Past events, sometimes long forgotten, can continue to exert a negative effect on someone even though the events themselves no longer exists. These "ghosts of the past" can fuel emotions such as anxiety and depression, guilt, shame, and rage. Here's how that tends to occur:    

     There are three reasons for past events continuing to exert a negative effect. As a troubling event slams into the mind, it creates an impression that tends to remain long after the event, causing the subconscious mind to believe that the event is still happening. Fortunately, impressions can be cleared painlessly and quickly, so that the subconscious mind gets the good news that the event is not happening any more and that it does not exist.

     The second reason a past event continues to have a negative effect is because of the meaning that the mind gives to the event. The event does not exist, but the negative meaning has continued.  The more traumatic the event, the more distorted is the meaning that the mind gives it. But happily, meanings can be changed when brought out of the shadows and into the light of the therapeutic conversation.

     The third reason is that current life events can seem similar to the troubling or traumatic past event. For example, a man that was mugged twenty years ago by a guy wearing a red hat may feel anxious when the pizza delivery boy brings over a delicious smelling pizza but wears a red hat. The good news is that this kind of association can be eliminated.

     Sexual violence in America is a far more prevalent crime than most law-abiding citizens would suspect. Here are the facts, courtesy of the Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence, Inc.:

• Someone is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes in the U.S.
• There are more than 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in U.S.
• 25% of teenage girls have been sexually or physically abused or date raped.
• One out of six women has experienced rape or attempted rape.
• One in six boys are assaulted sexually before they turn 16.
• Nearly 50% of rape victims are under age 18, and 15% are under age 12.

     Many survivors of sexual violence suffer emotionally for years after the crime.RAPID TRAUMA RESOLUTION, a specific form of trauma therapy I use that was developed by world renowned therapist and trainer of therapists Dr. Jon Connelly, has helped thousands escape the grip of the painful emotions that can block a person's full participation in life.

     Trauma need not be as dramatic as violence.  Minor traumas accumulated over a lifetime can drain our vital energy, too.  Lots of trauma occurs in childhood, much of it at home or school, and most is largely forgotten.  But often the effects linger and eat away at a person's sense of well being. 

      As the Director of Certification for the Institute of Rapid Resolution Therapy, I have pledged to offer my trauma resolution services to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse regardless of ability to pay.  So call me today at (561) 395-3033 if you are ready to get rid of the "ghosts of the past" and move forward in your life in peace and joy.