Processing Trauma

Trauma can be defined as anything that is overwhelming for the system at that time. It ranges in how it affects our minds, bodies, emotions, and interactions with others. We can identify “big T” traumas of events that really stick out to us; events that seem to have shaped us from a single experience. We can also identify “little T” traumas - events that we may not have noticed at the time were defining or events that accumulated over time that resulted in a shift in the way we view ourselves, our relationships, or our world. All of these can have an impact on our responses to different triggers and can be helpful to explore with EMDR. EMDR can help to create new neural connections in order to store memories in more adaptive ways. This can help you to feel less of an emotional charge when you think about the memories. EMDR does not make you forget the memories; the memories will remain but you will be able to think about them as past experiences while staying grounded in the present. EMDR can help tap into your body’s natural inclination to heal using bilateral stimulation (mimicking REM sleep) to help focus on both emotions and somatic experiences.

emdr may be a fit for you if:

  • You feel “stuck” in past experiences or emotions

  • You experience flashbacks or disturbing memories surfacing

  • You want to reduce the emotional impact of trauma

  • You experience somatic/physical reactions to triggers or thoughts of past experiences

  • You prefer a more structured approach to working through past trauma

  • You have racing or repeated thoughts that are difficult to feel relief from

  • You have negative beliefs that you tell yourself or that come up often even if you know they may not be true

  • You have a longing for safety, empowerment, or connection that you feel unable to obtain

  • You notice automatic responses to different triggers that happen involuntarily

How Trauma Impacts the Brain

  • Hippocampus and memory

    Trauma can lead to difficulty forming and retrieving memories. You may notice fragmented or blocked memories. You may notice intrusive memories.

  • Neurotransmitters

    Trauma can impact the balance of the neurotransmitters called serotonin and dopamine. This may result in mood disturbance or feelings of depression and anxiety.

  • Amygdala and Fear Response

    The amygdala helps to process emotions. Trauma can cause this area of the brain to be hyperactive. This can cause a feeling of hyperawareness or increased sensitivity to potential threats, fears, and anxiety.

  • Prefrontal cortex

    This area of the brain is connected to decision making, impulse control, and emotion regulation. Trauma may impact the part of this brain, resulting in difficulty making decisions and regulating emotions.

  • Brain plasticity

    Trauma may cause the brain to become accustomed to expecting and reacting to threats. You may notice difficulty feeling comfortable in non threatening environments.

  • Connectivity

    Trauma may impact the different regions of the brain and their ability to connect to each other. This can result in your mind wandering, thoughts ruminating, or a negative self-perception.