Trauma and Therapy: Beyond Fight or Flight

Trauma and the Nervous System
Trauma profoundly impacts the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, critical components of our body's response to stress and relaxation. This imbalance can lead to a host of psychological and physical symptoms, underscoring the importance of understanding the neurobiology of trauma. Viewing trauma through the lens of neurobiology reveals a complex interplay of reactions and adaptations at various stages. These stages involve not just the initial response to trauma but also the longer-term effects on the body and mind. As research continues to unfold, we gain deeper insights into how these systems are affected and how we can intervene more effectively (Perry et al., 1995). At Sojourn Counselling, our approach is grounded in these latest scientific understandings, offering treatments that address not just the symptoms but the root causes of trauma. Learn more about how we integrate this understanding in our therapies on our services page.

Responses to Trauma: Fight-or-Flight and Dissociation
When confronted with trauma, the body instinctively reacts with either a fight-or-flight response, characterized by heightened alertness and readiness for action, or a dissociative response, where the individual emotionally and mentally withdraws from the traumatic situation. While the fight-or-flight response is an active engagement with the threat, the dissociative response represents a more passive form of self-protection, where the mind disengages from the external environment to shield itself from overwhelming trauma. Interestingly, research shows gender-specific tendencies in these responses, with men more prone to the fight-or-flight response and women more to dissociation. However, these patterns are less distinct in children, who may resort to dissociation when active responses like crying do not alleviate their distress (Perry et al., 1995). At Sojourn Counselling, our professionals are skilled in identifying and addressing these response patterns, tailoring therapy to each individual's unique experience. To meet our team of experts and understand their approach, visit our team page.

Advancements in Understanding Complex Trauma and PTSD
The field of trauma research has evolved significantly, particularly in understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its more complex forms. PTSD has traditionally been associated with specific traumatic events, but recent research suggests the need to expand this understanding to encompass complex trauma experiences. Complex PTSD (cPTSD) is a more intricate condition, often resulting from prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events. This form of trauma extends beyond the usual PTSD symptomatology, incorporating challenges in emotional regulation, self-organization, body integration, and relational functioning (Ford, 2015). Another critical development in the field is the recognition of Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD), especially relevant for children. DTD addresses the impact of early, continuous traumatic experiences on a child's emotional and psychological development (van der Kolk, 2005; Malchiodi, 2015). At Sojourn Counselling, we incorporate these advanced understandings into our trauma therapy services, offering specialized care for those affected by complex and developmental trauma.

The Broad Spectrum of Trauma-Related Challenges
Trauma manifests in a wide array of psychological and behavioral issues, ranging from hypervigilance and sleep disturbances to profound impulsivity, dissociation, and aggression. These symptoms can have far-reaching implications, often leading to developmental delays in social, cognitive, and emotional domains. It's not uncommon for individuals with trauma histories to receive various psychiatric diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and more. However, these diagnoses might only address the surface symptoms without fully capturing the underlying trauma that drives these behaviors (Hambrick et al., 2018). Recognizing this gap, our approach at Sojourn Counselling goes beyond traditional diagnostic labels. We aim to understand each individual's unique experiences and offer comprehensive therapy modalities that address both the symptoms and their root causes.

Trauma's Impact on Brain Function and Healing
Trauma's imprint on the brain is profound and multifaceted. Key structures like the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, brain stem, amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are especially affected. These areas play crucial roles in stress response, emotional regulation, and memory. For instance, the amygdala, acting as the brain's "fear center," plays a pivotal role in processing traumatic memories. When activated during a traumatic event, it can disrupt the hippocampus, which is essential for forming long-term memories. This disruption can lead to fragmented and disorganized recollections of the trauma, a common challenge for trauma survivors (van der Kolk, pp. 300-311; Denny and Randazzo, 2017; Yehuda & Davidson, pp. 16-18). Healing from trauma involves not just addressing emotional pain but also recalibrating these affected brain functions. Our neurofeedback therapy at Sojourn Counselling offers a path towards rebalancing and healing the brain, facilitating a deeper and more holistic recovery process.

Comprehensive Trauma Care at Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, our commitment is to provide comprehensive care that addresses the multifaceted nature of trauma. We integrate trauma-informed talk therapy with advanced techniques like neurofeedback to tackle the diverse symptoms stemming from trauma, anxiety, stress, and other related conditions. This integrative approach ensures that we not only manage symptoms but also address the underlying causes, fostering a journey towards long-term healing and resilience. Our therapy is rooted in the latest research and tailored to each individual's unique experiences and needs. By focusing on both the mind and brain, we aim to initiate subtle yet significant changes over time, enhancing overall wellness and quality of life. To explore our range of services and how they align with your path to recovery, visit our services page.

References


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