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I Know____, but I Feel_____.
The Dichotomy of Mind Caused by Trauma By Kristy Cobillas, MEd, LPC Feelings can be tricky. Feelings can reflect perceived reality, but they certainly do not dictate what reality is. Sometimes the two do not line up! Why does this happen? What is this dichotomy of mind that takes place between what one thinks and what one feels? The answer, in part, is biological. Different parts of the brain have different functions. For example, the prefrontal cortex is the area that is known for the processing of a person’s executive functions, such as reasoning, impulse control, decision making, planning, and anticipating a negative outcome. It is a part of the…
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Lessons Taught by Trauma
By Kristy Cobillas, MEd, LPC “What good does it do to talk about it, if it’s not going to change anything?” When it comes to trauma, there are those who will attempt to mentally and emotionally bury the experience. It is true that simply talking about the past does not change it. Recounting the memory of a horrendous experience may do little more than cause one to re-experience the emotional pain. In therapy, victims of trauma can process the event(s) with the help of a professional, who uses techniques conducive to the healing process. Many people who have experienced trauma continue to suffer long after the event is over. The…
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What is Sandtray Therapy?
Introduction Sandtray therapy was created by Margaret Lowenfeld, who got her ideas from reading H.G. Wells’ book Floor Games, where Wells spoke of the use of miniature toys while he played with his sons on the floor. This technique was adopted by many others, including Dora Kalff, a Swedish therapist who modified Lowenfeld’s knowledge of the use of sand and miniatures according to Jungian principles, and named her technique Sandplay (Homeyer & Sweeney, 2011). Sandtray therapy can be used with adults, children and groups, and it is a safe way for those who have experienced trauma to use miniature figurines to express themselves through metaphors. Resistance to exploring past trauma…
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Advice from the Therapist Vlog: Perfectionism
September 2014 Vlog, Advice from the Therapist: Perfectionism This month, Therapist Zachary Sander, MA, LPC, CADC speaks on perfectionism and how affects our mental health and well being. Be on the look out each month for new installments of ‘Advice from the Therapist’ each month pertaining to guidance, services, and more! Transcription: Hi this is Zachary Sander with Agape Christian Counseling Services with another installment of “Advice from the Therapist”. Before we start, we would like to give a special thanks to Harvester Christian Church for letting us use their St. Charles location and Audio Visual equipment to record this vlog. On today’s installment I will be talking about struggling…