Trauma recovery is often seen as a process of addressing pain and alleviating symptoms—but at Whakaora, we believe it’s also about fostering growth, resilience, and a sense of purpose. That’s why our Foundations of Healing programme combines the evidence-based power of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy with the strengths-focused principles of positive psychology.
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive psychology is the study of what makes life worth living. Unlike traditional approaches that primarily focus on addressing deficits or problems, positive psychology emphasizes strengths, virtues, and the factors that enable individuals to thrive. For trauma survivors, this perspective can help shift the focus from merely surviving to actively rebuilding a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Key principles of positive psychology include:
• Cultivating gratitude
• Building resilience
• Enhancing positive emotions
• Fostering hope and optimism
• Developing strengths and virtues
The Role of Group EMDR Therapy
Group EMDR therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to treating trauma. Numerous group EMDR approaches are used around the world, including the G-TEP protocol used in our research. Group EMDR works by helping individuals process and reframe traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing for healthier responses. While group EMDR is often associated with addressing distress, it’s also a tool for unlocking growth and potential by clearing the barriers that trauma creates. Notably, group EMDR does not require participants to share any distressing memories.
The Integration: Why Positive Psychology and EMDR Work Together
In the Foundations of Healing programme, we integrate positive psychology principles with EMDR therapy to create a holistic approach to healing. Here’s how these two modalities complement each other:
1. From Distress to Strength
EMDR helps participants process painful memories, reducing the weight of past trauma. Positive psychology builds on this foundation by helping individuals identify their strengths and use them to navigate life with greater confidence.
2. Fostering Positive Emotions
While EMDR resolves emotional pain, positive psychology introduces practices like gratitude journaling and the Find the Good Stuff exercise, encouraging participants to focus on moments of joy, connection, and purpose.
3. Building Resilience
Trauma can leave individuals feeling disconnected and powerless. EMDR restores emotional balance, while positive psychology focuses on resilience-building strategies, helping participants develop tools to face future challenges with strength.
4. Holistic Growth
The integration of these approaches ensures that healing doesn’t stop at reducing symptoms—it extends to fostering personal growth, improving relationships, and creating a renewed sense of purpose.
The Benefits of Combining Positive Psychology and EMDR
By combining these approaches, the Foundations of Healing programme offers participants:
• A deeper sense of resilience and inner strength
• Tools to focus on positive aspects of life, even during challenging times
• A renewed connection to their values, relationships, and purpose
• A comprehensive path to healing that addresses both pain and potential
Join Us in the Foundations of Healing Programme
This isn’t just about recovery—it’s about rediscovering the strengths within you and building a life full of meaning and connection.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about the Foundations of Healing programme and how it can help you thrive.