Can Trauma Therapy and Trauma Recovery Really Rewire Our Brains?

Humans are among the most adaptive creatures on the planet, a trait that has allowed us to thrive in diverse environments and situations. We are one of the most adaptive species on the planet.

This remarkable adaptability is rooted in the nature verses nurture game, enabling us to adjust to various circumstances throughout our lives.

While our genetics certainly influence who we are, it is our ability to adapt that truly sets us apart. At the core of this adaptability lies an exciting concept known as neuroplasticity.

Trauma Therapy Trauma Recovery brain rewiring neuroplasticity

The Power of Our Brain to Rewire in Trauma Therapy and Trauma Recovery

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to physically restructure itself by forming new neural connections throughout our life.

For many years, it was believed that this capacity diminished as we aged, but recent research has debunked that myth. We now know that our brains can continue to learn and adapt, regardless of age.

This phenomenon allows us to acquire new skills, change our behaviors, and even heal from traumatic experiences!

Consider the global pandemic that began in 2020. As we faced lockdowns and social distancing measures, our brains had to adapt to a drastically altered world. Many of us experienced a significant reduction in social interactions, leading our brains to restructure in response to these changes.

While humans are inherently social beings, the sudden shift forced us to find new ways of coping. This adjustment was challenging, the world gradually reopened with many finding it even harder to reintegrate into social settings than the initial adjustment to isolation had been. Yet, with time and patience, we are learning to reconnect and thrive.

Surviving Trauma: The Mind's Response in Trauma Therapy and Trauma Recovery

Humans possess an incredible resilience that enables us to survive even the most harrowing circumstances. We will survive almost anything, period. This includes trauma, exposure to horrible events.

So you will learn coping skills to attach to an abusive caregiver, you will dissociate in a war torn country as being fully present may be harmful, you will blame yourself to feel a sense of control and avoid blaming the caregiver you are dependent on.

These adaptive responses can lead to what are known as trauma responses, which, in severe cases, can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For instance, someone may find themselves dissociating during a work meeting or in intimate moments with a loving partner. These learned behaviours, while protective in the past, can hinder our ability to engage fully in the present.

A time will come when they are no longer adaptive once we are not in an abusive home, no longer in a war-torn country, but our body still responds as through it were.

This is because these memories were made including intense emotions affecting how we encode memory. These memories and experiences can create anxiety, panic attacks, hypervigilance, and dissociation when we want to be present in our new, non-traumatic environment.

Rewiring the Brain: The Path to Healing in Trauma Therapy and Trauma Recovery

Despite the challenges posed by trauma, neuroplasticity offers us hope. Our brains are capable of rewiring themselves, allowing us to make different choices and live more fulfilling lives, especially once we are no longer in situations that trigger those adaptive responses.

When we recognize that certain adaptations no longer serve us, we often feel a strong motivation to change. This process of change is not easy, but it is achievable with the right support.

Trauma Therapy can play a crucial role in this healing journey.

Within the therapeutic setting, individuals can explore, process and heal their past experiences, beginning to rewire their brains. As we work through trauma, our brains undergo structural changes that enable us to respond differently and relate to others in healthier ways.

This process involves gradually exposing ourselves to past events until we experience a mitigated response, allowing us to integrate those experiences into our narratives, without being overwhelmed by them.

Trauma Therapy also provides a safe space for individuals to learn to trust again.

Many who have experienced trauma struggle with forming healthy relationships, often due to their past experiences. Through trauma therapy and recovery, we can gain the tools to choose healthier partners, build trust, and ultimately learn to live in peace with ourselves. This journey of self-discovery and healing requires patience and compassion, as many of us need to learn how to be gentle with ourselves.

The Importance of Self-Compassion in Trauma Therapy and Trauma Recovery

As we navigate the complexities of healing from trauma, self-compassion becomes an essential component of our journey.

Many individuals may find it challenging to forgive themselves or understand why they reacted the way they did during traumatic events. Learning to be kind to ourselves and recognizing that our adaptive behaviours were survival mechanisms can help facilitate healing.

Self-compassion allows us to acknowledge our struggles without judgment. It encourages us to treat ourselves with the same kindness we would offer a friend. By fostering a compassionate mindset, we can create a foundation for growth and change, empowering us to embrace new experiences and relationships.