.png)
Trauma leaves an indelible mark on the human experience, affecting both the mind and the body in profound ways. The groundbreaking book, The Body Keeps the Score, by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, has become a cornerstone text for therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals seeking to understand how trauma reshapes the human psyche.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a psychological response to deeply distressing or disturbing events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. It can stem from a single incident, such as a car accident or assault, or from prolonged exposure to adverse experiences, such as childhood neglect or domestic violence. Trauma is not just a mental phenomenon; it deeply affects the body, influencing an individual’s physiology, emotions, and behaviours.
Types of Trauma
Acute Trauma: Results from a single traumatic event.
Chronic Trauma: Arises from prolonged exposure to repeated traumatic experiences.
Complex Trauma: Involves exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.
The Central Premise: The Body Keeps the Score
Dr. van der Kolk’s central thesis is that trauma is stored in the body, not just in the mind. Traditional talking therapies, while beneficial, may not fully address the somatic experiences of trauma survivors. The body retains memories of traumatic events, manifesting in physical symptoms, chronic pain, and maladaptive behaviours.
The Role of the Brain in Trauma
The brain’s response to trauma involves several key areas:
The Amygdala: This is the brain’s alarm system, responsible for detecting threats and triggering the fight-or-flight response. In trauma survivors, the amygdala can become hyperactive, causing heightened vigilance and anxiety.
The Hippocampus: Responsible for memory processing, the hippocampus can become impaired during traumatic experiences, leading to fragmented and disorganised memories.
The Prefrontal Cortex: This part of the brain regulates emotions and impulse control. Trauma can reduce its functioning, making it harder for survivors to manage emotions and respond rationally.
The Body’s Response to Trauma
Trauma does not merely reside in the mind; it affects the entire nervous system. The autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating bodily functions, can become dysregulated after trauma. This dysregulation can lead to:
Hyperarousal: A state of heightened alertness and reactivity.
Hypoarousal: A state of emotional numbness and disconnection.
These physiological responses underscore the importance of addressing trauma through both psychological and somatic approaches.
Somatic Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma survivors often report physical symptoms such as:
Chronic pain
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
These symptoms highlight the need for trauma-informed care that acknowledges the body’s role in healing.
Trauma-Informed Therapy Approaches
Therapists working with trauma survivors must adopt a trauma-informed approach to ensure that clients feel safe, empowered, and respected. Below are several effective therapeutic modalities that align with the principles outlined in The Body Keeps the Score.
1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps clients process traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This technique can help integrate fragmented memories and reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic experiences.
2. Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body. It emphasises the importance of bodily sensations and aims to discharge pent-up energy from the fight-or-flight response.
3. Yoga and Mindfulness
Both yoga and mindfulness practices can help trauma survivors reconnect with their bodies in a safe and controlled manner. These practices promote self-regulation, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. As Patanjali, the progenitor of the yogic discipline, states:
If you can control the risings of the mind into ripples, you will have experienced Yoga.
4. Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback involves training the brain to regulate its activity more effectively. By providing real-time feedback on brainwave patterns, neurofeedback can help trauma survivors achieve greater emotional stability.
Building Safety and Trust in Therapy
A fundamental principle of trauma-informed care is creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Trauma survivors often struggle with trust due to past experiences of betrayal and harm. Therapists can foster safety and trust by:
Validating the client’s experiences: Acknowledge the reality of their trauma and its impact.
Maintaining consistent boundaries: Provide a predictable and reliable therapeutic relationship.
Using grounding techniques: Help clients stay present and manage distressing emotions.
Encouraging self-compassion: Promote a compassionate inner dialogue to counter self-blame and shame.
Conclusion
The Body Keeps the Score has revolutionised the understanding of trauma and its impact on the human mind and body. For therapy professionals, recognising that trauma is not just a mental phenomenon but a full-body experience is crucial. By integrating trauma-informed practices and addressing both the psychological and somatic aspects of trauma, therapists can help clients on their journey toward healing and recovery.
Incorporating these insights into therapeutic practice ensures that clients receive holistic, compassionate support that addresses the lasting impact of trauma on their lives. The human body indeed keeps the score, but with the right interventions, it can also heal and reclaim a sense of safety and empowerment.
About Dr Laura Allen –
Dr Laura Allen, a Chartered Psychologist and Integrative Therapist, specialises in a variety of therapeutic approaches and is a published author in Positive Psychology. She provides tailored one-to-one support, supervises practitioners, and contributes to the British Psychological Society’s assessment team, guiding the next generation of psychologists.
Comments