Neurology of Trauma

 

In the last 15 years there has been an explosion in the availability of neurological research into the area of trauma studies.  The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation yearly conference is well attended by practitioners and researchers alike. Hundreds of books have been written and thousands of articles have been published across disciplines looking at the neurological consequences of early childhood trauma and neglect.  Even so, there continues to be a great need in the clinical community for information about the developmental and neurological impact of trauma that is relevant and accessible.  Severe and chronic traumatization of children can result in profound impairments across developmental domains including: attachment, behavioral control, affect identification and management, cognition and self-concept to name a few.  Left untreated, all of these areas continue to be impacted as the traumatized person develops across the life span.  In addition, when trauma happens very early all other development occurs in the context of that wiring, neurologically, emotionally, cognitively and relationally.

 

Understanding the neurology of attachment and early childhood development can inform practitioners as to what is happening for child or adult clients who are dysregulated because of traumatic triggers and how they can be treated appropriately.  This presentation will give participants information about how people who have been severely traumatized get ‘wired’ or neurologically organized, and how that information can be useful in the therapy process. 

 

Powerpoint can be used for educational purposes with credit given to author and all appropriate citations.  Brain images are taken from public domain sources on the internet.