"In every community, there is work to be done.
In every nation, there are wounds to heal.
In every heart, there is the power to do it…"
- Marianne Williamson

Questions and Answers with Stephanie Mines, Ph.D.*

*Each month, Stephanie Mines will address a specific question about shock, trauma, abuse, and/or healing. Stephanie regrets that she cannot respond to all the personal questions submitted. You may send your question by using the form on the bottom of this page.

Q-1: How can I determine if I have experienced shock and if I have,
what can I do to heal myself?

A: Shock shatters a multitude of functions simultaneously. If you have already done a significant amount of therapy of various kinds and still find yourself crippled by thoughts, behaviors, and physical conditions that limit the satisfaction and success in your life, you may be holding unresolved shock in your body. You can benefit enormously from exploring the self-care treatment options that help heal shock, and once you understand shock, you will also be able to help others.

What are the signs of possible unresolved shock that you might notice?

• Difficulty in sustaining eye contact with others;
• Insomnia;
• Consistently low self-esteem and an ongoing feeling that you
  cannot meet challenges and move ahead;
• Paranoia;
• Recurring suspicion and distrust of others;
• Chronic fatigue and/or joint pain;
• Chronic pain;
• Lack of enthusiasm about trying something new;
• Digestive disorders;
• Chronic headaches;
• Creative blocks;
• The feeling that nothing is ever good enough, no one ever really
  meets your needs, really hears you or really sees you;
• Ongoing restlessness and confusion about finding your place in
  the world;
• Difficulty knowing your work or your career.

The self-care treatment for unresolved shock begins and ends with self-acceptance and self-love. If you can cultivate compassion for yourself, the healing journey will unfold easily and you will invite continuous self-discovery and deeper and deeper experiences of real joy.

The self-care treatment of shock includes using subtle energy medicine to communicate love to yourself on a cellular level. It also involves self-talk, self-awareness and creative expression. This comprehensive vision of healing is thoroughly presented in the TARA Approach to the Resolution of Shock and Trauma. The subtle energy medicine of Jin Shin Tara is a very specific hands-on method of regeneration and restoration that empowers you to be in the center of your own healing process.

All components of the TARA Approach are easy to learn and safe to practice. No harm can come from exploring and applying self-care treatment. Relaxation and stress-reduction are the most generally reported responses to the TARA Approach, but much more is possible. The TARA Approach to the Resolution of Shock and Trauma allows us to regain the ebullience and vitality that is our birthright. We can reclaim the unique and joyous selfhood that is our nature. It is through ongoing loving contact with ourselves that we come out of shock and into the divine relationship with self and others that signals the resolution of shock.

Q-2: How do I differentiate shock from trauma?

A: Shock occurs when we are completely vulnerable and helpless. For instance, an infant, or a fetus, is very likely to be shocked by any invasion, whether it's cigarette smoke or yelling. Shock impacts every aspect of our existence, from our joints to our eyes, from our hearts to our brains.

Trauma happens when we are overwhelmed but have the resources to recover. We may choose not to use those resources, either by becoming passive or by escaping, but the resources are available. The traumas of our lives are our psychological themes. Shock remains after psychotherapy has concluded, and frequently reveals itself in somatic symptoms.

Q-3: I was just diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. How can the TARA Approach help me?

A: The TARA Approach is dedicated to providing resources for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The following simple suggestions are designed for symptomatic relief. The suggestions refer to areas on the map of the body provided in my book "WE ARE ALL IN SHOCK". You can purchase a copy of the book in our online bookstore and you can also purchase an enlarged version of the map of the body for your use as you do these helpful energy medicine exercises.

The TARA Approach is also developing a video of movements specifically for people with MS. Let us know if you want to be informed when the video is available.
In general, we are interested in hearing your responses to the TARA Approach materials. They will be very helpful as we continue to develop more resources for the MS community.

Q-4: I have just experienced an overwhelming shock that has completely incapacitated me, from every perspective. What can I do?

A: My response is available in my book "WE ARE ALL IN SHOCK: How Overwhelming Experiences Shatter You and What You Can Do About It", but I have excerpted the section that I call SHOCK IS IN THE MOMENT, HEALING IS FOREVER. It applies to everyone suddenly overwhelmed by a devastating experience. Some, if not all, of these suggestions will seem to miraculously calm your nervous system and bring you peace. But the miracle is not in the treatment. The miracle is in you - in your capacity to recover from overwhelming events and find your seat, your ground, your power! Human beings are miracles of recovery once we know how to get there. The blessing is that in our recovery process we discover how big we are and that we can go beyond the obstacles to our empowerment.

Would you like to ask your own question? Please use the form below.

* not required