Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Post Traumatic Growth
Post Traumatic Growth is a concept that has been more at the forefront of my mind lately. Perhaps it is because I am privileged to watch growth occur before me through my clients, and I'm amazed at the strength, courage, and humility to strive towards healing. Perhaps I'm aware of my own areas of growth beyond life’s challenges. Or, maybe, it's my solution focused approach that will continue asking questions that allow me to see beyond what first comes to mind and I am aware of changes evolving. No matter the reason, it is a cool phenomenon that helps give meaning to the challenges and encourages one to journey on.
As a general rule, in order for new growth to happen, something else has to die first. This is a truth in biological systems, where the death of an organism provides new life for something else. Or, consider a seed, which must rupture its outer shell before it can grow into a plant. There are more examples to be had, but the general notion of growth post death remains. The celebration of the “new life” is the post traumatic growth.
There are many different ways that post traumatic growth can be achieved, many of which do not involve a counseling session. Wrestling over spiritual matters with a friend or mentor, in the context of a relationship, can be invaluable. Joining with a friend during a season of hardship can challenge your beliefs about life.
Perhaps one of the most efficient ways I have seen post traumatic growth emerge is through the use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART. True to its name, ART can often help bring resolution and change quicker than traditional talk therapy as it focuses not on the why of the trauma, but on the “what” that is stored in the brain. This process often leaves people feeling different about the trauma than when they started. As the emotional and physical sensations are decreased, space appears for new thoughts and perceptions. These new thoughts and perceptions that are formed are the “new life” of post traumatic growth. The old thought patterns have died, and something new and stronger than before emerges. I have been honored to sit with clients, tears streaming down their faces born of gratitude, as they experience a mindshift change they never thought possible after the trauma that affected their lives. Perhaps I am most humbled when I see spiritual shifts and I am acutely aware of the sacred space I find myself in.
Becoming a source of wisdom in your own life story is no small feat. It takes courage and strength, but man! The results are amazing. I would invite you to be open to the process of change and appreciate not just surviving the trauma, but the catalyst it served to bring about a strength and wisdom you did not know you possessed. You have earned it.
If ART is something that resonates with you, there are therapists that are happy to help. More information can be found at https://www.hopeplacetx.com/art.
Rachel Nauss is a therapist at The Hope Place that sees children and adults. She is a Registered Play Therapist with Texas and is our Operations Manager. For questions, she can be reached at info@hopeplacetx.com.
