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.
Barbara says
Thank you so much, excelent. I wonder how trauma might evoke certain destructive phantasies in patients with PTSD
kathleen helping hands ministries says
after making this video have you “read” the CC — they dont make sense – please redo the “words” as computerand phones they do not translate the words correctly
Pat Watson says
I spend most of my time treating traumatized clients and I’ve had a few clients that were so dissociated that they couldn’t do EMDR, CBT, or Hypnotherapy. It was too threatening. I’ve searched for grounding techniques. I’ve walked and talked with a couple, but that makes EMDR difficult. I’d love more ideas for those whose hyper vigilance is so turned on that they can’t be present.
Joy B. says
I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) 13 years ago. Doctors said I had a minor concussion and said rest for a few days and I would be fine. I wasn’t. It was terrible. I suffered with hideous migraines as well as photo sensitivity, phono sensitivity among many other things. No help or hope was offered. Nine years after my injury, I discovered this Snider’s Vision Center. They help people who struggle with visual issues, behavioral issues, as well as traumatic brain injury. My life forever shifted after receiving help from this compassionate, dedicated husband and wife team. Contact the and insure they could point you in the right direction.
Also check out their section on Syntonic Light Therapy using the variable wattage New Zealand model. I felt results in the first 30 minute session.
The eyes are the window to the brain. Eyes are more then eyesight–what we see, they are our vision—how we see/perceive what is going on around us and how we are to interface with our environment.
Mimi Seton, artist & counselor says
I would like to know much more detail about how the different areas of the brain function exactly…I thought the interview was very general ~ a vague reference to the part of the brain that is coming into play with different aspects of trauma, but not HOW it comes into play. Did I misunderstand? Is there more here than I could comprehend?
Secondly: HOW does Dr. Kolk work with clients around issues of trauma? Does he use NLP? Cognitive techniques of some kind?
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT in your view?
Cj, Nurse, USA says
Why didn’t he talk about the acute shrinkage of the hippocampus? That’s also pretty important in understanding PTSD and its effect on people and their memory.
Mimi Seton, artist & counselor says
Wow! Please explain this to me. I suffered from a TBI and want to learn more about it. Like other people on this comment chain, I was ‘blown off’ by doctors and have not had any success with hypnosis or EMDR…although I myself was a hypnotist/therapist and practitioner of NLP. I may have had the wrong hypnotist (I DID actually) but the costs are prohibitive unless a doctor takes us seriously enough to help us get insurance for treatment. The only help I was offered was anti-depressants, which I refused.
irene debattista. housewife. Malta says
By Trauma I’m going to talk about psychological issue. My mother died when I was only 11 years old. She left my dad with 4 young kids. Could that have damaged my character in any way? Mind you I was brought up by my granny very well thank God and my dad didn’t marry again and stayed with us to the end. Thanks
Trina Butler. Disabled. ElDorado Hills, CA says
I’ve been knock onto my head 3 times, had at least 2 concussions. I now have serious neck problems, migraines, spinal detereoration starting in C6, on down my spine. and have Fibromyalgia too. I’m in chronic pain. Have a tough time focusing on things I’m saying, & thinking sometimes. It’s horrible.
Joy B. says
Check out this place. I, too, have suffered multiple head injuries. They can help you or point you in the right direction. They certainly changed my life!
Best of wishes,
Joy
Mimi Seton, artist & counselor says
Joy ~ thank you so much for your posts. Did you actually go down there to Alabama or Mo.? I live in L.A. so that would be costly, but yours is the first hopeful info I’ve had on treating TBI…They are out of the office today. I rang them. If you feel like answering me ~ to be a good samaritan ~ I’m on Facebook. Mimi Seton
X-soldier - Israel says
After the trauma I was stronger then ever .. Really good . I was in the car driving in full control… But after few surgery and some family problems the trauma show me how small I am . All what you say in the video is very very true .. I just cannot understand why it come up after so long and how I can go back to my car and drive with the windows open in full control. How I see my trauma, I had the must beautiful room , full of books and art and strong strong light , now no light and all the room is a mass ,, how I find the switch ?! But I must say that after few years in the dark the small light is a big deal ..
Thank you
Susan, Canada says
how to stop the anxiety attacks that seem to come from nowhere and leave one ‘off kilter’ in many situations.
Sherry F Belman, MA, LMHC, NYC says
–What to do in the moment, i.e. when one must coordinate repeatedly with a rageaholic-plus family member, who triggers PTSD childhood terror?
