Personal Trainer Specializing In Trauma

[Muzikluvr]

I keep watching this program called Extreme Weight Loss because these people have all experienced some set back that keeps them from living life to its fullest. Over the year they face their fears and they gain self-worth that they have never had before or that they lost for some reason. It's fun to watch how their bodies transform because it's an outer transformation; visible, measurable. Still, I think that the way they carry themselves beginning about halfway through the program with more confidence, pride, self-assurance is more inspiring than their new bodies at the end.

It's not about being more attractive, therefore having more confidence... it seems like the program could be taken that way. "Of course they have more confidence, people respect them more now because they're thinner." I'm sure there is a lot to that, because I believe there is a societal bias against overweight people and that translates into how they are treated wherever they go. Still, I think that their real confidence is coming from the validation they receive from the personal trainer, and from the lofty goals he sets for them... and they achieve through their own hard work. I believe this because, although I am not morbidly obese like all of these contestants start out, I am depressed and feel worthless and suffer from past experiences which have defined me. Each of the contestants face at least some of the issues which cause them to turn to food, or decide not to take action on various areas of their health and well being... and I think, "I wish someone who understood trauma would come be my personal trainer. I could really use someone cheering in my corner, validating my experiences, stressing the importance of completing a goal in the moment... especially, right after validating why it's so hard for me to accomplish it. Then, celebrating that accomplishment!"

Do you think that a therapist could be a personal trainer too? What do you think that would be like? What kinds of goals would they set? Can you imagine someone coming into your life with enthusiasm and compassion, who could inspire you to dream and then take steps toward those dreams? If you found that someone, would you believe the sincerity of the trainer? Would you be too skeptical to believe that s/he was really excited for you, really wanted to work with you, really was proud of your accomplishments?

Is this already out there? If so, what brand of therapy should I be looking for? I suppose it's a bit like cognitive behavioral therapy, with a twist?

Now I'm getting skeptical... could someone with PTSD believe the trainer cares about them and then let that trainer go when the year is over? Would they fall off the deep end when the trainer moves onto someone else? I guess that's not really a PTSD trait, unless abandonment is part of the traumas... maybe. Just watching the shows is addictive for me, I can't imagine how I would feel if a personal trainer was spending their time focusing on me. I think I would seek opportunities to meet with the trainer, and that could lead to "needing" the trainer... if that's the only way to get the trainer to come back. "I need you because X is going wrong." I guess I've seen that on the show too. People sabotage themselves and the trainer comes back to help sort out the problems. On the other hand, I'd probably have a melt down. I seem to crave an abundance of attention, but I freak out whenever I'm noticed.

 

[mamachick]

Muzikluvr I think you make some really good points. I can see where a personal trainer could be a very positive influence for ptsd sufferers. I don't have an issue with weight but use to be much more physically fit before ptsd. I walked a few miles daily and went to the gym regularly and took some exercise classes a couple nights a week. My exercise regime started with a group of moms when we would walk as soon as we got our kids off to school and it just grew.

I know the chemicals in my brain were much different from the exercise habits, my attitude and conversations were much more upbeat. I found that talking during exercise, such as while on the eliptical machine for an hour, produced processing daily stress more effectively.

I also think a life coach that could help harness sufferers would be good for helping with balancing sufferers lives. (which would include such an exercise program/trainer)

I think I would be able to believe the sincerity of the trainer, but like any other field I think there would have to be a good match. I find that with most professionals thought, such as therapist, dr., and specialists.

I think that there needs to be 30, 60, or even 90 day treatment centers that are more like half way houses for ptsd sufferers. I think this would be so beneficial in regaining ones life for many who have the ability to go away and need such structure. They could get more counseling in a shorter period and attend groups and regain other daily skills. There are such centers but not covered by insurane or affordable to most.

 

[maddog]

I am an absolute 100% convert to the belief that physical fitness and exercise are as beneficial to psychological health as they are to physical health, and they tap into absolutely everything from self esteem to the ability to integrate memories and form new neural pathways. Thesedays, current neuroscience research is even on board to prove that it's true.

For that reason, I think there is a huge untapped potential market for exercise therapists, or something of the sort. I have a version of this situation in place with my therapist. He is an enormous fitness addict himself and strongly encouraged me to join the gym. He came along with me, helped me to learn my way around and to manage my initial anxieties, helped me sort out a fitness programme and speaks to me frequently about my progress with it. He champions my efforts and endlessly encourages me when the going gets tough, and I have no doubt that were it not for his guidance and support, I would never have conquered my fitness demons.

