Latest news with #EyeMovementDesensitisationandReprocessing
Sky News AU
24-07-2025
- Sky News AU
'No job is worth losing yourself': Glam cop reveals she quit the force after developing PTSD from attending 'nightmare' crime scenes
A glamorous policewoman has spoken out about why she quit the force, declaring she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder on the job after attending "nightmare" scenes and being told she'd "failed" victims of crime. Emma Louise, 23, always wanted to be a detective. The UK woman underwent the necessary education to achieve her dream job before landing a role as a trainee detective constable a few years ago. After quitting the force last year, Emma took to Instagram last week to explain how what she thought would be a lifelong career actually turned out to be an intense journey that totally derailed her life. She shared photos showing herself as a new officer beaming in her uniform, but behind the scenes, Emma was facing a very sinister reality. "At first, it was everything I dreamed of; fast-paced, meaningful, intense," she wrote in the caption. "But eventually, that intensity began to consume me. "I was attending scenes from nightmares, interviewing people who had done horrific things, and speaking to victims who were being failed by the system. "All while trying to heal from past experiences in my personal life." Emma said she sought Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to cope with her work at the time. The treament is designed to help people process traumatic memories by recalling a distressing experience while undergoing bilateral stimulation. It was during the therapy the young policewoman was told she was showing symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). "I was sitting across from people with the same trauma I was still carrying—being told I'd failed them," Emma said. "I realised I couldn't keep giving from a place that was empty. "So I left. Despite the security, the pension, the expectations of my loved ones. For the very first time, I put myself first." Emma said a year on, she is the "happiest (she's) ever been" and has not needed therapy for eight months, while in a healthy relationship. "Working a job I love. And falling back in love with life again. "If you needed a sign—this is it. No job is worth losing yourself for." People in the comments commended Emma for her honesty, with other former officers saying they too struggled with the pressures of the role. A woman said she was affected by her colleague being killed on duty. "I was a police officer for 2 years. It was a hard decision; I felt like I was letting my family and myself down," she said. "I had joined with a police officer who was killed on duty, and I think it subconsciously affected me. "Also had therapy, but years later. Also, had gone in to help people, but it didn't feel that way." Another person shared their similar story, saying they left their "dream job in the police force" in 2022 and have "never felt so free". "The job will keep you under an umbrella and tell you it's constantly raining," the former cop said. "One day, when you eventually decide to step out from underneath the umbrella, you'll realise it's been sunny all along." An officer to be who is studying and shares the same dream as Emma said she fears the hardships of the role before even starting. "I'm really beginning to feel like it will not be the job for me for the exact reasons you mentioned," she said. "I fear my experience would be exactly like this, and I'd end up leaving despite the benefits you mentioned. Another person said: "Being a police officer or a social worker is probably one of the toughest jobs you can do." "You have to think of your wellbeing because you are the only person in the police who will." In Australia, an Audit Office of NSW June report into the the mental health and wellbeing of the state's police found psychological claims rose from 790 in 2019-20 to 1,208 in 2023-24. Half (51 per cent) of all officers leaving the force do so for medical reasons, while 93 per cent quit for psychological reasons. Mental stress factors, exposure to violence, work pressures and work-related harassment, along with exposure to traumatic events were the leading causes of psychological injury among the state's force. A police spokeswoman said the force had made significant inroads in the past three years to improve awareness, training, education and support. "Policing is a challenging and rewarding job and, at times, officers are exposed to traumatic incidents," the spokeswoman said. "The psychological well-being of our people is vitally important, and we will continue to improve the support programs at all levels that enable our officers to do the job that they love."
