With the amazing results we are getting using this approach, we are often asked “How does the Finding Joy – Trauma Treatment Technique (FJ-TTT) work? ”
This gentle and effective therapeutic technique uses a 12-step scripted protocol which is guided by a certified practitioner in an individual client session. It can be in person or on-line. It is a safe and secure for the client and quick and easy for the practitioner to learn and implement . After 15 years of continual refinement, we consider it tried and true, in terms of its effectiveness.
How effective is the FJ-TTT? Our results indicate that the FJ-TTT promotes deep and lasting healing with very little effort on the part of the client or practitioner.
The distress can be related to past issues, present day concerns or even future worries. And the resolution is lasting! Although the process is standardized, everyone’s experience is unique.
The FJ-TTT can be used for serious highly disturbing issues that might have resulted in PTSD or simply problems-in-daily living that are distressing to the client. Remember the FJ-TTT helps clients to resolve ANY kind of distress, quickly and easily and in a lasting way!
We encourage you to take a peek at the sample video that has been included in the VIDEO link on our website. It’s just one example of how the process works. Remember that everyone is different. What all of our clients have in common, though, is a feeling of awe that their distress is resolved so easily and quickly with very little effort. In the ABOUT section, there are testimonials from clients and our practitioners who love using this method.
Our goal is to become the preferred choice in trauma treatment for psychologists in private practice!
Here is a description of the steps involved in the Finding Joy – Trauma Treatment Technique™ (FJ-TTT).
Preparation
Prior to beginning the healing process, a client chooses an Inner Resource, which is a real or imagined place of comfort for them. This place of calm is always available to a client, during our sessions and at any other time. We want the FJ-TTT to be a comfortable and pleasant process. So if a client begins to feel upset about what is happening, we simply remind them of the option to go to their Inner Resource and take a little break from processing. Sometimes clients go there for a few minutes and other times, they choose not to and are able to settle back down themselves.
Next, we identify the Place of Awareness (POA) which is located at the top of the forehead near the hairline. This POA is used during the process of “bilocal stimulation” described below.
Next the client identifies a couple of targets or troublesome issues. They are asked to come up with a FREEZE FRAME or scene that represents the most disturbing part of their concern. They then rate their current level of distress for each. The SUDS (Subjective Units of Disturbance) scale is used to measure the degree of distress (0 to 10 where zero is no disturbance and 10 is the most disturbance they can imagine) for each target. We begin processing with a target that causes minimal distress (less than 5 out of 10). There is no need for the client to relive or retell the details of the distressing events. This is part of what makes it so comfortable for the client as well as the therapist.
Next, we begin the 12-steps of healing.
Healing Process
Once the client is comfortable, we guide him/her through an in-depth body scan. Then we focus on the whole body all at once and then the breath for a few moments.
Steps #1- 10
Next, clients are prompted to recall their chosen target’s Freeze Frame. The practitioner asks, “What is a negative thought, word or emotion, associated with that Freeze Frame?” And then, “Where do you feel that in your body?”
Then, we ask clients to focus on that negative thought, word, or emotion in that specific body location. While doing this, they are asked to allow a symbol, image, or physical sensation to emerge that represents that negative thought, word, or emotion. They do not strain to think and make up their experience. They just concentrate on their feelings in their body and notice what emerges. Every client is unique. Some clients do not see images but experience changes in physical sensations. Others experience a combination of images, sounds, and sensations.
Once a symbol, image, or physical sensation emerges, clients are asked to alternate their awareness between that and their Place of Awareness. They alternate their focus or awareness at their own pace. Doing this internal back and forth noticing or “bilocal stimulation” causes symbols, images, or physical sensations to change or transform. At a certain point, the transformation stops, and we are ready for the next step.
This involves identifying a positive thought, word, or emotion that is the opposite from the negative one identified earlier. Then a similar process is followed until the healing process ends.
A SUDS rating of 0 out of 10 indicates when the issue has been resolved. Our research since 2007 has shown that once an issue has been processed in this way, the relief obtained is lasting.
Steps #11 and #12
The healing process ends with Step #11, a Closing. Finally, in Step #12, the client has the opportunity to Debrief and share their experience.
Conclusion
If you are a client and need assistance, visit our Directory and choose a therapist that feels right to you. We trust that you will be pleased you did!
If you are a Counselling Psychologist in Private Practice and are interested in adding the FJ-TTT to your repertoire of therapeutic tools, have a look at our upcoming Certification dates and get started by sending in your $100 non-refundable application fee. If you’d like to learn more about our Proven Process of Certification Training see our guidelines at https://findingjoy-ttt.com/training/steps-in-certification/. We are different – so be prepared! If this process appeals to you, contact us to begin the application process. We are confident that you and your clients will be as thrilled as we are with the results!
By Dr. Teeya Scholten, Founder of the Finding Joy – Trauma Treatment Technique
