Thrive@Relate April 2019

Abstract of talk

What is trauma and how can we heal from it? Despite what is commonly believed, trauma is broader than just experiencing or witnessing a life threatening situation. It includes any negative event that significantly impairs how the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) functions. Traumatic events include negative early experiences with caregivers that prevent secure attachment, as well as many forms of violence and abuse.

How do you know when you are suffering from the effects of trauma? What does a traumatic response look like, and is it possible for the body to “know” more than the mind does? What does healing the body and mind require?

Current evidence suggests rather than “talking” about the trauma, somatic (body/ movement) therapies such as Qi Gong, Yoga, and Dance movement therapy (taught by trauma-informed practitioners) may significantly help to stabilize the nervous system and to promote necessary feelings of safety, and security. In addition, trauma-trained therapists can help to further the processing and integration of trauma through the use of somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness therapies, and ultimately, CBT.

Join me on April 29th at 8:15am to discuss how to move through the stages of healing from trauma, and to learn how to help others help you!

Speaker profile: Dr. Sabina Sarin
Dr. Sabina Sarin is a licensed clinical psychologist, writer/ researcher, and yoga/ mindfulness teacher, with over a decade of experience in treating individuals and couples a wide range of sexual/ relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self- identity and self-worth insecurities, trauma and stress. Dr. Sarin completed her Masters degrees (MSc, MPhil) at Yale University, and obtained her PhD in Clinical Psychology from McGill University. Immediately following completion of her PhD, she was appointed Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Research Psychologist in the Eating Disorder Program at the Douglas Institute for Mental Health. She has also worked for five independent psychology clinics and in private practice, and is currently employed at the Toronto Sexuality Centre, focussing on helping clients to improve communication and interpersonal skills, overcome shame or anxiety about sex or body image, and to move past negative/ traumatic sexual experiences.

Dr. Sarin is particularly recognized for her research on the assessment of sexual desire and sexual arousal difficulties in men and women, and for her book chapters on female sexual arousal, body image and sexuality. With expertise in these areas, she has conducted a handful of radio, TV, and newspaper interviews, and has delivered numerous talks at international conferences. She has also conducted research on the sexual functioning and mental health of those in the sex industry as well as survivors of sexual trafficking.

Dr. Sarin applies a self-empowering, dynamic and humanistic approach to therapy, incorporating principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and Insight/Acceptance-Based practices, and Somatic Therapies. She particularly specializes in creative and mind-body practices to help people “get out of their minds” and into their embodied experiences. In addition to the tools she offers, she believes that the relationship between the client and therapist is at the heart of the therapeutic process, and will provide a warm, supportive and safe space for clients to work through their barriers and make the changes they seek.