–The techniques & knowledge, & experienced healers are rare &vital, & a blessing that they’ve helped so many so far…yet, how to communicate with whoever “inside” has made the executive decision to dedicate their life as a walking memorial to the abuse, the harm, & must re-dedicate their life, to life, to have techniques & so forth work?
–I’m also interested in that brain midline related to sense of self.
Thank you Bessel & Ruth, & the rest for your heartfelt contributions.
Carol Edson says
Thank you so much for this informative coverage of the three principal responses to trauma.
I have been in two auto accidents with post concussion syndrome and a serious fall with broken ankle all in six months and recognize these effects you have described here. All three effects combine to create a feeling of alienation from normal life that needs to be worked through. I have recently found that total solo relaxation in nature, allowing the physical brain to relax out of its hypervigilant condition has been healing. A reset to a sense of normal reality. There is an almost spastic quality to extreme stress on the brain that disturbs all the natural rhythms and creates a sense of constant emergency. Very exhausting energywise also. Also meditation calms this.
Again thank you all.
CE
Andrea Rochester UK nearly qualified hypnotherapist says
I too have had post concussional syndrome and really felt like the bottom had fallen out of my world and that I was going mad -plus other taunts and injury – the biggest help has been meditation – quite time for the mind, centering and refocusing – and being grateful for everyone and everything positive however small – hypnotherapy and nlp are also effective promting me to train in theses areas – there is always hope and a light at the end of what may seem an impossibly long dark tunnel 🙂
Andrea Rochester UK nearly qualified hypnotherapist says
Should say trauma not taunts!
Andrea, business development, Michigan says
I have personally experienced several traumatic situations all within a 5 year period of time. I feel myself getting better, but I’m a very methodical person. If I were directed to specific types of mind healing related to my experiences, I believe my mind could heal faster and more precisely. Love is the ultimate healer to my current knowledge, but are there training techniques to help the process. Really loving yourself is a difficult process. We take so much blame.
Oscar Gillespie Psychologist New York says
Thank you for asking the question. I’m interested in how to begin a neuropsych rehab after providing education and explanation, how to effectively begin the neurological and behavioral reprogramming.
Diana L., Oregon says
This was very enlightening for me. My mother suffers from PTSD. Getting insight to how her mind operates gives me a better understanding of the reactions I see with her. I’ve had many confusing moments of her panic and fear. Thank you for sharing this information.
Diane Stocker says
I am 67 and still have nightmares every night, often waking up traumayized. I also wonder how I could cope with these hugh, overwhelming feelings without antianxiety meds.
Theresa Domingues, Austin, TX says
I’m using Tapping now, which does help, but I still find myself drifting to an anger state and getting caught up in the trauma again. How can I find the right therapist or trauma group to work with here in Austin, TX? I’m very smart, but I’m terrified to go back into the work arena again,
Judy Waters, MFT says
I know an excellent therapist in Austin. Happy to pass on her info to you… I work in the trauma field and I know this cam get better for you!
Judy Waters, MFT says
I’m in Los Angeles and can be reached via my email stillwaterscounseling@gmail.com
Gaye Shepard, PhD says
I am not an expert in major ongoing trauma so would appreciate advice on how to help the client work thru these issues
Rashmi Patel , MBBCH anaesthetist says
Just like PTSD how can we understand the causes of chronic neuropathic or pathological pain which at times occurs with minimal stimulus which normally would not be perceived as painful ?? And can we train our brain !! What strategies ?
Thank you for your sharing of this very important subject matter ,
Julie says
Hi, how can we retrain our brain
Paula , Retired LCSW, VA says
Have heard of studies re less obvious causes of PTSD,soemtimes referred to as atypical PTSD, including certain invasive medical treatments e.g. chemotherrapy, radiation that may result in longterm side effect afecting some patients. These side effects result in major, sometimes traumatic, life changes (lots of loss involved). Also, the number of Americans adopting children from abroad is increasing.These are children have been in orphanges past infancy, and, seem to exhibit certain characterisitcs that may be related to PTSD. Would like to learn more about these atypical PTSD situations. Thanks!
Gladys Roij, Psychoanalyst, Argentina; Imago Couples' Therapist says
Dear NICABM people: I am SO thankful for the Seminars you sent me, plus all the extra information you keep sending me. Now, when some patient presents a certain trouble to me I find myself thinking: how does this work in the brain-mind-body circuit? And when I have the answer, everything seems clearer to me from whatever point of view, & the patients generally tell me: “Now I understand!”.
