What is the ITR Method?
Recoding the Brain by Finishing the Trauma Story
The Instinctual Trauma Response (ITR) treatment method was developed based on years of clinical observations, cutting edge brain research, and first-person accounts of trauma survivors. By applying simple principles that help the brain “recode” itself by finishing trauma stories, we are able to fast track the healing process and our clients are able to move on from traumatic incidents.
The Instinctual Trauma Response method describes a universal, brain-based reaction to overwhelming, terrorizing events (such as feeling trapped or about to die or witnessing another person in such an event). As a result, we know traumatic experiences cause a series of evolutionary survival responses. You may find you are stuck in a specific phase, reliving the event over and over.
During intensive trauma treatment therapy, we utilize the ITR method to help identify and treat the root cause of trauma - as it organizes the chaos of visual, auditory, and body memories left from traumatic events in a logical and natural way based on neurological responses.
The Narrative Approach
The narrative approach, or storytelling, in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy is quickly becoming the "gold standard" for trauma treatment. The ITR method involves a grounding art-based narrative so our clients stay grounded and minimize PTSD symptoms.
We offer personalized, one-on-one therapy and, through the creation of a detailed narrative with a beginning, middle, and an end, we bring together the fragmented memories of the trauma. Drawing the story from start to finish helps you bring closure to the traumatic memory. You do not need to be an artist to use this process and we will walk you through every step. After your intensive therapy, we can also schedule online follow-up sessions to help you identify and dialog with your parts burdened by the trauma so you can move on!