Expert: Kriss Mitchell, M.Ed, CRC, CNHP - 5/11/2009

Question
A year ago I was verbally attacked horribly by someone. This person screamed at me at the top of their lungs for about 15 minutes and said horrible things. They screamed with violent rage and hatred and their head was snapping back and forth while they screamed at me. Other people were laughing while this happened.

I am still traumatized about this incident a year after it happened.

When it happened, I had blocked it out from my brain. But now it suddenly came back to me a year later and I find that I am not over it.

How can I get over this?

Can you give me some tips?

Answer
It sounds as though you experienced some severe trauma with this experience.  The most simple way to deal with this kind trauma is to find a professional counselor who is well trained in EMDR and spend some time with them.  

EMDR is a highly rated technique used to treat trauma and is very successful.  It uses rapid eye movement to help the brain process the stuck emotions, resolving the traumatic experience.  Counselors who are well trained can be of tremendous help.

In lieu of a professional counselor, journaling can be of some help.  Processing through the emotions through writing can be very therapeutic if you enjoy that kind of thing.  Talking about your feelings with safe people is another alternative, but out of all these suggestions, I believe the EMDR would be the best alternative for you.

I hope you find the help you need and if I can be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Blessings,  Kriss
www.livingwellcc.com