Running Head: REFLECTION JOURNAL 1
TRM840: Reflection Journal
By (Name)
Course
Professor
Institutional Affiliation
Date
REFLECTION JOURNAL 2
Reflection Journal
During this week’s reading, I learned a handful of information; while a lot of knowledge
was fascinating to learn, three I gained three fundamental ideas. My week entailed reading the
text on reclaiming your life from a traumatic experience. The reading material provided practical
information that I can use with my clients. It explained the overview of treatment procedures,
which is essential to be aware of during our practice as therapists. Some clients do not like facing
their trauma, but if we want to overcome the trauma, sometimes it is better to face it, making
sure it does not harm ourselves and others. Prolong exposure (PE) therapy encouraged the clients
to face their trauma, called imaginary trauma.
The text stated that this type of therapy has been effective on police officers, firefighters,
emergency service workers, etc. Living with a soldier with PTSD can be very challenging. From
personal experience, seeing my ex-husband jump in his sleep sometimes screams, get abruptly
emotional, and be suicidal can be a brutal experience. Fortunately, we were able to sign him up
for therapy. Presently, he’s seeing a therapist who helps him with emotional issues (Shapiro &
Forrest, 2016).
Furthermore, EMDR therapy also stood out more for me. I definitely intend to pursue a
certificate in this type of therapy. I know many friends who are retired soldiers struggling with
mild to extreme PTSD who would benefit from EMDR treatment. The outstanding component of
this therapy is that the client does not have to express verbally about their trauma. The therapist
uses a bottom-up instead of top-down processing, which means that the processing occurs on a
physiological level rather than talking through the problem (Shapiro & Forrest, 2016). Therefore
allows new perceptions, emotions, and associations to occur spontaneously.
REFLECTION JOURNAL 3
After reading the Eric case, I can closely relate to what he is going through. My ex-
husband had some of those symptoms, and it was difficult living with a soldier with PTSD and
anger issues. One of the primary reasons for my divorce, he was very abusive. Interestingly, the
therapist allows him to express his feelings alongside his experience when deployed by the US
army. When guilt sets in, Eric highlights he wishes he could do some things differently.
However, in return, the therapist tells the client to close his eyes and imagine he can do
something, and imagine this part of your memory you need to heal from. In the process, the
therapist led the client through a series of bilateral eye movements as he recalled triggering or
traumatic experiences. The process encouraged the client to blank the memories until they no
longer cause distress simultaneously; the therapist asked him how he felt. Learning this type of
technique is extraordinary.
I was also intrigued by how the therapist implemented the mindfulness technique with
EMDR. Before starting the session, the therapist used calm breathing, which allowed the client
to be aware of his surroundings and help the client identify his safe/calm place. It is interesting
how the therapist uses the eye movement technique. After a few minutes, the client places
himself in a safe place. Consequently, he learns how to ground himself. During the EMDR
therapy, if the client gets emotional during the session, they can pause and focus on their safe
place alongside being aware of their surroundings.
Similarly, I was astonished by the container exercise. The client put various things in the
jar, which helped him control certain emotions. During the exercise, the therapist paused and
inquired, “what he’s getting now”? The client responded accordingly to how he felt and
visualized during the container exercise.
REFLECTION JOURNAL 4
Mindfulness is a great technique to use with EMDR therapy. When the clients face their
trauma during the eye movement technique, they may get emotional. Therapists can incorporate
this technique, which will help the client find their calm and peaceful place. However, the best
thing about EMDR is that you don’t have to speak about the traumatic experience in detail.
Similarly, it is also influenced by the Adaptive Information Processing Model, which recognizes
the negative life experience as core to psychological health problems (Shapiro & Ferrest, 2016).
Christian Worldview Integration Research
Clients struggling with PTSD usually look at themselves negatively and blame
themselves for the traumatic events they experienced. It is hard for these clients to forgive
themselves; they go through fear and guilt. Therefore, if these clients obtain EMDR therapy and
implement the Christian worldview positively, they can overcome their trauma. Similarly, learn
to forgive themselves and the other person who caused the trauma. God gives us the power to
withstand pain and overcome traumatic experiences through faith. The Bible describes the power
of faith, stating, “It was because you haven’t enough faith,” answered Jesus. “I assure you that if
you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, ‘Go from here to here!’ and it
will go. You could do anything!” (Good News Bible 1994/2019, Matthew 17: 20-21). This verse
could effectively encourage clients to overcome fear and disbelief and place that mindset with
faith to get better.
Furthermore, a therapist could use motivational interviewing between EMDR sessions
with your clients. This technique actively activates the client’s motivation and uses God’s word
to provide resources for change. The Bible, through different verses, reveals that due to the
world’s nature, people cannot be exempted from experiencing trials. However, God promises
freedom from hurt and trauma and makes us whole again. The scripture states, “He will cover
REFLECTION JOURNAL 5
you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. You
need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day” (Good News Bible, Psalms
91:4-6).
Similarly, in Isaiah 41:10, God promises us His strength. He promises he will not put us
trials beyond our strength or be unable to handle them. Believing in God and having hope will
give the client peace, joy, and happiness. It is all entails believing in the Almighty and focusing
on God’s word with the help of the Holy Spirit. In my opinion, if a therapist implements a
Christian worldview with EMDR therapy and mindfulness, the therapy session may be more
effective. In conclusion, while I acknowledge EMDR is a fundamental intervention technique, I
wonder if the therapist’s hands get tired of this type of hands technique.
REFLECTION JOURNAL 6
References
Container Exercise: Variation 1 with Eye Movements. (n.d.). Sign in to your account. Retrieved
January 23, 2022, from https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/208003/pages/watch-container-
exercise-variation-1-with-eye-movements?module_item_id=20047516.
Calm Safe Place: EMDR Therapy Preparation Demonstration. (n.d.). Sign in to your account.
Retrieved January 23, 2022, from https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/208003/pages/watch-
calm-safe-place-emdr-therapy-preparation-demonstration?module_item_id=20047513.
Good News Bible. 2 nd Edition. United Bible Societies (Original work published in 1994).
Shapiro, F., & Forrest, M. S. (2016). Emdr: The breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety,
stress and trauma. Basic Books.