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
PsychologyCare Highlights Evidence-Based Trauma And Values-Based Therapies In Melbourne
PsychologyCare, a clinical psychology practice with clinics in Malvern and Prahran, is drawing attention to evidence-based approaches for mental health treatment, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These methods are used to support adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. EMDR therapy is internationally recognised for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms. Sessions with EMDR psychologists in Melbourne involve a structured process where clients recall distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping. This process aims to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories and help clients develop new, adaptive beliefs. EMDR is often chosen by individuals who have not found relief through traditional talk therapies or who are seeking a more direct, somatic approach to healing. In addition to trauma-focused care, PsychologyCare offers ACT therapy in Melbourne, which is a values-based, evidence-informed therapy. ACT combines mindfulness practices with behaviour change strategies, guiding clients to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings while taking actions aligned with personal values. The approach is designed to build psychological flexibility, supporting people to live meaningfully even in the presence of challenging emotions or circumstances. Both EMDR and ACT therapies are delivered by registered psychologists at PsychologyCare, with sessions available at the Malvern and Prahran clinics, as well as via telehealth for clients across Australia. The practice emphasises a collaborative and paced approach, tailoring sessions to individual needs and preferences. PsychologyCare's clinicians are experienced in a range of therapeutic modalities and work with adults seeking support for trauma, anxiety, depression, and related concerns. Further information about therapy options and appointment availability can be found on the PsychologyCare website.
Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
6 effective techniques to help beat anxiety
When it comes to anxiety, we've all heard the usual advice: "Take a deep breath," "Think positive," "Just relax." But what if you're past that point, when your body is buzzing, your thoughts are racing, and you're desperate for something actually useful to stop the spiral before it starts? Here are six science-back techniques that may sound unusual, but that's exactly why they work. Chewing gum It sounds silly, but multiple studies have found that chewing gum lowers cortisol levels and reduces anxious thoughts. The repetitive motion mimics eating — something we only do in safe environments — signalling to your brain that everything's okay. Look left and right Neuroscientists that moving your eyes from side to side for 30 seconds while thinking about what's stressing you out helps the brain reprocess emotions more calmly. This mimics EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a therapy used in trauma treatment. Bite a lemon It may be crazy but psychologists state that strong, unexpected sensory input (like biting into a lemon) can interrupt anxious thought loops by shifting the brain's focus from emotional to sensory processing. It is essentially a shock to the system but in a good way. Don't worry, this includes any other citrus fruit or even a sour candy! Odd textures Hold onto something — anything — that has a rough, soft, or bumpy texture as a grounding technique. It will engage your senses and help interrupt spiralling thoughts (your Labubu would do). Splash your face This isn't just TikTok wellness fluff. The "Mammalian Dive Reflex" is triggered when your face hits cold water, slowing your heart rate and calming the nervous system. So splashing your face with ice cold water for as littleas 10 seconds can jolt your body out of panic mode. Five things backwards Name five things you see — but backwards. Doing it backwards activates your prefrontal cortex, the rational, decision-making part of your brain. Instead of naming "5 things you see," name them in reverse alphabetical order or describe each in detail. This forces your brain to focus and kicks it out of the fear loop. These tricks aren't about pretending everything is fine. They're about giving your brain a moment to reset — interrupting the spiral long enough to breathe, think, and move forward. Sometimes, that's all you need.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Feeling anxious? Try these 6 odd techniques that actually work!
