Mintie Daniel - Reclaiming life after trauma : healing PTSD with cognitive-behavioral therapy and yoga

This book is dedicated to the men, women, and children of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East weve had the honor of working with over many years. Their courage, openheartedness, and determination to heal from the aftereffects of war, natural disaster, and personal tragedy have shown us anew what it means to be human, to be resilient, to reclaim life after trauma.

Please know that individuals names and any details that might personally identify them have been changed.

Reclaiming Life after Trauma

A valuable and inspiring contribution to the treatment of the post-traumatic stress that pains and limits so many of us. Well researched, clearly written, and practical.

JAMES S. GORDON, M.D., FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR MIND-BODY MEDICINE AND AUTHOR OF UNSTUCK: YOUR GUIDE TO THE SEVEN-STAGE JOURNEY OUT OF DEPRESSION

All of us have experienced trauma in our lives, and some of it limits our ability to enjoy life to its fullest potential. Reclaiming Life after Trauma presents a host of proven Western and Eastern approaches that are explained in easy-to-understand language and backed by well-referenced science and decades of experience by the authors. Whether you are aware of your emotional limitations or suffer from established PTSD, this book is an important guide for your path to a vibrant and full life.

LEONARD A. WISNESKI, M.D., F.A.C.P., CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE AT GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AND AUTHOR OF THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

Reclaiming Life after Trauma is a phenomenal work. It explains PTSD in a straightforward, understandable yet thorough way. Mintie and Staples offer practical strategies for overcoming trauma symptoms. The book validates the pervasive consequences of trauma on the mind and the body, contains stories of patients we can relate to, and conveys hope that we can reverse many of traumas effects. The inclusion of yoga therapy addresses the crucial physical aspects of this complex disorder. Reclaiming Life after Trauma is destined to become a classic in the field of trauma treatment.

JACOB TOWERY, M.D., ADJUNCT CLINICAL FACULTY MEMBER AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND AUTHOR OF THE ANTI-DEPRESSANT BOOK

Reclaiming Life after Trauma combines cognitive-behavioral therapy and yoga therapy. The authors show how frameworks stemming from Western and Eastern systems can be integrated to inform a powerful biopsychosocial approach to the management of trauma. The book is theoretically grounded yet contains many practical tools and techniques that can be readily applied by the reader. A most-significant contribution to the field of integrative health care and trauma management.

LAURA SCHMALZL, PH.D., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND EDITOR IN CHIEF OF THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF YOGA THERAPY

A brilliantly presented book on the most debilitating health issues of the twenty-first century: trauma and PTSD. Reclaiming Life after Trauma is a road map to rewiring the brain and embodying wellness. A well-timed book, I can confidently affirm that it will have a remarkable positive impact on peoples lives.

HAKIMA AMRI, PH.D., PROFESSOR OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY AND DIRECTOR OF THE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE GRADUATE PROGRAM AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY AND AUTHOR OF AVICENNAS MEDICINE

To recover from trauma is to awaken the seed of resilience inherent within each of us and to stabilize our renewed inner experience with supportive habits into a new way of being. The practice of yoga and meditation with cognitive-behavioral therapy forms an effective partnership to engage the physiological and structural aspects of the body and identify thought patterns that keep us in the past. Reclaiming Life after Trauma skillfully shows us that no matter what the source of the trauma, post-traumatic growth and full recovery are within reach.

SHANTI SHANTI KAUR KHALSA, PH.D., DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL KUNDALINI YOGA THERAPY PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy with Kundalini Yoga, Mintie and Staples weave the wisdom of both disciplines to effectively reduce suffering present with trauma. Practical strategies engage the reader to increase his or her awareness of maladaptive thinking patterns and create impact on his or her own pain patterns. Breathwork and go-to steps encourage participation. Case studies illustrate the process of change, including stumbling blocks met along the way. Well referenced yet easily understood. This is important information to be shared with professionals and the general public alike.

JUDITH PENTZ, M.D., INTEGRATIVE PSYCHIATRIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

In this wise and compassionate book, the authors offer a clear, practical, step-by-step guide for those with PTSD who wish to find a path to joy, hope, and freedom from suffering. Grounded in research based on their wealth of professional experience and integrating key tenets, strategies, and principles from both cognitive-behavioral therapy and Kundalini Yoga, their innovative program includes a range of simple but powerful tools, which can be used either at home or in a therapeutic setting. Although specifically designed for those who have experienced trauma, this program would be beneficial to anyone seeking to lead a more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life. The book is a wonderful read, eloquently written and deftly interwoven with compelling stories of men and women who have used the tools of this program to transform their lives.

KIM INNES, M.S.P.H., PH.D, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to many people whose lives and work have made this book possible. Foremost among them are our teachers and mentors Robert Aitken, Willigis Jger, Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D., and David Burns, M.D.

Numerous colleagues have made invaluable contributions to this book and to the Integrative Trauma Recovery Program (ITRP) upon which the book is based. Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa, Ph.D., developed the yoga portion of the ITRP based on Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan and provided generous consultation on its delivery. Siri Neel Kaur Khalsa kindly reviewed the yoga sections of the manuscript for accuracy. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D., collaborated on our research study of the ITRP and gave us expert advice on the study design. Mary Bibb, M.D., provided astute feedback on the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) portions of the manuscript, and Matthew May, M.D., made essential contributions to the CBT the book presents.

Introduction

Trauma, which is the Greek word for wound, is the most widespread form of suffering in the world today. No one escapes it. Large or small, physical or psychological, injury is simply one price we pay for a life on earth. Buddhisms first noble truth tells us Life is suffering. On this point all great world religions agree. The day of our birth is difficult. So too is the day of our death. And troubles arise every day in between.