Introduction to Janina Fisher
In this article, you will learn about Janina Fisher’s life, her journey, and how she discovered her passion for therapy. From her upbringing marked by contrasting family dynamics to her personal experiences shaping her career path, Janina’s story is one of resilience and dedication. Delving into the complexities of human behavior and emotion, Janina found her calling in trauma-focused research and therapy.
If you want to discover more about topics such as personality, dissociation, and compassion in traumatized clients, click on this link to understand how Janina, along with Deidre Fay, Paul Gilbert, and Andrew Rayner, discuss dissociation in patients with trauma.
A Childhood Shaped by Contrasts
Janina Fisher’s upbringing in New York was marked by a contrasting family dynamic: her mother, deeply engaged in local politics, was a constant presence, while her father, employed by an American airline, was often away. Even though her father wasn’t around much, Janina recalls him as a beloved figure who left a lasting impact on those around him and imparted valuable lessons during their limited moments together. Meanwhile, her mother’s unfulfilled musical aspirations left an unforgettable impression on Janina and her sister, shaping their understanding of personal fulfillment.
Balancing Aspirations and Responsibilities
Witnessing her mother’s silent struggles and the tension between ambition and obligation, Janina understood that her own path was going to be balanced between career aspirations and familial responsibilities. However, she then navigated into the challenges of parenthood which gave her the strengths in her resilience and determination.
A Personal Journey: Finding Purpose in Trauma
Janina’s journey into psychology was triggered by her own experiences, particularly during motherhood, prompting her to explore the complexities of human behavior and emotion. Armed with a degree in psychology, Janina immersed herself in the company of renowned psychologists, drawing inspiration from Judith Herman’s claim that human suffering arises from genuine life experiences rather than Freudian theories of childhood fantasies. Initially drawn to postdoctoral studies, Janina’s interest shifted when she encountered Bessel Van der Kolk, whose advocacy concentrated on trauma-focused research. Guided by a commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized populations, including those dealing with traumas, Janina embarked on a career dedicated to understanding and healing psychological wounds.
Embracing Forgiveness and Understanding
A crucial moment in Janina’s personal journey came when her father shared stories of his tumultuous upbringing, highlighting the origins of familial dynamics and the causes of his past traumas. This revelation not only facilitated Janina’s journey toward forgiveness and love for her parents but also deepened her understanding of the long-lasting effects of unresolved trauma. With a new clarity of purpose, Janina committed herself to enhancing the quality of trauma treatment and advancing trauma awareness.
Pursuing Dreams, Making a Difference
Today, Janina’s work is driven by a passion for promoting healing and resilience in the face of adversity. Through her clinical practice and advocacy efforts, she endeavors to expand the understanding of trauma and enhance the quality of trauma treatment, realizing her lifelong dream of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Reflections and Gratitude
Today, Janina reflects on her path with gratitude, acknowledging that her work in trauma treatment feels like the realization of a long-held dream. Through her unwavering dedication, she continues to champion greater understanding and compassion in the field of trauma therapy.
The Event
Find out how to deal with traumatized clients, how to help them getting over traumatic experiences and how to promote healing and resilience. Janina Fisher and other authors reunited for an in-depth course on traumas. Let’s have a look at how to improve mental health here.
