While women only make up 10% of veterans in America, 19% of female veterans have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) compared to 10% of male veterans. The VA states that one reason PTSD may be more common in women veterans using VA care is military sexual trauma (MST). PTSD is one of the most common mental health diagnoses related to MST. MST is much more commonly reported in women with one in three female veterans and one in 50 male Veterans reporting MST.
Many of these female veterans are turning to digital psychedelics to help work through their PTSD. The Reality Center was founded by veterans and has become an alternative way to approach healing when talk therapy just isn’t enough. “As a veteran, I’ve seen disparities that extend into life after service. At Reality Center, we’re acutely aware of these issues, especially as they affect our female veterans. Women in the military often face challenges that go unnoticed, from unequal recognition to insufficient support, particularly for those suffering from Military Sexual Trauma (MST). This stark reality underscores the urgency of our mission. It is not just infantrymen like me, or special operators who need resources to help them overcome their traumas. We are dedicated to bridging this gap, offering targeted support to address the specific needs of our female veterans. Our goal is to ensure they receive the acknowledgement, care, and respect they deserve for their service and sacrifice,” shared Jonathan Chia, Army Combat Veteran and Co-Founder of Reality Center.
The proprietary frequency technologies at Reality Center activate the same parts of the brain that get stimulated by deep meditation and psychedelic therapies. The experience starts with using a vocal analysis software to measure frequencies in your voice that can help capture which energetic frequency a person is in. Then the frequency information from that voice analysis is used to program the music, light patterns and vibrations. Talk therapy, breath work and integration therapy are followed by the session.
So how exactly can sound, light and vibrational therapy heal trauma? Dr. Jonathan Sherin MD PHD, Former Director of the LA County Department of Mental Health and Chief Medical Advisor to Reality Center explains hat trauma expresses itself in debilitating clinical syndromes, such as PTSD and Moral Injury, it is now understood that recovery from trauma requires the establishment of new neuronal circuits that are primarily dependent upon synaptic plasticity in the brain aka neuroplasticity. “We’ve pioneered groundbreaking approaches to both enhance and expedite neuroplasticity. Our unique, multi-modal methodology combines music, light entrainment, full-body vibration, and theta audio frequencies in real time to create a therapeutic environment conducive to reorganizing brain circuits and, over time, healing lives, “Dr. Sherin shared. “Music, a fundamental tool in our arsenal, activates the brain’s cognitive and emotional domains, which are core to driving the growth of new neural connections. To complement music, we use light entrainment technology to increase cerebral blood flow, which is necessary to sustain the physiologic environment needed to nurture healthy neuronal growth and promote new connectivity. By also incorporating full-body vibration to stimulate both sensory and motor pathways in the brain, we reinforce the brain’s capacity for neuroplastic changes. And, lastly, by integrating theta audio frequencies into our therapy (using 4 to 8 Hz which induce states of deep relaxation) we help to consolidate the synaptic modifications that underlie effective memory processing and emotional regulation.”
Dr. Sherin also emphasized that the approach is unique from other interventions due to the holistic methodology. By simultaneously engaging multiple modalities, this creates an optimal neurological environment for the brain to rewire, reset, and adapt to a new, non-traumatized baseline state that is poised to foster the positive brain changes needed to resolve trauma-induced conditions. The technology not only addresses immediate signs and symptoms of trauma but also empowers individuals in their journey towards long-term recovery and at the same time helps establish the resiliency needed for effectively processing future trauma exposures.
Three female veterans opened up about how transitioning out of active duty impacted their mental health and how Reality Center has assisted in their healing journeys. Sharon Fox, 40, was a Marine and combat correspondent who tried everything she could after being honorably discharged to address her trauma through self-help books, yoga, podcasts and talk therapy sessions. She thought she had a healthy perspective and was adjusted enough until she came in contact with Reality Center. “How would vibrations and frequencies do anything for someone’s mind and body? What is it to shift your reality? I don’t think I knew anyone who had truly healed after their time in the military. I tried cannabis – didn’t like it. I abused alcohol for a while and knew that was also not the answer. Eventually, I decided that my best way forward was to stay substance free and soldier on. Time gives perspective and heals all wounds, right?,” Fox questioned.
