Recent Posts

By Crystal Arber Posted on

rants from the adaptive child…needs

Rants from the adaptive child…What are needs? Do you mean meet other peoples needs? My kids? My partner? My dysfunctional parents?  I remember taking care of my parents when  I was a kid. Is this what you mean? I don’t know what my needs are. I get hungry. I get tired. Is this what you mean? Sometimes I think  I get my wants and needs mixed up. I need to eat but I work instead. I need to sleep but I binge watch television instead. I need to go to the doctor but I work instead. I need to go to the dentist but I take pain killer instead. I don’t remember anyone caring about my needs. I do remember being yelled at  or ignored when I tried to ask for something.  I  think I learned  not to ask for what you need….. the consequence was too painful.  I would get sick and my mom would say, ” stop complaining, it will clear up in a couple days. ”  I remember being really sick. Is this what you mean?

Intensive PTSD police - Vets
By Crystal Arber Posted on

Intensive EMDR Heals Operational Stress – Combat Trauma.

There is hope for those who have experienced multiple operational stress injuries. The hope is intensive EMDR treatment which gives each operational stress injury the attention the injury needs through reprocessing. EMDR follows a past present future protocol which for comprehensive treatment requires targeting and reprocessing past memories that are linked to the operational injury and then reprocessing the original injury and finally processing the future, a future that is goal orientated, free of negative beliefs and disturbing emotions.

By Crystal Arber Posted on

Trauma – grief and loss

When it comes to trauma, grief and loss isn’t talked about enough. In fact some psychologists believe that grief is a more important factor in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After all once the trauma (s) are over there is almost always loss. Loss of meaning, in some cases loss of identity, loss of childhood, loss of dignity, loss of power, loss of control. Does this make sense? So while the symptoms of PTSD can absolutely be treated, grief is something that takes time to sort itself out.

Dissociation and Parts of Self
By Crystal Arber Posted on

Parts of self trapped in trauma time

What are parts of self? Do I have parts? Does everyone have parts?We all have different parts of ourselves. You likely have a part when you talk to your kitty: and another part when you talk to your boss, partner or friend. These parts are not rigid – they are flexible and malleable.  You can move in and out of these parts with ease, usually in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, you can properly switch from talking to your cat to your partner.  When you use the appropriate part at the right time and in the right situation, we call these parts integrated.