Dual awareness refers to the ability to be aware of two different experiences or states of consciousness simultaneously. In trauma therapy, this means the ability to be aware of a traumatic memory and the fact that one is in a safe present moment. This state is central to processing traumatic memories because it allows individuals to face the memories without being retraumatized. The person can stay grounded in the present and recognize that the memories belong to the past.


Theory to be learned:Dual Awareness
Field of Science:Psychology, Neurology
Prerequisites:E.g. Timeline technique.
Relations to Super* Theory: Following concepts are related to dual awareness: Inner Child and Inner Adult, Own World and Reality.
Level of Difficulty:
★★★★

Summary

Term dual awareness does not appear to have been coined by a specific person but has evolved as part of the broader vocabulary of psychotherapy, particularly trauma therapy. The concept's significance emerged within therapeutic work, especially in EMDR eye movement therapy, where it was observed that the ability to be aware of both the present moment and a traumatic memory simultaneously is crucial for effective trauma work."

Dual awareness helps individuals feel safe because they can distinguish the traumatic memory from the present moment. This separation reduces the risk of retraumatization and helps individuals process and integrate memories more effectively.

Connection to the Super* Project

Dual awareness in the Super* Project is considered to be the relationship between reason and passion, i.e., reality and one's own world, as well as the inner adult and inner child.

References

Sassi, T., Syrjä, M. (2019). TRAUMAT, traumojen vaikutukset. Vakauttamisen keinot ja menetelmät asiakastyössä. Accessed 14.7.2024. https://rets.fi/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Traumat-ja-niiden-vaikutukset-asiakasty%C3%B6ss%C3%A4.pdf

Suokas-Cunliffe, A. (2006). Trauma - omaan elämäntarinaan yhdistymätön mielen loinen. Yleislääkäri numero 5/2006. Lääketiede. Accessed 14.7.2024. https://traumaterapiakeskus.com/trauma-omaan-elamantarinaan-yhdistamaton-mielen-loinen/

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Default (GPT-4o)].

EMDR International Association. (n.d.). The eight phases of EMDR therapy. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://www.emdria.org/blog/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/