ART is an eye-movement based counseling technique that works to stop distressing images from replaying in a person’s mind.  ART utilizes rapid eye movement(REM) while the participant is awake to control and direct the processing power the brain uses during the deepest phase of sleep, known as REM.  The participant is fully awake and aware during the session.  With the assistance of a trained ART Therapist, a participant will be guided to frame their problem into a scene format and then visualize it in short segments while also working on the images, body sensations and emotions attached to that scene or memory.  In ART we like to say “keep the knowledge, lose the pain.”  At the end of an ART session, most participants report that they no longer see their distressing images, or that the images seem distant or far away.  After ART participants say they can remember the event without experiencing the fear, panic, and distress that once accompanied that scene.  The participant retains the knowledge of the event or memory but can now think of it without experiencing physical or emotional distress.  ART is offered primarily at our individual combat retreats but can also be requested at other retreat types if available.  For more information on ART, please visit www.acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com.

Neurofeedback is an advanced form of biofeedback using electroencephalography (EEG) technology.  The human brain is very complex and communicates through electrical patterns and impulses.  An EEG measures brain activity.  By observing brain activity, our neurofeedback providers help our participants understand how their brains are adapting to post-traumatic stress, brain injury, insomnia, chronic pain, and other symptoms. Our brains have an amazing ability to learn new responses if properly trained.  At our retreats, we offer an introduction to brain training with neurofeedback.  One of our trained providers will assist you in understanding your brainwave patterns and how you can train your brain into a healthier state.   This involves hooking up several wires to the head and watching a screen while being given instructions from the provider.  It is a non-invasive technique that can be used for a variety of symptoms.  We offer neurofeedback at most of our individual combat retreats.  Our participants report that understanding how their brain is responding helps them feel validated and gives them hope that they can retrain their brain with the proper support.  For more information on neurofeedback, visit www.eeginfo.com/what-is-neurofeedback.jsp.

Each day of the retreat we offer an educational class focused on the needs of our retreat participants.  Topics generally include things like post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, brain injury, chronic pain, coping skills, and relationship topics for couples retreats.  We also take time to discuss available treatment options for each of those topics.  We customize the class each day for the needs of each retreat attendee.  This is an interactive, discussion-oriented class but it is not a therapy group.  Participants are encouraged to listen and are not required to share unless they desire.  Most participants report that they learned something new about their injuries in the class and that there is a great sense of relief in knowing they are not alone in the symptoms they are facing.

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India 4,000 years ago.  Yoga is not a religion.  Yoga is a system to develop a mind-body connection allowing you to effectively manage stress, find contentment and compassion, and lead a healthy and happy life.  Yoga is proven to be an excellent practice to manage the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).  National Institute of Health studies indicate significantly lower levels of stress, lower blood pressure, and lower levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in people who practice yoga regularly. Here at LSF we utilize “trauma-informed yoga” to help participants find relief from physical and emotional pain.  Trauma-informed yoga utilizes a specially trained instructor to teach a yoga practice that is sensitive to the unique concerns that people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience.  From the set up of the room to the method of teaching from the mat, our instructors are trained to create a yoga space that is safe and comfortable for our participants.  In that space, our instructors guide you through an experience of mindful meditation, mindful movement, and mindful rest (yoga nidra).  Anyone can participate and benefit from the practice of trauma-informed yoga.  At our retreats, we often provide a short morning yoga to help with stiffness and get the day going right, as well as a mindful movement class during the day which can be customized and modified to adapt to any injuries or limitations, and an evening relaxation meditation known as yoga nidra, or yoga sleep.  For more information on trauma-informed yoga, visit www.veteransyogaproject.org.

Alpha-Stim is a Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation device (CES) that is FDA approved to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain. At our retreat, we have masters level clinicians who have completed certification training on effective use of Alpha-Stim.  We provide an in-depth tutorial on the device and its application as well as instructional sessions on how to properly use the device.  Retreat participants are encouraged to use the device throughout the weekend.  Many take advantage of this opportunity and report that they feel less anxious and that they are sleeping better after use of Alpha-Stim than with any other treatment they have tried. For more information on Alpha-Stim, visit www.alpha-stim.com.

At some of our retreats, we offer a Creative Arts component where participants are invited to express their experience through drawing, painting, and other creative mediums.  Working with your hands to access, release and transform images related to trauma can be very powerful and healing.  In our creative arts groups, a trained Art therapist will lead you through guided art activities.  No artistic ability is required to participate.  Participants often report that seeing all of their art at the end of the retreat is very fulfilling and therapeutic.  For more information about Creative Arts Therapy, visit www.arttherapyblog.com/what-is-art-therapy.