Thanks. Most of my work was looking it up and then doing a "copy and paste" job into a Word document. In 20/20 hindsight I should have given more credit in my paper to the sources I quoted rather than just telling my class the sources. It's still plagarism on my part.
Here's my report:
Recovery from
Sexual Abuse:
Can Massage Help?
By
Art............
People who have experienced sexual abuse (trauma) have two major and interrelated issues:
TRUST and TOUCH
I. What is trauma? Using inappropriate touch causing violation of trust. Trauma occurs when someone "perceives an overwhelming life threatening event to their self and their structure from which they cannot successfully escape. This perception occurs, not through cognition but through body instinct." (Ogden and Bowen, class notes, l998)
A. Physical Reactions to trauma
aches and pains like headaches, backaches, stomach aches
sudden sweating and/or heart palpitations (fluttering)
changes in sleep patterns, appetite, interest in sex
constipation or diarrhea
easily startled by noises or unexpected touch
more susceptible to colds and illnesses
increased use of alcohol or drugs and/or overeating
o The amygdala and hippocampus in the limbic brain is involved in perception, evaluating incoming stimuli for reward or danger. If danger is perceived, the amygdala triggers the responses of the peptides and other ligands. (Pert, 1997, p. 148)
B. Emotional Reactions to trauma
shock and disbelief
fear and/or anxiety
grief, disorientation, denial
hyper-alertness or hypervigilance
irritability, restlessness, outbursts of anger or rage
emotional swings -- like crying and then laughing
worrying or ruminating -- intrusive thoughts of the trauma
nightmares
flashbacks -- feeling like the trauma is happening now
feelings of helplessness, panic, feeling out of control
increased need to control everyday experiences
minimizing the experience
attempts to avoid anything associated with trauma
tendency to isolate oneself
feelings of detachment
concern over burdening others with problems
emotional numbing or restricted range of feelings
difficulty trusting and/or feelings of betrayal
difficulty concentrating or remembering
feelings of self-blame and/or survivor guilt
shame
diminished interest in everyday activities or depression
unpleasant past memories resurfacing
loss of a sense of order or fairness in the world; expectation of doom and fear of the future
II. Recovery from trauma
A. Prerequisites for the client
mobilize a support system reach out and connect with others, especially those who may have shared the stressful event
talk about the traumatic experience with empathic listeners
cry
hard exercise like jogging, aerobics, bicycling, walking
relaxation exercise like yoga, stretching, massage
humor
prayer and/or meditation; listening to relaxing guided imagery; progressive deep muscle relaxation
hot baths
music and art
maintain balanced diet and sleep cycle as much as possible
avoid over-using stimulants like caffeine, sugar, or nicotine
commitment to something personally meaningful and important every day
hug those you love, pets included
eat warm turkey, boiled onions, baked potatoes, cream-based soups these are tryptophane activators, which help you feel tired but good (like after Thanksgiving dinner)
proactive responses toward personal and community safety organize or do something socially active
write about your experience in detail, just for yourself or to share with others
B. Recommendations for the massage therapist
The client must always be in charge of when, where, and how any touch by the therapist is applied to the clients body.
Physical boundaries are respected at all times.
Without permission or consent, touch is a violation of an individual's physical boundaries. Touch can also recall past instances of abuse when ones' physical boundaries were violated.
Every area of the body can access buried emotions.
Emotional recall is not just related to areas of the body commonly associated with sexual or physical abuse. Any area of the human body can be sensitized by past trauma.
Permission is requested and given before touching.
This is an essential step in validating the sanctity of another person's physical boundaries.
Avoid directly touching sensitive areas.
There is rarely a need to directly touch an area involved in sexual or physical abuse. Find another way to accomplish the desired result through touch.
Have an awareness of your own feelings about abuse.
Feelings are transmitted through touch. Touch is most beneficial when therapists are aware of their own feelings about abuse.
Clients decide to accept touch on their clothes or their skin. They may choose to lie down, sit, or stand. The type, quality, and location of the touch is also the client's choice. Clients may be instructed in the use of self-touch to explore sensation.
Previous or concurrent therapeutic counseling is required.
III. Bibliography and Recommended Readings
Where Healing Waters Meet: Touching Mind and Emotion Through The Body by Clyde Ford, D.C. Station Hill.
Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin, by Ashley Montague.
"Courage To Continue: A Personal Statement About Sexual Abuse," by R. J. Timms, Pilgrimage: The Journal of Psychotherapy and Personal Exploration, (June, 1989).
"Therapeutic Massage With Survivors of Abuse." by K. Bailey, American Massage Therapy Journal, (Summer, 1992).
Molecules of Emotion. by C. Pert. New York: Scribner. (1997).
Keep up the good work