The treatment of trauma can be some of the most complex work practitioners face.
And for years, this challenge was complicated by not having a clear picture of the impact that trauma has on the brain.
But scientific advances within just the past few years have opened the eyes of practitioners to what actually happens in the brain of someone who has experienced trauma.
And according to Bessel van der Kolk, MD, there are three major ways that the brain changes in response to trauma.
To find out what they are (and their impact on the body), take a look at the video below – it’s just 3 minutes.
Bessel is one of the world’s leading experts in trauma and PTSD. Because of his research, we have a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts both body and brain.
And this is crucial – it can help us target our interventions more effectively.
So now, we’d like to hear from you . . .
When it comes to the treatment of trauma, what do you want to know most? Please leave your comment below.
Is this method referred to as targeted therapy? Is it related to somatic experiencing? Can you please recommend qualified practitioners in the San Diego, CA area?
I need to talk to an expert about PTSD and what it has done to my husband. My story is long and I would not want to waste your time by trying to explain it here. Is there a forum that I can join where I would be able to tell my story and hopefully get some understanding of where the experts got it wrong or even, right?
This does interest me but once the brain structures have been altered and the social system compounds and creates continual retriggering of the trauma, how do we improve this.
Hi…my name Joy..I was sexually abused at age 8-16 I have had
Shock treatments when I was 25 years old..and still dealing with
It…I have been written about what happen to me..it has helping
Me!
I have had 6 psychotic episodes,over 44 years from my bipolar 1 with psychotic features. I have long felt the first 2, at ages 20 and 22, caused permanent changes in my brain and personality and ultimately the course of my life. I think all the episodes left permanet changes in the neural nelwork of my brain.
I found this email and the video very effective.
As I understood our brain changes after trauma. I have experienced the suffering after trauma to the point that the suffering after trauma, seems to be much harder and more torturing in terms of emotional pain than the actual trauma.
I want to know or kind of get a confirmation that can I change this situation and help my brain to come back to its normal state and not have the suffering like that any more? And how?
I know I must work hard and get professional help. But I will appreciate any advice, and helpful material such as videos and articles.
Thanks.
Jasmine
I found this email and the video very effective.
As I understood our brain changes after trauma. I have experienced the suffering after trauma to the point that the suffering after trauma, seems to be much harder and more torturing in terms of emotional pain than the actual trauma.
I want to know or kind of get a confirmation that can I change this situation and help my brain to come back to its normal state and not have the suffering like that any more? And how?
I know I must work hard and get professional help. But I will appreciate any advice, and helpful material such as videos and articles.
Thanks.
Jasmine
I’ve had a basal ganglia bleed. In hospital for 5 weeks. Physio for 4 months after. Affected left side. I can walk slow with a stick but left arm not really functioning properly. It’s been 8 months since the stroke. Can’t drive. I want a honest opinion on my chances of getting better and the appropriate time scale. I know everyone’s different but I need just some idea please.
I’m afraid of night terror dreams coming when I’m stressed out. Not sure how to handle this.
I’ve lost a daughter to suicide and other traumas. Right NIW I’m going through a VERY traumatic and difficult divorce. I’ve always been able to cope and bounce back…but this time is different. I’m NOT doung so well.
What types of treatment are effective and how do you know which is best for you?
Hi why I can’t seem to sleep and would PTSD have anything to do with it . King regards Caroline
Can trauma be dealt with neuropsychological therapy and without medication since I have drug damage due to psychotropic drugs years ago and my husband has suffered much trauma in past and avoids doctors because of what happened to me.We both need help and I am in Burlington Ontario Canada and my husband lives in Poland now.I suffer from much dystonia which in itself can be traumatic each day and I think my husband has post traumatic stress disorder from what I am researching. You response is appreciated thanks
I am suffering with PTSD and I’m using meditation at a Buddist centre to help me with it. I am finding it very relaxing and very helpful as I’m not so much on edge as I was without mediation. But I am also awaiting cognitive therapy as well.
I get either a flight or freeze reaction to certain events now that prevent me from doing certain things that I need to do.
I have had so many trama things when I was a kid I don’t know were to start…..I feel like I’m still in it every day can you help me ? Thank you … Dan
I have had so many trama things when I was a kid I don’t know were to start…..I feel like I’m still in it every day can you help me ? Thank you … Dan
What is the best way to support and live with someone who has suffered trauma. What ( if any) concessions should one make in a relationship
I’m in trouble! I come from a home of much abuse as a child. I’ve been abused mentally, physically, emotionally and sexually. I am bipolar, I’m on meds. My mom abused me and in January she passed away. I’m lost, confused, angry I’m a mess.
How not to be extremely sensitive
From age 14-18 my son progressed through mental health changes, with episodic psychosis. As you can imagine, those years were chaotic as we moved from one crisis to the next. I have autoimmune thyroid disease (hashimoto’s) and an underactive adrenal gland. I deal with crisis calmly, as a problem solver, and don’t tend to dwell on the past, so I thought that we had weathered this well. One day I woke up with a tremor in my arm. That night when I went to bed I had full body seizure, jerking, etc and was eventually diagnosed with PNES because no evidence of abnormal brain activity could be detected. That was 2016 and I continue to have episodes daily, although tempered with klonopin and CBD. My neurologist is certain trauma/PTSD are the cause, although mentally I don’t experience depression or emotional trauma. My son was finally diagnosed with schizophrenia and is now well medicated with injections of invega. It has been almost a year without a psychotic episode. The PNES is still unabated. I would love to go back to a life without benzodiazepines, which have worsened fatigue and exercise intolerance. My question is, how to rid myself of the seizures?
How do I work with teenagers who have trauma?
Why besides counseling self help books etc. Do I still recall those traumatic instances. I would like to forget forever.
Do these ideas also apply to OCD?
Thank you
S. Riley
I don’t even know the questions to ask. All I know is that I found my husband, after suicide, and now it is hard to discern who I am. My behavior is frenetic, and I can no longer discern its appropriateness.