I am going to describe how trauma reacts in our body.

Somatic Experiencing-Dr. Peter Levine, a leading trauma expert, describes trauma as a situation that is physically or emotionally stressful, challenging, threatening to the integrity of that person.  

Here is how the stress cascade works in our bodies. 

A person picks up a sign of an external danger through their senses that travels directly to the thalamus in the brain. The thalamus sends signals to the amygdala, and our systems pause and then mobilizes for action.

Once these two parts of our brain engage, the sympathetic nervous system is online. Our body gets flooded with norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol.

Our amygdala continues to signal danger to the current situation. Memories of the past get triggered, and we decide if we are safe or not based on previous experiences.

If the amygdala remembers danger from an earlier time and this experience has a similar tone the whole cycle will keep firing. If we perceive safety in the present time, the cycle starts to regulate down.

 Example:

You are young; your parents left for a trip.

The sadness was overwhelming and fear that they would not return set in. In your young mind, the idea that they were leaving forever got sparked. A new neural pathway formed and a cycle of abandonment was set up.

Your nervous system built many neural pathways as you waited.

Your parents returned, but were several days late.

The next time anyone left for a trip your amygdala remembers the original abandoned feeling.

As an adult, your spouse goes for a business trip, and your nervous system responds.

You sweat, get nervous, and have thoughts of his or her death.

There is no memory in your conscious mind of the abandonment from childhood.

You think you have a new anxiety over being alone.

These types of reactions to previous moments of shock or trauma are all contained in your emotional memory.

This experience can be unsettling if you seem to become on edge for no apparent reason.

None of this seems logical, but you cannot stop it from happening.

Memories held in the amygdala and parts of our bodies can let go in a safe non-traumatic way.

We can stop the stress cascade by getting in touch with our sensations, and help consciously rewire the neural pathways that set it up.

The simple act of sitting in stillness with a practitioner can help deregulation start.

Finding the time and the space to listen deeply to your sensations is all that is needed to rewire past events.

It is very empowering to learn how to be in charge of our nervous systems, and a gift you deserve.

Reach out and let us get started rewiring your pathways. A free Somatic Therapy consultation can be a helpful place to start.

 

I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation.

Peter Levine

Peter Levine has several books out on trauma:

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma

In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness

Trauma Proofing your Kids: A Parents Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy and Resilience