7. Protect Ya Neck: Trauma on the Brain & Body

“As I often tell my students, the two most important phrases in therapy, as in yoga, are “Notice that” and “What happens next?” Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear, everything shifts.” -The Body Keeps Score

Traumatic events and experiences can and in most cases do have a lasting effect on folk. For some clients, the effects of trauma can be so great that it causes PTSD that can vary in severity. This PTSD can become so overwhelming for our clients that it can sometimes hinder their way of living. For others, trauma can show up more subtly. This can look like erratic changes in behavior, actions or thinking.

These changes not only will affect our clients physically but mentally as well. Depending on the trauma as well as the individual, the effects of emotional trauma on the brain can range from minor to intense. Trauma changes the brain chemistry and structure and these effects can impact normal functioning. The effects of trauma on the brain seem to impact the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex the most.

1. Changes in the Amygdala

The amygdala is the emotional response center of the brain. This is where we perceive and control our emotions. This part of our brains store memory and hold our fear responses. Those with PTSD often have a more active amygdala than normal. Those with PTSD have increased function in response to triggers that associate them with their trauma.

2. Changes in the Hippocampus 

The hippocampus is the brain’s center of memory and learning. Those with PTSD have decreased function on the hippocampus when they are exposed to something associated with their trauma. Those with severe trauma may not only have the functioning of the Hippocampus, but also the actual structure of it may change. Those with trauma may have a smaller hippocampus than others.

3. Changes in the Prefrontal Cortex 

Lastly, The effects of trauma on the brain will affect the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for functioning or higher-level thinking and reasoning. People with PTSD usually have decreased function of the prefrontal cortex when exposed to events associated with their trauma.

I believe the best approach with this is for clients to firstly be aware of their bodies. How does the trauma show up in your body? What areas hold the tension? What areas hold the energy. Secondly, I believe it’s important for clients to be aware of their triggers. Thirdly, I believe it’s important for clients to be made aware of what is happening in their brain. Clients often take on their trauma with a “me against the world” attitude. It’s important for clients to recognize that while they are in control of their healing, there is something working that is out of their control and that it is important to have professional help during this journey. As Dr. Van der Kolk mentions, there are three avenues for recovery: “top down, by talking, (re-) connecting with others, and allowing ourselves to know and understand what is going on with us”; “taking medicines that shut down inappropriate alarm reactions"; and “bottom up, by allowing the body to have experiences that deeply and viscerally contradict the helplessness, rage, or collapse that result from trauma.” Realistically, clients will benefit best by incorporating all 3. 

References:

A., Van der Kolk Bessel. The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma. Penguin Books, 2015.