The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Self-Healing for Neuroplasticity and Overcoming Early Childhood Trauma

ReM(i) stands for Realistic M(i)nimalism, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model based on the stitches (suggestions) from The Bucket and The Stone. The M(i) refers to “me” or (i) as the (i)ndividual and internal soul. So ReM(i) can also read as a return to the self or self-healing. Only the (i)ndividual knows what the (i)ndividual needs and what is necessary for their avodah (work/purpose).

A practice of self assessment through ReM(i)’s 30-step workbook will reengage your personal (i)ndividual Executive Director and decision maker. It is through non-attachment emotionally, spiritually and materially that we learn who we are, what our mission is and how we can best operate for joy (the sparkly life) and our own (i)ndividual definitions of successful living. This program is for everyone regardless of age, culture, race, physical ability or country.

ReM(i) is a program that turns memory bias and agism on its head. ReM(i) views the tools and life coaching as a treatment of people, regardless of age or cultural background. We began with evidence based service of our older adult population, debunking unhelpful thinking styles. ReM(i)’s research at Columbia University shows that autonomy and choice, not material wealth, are keys to a successful sparkly life. ReM(i) trusts and appreciates the wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise that is afforded by aging. ReM(i)'s tool kit is an innovative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used by individuals seeking increased meaning in their lives, getting past their past, and successful life transitions. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to address the negative beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to psychological difficulties and sometimes long term body sensations. Cognitive therapy is considered an evidence-based behavioural therapy due to its effectiveness in various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse issues, eating disorders, marital problems, and even severe mental illnesses.

Numerous research studies provide support for the efficacy of CBT in improving functioning and enhancing the quality of life for individuals experiencing challenges, sometimes in combination with dialectical behavior therapy. In fact, it has been found to be on par with or even more effective than other forms of psychological therapy or medications commonly used in psychiatric treatments. CBT therapists can offer substantial benefits to individuals seeking help for their mental health concerns.

What sets ReM(i) CBT psychological intervention apart from other forms of therapy is its strong grounding in both research and practical application for joyously disrupting patterns of thinking. The approach has been continuously refined based on scientific evidence and clinical experience. With a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness, CBT provides therapists with well-established techniques and methods that have proven to bring about positive change in clients. This evidence-based nature distinguishes CBT as a reliable and validated form of therapy within the field of psychology with high statistics of response rates.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) modalities are available through ReM(i) to heal the root system of the emotional presenting symptoms. EMDR is useful for both the big T’s and the little t’s (trauma) that happen in life. EMDR is a revolutionary psychotherapy that offers hope to those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives. Most people experience some type of early childhood trauma and the resulting cognitive impairments.

Early childhood trauma is a significant issue that affects children aged 0-6 and can have long-lasting effects on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being including generalized anxiety disorder. Contrary to the belief that young age protects children from the impact of traumatic experiences, research has shown that even infants and toddlers can be profoundly affected by events that threaten their safety or the safety of their parents or caregivers. These traumatic experiences can take many forms, including child physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, natural disasters, accidents, war, painful medical procedures, or the sudden loss of a parent or caregiver. New to the conversation is the inclusion of Complex Post Traumatic Stress or C-PTSD. CPTSD refers to the time frame and consistency of the experience.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced chronic and repetitive trauma over a long period of time. Unlike post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which typically results from a single traumatic event, CPTSD is characterized by the impact of ongoing or repeated traumas, such as childhood abuse, living with someone with an undiagnosed or unmedicated mental health disorder such as bipolar, domestic violence, or prolonged exposure to war or captivity.

Individuals with CPTSD often experience a range of symptoms that affect their daily lives and overall well-being. These symptoms may include frequent flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic events, as well as avoiding situations, places, or people associated with the trauma. The heightened emotional responses seen in CPTSD can manifest as impulsivity, explosive anger or aggressiveness, irritability, or difficulty regulating emotions. Additionally, individuals with CPTSD may struggle to establish and maintain healthy relationships due to persistent difficulties with trust and intimacy.

Overall, CPTSD is a complex mental health condition that not only affects an individual's psychological well-being but also has significant impacts on their ability to function socially and in relationships. While it is a challenging condition that requires professional treatment and support, there are effective therapies available that can help individuals manage their symptoms and resulting personality traits. 

One reason why early childhood trauma is particularly impactful is because young children are completely dependent on their parents or caregivers for survival and protection. As such, any threat to this vital relationship can have devastating consequences on a child's sense of safety and security. Young children may exhibit symptoms such as increased anxiety or fearfulness, withdrawal from social interaction, difficulties sleeping or eating, developmental delays, aggression, or difficulty regulating emotions.

It is crucial to recognize and address early childhood trauma promptly to minimize its long-term effects. Early intervention programs focused on providing support and therapy for both the child and their family can help mitigate the impact of these traumatic experiences. By establishing safe environments and relationships built on trust

Often, people believe that severe emotional pain requires years of therapy to heal, but EMDR debunks this assumption. Through the use of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, this therapy helps the mind heal from psychological trauma much like the body recovers from physical trauma.

Just like when you cut your hand and your body naturally works to close the wound, EMDR therapy taps into our brain's natural healing abilities with the use of a body scan and other somatic and visual techniques. The distressing target memories and emotions tied to traumatic experiences are processed by our mind, similar to how a physical wound heals with lateral eye movements. What makes EMDR therapy so effective is its ability to efficiently process these unresolved memories and emotions. By guiding individuals through specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques, EMDR helps reprocess these traumatic experiences in a safe environment. This allows patients to desensitize themselves from the emotional distress associated with these memories and ultimately find healing.

ReM(i)'s fusion methodology and tool kit includes EMDR, other forms of bilateral stimulation, cognitive behavioral therapies like the stitches from The Bucket and The Stone, as well as somatic therapies including yoga and bioenergetics. Take realistically m(i)nimal actions in your every day life and watch the sparkles appear. We call it working well rather than working hard. Sometimes all it takes is a m(i)nimal shift in focus and intent to reap the benefits. Sometimes it take a life coaching therapy session to reap the therapeutic benefits of a treatment plan.

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections, plays a crucial role in the healing process after neuronal injury or trauma in childhood. Trauma-exposed children are sometimes maladaptive adults, with cognitive distortions, needing a behavioral intervention or somatic treatment. When neurons are weakened or die due to an injury, such as trauma, the same growth factors that are active during early brain development, like the prefrontal cortex, are activated to aid in healing. These growth factors help promote the regeneration of damaged neurons and encourage the formation of new connections.

Furthermore, when specific neuronal pathways are damaged, neuroplasticity allows for the rerouting and strengthening of alternative pathways that enable restored function. With the aid of rehabilitative therapy and training, patients can engage in activities that stimulate these alternate pathways and encourage their strengthening. Through practice and therapy, individuals with brain injuries can work through their weaknesses and actively strengthen vital connections within their brains.

Overall, neuroplasticity plays a fundamental role in the healing process after a trauma or traumatic memories as well as neurodegenerative disorders. By tapping into this remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize itself and form new connections, individuals can restore lost functions through dedicated therapy and training programs. In an era of abundant information and misinformation, it is crucial to base our decisions on reliable evidence. This article stands out as a trustworthy source of information, as it is grounded in scientific evidence.

ReM(i) holds the positive belief that we all have the ability to change and grow. ReM(i) trusts its community to make these effective treatment tools their own, while investigating, experimenting and soon flourishing! M(i)nimalism does not mean you own nothing, it means that nothing owns you. Try it and see for yourself!

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