Written by Joachim Lee PBM, Senior Principal Psychotherapist
Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s well-being and interest in trauma recovery has been growing. Read on to learn how neuroscience-informed treatment strategies have been developed to help individuals recover from trauma.
Introduction
Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the role that neuroscience can play in helping individuals recover from trauma. By understanding how the brain and limbic system function, we can develop targeted treatment strategies that are tailored to an individual’s needs. This article will explore a neuroscience-informed approach to trauma recovery, including the contribution of Joseph Ledoux’s research and treatment strategies such as multichannel eye movement integration, hypnosis, psychotherapy, and neurofeedback.
The Brain and the Limbic System
To understand the impact of trauma on the brain, it’s essential to first understand how the brain and limbic system function. The brain is responsible for processing information, making decisions, and controlling behaviour. The limbic system is a set of structures within the brain that are involved in emotional processing, memory, and motivation. The amygdala, a key structure within the limbic system, is responsible for the processing of fear and emotional responses.
Trauma and the Amygdala
When an individual experiences trauma, the amygdala becomes activated, leading to a fight-or-flight response. This can result in a range of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms including anxiety, hyperarousal, and avoidance. Instead of simply focusing on the individual’s feelings (a mistake that counsellors may make), understanding the role of the amygdala in trauma can help us develop targeted treatment strategies that address the root cause of these symptoms.
Contribution of Joseph Ledoux’s Research
Joseph Ledoux, a neuroscientist and expert in the field of fear and emotion, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the amygdala’s role in trauma. His research has focused on the formation, storage, and retrieval of fear and traumatic memories in the brain. By understanding these processes, we can develop targeted treatment strategies that address the underlying causes of trauma-related symptoms.
Treatment Strategies recommended by Dr Basel Van der Kolk
Basel Van der Kolk, a psychiatrist, author, researcher, and most influential giant in the field of trauma, strongly suggests a bottom-up approach or Limbic System therapy. There are several treatment strategies that can be used in trauma recovery including Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI), psychotherapy, neurofeedback, and hypnosis.
Multichannel Eye Movement Integration
Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) is a therapy technique that involves the use of goal-directed eye movements to deactivate the amygdala and release one’s trauma. MEMI has been shown to be an effective treatment for trauma-related symptoms, helping individuals reduce anxiety, flashbacks, and other traumatic symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy that focuses on an individual’s competencies is an effective treatment for trauma. These approaches aim to address core individual competencies and narratives that allow the executive functioning of the brain to be the primary driver instead of the amygdala, hence allowing individuals to develop coping skills, process traumatic memories, and restore a sense of safety and control.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a technique that utilizes real-time displays of brain activity to train individuals to self-regulate their brain function. It can be used in trauma therapy to help individuals regulate their physiological and emotional responses, reduce hyperarousal, and promote greater emotional stability.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a less common but effective treatment strategy used in trauma recovery. It involves inducing a state of focused attention and relaxation to access and work with the unconscious mind. Hypnosis can help individuals explore and reframe traumatic experiences, enhance self-regulation skills, and promote resilience.
Conclusion
Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. A neuroscience-informed approach to trauma recovery gives a concrete target on how to deactivate the amygdala and be effective in the treatment. In EMCC, we are neuroscience-informed and are certified in the various Limbic System therapies, providing various alternative treatment plans for trauma recovery.