When it comes to anxiety, we've all heard the usual advice: 'Take a deep breath,' 'Think positive,' 'Just relax.' But what if you're past that point, when your body is buzzing, your thoughts are racing, and you're desperate for something actually useful to stop the spiral before it starts? Here are six science-back techniques that may sound unusual, but that's exactly why they work. 1. Chewing gum It sounds silly, but multiple studies have found that chewing gum lowers cortisol levels and reduces anxious thoughts. The repetitive motion mimics eating - something we only do in safe environments - signalling to your brain that everything's okay. 2. Look left and right, slowly Neuroscientists that moving your eyes from side to side for 30 seconds while thinking about what's stressing you out helps the brain reprocess emotions more calmly. This mimics EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a therapy used in trauma treatment. 3. Bite a lemon - seriously! It may be crazy but psychologists state that strong, unexpected sensory input (like biting into a lemon) can interrupt anxious thought loops by shifting the brain's focus from emotional to sensory processing. It is essentially a shock to the system but in a good way. Don't worry, this includes any other citrus fruit or even a sour candy! 4. Hold onto something oddly textured This grounding technique. So anything rough, soft, or bumpy textured will engage your senses and help interrupt spiraling thoughts (your Labubu would do). 5. Splash your face with cold water This isn't just TikTok wellness fluff. The 'Mammalian Dive Reflex' is triggered when your face hits cold water, slowing your heart rate and calming the nervous system. So splashing your face with ice cold water for as littleas 10 seconds can jolt your body out of panic mode. 6. Name five things you see … backwards Basic grounding? Helpful. But doing it backwards activates your prefrontal cortex, the rational, decision-making part of your brain. Instead of naming '5 things you see,' name them in reverse alphabetical order or describe each in detail. This forces your brain to focus and kicks it out of the fear loop. These tricks aren't about pretending everything is fine. They're about giving your brain a moment to reset - interrupting the spiral long enough to breathe, think, and move forward. Sometimes, that's all you need.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I don't trust…': Erica Fernandes says Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi co-star Shaheer Sheikh's Do Patti reminded her of past abuse; coping strategies that can help
Television actor Erica Fernandes has opened up about a deeply personal and painful experience from her past. In a conversation with Shardul Pandit on his podcast, she revealed that watching Do Patti, starring Shaheer Sheikh and Kriti Sanon, triggered memories of an abusive relationship she endured. The actor, who worked with Shaheer in the show Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi, opened up about her past, saying, 'I have gone through a very violent relationship. It was physically abusive as well. It reached a stage where there was physical abuse. But I didn't want to bring it out at that time.' Speaking about her decision to stay silent, she admitted that fear and public scrutiny played a role. 'When you're an actor, everything becomes news. If you go to the police, it'll be all over the media, leading to a media trial. If you don't reveal the name, people start linking it to someone. Plus, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be if I went to the police. I don't trust the judicial system that much,' she explained. Years later, the emotional scars remain, resurfacing when she watches depictions of abuse on screen. But what impact does such trauma have on survivors, and why do so many hesitate to come forward? Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, tells 'Survivors often hesitate to report abuse due to the unpredictable nature of legal outcomes and the potential for media attention. This fear is rooted in the possibility of not being believed or having their experiences trivialised by a system that may not always protect them. Media scrutiny can further exacerbate these concerns, exposing survivors to public judgment, victim narratives, or misinterpretation of their experiences.' A post shared by Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (@ When Erica described experiencing flashbacks while watching scenes of physical abuse in Do Patti, it highlighted how deeply reminders of past violence can trigger embedded traumatic memories. Khangarot explains, 'The human brain, in an attempt to protect itself, can involuntarily relive these moments, making the experience feel as immediate and visceral as the original trauma.' She suggests coping strategies such as grounding techniques, controlled breathing exercises like box breathing, and mindfulness practices such as guided imagery. 'Therapeutic interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help survivors reprocess trauma and diminish the emotional charge of these memories. Developing a strong support network, including trusted professionals and peer support groups, also plays a crucial role in creating a safe space for processing emotions,' she says. Survivors of abuse are often met with the question: Why didn't you speak up earlier? This response, Khangarot notes, is rooted in long-standing myths and stereotypes about abuse and gender roles. 'Unfortunately, this unjustly shifts the responsibility onto survivors rather than questioning the root cause of abuse. Such scrutiny reinforces feelings of guilt and shame, deterring survivors from coming forward,' she says. She emphasises the need to challenge these misconceptions through education and open dialogue to foster a more supportive environment. Empathy is key. We must reframe the narrative to focus on the perpetrator's actions rather than the survivor's responses.'
