The Impact of
Trauma on the Nervous System
The Impact of
Trauma on the Nervous System
When faced with a traumatic event, the brain initiates a survival mechanism by prioritizing essential functions and activating the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of stress hormones. This prepares the individual for the classic fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses.
Once the perceived threat diminishes, the parasympathetic nervous system should ideally resume control, allowing the brain to revert to normal functioning. This shift enables the individual to process and make sense of the traumatic experience, entering a state of “rest and digest.”
However, in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD (c-PTSD), this seamless transition often does not occur. The brain remains stuck in survival mode, creating a continuous loop of heightened arousal and reactivity. This persistent state of hyperarousal prevents individuals from relaxing and integrating their experiences. Addressing this prolonged survival mode is a crucial aspect of trauma therapy, aiming to guide individuals toward a more balanced and relaxed state of being.
When faced with a traumatic event, the brain initiates a survival mechanism by prioritizing essential functions and activating the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of stress hormones. This prepares the individual for the classic fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses.
Once the perceived threat diminishes, the parasympathetic nervous system should ideally resume control, allowing the brain to revert to normal functioning. This shift enables the individual to process and make sense of the traumatic experience, entering a state of “rest and digest.”
However, in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD (c-PTSD), this seamless transition often does not occur. The brain remains stuck in survival mode, creating a continuous loop of heightened arousal and reactivity. This persistent state of hyperarousal prevents individuals from relaxing and integrating their experiences. Addressing this prolonged survival mode is a crucial aspect of trauma therapy, aiming to guide individuals toward a more balanced and relaxed state of being.
How Childhood Trauma shows
up in Adult Relationships?
Your relationship with caregivers can influence your attachment style, whether it's secure, insecure, or avoidant. Attachment trauma plays a pivotal role in shaping these patterns, as children internalize family values from their upbringing. The family environment can range from being highly permissive to closed or moderately open, setting the foundational blueprints for adult relationships.
Furthermore, the school environment is another significant factor. For example, if a child faces bullying due to appearance or academic performance, it can deeply affect their sense of self-worth and security. Such experiences can instil a persistent feeling of inadequacy or a fear of making even minor mistakes. These early experiences create a blueprint that may negatively influence their adult relationships, impacting their interactions and connections.
Services
Services
Our approach to holistic development recognizes the uniqueness of each individual's journey, steering clear of a one-size-fits-all mentality. Our comprehensive therapy blend embraces scientifically proven methods, acknowledging the interconnection of mind and body.
In our talk therapy sessions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) exercises and boundary-building worksheets form part of the top-down approach. This blend ensures a balanced focus on both bottom-up and top-down methodologies. Recognizing that genuine healing stems from targeting root causes, our emphasis remains on bottom-up strategies. Creating a safe space is paramount, enabling individuals to draw on resources and confront memories for processing.
