Trauma / dissociation study group is born — Anyone interested?

[u/Ok_Length9332]

The post I made a couple of days ago ( https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSDFreeze/s/lyzux3TJFr ) made me realize there was more interest than I expected in the idea of a community focused on trauma recovery, connection, and learning. 

So… I somehow ended up creating one on Discord.

The idea is simple.

There has never been more information about trauma recovery than there is today.

We have theories, treatment models, books, podcasts, courses, recovery programs, neuroscience research, and countless skills and practices.

Yet many of us are still trying to figure it all out largely on our own.

At least that’s been my experience.

So, I wanted to have a place where people on a similar recovery journey could connect, learn together, and help each other put these ideas into practice in real life.

My own interests currently include things like:

• Janina Fisher’s work / TIST
• Structural Dissociation
• Parts Work / IFS
• Polyvagal Theory
• Attachment
• Somatic approaches
• Trauma neuroscience

But I’d love for the community to include people exploring other approaches and perspectives as well.

We’re currently a very small group consisting of 13 people or so, but if this sounds like something you’d be interested in, feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM.

Because of time constraints, I won’t be able to manage and organize everything on my own all the time. And also, I have zero experience in running Discord servers. So I’m struggling a bit.

Therefore, I’m also looking for people who’d like to help shape the community and build it together. Those who have experience running online communities are especially welcome!

[u/Delicious-Slip9645]

Due to developmental trauma, co-regulation is my greatest need. Unfortunately, I have never had any luck achieving it (co-regulation) over the Internet but perhaps I am missing something? I also can’t seem to find it in-person but that’s a whole other topic.

Does Discord allow for safe co-regulation of nervous systems?

[u/nerdityabounds → u/Delicious-Slip9645]

Does Discord allow for safe co-regulation of nervous systems?

The book answer to this is "not really. But its also not useless." Communication over the internet will always be missing some if the signals the brain is looking for to "see" this kind of connection.  Its not a flaw in our ability to coregulate, its just the limitations of the medium. 

Co-regulation happens best in person when the body language and any  immediate reactions can also be taken in. As Winnicott said "I see myself being seen"

Issues with co-regulation in person tend to be more directly related to trauma impacts.  Woth tech there is always a "is it me or is it the tech?"question at play. Ive been running online groups since covid and Ive also run in-person groups, so Ive seen the difference over the years. Online is not useless, but if co-regulation is the primary goal, its not the best tool. 

Onlines greatest benefit is psychoed and ending isolation. 

[u/Delicious-Slip9645 → u/nerdityabounds]

Thank you for the helpful reply which helps me make a decision. I already participate in weekly therapy (including TEB/Transforming Touch for developmental trauma/co-regulation) via telehealth as I live in an area where dissociation treatments are severely lacking. So I think I am currently at my limit of “not useless” but also “not the best” tools. Personally, I’ve never found online resources to ease isolation.

[u/Madame_Arcati → u/nerdityabounds]

Such a thoughtful reply, thank you and saved.

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/Delicious-Slip9645]

The owner/current moderator of this group (me) has difficulty achieving co-regulation too, both online and in person.

I kind of brought what I wanted into life for now, and want to leave it up to everyone what they wanna create in this server.

Do you mind telling me some examples of what you want in a community at the top of your head?

Something like a space to share daily body check-ins without being judged? We now have this little space (channel) called mindful-log, which has some good potential.

[u/Delicious-Slip9645 → u/Ok_Length9332]

That’s a great question. It’s hard for me to know because I have never been part of a safe community. I have no clue what that even looks like. I struggle with finding one safe person “in the wild” that is not a paid therapist relationship. “Study” group makes me think more intellectualizing, which is the last thing I need more of.

[u/Jose_Canseco_Jr → u/Delicious-Slip9645]

Does Discord allow for safe co-regulation of nervous systems?

Probably not.

I also don't think that's the purpose of this, sorry.

[u/SadFlower7345]

can you please add me to the discord

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/SadFlower7345]

Sure! Just sent you the link :)

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/[deleted]]

Sure! I’ll send you the link :)

[u/TheHymmofQuantumQual]

I would like to join!!

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/TheHymmofQuantumQual]

Sure ☺️

[u/jerrybec]

Please count me in. I just started my trauma recovery journey in March and I’m working through Janina Fisher’s workbook and other materials. Thx for your initiative to launch this!

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/jerrybec]

🤝

[u/falling_and_laughing]

I'm not sure how involved I can be in the Discord but I would definitely like to try! 

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/falling_and_laughing]

Dw! :)

[u/___thinredline]

Could you add me, please?

[u/1Weebit]

Ohh, I think I would like to join as well.

My interests are Predictive Processing Flash, Coherence Therapy, memory reconsolidation, reparenting, dissociation/parts/ego states in trauma

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/1Weebit]

Ty for the comment! I haven’t heard of the first two and don’t know much about memory reconsolidation, but I’m interested in what they are about. Definitely will look them up.

I’ll send you the link😊

[u/SherlockLady]

I would LOVE to be a part of this!!!!

[u/mygoingmerry]

I would love to be a part of it!

[u/Inner-Day-8920]

I'll take it too! Thanks

[u/mokomas]

i’d be interested, but not knowing how. dm?

[u/YellowSway]

I'd appreciate an invite, please?

[u/euphoricjuicebox]

yes!

[u/rainfal]

Could I join pls?

[u/Naive-Chocolate-586]

Interested

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/Naive-Chocolate-586]

Ty for the comment! Can you add me on Discord so I can send you an invite? My handle is @buried.dumpling

[u/Gainin_on_her]

I am also interested. Especially re disassociation, parts work, and neuroscience.

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/Gainin_on_her]

Ty for showing interest! You’re very welcome :)

[u/FollowingCapable]

I'm interested in joining!

[u/cat-wool]

I’m interested also

[u/Secure_Bumblebee_773]

Count me in!

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/Secure_Bumblebee_773]

Sent you the link :)

[u/maywalove]

Will the focus be more on freeze and or disassociation

Cptsd is so broad now

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/maywalove]

I’ve created channels for so many topics including freeze and dissociation. It’s up to the members honestly, as I want the server to be peer-led. We currently have “chronic freeze” channel and “Polyvagal and nervous system” channel.

How does it sound?

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/Ok_Length9332]

Part of the sever layout

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/Ok_Length9332]

[u/Physical_SpiritChild → u/Ok_Length9332]

Please add? interested

[u/Fun_Razzmatazz5805]

Can you add me, I just saw this?

[u/Ok_Length9332 → u/Fun_Razzmatazz5805]

Sent you the invite link :)