Eg, now I wonder: how could we describe the circuit in compulsive gambling; how can be described the fact of cancer appearing exactly the day of the anniversary of some loved one´s decease, or after his/her passing away? Etc.
With every new patient, a new question.
Gladys Roij
Judy, Trauma sufferer, North Kingstown RI says
What I would like to know most is how to help teens and young adults that have suffered as children-either birth trauma or from angry parents. Education that these children NEED help is key to this too, in my opinion .
Mikki Earle, Retired. Dnever, CO USA says
I was a passenger in an automobile accident Feb, 1982. No insurance. I had chiropractic treatment, and spent years learning many modalities to help me through a very difficult time. My whole life changed. As a Real Estate Broker/Owner, I could not work as steadily as before. I felt ‘detached’ and things that were simple were difficult. I withdrew from everyone and everything. Sirens caused me to drop to the floor covering my head. Driving was a challenge; I felt i was ‘falling off’ small inclines and panicked to the degree i had to pull over and would shake and cry. I lost my home to foreclosure. I divorced my husband. I felt completely alone. I had been the hub of my family and earned a really good living, and all that was gone. I did a lot of work on myself, but the change point was when my chiro sent me to a psychologist who did NLP…that one session removed the extreme fear of sirens and I began driving. Many more years and many more modalities, and I felt ok…until something triggers it…and I really don’t know what the triggers are…and I have a PTSD episode. At least i can recognize it., and begin recovery much more quickly. It’s a long time, and still, it happens.
P.McGuigan M.Ed. Retired ,Canada says
Physical training, connects the thoughts with movement, therapeutic riding, companion dog training , caring for a garden or animal. Relearning thinking patterns.. See the ork of Dr. Caroline Leaf. Her work in renewing the healthy mind.
Desley, psychologist, Aus says
I am also interested in how to work more effectively with clients who have been impacted by trauma.
Ellie QLD AUstralia says
I am very interested to hear how I can enhance treatment with my clients
Daimon Sweeney, Bellingham WA says
I’d like to know the effects and possible treatments for infantile trauma that disrupts formation of a sense of self. It seems related to the third effect he mentions, of shutting down internal awareness.
Renee Albany says
I liked the video, I am myself trying to understand the difference in myself and still feel a lil lost at times in life………….. 🙂 Thk you for sharing the video .
Gregory A. Lee, Graduate Student, Personal Trainer and Health Coach says
P.S. Should read Neuropsychological Exam.;0)!
Gregory A. Lee, Graduate Student, Personal Trainer and Health Coach says
I am scheduled for a Psychoneurological exam in one month for TBI (probably from College Football and Martial Arts for 45 years). I would like to to learn more about practical steps to prevent and treat this disorder, and also, a description and explanation of the exam I listed above.
Thank you!
Gregory A. Lee
elena says
I’ve thought a lot about this subject because I’ve HAD TO. First I agree whole-heartedly about what BVK has to say about the traumatized brain.
In treating patients, however, what seems to be missed (along with brain-savvy) is asking the client him or herself what pieces are missing for them in particular…not in some general population or various set of circumstances. Techniques galore do not make up for internal *know-how*, the internal sense of oneself.
A simple question like *How do you feel about yourself as a human being, and how you fit in or not, to your world?*, would be a place to start. Or *When you close your eyes, how do you feel and what do you see?* Then to be careful not to assume, could we be rewording their response in askance if what you THOUGHT you heard is what they meant? (knowing full well that their brains are different from yours). I would call this client-based therapy, rather than techno-therapy.
Judith Richards, trauma specialist, Australia says
Thank you Ruth. Your work is so incredibly valuable.
I am a ‘thriver’ after torture trauma etc. (I don’t think of myself as a ‘survivor’.)
I found a way through my own PTSD breakdown and now assist others to quickly heal. The results are often extraordinary.
Now I teach doctors, psychologists etc. how to step people through to the other side of their trauma – quickly, effectively and safely.
judithrichards.com.au/richards-process-training-course/
Kathleen, Author,Public Speaker and Trainer, USA says
First of all, Ruth, thank you so much for this valuable information. I like Judith Richards analogy about being a “thriver” instead of a “survivor”. I too, am a “thriver”. As an author and workshop facilitator, I have used my experiences to help others reach the other side of their struggles. We use a process called “age regression to cause” to reach the cellular memory that first imprinted what is stopping them from living their best life. We also use muscle testing to get them there. The results have been positive, instantaneous, and painless. Shifting that cellular imprint makes a huge difference in the way they move forward in life. Because their childhoods are so full of cellular imprints, it is important for the adult conscious mind to be able to re-interpret what that imprint caused them to feel about themselves. Once they can look at a cellular memory on a conscious adult level, they are able to make new and better choices for themselves.