“I’d never been able to meditate. The thought of quieting my mind gave me anxiety. There was no way I’d ever be at peace and I accepted that. Fast forward to January 2022, Jonathan and the team had done it, their shared vision and mission to create the ultimate, drug-free healing experience for veterans and humans had materialized. Objectively I understood the experience but it wasn’t until I had my very first session at Reality Center that it all made sense to me. Walking in I knew I’d be in for something different. I trusted my friends and therefore trusted this new experience. Tarun did my vocal analysis and read things about me that he couldn’t possibly have known. Then I was introduced to the wave table- not even a minute into my first session I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. I started crying. My body felt like it was falling and then floating in space. The combination of vibration, light and sound allowed all my senses to sync up and lead me through the most instantly transformative journey of my life. In 20 minutes and what seemed like an infinite journey through the universe, I was able to let go of something that I didn’t realize I was holding onto. I woke up to my tear-soaked face and an overwhelming feeling of calm. I felt light. I felt clear.”
Christina Calderon, 42, had a very challenging transition to civilian life after serving as an IT Technician in the Army. Struggling with post-duty trauma and homelessness, Calderon found Reality Center through a pop-up event on Veterans Day. “This treatment has helped to remove stress and anxiety from my life. I find that the neurological reset I get from this new therapy was unparalleled as it lasts for days, and sometimes a full week,” she shared. “Jonathan’s kind coaching skills and choices for soundscapes, really kicked off my internal healing. Truly, this technology seems to me like it would prevent sick calls, veteran or service member suicides and other maladies of a war-torn or PTSD riddled service members and veterans. I am now taking all of my transitioning active duty brothers and sisters as soon as they go on terminal leave! I am forever grateful to the team at Reality Center as I truly feel they helped me to reprogram some of my mindset and set me on a better path.”
Veronica Lopez, 32, served as 68S Preventative Medicine Specialist, and turned to Reality Center as she has found it difficult to go deep into meditation or talk therapy. “I find that sometimes in heightened states I feel flooded, and it feels like my anxiety can take over my mind which leads to reactionary ways of being. I think healing modalities that empower self awareness while creating inner safety helps me remember that I can calm myself down to be more equipped when I feel heightened. This technology will definitely help active duty members or veterans regulate their emotions.
More than just veterans are leaning into the Reality Center to heal from trauma or optimize their mental health. First responders have begun actively integrating this technology. Dr. Gina Gallivan, lead clinical psychologist for 60 agencies is now sending first responders to the Reality Center to incorporate this innovative approach into the regular treatment planning for PTSD. ”As a Board Certified Police and Public Safety Psychologist with over 20 years of experience treating first responders in Southern California, I’ve noticed that while psychotherapy and psychopharmacology remain primary approaches to treating PTSD, there is growing interest in exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psychoactive drugs such as ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin. These substances are being investigated for their unique role in addressing PTSD symptoms. However, The Reality Center has introduced a drug-free alternative that mimics some of the effects of these substances, offering a method to engage the mind actively while promoting relaxation,” she shared. “This innovative treatment is particularly valuable for individuals who struggle with traditional meditation techniques. It can effectively calm the nervous system and facilitate the formation of new neural pathways, potentially aiding in the release of traumatic memories. Having personally witnessed and experienced the efficacy of these treatment modalities I have begun referring numerous first responders to Reality Center, all of whom have reported significant positive benefits.”
Reality Center is continuing to expand its technology, making it easier for everyone to experience the benefits. “The interpersonal experience paired with positive talk therapy, breathwork, and visualization practices provide clients with tools they can use to overcome anything that may come up during the session or in their day-to-day lives. These practices empower our clients, many of whom have never been able to meditate or relax, to independently cultivate their own peace and calm. The key to this ongoing integration is the consistent reinforcement of personal goals and progress,” shared Tarun Raj MA, President and Co-Founder of Reality Center. “To facilitate this, we’re developing an innovative app and consumer device, extending the Reality Center experience to everyday settings. This app combines the best of traditional well-being apps with our unique generative AI and voice analysis technology, creating fun, dynamic, personalized well being experiences for every user. It’s not just a tool but a daily companion for lasting well being. This advancement enhances our mission to democratize access to these transformative technologies, bridging the gap between advanced care and everyday life.”
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