Obviously this situation is a little different to what you describe, as he was my existing therapist who just happens to have a strong belief in moulding therapy with physical exercise. But the principle is the same, and we have often talked, partly in jest and partly seriously, about his going into business as some sort of fitness therapist. I do truly believe there is huge potential in this field.

More to say later, but in essence, yes yes yes!

Maddog

 

[intothelight]

I've watched Extreme Weight Loss and find the show inspirational; not from the weight the individual's lose, but from the individual transformations. It starts out about weight, but ends up being about caring for oneself, achieving goals, working through issues of self-sabotage, finding self-confidence, etc. Weight is the symptom of something deeper, and when that is addressed, the real changes take place.

So many people with PTSD do not take care of themselves and I don't think the physical repercussions of this disorder are really focused on by the medical community. Stress is hard on a body and combine that with a general lack of self-care over an extended period, there are bound to be some significant physical detriment. There are so many members here that suffer from auto-immune and cardio-vascular disease, and the link between stress and disease is well known, so the medical communities failure to address this this aspect within a treatment model is unconscionable in my opinion.

I do think there is a need for therapy to expand and take the approach of treating the "whole" person, and not just the psychological manifestations. I agree, there is a need and to help people put together a lifestyle plan that would make them feel better physically would definitely compliment and improve the psychological aspects of treatment.

 

[ShayShay]

Muzikluvr, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you brought this up. I am a personal trainer that does group (boot camp type) and individual training. I have somehow become the trainer in my area who has the nontypical clients. I have one that has physical limitations, one that's deaf, and at least two with PTSD. I absolutely love watching my clients transform from my training. I give homework for them to accomplish away from me and check in with them during the week and weekend. I think that since I live with my guy that has combat PTSD this has made me more sensitive to their needs.

My guy has even started his own small boot camp a few miles away and has found it a place that he can de-stress. Most of those clients are wives of military men and from what I have been told they have had some pretty open conversations about coping at them while working out.

Now, who wants to go pitch the idea to TV for me to get a show so I can start helping even more?

Shay

 

[maddog]

That's the other point I wanted to make. I absolutely totally agree that healing and recovery are about far far more than trauma processing and what's going on in our heads. Recovery is a holistic process, and it maddens and saddens me that so many treatment programmes and individual treatment models don't ever take into account the need for such a holistic approach. Lifestyle is a huge part of living, and that includes nutrition, sleep, exercise, socialising, personal and domestic care, financial management, etc etc etc. None of these things are exclusive to PTSD, but they are all common to a well-rounded healthy lifestyle, and there is so much wasted opportunity in many treatment programmes that would actually make a significant contribution to "wellness" if it was better addressed.

Yet again I consider myself unspeakably lucky. In addition to his fierce personal trainer persona, my therapist is happy to plan and talk with me about healthy eating, sleep hygiene issues, social interactions etc, and to help me out, to the extent that he logistically can, with a whole range of practical issues in my life. It's not easy, and it's time-consuming and resource-intensive and requires a lot of dedication, but it feels like treatment that respects and assists *all* of me, not just the broken wiring in my brain. I think that's so so important.

Maddog

 

[Hashi]

A few more enlightened doctors in the UK give prescriptions for exercise. They have an arrangement with a local gym that includes sessions with a personal trainer and the only cost to the patient is the prescription charge (this is one of the few good things about the NHS - the prescription charge is heavily subsidised so it's only 8 pounds whatever it's for, or free depending on circumstances).

They can be given for physical conditions like heart problems, but they're also used for things like anxiety, depression and stress. I was given one so I could learn to exercise safely - I have restrictions on that due to the current effects of old injuries. Although it was for a physical reason, the trainer quickly picked up on my emotional state and did a lot of boxing training with me to release anger. It was wonderful.

Unfortunately it's time limited, usually six to twelve weeks. The hope is that you'll continue on your own once you've got started and have been given the skills. The trainers aren't psychotherapists either, but they have some understanding of the psychological benefits of exercise. It's a step in the right direction at least.

I wish I still had that doctor but she retired. She once gave me a prescription to rest and watch DVDs! This wasn't a real one unfortunately, the NHS don't supply DVDs, but she wrote it on a prescription pad to make it official.

 

[Abstract]

Apologies. I have gone off the beaten track here. Good luck figuring it out! :)