The Impact of Trauma on the Body and Mind

Exploring Holistic Healing with EMDR and Yoga

Trauma leaves deep imprints on both the body and the mind, affecting emotional, mental, and physical well-being. For Black queer people navigating unique intersections of identity in Berlin, holistic healing approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and yoga offer powerful alternatives to traditional talk therapy. These modalities address the somatic (body-based) effects of trauma, providing a path toward healing and empowerment.

Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Body and Mind

Trauma is not just a psychological event; it’s a full-body experience. When we encounter a threat, our nervous system activates a fight, flight, or freeze response. If the trauma is unresolved, these responses can become chronic, manifesting as:

• Mental effects: Anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty concentrating.

• Physical symptoms: Chronic pain, tension, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions, mood swings, or feeling disconnected.

Navigating societal discrimination, racism, and homophobia can compound these effects, making it essential to address trauma at its root.

The Limitations of Talk Therapy for Trauma

While talk therapy has been a valuable tool for mental health, it often falls short in addressing trauma’s somatic imprint. Talking about traumatic experiences can:

• Re-trigger distress without resolving underlying body-based responses.

• Overemphasize cognitive understanding, leaving physical and emotional patterns unaddressed.

• Provide limited tools for reconnecting with a sense of safety and stability in the body.

For those seeking comprehensive healing, it’s important to consider modalities that integrate both the mind and body.

The Benefits of EMDR for Trauma Healing

EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that leverages bilateral stimulation (e.g., guided eye movements or tapping) to help reprocess distressing memories. This approach goes beyond talk therapy by:

• Engaging the nervous system: Bilateral stimulation helps regulate the nervous system, reducing hyperarousal and fostering a sense of calm.

• Reprocessing traumatic memories: EMDR allows individuals to revisit painful experiences without becoming overwhelmed, creating new, less distressing associations.

• Integrating mind and body: By addressing the physiological aspects of trauma, EMDR helps resolve emotional and somatic blocks.

For Black, Queer or other marginalised individuals, EMDR can be especially transformative, offering tools to process both personal and/or intergenerational trauma.

The Role of Yoga in Trauma Healing

Yoga is another powerful practice for healing trauma. Rooted in ancient traditions, yoga combines movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to:

• Regulate the nervous system: Gentle yoga poses and breath techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and safety.

• Reconnect with the body: Trauma often creates disconnection from the body. Yoga helps rebuild trust and awareness in physical sensations.

• Cultivate mindfulness: Through present-moment awareness, yoga reduces rumination and enhances emotional regulation.

Trauma healing is a deeply personal journey, but it doesn’t have to rely solely on talk therapy. EMDR and yoga offer holistic, somatic pathways to process trauma and reclaim your sense of self. By addressing the mind-body connection, these practices can transform pain into empowerment, fostering resilience and peace. I offer both EMDR Therapy and 1-1 yoga sessions as a part of my practice. I will soon be offering small group yoga classes to Black, Queer People with a focus on healing from trauma so be sure to sign up for my mailing list to be the first to know when spots are available.

References

1. van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.

2. Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.

3. Emerson, D., & Hopper, E. (2011). Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body. North Atlantic Books.

4. Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.

The Benefits of Mindfulness

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) arises from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, leading to symptoms such as emotional dysregulation, negative self-perception, and difficulties in relationships. Mindfulness—the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental, moment-to-moment awareness—has emerged as a valuable tool in managing and alleviating these symptoms.

Benefits of Mindfulness for CPTSD

1. Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness enhances one's ability to observe and understand emotions without becoming overwhelmed, fostering greater emotional stability. 

2. Reduction in PTSD Symptoms: Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to decrease symptoms of PTSD, including hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts. 

3. Improved Mental Health: Regular mindfulness practice can reduce anxiety and depression, common comorbidities with CPTSD. 

4. Enhanced Quality of Life: By promoting present-moment awareness, mindfulness contributes to overall well-being and life satisfaction. 

Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life

Starting a mindfulness practice doesn't require significant time or resources. Here are some simple ways to begin:

Mindful Breathing: Dedicate a few minutes each day to focus solely on your breath. Notice the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils, the rise and fall of your chest, and the rhythm of your breathing.

Body Scan Meditation: Spend 5–10 minutes scanning your body from head to toe, observing any sensations without judgment. This practice can help in reconnecting with your body and recognizing areas of tension.

Mindful Walking: During daily walks, pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs, and the environment around you. This practice grounds you in the present moment.

