Van Der Kolk

Van der Kolk (2014), explains that the human mind is ordinarily multiple, so we are all born with sub-personalities (parts), and in a non-traumatized person, they have a kind of value to them. They have talents and resources for us, but when someone is traumatized some of their parts can become frozen in time. Others take on a protective role that distorts their natural talents and becomes destructive and can sometimes trigger multiple personality disorder, which is now referred to as dissociative identity disorder (Van der Kolk, 2014). The definition of a part is a mental system that has a certain amount of independence inside us and a whole range of feelings, beliefs, and thoughts. Because of traumas, these parts can be forced out of their

I watched the Antwone Fisher movie on Tuesday night and was so dismayed by the violent abuse he suffered as a young child. I also had parent/teacher conferences all week and was shocked to learn that one of the little girls in my class had been sexually abused since she was only four years old. In all my years of teaching, this is the first time I have been made aware of a student being a victim of sexual abuse. Even though I have read many times that those who abuse are usually victims of violence, I still cannot imagine anyone wanting to sexually assault a young innocent child. Yet, I read how high the statistics are and realize these are only the ones that have been reported. I was relieved to hear that she has been getting the help and support she needs to heal from a professional. She was living in another state with her mother and was turned over into the custody of her biological father and step-mother who both seem like wonderful people and parents. Just like Antwone, I hope that “Mary” will come out of therapy as a stronger person. Antwone was able to get the necessary treatment to overcome his anger and feel happiness. I hope that “Mary” will be able to recognize her beauty and strengths, and begin to heal as

I want to them to be able to focus on living in the present moment instead of staying stuck in the past. When faced with triggers that can cause them distress and anxiety, I want them to be aware of themselves in that moment. By softly explaining to them that they are interpreting their memories as dangers and their fear is a response to that danger, I am further emphasizing that through paying close attention to their breathing, moment to moment, they can learn that their anxiety will lessen and eventually they will calm down (Rothschild, 2000). This can be a pivotal moment for future clients to begin to heal. In the past, they probably would have just relived the horrible memories. By having them focus on the here and now, the next time they feel danger can be a different experience. Their anxiety will be able to pass with each focused breath, making them feel strong and able to discover themselves again. I think this exercise can be a considerable empowerment for