Lynn Tienken MS LMHC, Family Therapist, Redmond WA says
Couples who get into that high arousal moment want to know how they can best manage that moment when their prefrontal cortex does not seem available to respond meaningfully or rationally. Brent Atkinson has a response for this. What is yours?
John M. Ph.D.Teacher, Goleta, CA. says
I have just read through a lot of the responses and am feeling sad that a number of commenters don’t seem to be aware of the support , understanding and healing that is available free at meetings of Adult Children of Alcoholics htttp://adultchildren.org for people who have experienced childhood abuse.
Guess I need to do some more grieving work 🙂
John M
Sage Bright, Chicago Il says
Does chronic exposure to negativity decrease one’s immune system?
John Mudie,Ph.D.Teacher, Goleta, CA. says
More emphasis on the value of 12 step programs especially Adult Children of Alcoholics
Madeleine Boskovitz, Psychologist, Houston, Texas says
Very interesting information on the treatment of trauma. Thanks.
Kathleen Westcott Retired Native American Art Therapist Brimson Minnesota says
Recommendations on communicating and or
Releasing adult children who continue to blame and punish
A severely traumatized parent (in her child hood)
Having raised her children with udiagnosed PTSD
and severe anxiety . This parent received
compassionate diagnosis and care after children left home.
Thank You
Joan, SLP, Billings, MT says
How traumatic does the event have to be, in order for the individual to be considered as suffering from PTSD? I would think that the recommended treatments could be helpful for people suffering chronic verbal or emotional abuse.
Lynn Warner, PhD, San Diego, CA says
How might problems with chronic or recurrent, debilitating fatigue arise from traumatic experiences and how would it be treated? Chronic fatigue syndrome (or chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, etc.) and fibromyalgia affects huge numbers of people. Are these conditions likely the results of trauma and if so, what would be the approach to treatment?
Martha Hyde, Neuroscientist & PTSD patient says
What are the steps in normal brain development that are missing in children who suffered early childhood trauma, that is trauma during the period of the most rapid brain development in life, the first three years? Since the brain can be re-wired, how can a therapist help them to develop those pathways? What homework can you give those patients to do so that treatment can occur 24/7?
Kathy says
As a person who is going through EMDR therapy for PTSD, I think it is important to value the downtime. The times that my therapy has seemed to progress the most effectively were the times that I wasn’t trying to push it, the times that I stopped doing the intense research, etc and just trusted the treatment, my counselor and myself. Daily mindful meditation has taught me a new sense of calmness as well as has allowed me to be more aware of body signs and images that were helpful in therapy. There doesn’t need to be a lot of formal homework with EMDR – the therapy is still happening.
However, I was assigned reading by Donna Jackson Nakazawa which was very helpful. Her newest book arrived today “Childhood Disrupted: How your biography becomes your Biology, and how you can heal” promises to be a great resources for clients and professionals alike!
Heather Carlile, LPC, Richardson, TX says
I’m wondering what those at The Better Baby Institute (part of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential) would recommend.
Geraldine Bright, Cranial Sacral Therapist, Edmonds Wa says
I just attended the annual Osteopathic Cranial Academy Conference which was focused on Traumatic Brain Injury. Research shows that in TBI the brain itself has debris left from the trauma which has detrimental effects and it needs to be cleared away. This is done by cerebral spinal fluid flowing from the arteries to the veins sweeping up debris and getting rid of it. This process takes place during sleep. Before and after cranial osteopathy treatment enhanced CT scans showed the brain had a significant percentage of improvement after cranial work. Sorry I don’t have the exact figure on hand. TBI leads to PTSD which I consider a form of TBI.
So treating your body structurally as well as emotional work is crucial to recovery. I work with PTSD and TBI patients and see significant improvement all the time. You can seek treatment from a qualified cranial osteopath by using this website.
Heather Carlile, LPC, Richardson, TX says
My need is for a curator in the field of trauma treatment. Ruth, you are the best I’ve encountered. I think that seeing a flow chart of possible steps to healing various types of trauma would help both me and my clients. Yes, it would probably be complex but give hope and direction. I would also like to see a chart with links to locate those professionals and methods currently available for use or study. One area which concerns me is complex or pervasive abuse over a long period of time such as in the growth years of children. When clients have a high score on the ACE Adverse Childhood Experiences, which methods, in which order would be recommended? Again, thank you, Ruth, for your sincere and devoted work.
