Author: Joy Plote
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Supporting a Deaf Person Through Complex Trauma and PTSD
Supporting a Deaf loved one through Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) requires patience, understanding, and a trauma-informed approach that considers both their unique communication needs and the complexities of their experiences. PTSD and C-PTSD affect not only memory and perception but also emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. For Deaf individuals, trauma can…
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Filling the Gaps: The Role of Cloze Skills in Adaptive Information Processing for Deaf Individuals
Introduction Cloze skills, the ability to infer and complete missing information using context, are foundational to literacy and cognitive integration. These skills involve drawing on vocabulary, syntax, and world knowledge to fill in blanks within a text or situation. For many Deaf individuals, particularly those who have experienced language deprivation, cloze skills may be underdeveloped…
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Brainspotting: Unlocking Trauma Through the Power of the Mind-Body Connection
Brainspotting, a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. David Grand, is revolutionizing the way trauma, emotional pain, and psychological issues are processed. Rooted in neuroscience, Brainspotting focuses on identifying and working with “brainspots,” specific eye positions that correlate with unresolved trauma or emotional experiences. By targeting these brainspots, this therapy allows individuals to process and release…
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Understanding Self-Harm Beyond Physical Injury: A Look at Emotional Self-Punishment and Coping Mechanisms
When we think of self-harm, many people immediately picture physical injury — cutting, burning, or bruising. But self-harm isn’t always confined to these physical actions. It can take many forms, some of which might not be as obvious to others. Beyond the surface-level wounds, there are subtle but equally harmful behaviors that can significantly affect…
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Persistent Demand for Autonomy: The Other Side of Demand Avoidance
Persistent Demand for Autonomy: The Other Side of Demand Avoidance When discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or general demand avoidance, the focus is often on resistance to demands. However, the other side of this equation—the persistent demand for autonomy—is just as important to understand. For individuals with PDA, autonomy isn’t just preferred—it is essential for…
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The Power of Trauma Healing Therapies for the Deaf Community: Unlocking the Benefits of EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing
Trauma, particularly in the Deaf community, is often stored in ways that may not be fully understood or acknowledged by traditional therapies. Due to language and information deprivation, Deaf individuals, especially those with limited language abilities or cognitive delays, may experience trauma in ways that go beyond verbal memory. For these individuals, trauma often becomes…
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How EMDR Therapy Can Help Alleviate Fibromyalgia Symptoms: New Insights and Evidence
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, often accompanied by emotional distress like anxiety and depression. While medications can offer some relief, they often come with side effects and don’t always address the root causes of the condition. One exciting new approach gaining attention is Eye Movement Desensitization…
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Executive Dysfunction, Trauma, and EMDR: How Trauma Contributes to Executive Dysfunction and How EMDR Can Help
Understanding Trauma and Executive Dysfunction Trauma is a powerful and often overwhelming experience that can significantly impact a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Trauma, whether from childhood abuse, emotional neglect, accidents, violence, or other distressing experiences, can leave lasting imprints on the brain. These imprints, known as traumatic memories, affect how individuals process and…
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What is Executive Dysfunction?
Executive dysfunction refers to difficulties with the cognitive processes that are responsible for goal-directed behaviors, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-regulation. These cognitive processes, known as executive functions, allow individuals to plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions, and complete tasks in a coherent and efficient manner. When these functions are impaired, individuals may experience challenges in managing…
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The Importance of the Non-Verbal Healing Process: How Body and Mind Work Together to Heal Trauma
Healing from trauma is a complex and deeply personal journey. For many individuals, traditional talk therapies can be a useful tool in understanding and processing their past experiences. However, these approaches often overlook the profound role that the body and non-verbal processes play in trauma recovery. Emerging therapies such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and…
the Coda Counselor 