Gratitude Journaling: Each day, write down three things you're grateful for. This practice shifts focus from negative to positive experiences, fostering a more optimistic outlook.

Mindful Eating: During meals, eat slowly and savor each bite. Notice the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. This practice enhances appreciation and promotes healthy eating habits.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can gradually build mindfulness skills, aiding in the management of CPTSD symptoms. It's important to approach mindfulness with patience and self-compassion, acknowledging that progress may be gradual.

For those seeking structured guidance, mindfulness-based programs such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) have been effective in treating trauma-related symptoms. 

Mindfulness offers a compassionate and effective approach to managing CPTSD. By integrating simple mindfulness practices into daily life, individuals can cultivate greater emotional resilience, reduce distressing symptoms, and enhance overall well-being.

Be sure to register for my newsletter so you can be the first to know when I will be offering Yoga and Yoga Nidra sessions so that we can practice some mindfulness techniques together.

Sources

What are the benefits of mindfulness 

Mindfulness for Healing from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

What is Trauma?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

July 2024

Here is a little overview of all the things going on this month.

Private Practice

I have opened my private practice again and I will be offering Psychodynamic Counselling and EMDR Psychotherapy. I have 2 spots that are available at a lower cost for Queer Black people and I also am offering a discounted rate to Sex Workers.

My availability is quite open at the moment but I only have spots for 8 clients total so please feel free to get in touch with me  and we can arrange a first meeting 

Collaboration with Hydra eV

I am collaborating with Hydra eV an organization in Berlin that provides support to Sex Workers. This includes, Mental Health and sexual health Support but it is also a general community hub where people can connect, share knowledge, resources and advice and build community. I will be providing crisis counselling to those in need throughout the rest of the year. This support is short term up to 10 virtual sessions of counselling where we can explore what is happening, practice tools to stabilize and plan next steps together.  This is not a replacement for longer term therapy, but it is a useful resource for those in immediate need. Hydra works with all Sex Workers, but this program is specifically for those who are Black and Queer. You can reach hydra directly and request to work with me at Akutetraumahilfe at hydra-berlin.de

There are also other Therapists working with the program so you have options to see who resonates most with you. Please share this offering with someone that you know who could benefit. 

Collaboration with EOTO

Each One Teach One is an organisation based in Berlin that aims to build and support Black Community in a variety of ways. I have worked with them in the past and always enjoyed being able to come together with other Black people with the focus being building community and supporting our mental health and wellness. 

This month I am working with them on two events. 

One Is a relationship peer support group for Black and Queer people. This group is a safer and welcoming space for those who seek to discuss, share, and learn about the unique experiences of navigating relationships as Black and Queer people dating in Berlin. We will share, learn and explore not only relationships with others, but also our relationships with ourselves. 

You can register via the eventbrite link here

The other is A yoga series with a focus on Black Healing & Wellness. This is a beginner-friendly, three-part yoga series specifically designed to support Black mental health and well-being. This series aims to create a nurturing space where you can connect with your inner self, enhance your physical and mental health, and learn holistic practices for caring for both your individual and community well-being. In the first session we will focus on Grounding and self connection. We will start off with grounding techniques that connect you to your body and breath. And introduce foundational yoga poses and mindfulness practices to help you center yourself and build a solid base for mental and emotional stability. The first session is on July 25th and will be Thursday afternoons the following 2 weeks. I hope to see you there! 

You can register at the eventbrite here

Social Media

I am doing my best to stay engaged with social media and use this as a space to share more about what I have learned about EMDR and working with trauma, mental health in general and also aspects of yoga. These things have all positively influence my life and I hope to share them with you so that you can experience those benefits as well. I am on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. 

Hope to connect with you somewhere soon!

Making a slow return

After a longer than expected pause from social media and all things Kemoy.de related I have now decided that its time for a comeback and a revamp. I don’t typically share much about myself in my work and this is something that I am trying to change. There's this concept of Therapist being a ‘ blank Slate’ and although I never truly believed in this because I´m Black and Queer and know I will always bring myself and my experiences into the therapy room with me to an extent- I did feel like there were/ are many aspects of myself and life I had to keep private to maintain an air of “professionalism”. I always struggled with how to navigate this balance between personal life and professional life and felt that what I was sharing and creating felt superficial because it left out so much of myself.  While working in the queer and bipoc communities I found this exceptionally challenging because then I was in the situation where I was creating a distance between myself and the same people I wanted to be in community with. It's exhausting and isolating to keep up this facade  when a whirlwind of life is going on behind the scenes.

