists indexgood publicity, resulting in their forever adop- people defines mental health; safe connections finger, as moved about twelve inches from thetive homes! are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying patients eye. Every few minutes, the therapistOccupational therapists and recreationlives people who feel safe and meaningfully stops and will ask the patient to take a deeptherapists often help patients with art, craft,connected have little reason to squander their breaththen, asks the patient what was nowand writing creative expression exercises.lives doing drugs, dont assault their fellow on his mind. Often, after a session, a patientMany patients have experienced the ability tohuman beings, become gang leaders, or join will appear calmer and indicate the memory ofconcentrate and recall pleasant and disturbingviolent political movements. ntrauma seemed less intensive.memories in sessions.EMDR seems to loosen up something inThe American Occupational TherapyKate Noonan has a degree in Social Ecology the brain that gives people rapid access to asso- Association (OT Practice, May, 2019) has indi- and a Masters in Occupational Therapy with ciated memories from the past. People may becated that OT practitioners are likely to worka specialization in mental health. Her current able to heal from trauma without talking aboutwith individuals with a history of trauma in allfocus is medical writing in mental health-re-it. EMDR enables them to observe experiencesmedical settings. Trauma contributes to men- lated subjectsin a new way, without verbal expression. Vantal health and functional difficulties. These der Kolk feels that EMDR tends to integrateindividuals are more likely to have higherREFERENCESvan der Kolk, Bessel, M.D. (2014). The Body Keeps The Score. Brain, Mind, And Body In The Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books, N.Y.Leaming, Barbara. (2014). Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. The Untold Story. Thomas Dunne Books, N.Y.Fette, Claudette, PhD, OTR, CRC, Lambdin-Pattavina, Carol, OTD, OTR/L, Weaver, Lindy L., PhD, MOT, OTR/L. (May, 2019). Understanding and Applying Trauma-Informed Approaches Across Occupational Therapy Settings. In: OT Practice. The American Occupational Therapy Association. Bethesda, MDwww.elitecme.com |2019| MENTAL HEALTH 13'