Helen Fogarty, Psychologist, New York, NY says
After my son had an excellent response to neurofeedback, I got very interested in it. I read Sebern Fisher’s book, as well as Dr.Van der Kolk’s chapter on it in his new book. I’d like to know more about it! Thank you
Timmie Pollock Clinical Psychologist La Jolla, Ca says
Yes! Neurofeedback can be excellent for rebalancing the brain and in healing after TBI!
Judith Kay, Professor of Moral Psychology, Tacoma, WA USA says
I would like to learn more about survivors can learn how to understand and transform the phenomenon of the survivor thinking one thing e.g., (don’t eat this or speak up) and the body does the opposite. Is it primarily making more of the implicit memory explicit?
Eileen Buese, Ph.D. says
Mind/Body medicine; Enery treatment incorporated into psychotherapy for trauma trmt; neuroplasticity as it relates to trauma ans its trmt
Christa says
How do I find a good trauma, PTSD therepist, ask around through psychiatrists. ? Thank you for all the PHD’s have done research to learn and treat these terrible symptoms. And God Bless all that have suffered.
Christa
Kathy Hunter, coach, teacher, author says
I most want to know if trauma can cause memory loss that can be misidentified as dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? This is my concern for my sister.
Linda Gallicchio, Spiritual Counselor Corona, CA USA says
I am an incest survivor who started having memories 25 years ago. I was 3-15. Of course in the late 1980’s when they started there was virtually nothing known about the body, mind spirit connection. I have used many different modalities to help me with my symptoms but ” the last frontier, so to speak, for my healing besides ongoing spiritual practice is anger being held in my body. When I heard the three things that Dr. Van der Kolk spoke about, I can relate extensively to the ADHD, going outside of my body, the not being able to focus on normal functions and being overwhelmed by that and not trusting the outside world because of the intense perception problems of harm from the outside world and at some points from myself. I have been to about 5 therapists in the course of 25 years and have yet to find someone to help me with the new discoveries in this area. How do I do that? Almost everyone now says they know all about PTSD, trauma etc. I can guarantee you they dont. I would like to have a professional who has been a trauma survivor because they KNOW what I Know about trauma
Char Huber, BCT; Lakewood, CO says
Linda, I too am a trauma survivor but am now a thriver thanks to the work of a woman in California. She calls her work Somatic Trauma Resolution. It is based in part on Peter Levine’s work – Somatic Experiencing, and is powerfully effective. Look for Sharon Porter at the Health Wave Institute in San Juan Capistrano.
Cynthia Forker,LCSW-R says
I am a therapist with 25 years under my belt. It never ceases to amaze me how much there is to learn in our field. The information on Trauma and the brain has been helpful to me after being in Nepal during the earthquakes and the 250 aftershocks. I am understanding trauma for myself which is a different level of understanding. I speciallized in trauma and worked wiith it exclusively 20 years ago, a more personal interest is getting me up to date. Thank you!
Laura, writer, Calif says
What is the best way to help a person who is not receiving treatment, and may not be connecting their misery in the present with the trauma in their past?
I know someone with an extensive trauma history who’s afraid of help. He tries to cope by pretending he has things handled and pushes away help– but it’s clear he is suffering.
I feel like even pointing out a source of help feels to him like he’s being criticized. I think a lot of trauma survivors are locked up inside fear, self blame, and self hate — and are not getting help.
klinger-retired-canada says
In my opinion, the main reason for not getting help is the fear of shame. Many people try to look strong, because (let’s face it) people can be very mean and treat you with contempt or fear when they learn you’re suffering.
In almost every culture, men are shamed if they show weakness. Then they are passed over like the last boy picked for the baseball team. Traumatization was treated in the past as a moral weakness and a character flaw, whereas the reverse may be true: a person with a strong moral character will suffer more when confronted with injustice.
It’s not easy to find therapists who specialize in phobia or trama either! Most of the therapists I tried were beginners in addressing phobia/anxiety. I had to teach them what I knew…a number admitted I knew much more than they did. I’ll tell you, a lot of ‘experts’ are talk-talking about phobia, but I don’t see the results…I think phobia is damn tough and I haven’t heard of even ONE therapist who is acclaimed for outstanding success. The therapists take the money and the patient continues to suffer.