Being a Black and Queer Therapist in Berlin is also a hard place to be because I don't often see therapists who look like me, in reality I don't know any other Black and Queer therapists. I barely know other Black OR Queer Therapists so I've often felt isolated in the field and that feeling of isolation spread to my personal life here in berlin. Instagram and the internet  hav been a blessing because I get to see others like me and feel a little less alone.It has allowed me to learn from and be inspired by people like me doing this kind of work. So in coming back to social media this is my attempt at sharing more of myself in an attempt to connect with others and hopefully inspire others to do the same because at the end of the day Therapist and real and imperfect people.

The past few months

Between being kicked out of my last flat with little notice, dealing with strained familial relationships and the never ending struggle of trying to find secure housing in Berlin, things have been challenging to say the least. I realized that I had been coasting in this state of emotional burnout for so long I had become accustomed to it. I started my private practice at the beginning of 2020 and worked continuously throughout the pandemic and lockdowns with little to no breaks from client work. I was drained me emotionally and I began feeling very detached from my work. There weren't many things nurturing me and yet I was still trying my best to show up for my clients. Although I was dealing with burnout I was still training as a doula, learning about birthwork and stepping into the world of supporting clients in the this way, doing continual professional development, training and certifying in EMDR Psychotherapy , investing in SEO to understand more about how to grow my business and reach the clients and organizations I want to be working with all while running on below E. At the beginning of this year I started to realize that I was doing so much with so little energy and I was really beginning to lose my sense of direction. 

 I started slowing things down, I stopped my private practice, I stopped accepting new Doula clients and finally I decided to take a break from IG. I could not take a full stop because this is the world we live in and bills still needed to be paid, but I am grateful that I was able to take this time and space to ground and recenter and get back in alignment with my values and the reasons I am doing this work. I spent a lot of time with myself and got comfortable with this. I worked on building presence and trying not to let myself be overcome by worry. I spent a lot of time crocheting and exploring my creativity in ways I had never done before, listening to  a lot of audio books, eating, healing my body and my relationship to my body by doing dance fitness classes, and joining a school to learn contortion, finding a regular sleep schedule and listening to a lot of yoga nidra. I  tried to embrace time to just be. I think this time was really long overdue— I needed to take some time, slow things down and really think about how I want to move forward in my life and in my business. I still don't have it all figured out but here I am anyway, a little more energetic and a little more enthusiastic about making it up as I go along.

Me X Social Media

I have always had a hard time with social media and felt that when I made my ‘return to Instagram’ I needed to have this perfect content strategy planned out, and post 3 xs per day so I could grow my following by X percent and felt completely overwhelmed by it. Maybe it is also my Virgo tendency to strive for perfection. But then I tried to remind myself that it doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be done.

So even though I do not have the perfect content strategy I am starting somewhere. I plan to use my social media presence as a place to share more about Mental Health and Wellness, focussing on  Psychodynamic Counselling, EMDR, Yoga and Yoga Nidra and how these things can help to improve wellbeing and quality of life.I also want to use it as a space to share my work and hopefully connect with others. I have some collaborations that I am working on that I am excited and nervous about. I will be working with EOTO throughout the summer offering some group sessions on different topics on mental health within  Black and Queer Communities. I will also be offering some outdoor yoga sessions with them later in the summer.

 I will be working with Hydra to offer crisis counselling and EMDR to SWers in Berlin at no cost to them, and I will also be starting my Private practice again this time with more of a focus on EMDR and using this to support those who have C/PTSD or Trauma.

 I have a lot of ideas and am interested in many things so I am doing my best to pace myself as I begin this new chapter. I want this to be sustainable and I am trying to practice patience - I would love to be able to offer a regular yoga class for BIPOc online or in person, I have this professional podcast mic from my Convos with Kemoy era that I would like to put to use recording yoga nidra scripts for the community, and would like to get back to hosting a regular support group for BIPOC queers. When i started my IG I wanted it to be a space to connect with others interested in Queer BIPOC mental health and wellness, and to foster some sense of community, I wanted it to be a place where I could share more of what I have learned and am continuously learning with yall so that you could benefit from it in the ways that I have and this is what I want to get back to.  I am constantly inspired by those around me and more than anything I want to inspire others to rest, to learn how to care for themselves, how to nurture relationships and foster a sense of community, and most importantly unlearning the patterns of thoughts and behaviors that might leave you feeling stuck, hurt or unsure of yourself. These are things that I am still learning how to do and I hope that we can go on this journey of learning and self discovery together.