Season 4 of Stranger Things was my favorite because of all the trauma processing themes. Who can forget those brave kids, choosing to enter The Upside Down? More than one client has compared doing EMDR to going into the Upside Down, and I know what they mean. What is more terrifying than facing your own demons?
(Small spoilers ahead)
Season Five hasn’t been as powerful so far, but watching Max coach Holly how to face her own personal nightmare has been the highlight for me. I can’t help but agree with all the Internet memes that it’s a bit ridiculous for Max to pause for a heart to heart when Lucas (and Kate Bush) are RIGHT THERE, but as a trauma therapist I had to literally rewind the scene.
“Nothing in here can hurt us?” Holly asks Max. “Nothing here can hurt us,” Max confirms.
Charity and Dr. Lanza with Sadie Sink at John Proctor is The Villain on Broadway
It’s every conversation before every trauma processing session ever…you’ve already lived through the worst that life can offer. Revisiting your trauma in a safe way, with a safe person, can’t hurt you…it’s what will heal you. Still, we need something to make it different this time, to guide us home…just like Max told Holly:
“You just need something that connects you to the real world. To home. You just need something that brings you strength. That makes you feel safe. That gives you hope.”
That might be the EMDR resources your therapist has taught you, like your allies (Holly has her Holly the Heroic necklace…who is your ally?) or even your Core Self. Or it might just be the coregulation of your therapist, whose calm voice coaches you through the nightmare and out the other side. Who, in the darkest moments, can remind you like Max reminded Holly:
“You’re close to the final memory. You might start to feel like you did that night. But it’s just like an echo. It’s a good sign. It means you’re almost home.”
If you’re running up that hill, friend, keep going. Grab your allies, press play on your soundtrack, and keep on going. Facing your trauma is worth it. It’s how you get home.
