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In previous blogs, I have discussed the ideas of Kintsugi and the counseling technique of Reframing. Kintsugi is a refined and graceful way of repairing broken pottery, that uses a powerful glue and the beauty of gold to repair and strengthen the broken places. A psychological reframe helps people to understand the pain of post-traumatic growth and healing in a different manner that provides a new and innovative insight into the situation that can ease the pain of change. Many people who have experienced trauma and pain believe that they must always be perfect and never fail. A reframe of this damaging belief is that failure is an important part of the learning experience.
The word trauma comes from the Greek word that means “wound.” Originally, the trauma was associated with a wound to the body, and over time has become associated with the damage or pain of the mind and soul.
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Although the trauma in your past cannot be changed, what can be changed is your relationship with yourself, to others and to your trauma. Traumatic wounds, like physical wounds, can be managed in ways where the pain of the trauma no longer dominates your life. You may carry deep wounds that need validation and healing in order for you to move forward. With proper education, tools, and support, it’s not only possible but probable that you will be able to live a positive, productive, and empowered life. As you learn about how the brain responds to the trauma of your childhood, you can begin the process of putting the broken pieces back together, and like the art of Kintsugi, repair the pain, hurt, and resentment in a way that is both effective and graceful.
One of the most elegant psychotherapeutic reframes of trauma is Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR). EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy modality that is designed to relieve the pain and distress that are linked with traumatic experiences. There are eight phases of treatment that help clients face the future in a more adaptive manner. This increased adaptability manifests in reduced intensity of traumatic memories and increased personal empowerment and increased hope for the future. Other manifestations of this adaptability include less guilt and shame for having been traumatized.
Having gone through EMDR myself, I am a testament to the efficacy of EMDR. While the traumas of my past are still memories, I no longer re-experience them. There is much less intensity of the memory, and those memories no longer inhibit my day-to-day life. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients, who have experienced trauma, is to reduce the felt sense of their past traumas.
R. David Johns has a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision, and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the state of Colorado. As a counselor and therapist, he uses trauma informed practices, such as Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), to reduce traumatic symptoms and increase personal empowerment, self-awareness, and growth. For free and confidential 15-minute consultation or to make an appointment call 303-642-6636 or email at [email protected].
References
Caruth, C. (2016). Unclaimed experience: Trauma, narrative, and history. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Goldenberg, I. Stanton, M. & Goldenberg, H. (2017). Family therapy: An overview (19th Edition). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Ruth-Sahd, L. & Deibler, A. (2024). Kintsugi. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 43 (1), 36-39.
doi: 10.1097/DCC.0000000000000618.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) Therapy. Guilford Press.
