Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on mental health and increase the risk of various problematic behaviors like substance abuse, disordered eating, self-harm, and aggression. At our clinic, we understand the deep wounds that trauma can leave and offer mind-body medicine sessions to provide transformational tools that guide our members along their healing path. It is important to note that TCLM is not a crisis center for mental health concerns, nor do we replace emergency systems when it comes to intervening on patients' behalf for their mental health concerns. This blog is for educational purposes only and to shed light on mind-body medicine tools that have shown to be helpful in self-regulation, emotional expression, and self- awareness. 

Here is what the research shows: Recent research published in the Journal of American College Health explored the roles that experiential avoidance and lack of mindfulness play in driving problematic behaviors in those who experienced childhood trauma. The study found that attempts to avoid or disconnect from difficult thoughts and emotions often backfire, paradoxically amplifying the distress. Experiential avoidance - the tendency to control or suppress internal experiences - significantly mediated the link between childhood trauma and engagement in problematic behaviors.

Importantly, the facets of mindfulness around acting with awareness and non-judgmentally accepting one's inner experience were identified as key mediators that helped disrupt the chain from childhood trauma to problematic behaviors. When we act with present moment awareness and an open, non-judgmental stance towards our thoughts and feelings, we create space to make wiser choices aligned with our values.

This research underscores why mind-body approached like the ones we offer are so vital for transforming trauma. Our mind-body sessions cultivate mindful awareness and self-compassion, allowing patients to process difficult experiences without becoming overwhelmed. We provide a safe container to explore acceptance of the full range of the human experience.

If you or a loved one are still carrying wounds from adverse childhood experiences, we encourage you to consider our mind-body medicine program, therapy, and others avenues of mental health services. Our integrated approach can equip you with powerful mindfulness tools while offering a supportive community to embark on the journey of healing. You don't have to keep avoiding the pain - together we can find freedom.

Resources:

Roche, Anne I., et al. "Childhood Trauma and Problem Behavior: Examining the Mediating Roles of Experiential Avoidance and Mindfulness Processes." Journal of American College Health, vol. 67, no. 1, 2019, pp. 17–26. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6296903/.

Click here to see the Mind-Body Medicine Group Visit Calendar

Text us to register if you are new here and wish to establish care with TCLM! 713-597-4521