Bessel van der Kolk, renowned trauma researcher and author, talks about trauma's impact on mental and physical health. He discusses the prevalence of trauma, its effects on the brain, and the importance of recognizing and addressing traumatic experiences. He also explores the role of talk therapy in processing trauma and the challenges faced in promoting the importance of trauma awareness.
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Quick takeaways
Trauma can hinder learning and personal growth, keeping individuals stuck in a helpless state rather than empowering adulthood.
Trauma affects a significant portion of the population and has a pervasive and long-lasting impact, regardless of the severity or source of the trauma.
Trauma response keeps individuals in survival mode, hindering the integration of new experiences, and therapy aims to help individuals get unstuck and move towards present-focused empowerment.
Deep dives
The Impact of Trauma on Learning and Growth
When individuals experience trauma, it can hinder their ability to learn new life skills and mature. The trauma keeps them stuck in a state of feeling like a helpless child rather than an empowered adult. Micro-moments of unsettlement and distress can leave a lasting mark, affecting many individuals on various levels. The important question arises: how can we address this?
The Wide-reaching Effects of Trauma
Trauma, whether from major incidents or persistent micro-moments, affects a significant portion of the population. While many may downplay their experiences or believe they don't matter, trauma can have a pervasive and long-lasting impact. It affects people across all walks of life, including both ordinary civilians and those in high-stress professions. Recognizing and understanding the extent of trauma's influence is crucial.
The Nature of Trauma and Getting Unstuck
Trauma manifests as a state of being stuck. The brain's response to trauma is to constantly "stay on guard" for the return of the traumatic event, which hinders the ability to integrate new experiences and perspectives. The trauma response keeps individuals in survival mode and prevents them from fully embracing adulthood. Therapy aims to help individuals get "unstuck" and move towards a present-focused and empowered state.
Impact of Trauma on Brain Function and Coping Mechanisms
Trauma can significantly impact brain function and coping mechanisms. The frontal lobes, responsible for rational thinking and self-regulation, play a crucial role in controlling and compartmentalizing traumatic experiences. However, as individuals age, the frontal lobes may lose capacity and dominance, leading to a potential resurgence of traumatic memories. This phenomenon has been observed in individuals with dementia, where deep-seated trauma pathologies become more prominent. The effort required to cope with trauma and maintain control over distressing thoughts and emotions can be exhaustingly high. People with trauma histories often work harder to process and learn information, and their capacity to focus and pay attention may be decreased.
The Role of Body-based Therapies in Trauma Healing
Recognizing the interconnectedness of trauma and the body, body-based therapeutic modalities have gained attention. The experience of trauma settles not only in the brain but also in the physical body. Practices such as yoga, dance, and breathwork have shown promise in trauma healing, as they provide opportunities for individuals to reconnect with their bodies, regulate their emotions, and find joy and agency in movement. The communal aspect of these practices further enhances the healing process. Engaging in synchronized movements with others can restore a sense of belonging, compassion, and synchrony with fellow human beings. Integrating body-oriented approaches into therapy can enhance self-compassion, improve emotional regulation, and foster a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
Recent years have impacted our mental and physical health significantly. We are constantly faced with unsettling moments that leave a lasting impact, often unnoticed but affecting us all. The question is, how do we address this?
My guest this week is renowned trauma researcher, psychiatrist, and author, Bessel van der Kolk, known for his New York Times bestseller, The Body Keeps the Score. In 1984, Bessel established one of the first centers in the US for traumatic stress research and treatment, pioneering the study of trauma's effects on the brain. His work gave rise to the Trauma Research Foundation, created new treatment models, studied neurofeedback and MDMA's effects, and facilitated numerous trainings across the nation.