Triggers are of three general kinds (with overlapping aspects):
Program cues, both generic and specific
Program cues are triggers that are deliberately set by perpetrators during
controlled situations. Generic program cues are purposeful associations
which initiate internal enactment of thoughts and feelings from past double-bind
scenarios, so that we are bound by closed systems of thought and continue
to be enslaved without the necessity of direct monitoring and control
by those perpetrators. For example, words or symbols which cause thoughts
and feelings that reinforce dogma or belief systems. (“I belong
to them because ...”)
Specific program cues are objects, images, phrases, sensory stimulants,
etc., which are designed to set off a prescribed sequence of thoughts
and actions, or to make a self state with limited consciousness and functional
experience available for use by a perpetrator. A specific cue might be
a word in combination with a symbol, for example, or an object used to
induce trance state (such as a prayer wheel). The first example might
be activated through an associative thought chain in which the word and
symbol have specific meaning to a part of the self who believes that s/he
has received a paranormal or “divine” message to carry out
proscribed actions. In the second example, the use, or even the sight,
of the object cue will cause the survivor to drop into trance, in which
suggestible and previously conditioned self states interpret subsequent
input as cues for their compliance.
Reminders, both generic and specific
Reminder triggers are any whose associative responses influence present
experiences with aspects of unresolved trauma. Examples of generic reminder
triggers are those such as holidays, relationships, feelings, situations,
etc., which remind us of the past in such a way that we cannot remain
conscious of the present as such. Specific reminder triggers are, for
example, the color red, which might remind us of blood (provoking feelings
of panic); the smell of alcohol, which might remind us of being raped;
feces, which remind us of being shamed and punished, etc.
Echoes
Echo triggers are situations in which the emotional dynamics replicate,
in some way, a past relationship of abuse. For example, when a survivor
who is now a mother is confronting a daughter about lying; or when a survivor
is expected to be able to do something they are unable to do. In the first
example, the survivor might become flooded with feelings from her own
mother’s denial of her abuse, and be unable to differentiate appropriately
to handle the present situation. In the second, the survivor might experience
a “crisis of expectation,” in which s/he is flooded with rage
or suicidal, helpless or hopeless feelings. Since double-bind conditioning
often demands that the victim perform impossible acts, with a life or
death outcome for which the victim is made to feel responsible, situations
which replicate this dynamic cause frequent, overwhelming reactions in
survivors.
There are specific things that survivors can do to prepare themselves
to take advantage of the situation of being triggered in order to process
their feelings and memories. They can also be self-protective by giving
themselves permission in advance to stop, if necessary, if they are already
overloaded, if it is currently unsafe to process, or if they are not able
to be supported or support themselves sufficiently at the time.
If a survivor is currently vulnerable, yet wishes to use the opportunity
triggerous material provides to process, she or he should prepare for
that possibility:
Make sure you are in a comfortable situation;
Keep your journal, a drawing pad, reprogramming worksheets (there
is a copy on the other side), comforting toys and some tissues handy.
It is often helpful to keep a positive or inspiring object, image
or guardian “icon” visible .. something that reminds you
of your desire to heal.
Remind yourself of your positive motives and possible short-term consequences
.. and your reasons for risking them by processing your thoughts &
feelings. It is often helpful to make some message signs (block letters,
so kid alters or vulnerable inner child state can read them). For example:
This story may trigger my feelings and/or memories.
I can stop reading if I need to. If I am very upset, I can ______
until I feel better. (Fill in the blank with what works best for
you, for example, “listen to some music” “hold
my teddy bear” “call a friend” “write in
my journal” “yell, and pound on a pillow” “mash
some clay” “draw ugly pictures” etc.)
I am choosing to process triggers (or “read recovery material,
which might be triggering”) so I can heal by honoring and
comforting my pain I do not want to add more pain through self punishment
in the present. I am willing to release old pain, but I do not want
to become confused by it so that I think I need to be hurt any more.
Be aware that narratives can sometimes open up associated memory
fragments (a memory “bank”) which can seem mixed, confused
or contradictory. Remember, you have time to sort out all of the
pieces. Things are not always as they first appear. Trust your feelings
as valid to your experience.
Remember to ask yourself, “If I knew a child who just experienced
what I am remembering or feeling, what would he or she need to feel
comforted?” Then provide for yourself as best as you are able.
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If
you are going to work with ritual abuse survivors, you must also get educated
if you want to be effective. And you must learn to be humble. Trauma survivors
do not need to be around ignorant, modern-day Pharisees. Survivors in
pain need people who will connect with them on an emotional level, get
right down in there where they are, and listen. --Kathleen Sullivan