Maybe I'm Not the Problem with Complex Trauma Expert Danica Harris, Ph.D, SEP
Sep 7, 2023
01:45:21
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Specializing in healing from attachment wounds and trauma, Danica Harris, Ph.D, SEP discusses complex trauma, attunement, somatic experiencing, and identifying triggers. The speakers also explore the disconnect between brain and body in individuals with ADHD and complex trauma, as well as the importance of creating safe spaces for adults with ADHD and recognition of trauma responses in relationships.
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Quick takeaways
Understanding and identifying themes is crucial in recognizing patterns and underlying wounds that contribute to disproportionate emotional reactions.
It is important to distinguish between physical presence and emotional presence in relationships, as physical proximity alone does not guarantee healthy attachment.
Assessing the proportionality of emotional reactions in relationships is key to identifying underlying issues and healing, fostering healthier and more balanced relationships.
Developing self-awareness and seeking support are vital in recognizing themes and understanding how past trauma influences current emotions and reactions, leading to healthier relationships and emotional well-being.
Deep dives
Recognizing the Emotional Impact of Trauma
When experiencing a disproportionate emotional reaction, it is important to reflect and determine if the reaction is appropriate to the present circumstances or if it is triggered by past trauma. Understanding and identifying themes is crucial in recognizing patterns and underlying wounds that contribute to these reactions. By focusing on the core wound rather than putting out fires, individuals can address the core themes and work towards healing.
Attachment and the Impact of Trauma
Attachment refers to the emotional bond and connection we form with others, especially during childhood. Trauma can disrupt healthy attachment, leading to insecure or unhealthy attachment patterns. It is important to distinguish between physical presence and emotional presence in relationships. Physical proximity alone does not guarantee healthy attachment. Healthy attachment involves emotional attunement, responsiveness, and consistency. Understanding attachment patterns and healing attachment trauma is essential for developing healthier and more secure relationships.
Proportionate Reactions and Themes in Relationships
Assessing the proportionality of emotional reactions in relationships is key to understanding whether the reaction is appropriate to the present context or if it is triggered by past trauma. Recognizing themes in reactions is important in identifying underlying issues and healing. Exploring the core wounds that drive reactions helps individuals address and resolve these issues, fostering healthier and more balanced relationships.
Importance of Self-Awareness and Support in Recognizing Themes
Developing self-awareness and seeking support are vital in recognizing themes and understanding how past trauma influences current emotions and reactions. It can be challenging to navigate these patterns alone, which is why therapy and support are crucial. With self-awareness and guidance, individuals can gain insight into their triggers and work towards healing, fostering healthier relationships and emotional well-being.
The Power of Attuning to Your Body and Needs
Attuning to your own body and needs is crucial for healing and well-being. Many individuals with ADHD struggle with disconnecting from their bodies and trusting their own experiences. By learning to listen to internal cues such as hunger, thirst, and rest, individuals can begin to develop a greater awareness and understanding of themselves. This allows for a greater sense of autonomy and self-care. It is important to approach internal experiences with curiosity and to nurture oneself through self-soothing and meeting basic needs.
The Impact of Trauma Responses in Relational Conflicts
Trauma responses can often intersect and collide in relational conflicts. It is important to explore the proportionality of one's reactions to different situations and to differentiate between cues from past trauma and the present moment. Understanding one's developmental patterns and the root causes of reactions can help individuals discern their actual needs and navigate relationships more effectively. It is also important to create a safe and accepting space for both oneself and others, allowing for open communication and mutual support.
Discovering Healing through Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a powerful therapeutic approach that combines talk therapy with body work to address trauma and restore well-being. SE focuses on completing held trauma responses in the body, allowing individuals to release pent-up energy and restore their nervous systems' natural regulation. The retreats offered by the speaker provide a nurturing and safe environment for participants to engage in deep healing work. By investing in longer periods of time, participants can fully settle into the healing process, experience profound self-discovery, and gain valuable tools to support their ongoing healing journey.
Danica @theempoweredtherapist specializes in healing from attachment wounds, sexual assault, emotional neglect, vicarious trauma, intergenerational and identity-based trauma, and work or academic trauma.
In this DEEP convo, Kristen and Danica discuss the following topics: Complex Trauma Is it ADHD or CPTSD? Attunement Attachment Somatic Experiencing How to Identify a Trigger The Complexity of Healing
Danica is a therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) in Dallas, TX. She co-owns Empowered Healing Dallas, a group practice where she provides trauma-informed therapy using somatic, relational, attachment, and parts work approaches to treatment.
Danica is passionate about support for therapists and provides counseling services, mentorship, supervision, and consultation to mental health providers looking for trauma-informed support. She is deeply invested in equity, social justice efforts, and destigmatizing mental health treatment, and utilizes her Instagram platform, @theempoweredtherapist to provide education and support to the broader community.
