PTSD and Trauma Integration

Research now shows that PTSD is in the head – the traumatized brain is remarkably different than it was prior to the trauma.

Attention, perception, and memory are radically altered in the fear-based brain. Recovery measures that focus on re-setting the emotional brain to respond appropriately to danger and to recover its capacity to experience safety and relaxation have been found to be the most effective. Resetting the brain includes developing self-compassion, awakening parts of the body where memories are stored, transforming the brain by installing new “software,” and cultivating honesty, courage, and humility to do the work of recovery. Well-designed ceremonies that acknowledge the losses and allows people to re-visit the distress without re-living it helps integrate acute and chronic stress and trauma.

OBJECTIVES:

Verbalize the relevance to PTSD of the brain circuitry – especially the amygdala, as well as the “Me” brain
Contrast pre-trauma brain behaviors with post-trauma brain behaviors
Distinguish “ re-living” vs. “re-visiting” memories and their relationship to being re-traumatized by memories vs. integrating memories
Verbalize the role that helplessness plays in the formation and activation of PTSD
Cite evidence for what helps and what does not help PTSD
Identify at least 6 interventions that help re-vitalize resilient areas of the brain
Demonstrate a “Soul Restoration Caregiver Ceremony”

CE information

4 CEs available
Board Approvals
CE Instructions