Treffen Tuesday Rewatch

Marilyn shares a background history and an audio-visual explanation of the Murray Method.

This method is described as an effective approach to becoming a Healthy Balanced Person – physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a guideline for living and provides a clear and concise explanation for the consequences of difficult and painful experiences. The Murray Method enables wholeness beyond trauma, abuse, neglect, and addiction.

Since its inception in 1981, the Murray Method has been widely taught and employed internationally, especially in the former USSR. During this time, the main therapeutic emphasis dealt with moving beyond childhood trauma and also addressing present-day issues such as relationship problems, addictions, financial difficulties, and so forth.

However, with the arrival of the war in Ukraine, the Murray Method now has been effectively utilized by psychologists, therapists, and clergy (who were previously trained in the method) who now are working with war trauma victims. They are using the Murray Method in individual and group sessions held in person, and in online sessions with refugees throughout Ukraine and Europe. Murray Method videos in Ukrainian are also now available with a wide audience.

In response to the great need for more intensive therapy, the Murray Method War Trauma Rehabilitation Center was established in early 2023 and is located in a large, 4-story house on acreage in a suburb of Poltava, Ukraine. A two-week inpatient, intensive therapy program is provided here twice monthly at no cost for 25 war survivors. Approximately 700 women and men have received this special gift thus far.

A high percentage of Ukrainians suffer from PTSD. Almost everyone is grieving the loss of a family member and/or a close friend as a result of the war. Many have lost their homes and their possessions. It is a huge national tragedy, and the results will remain for generations. The Murray Method is helping reduce the long-term effects of this trauma.

The method also is being applied with survivors of the present war in Israel as well as persons impacted by recent school shootings in the States. (More detailed information regarding the Murray Method is available on the website: www.murraymethod.com )

MARILYN (Reh) MURRAY

Recognized internationally as an educator, theorist, author, and psychotherapist, Marilyn was a pioneer in the treatment of trauma, abuse and deprivation, and their correlation with addictions. She began creating and teaching her Murray Method theory and treatment modalities starting in 1983 including the widely used Trauma Egg and Circles of Intimacy. She has taught her method for universities in the US and internationally with students from 40 countries.

From 2002 to 2018, she lived and worked nearly half-time in Russia where she presented her method to over 4,000 health professionals and clergy in the former USSR. She also has been a guest professor at major Russian universities including Moscow State University. There are Murray Method International Centers in Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Her paternal grandparents were born in small villages near Saratov and immigrated to America. Unfortunately, their families who remained in Russia suffered greatly under the Stalinist terror and repression. Marilyn has visited her family villages numerous times and has a special love for this country. She also has cousins in Siberia and other parts of Russia.

She has been a life member of AHSGR since 1998 and has shared her knowledge of Russia at several AHSGR conventions.