Is there a “trauma gene”? Well, let’s back up a bit. We know that genetics can have something to do with vulnerability to trauma. But what if we could find a specific gene that led to PTSD? That’s just what Ya-Ping Tang, MD, PhD, a professor of cell biology at LSU, tried to do. Joined […]
The brain’s attempt to help us heal from trauma?
When people are jarred from sleep because of a nightmare, the disturbing images can be difficult to shake. Even though they’re “just dreams,” nightmares can be very upsetting and can sometimes haunt us long after we’ve awoken. But believe it or not, there may be a good reason for them. Nightmares are part of the […]
Helping Survivors Feel Safe Again With Trauma Treatment
One of psychological trauma’s most insidious effects is how radically and completely it can take away someone’s sense of safety. That’s often why job number one for many practitioners is making sure to create a safe space for trauma survivors within the confines of treatment, which is essential . . . . . . but […]
The Polyvagal Theory in Action – How Heart Rate Figures into Trauma Treatments
How can the body and its natural processes be tools for treating trauma? The Polyvagal Theory helps us answer this question by explaining how people process their environment and how the body regulates itself in the face of stress and trauma. Watch the video below as Stephen Porges, PhD, creator of the Polyvagal Theory, shares […]