Understanding Trauma
Understanding Trauma
Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma, once seen as an exception, is now recognized as common, emphasizing the importance of understanding experiences and behaviors rather than viewing trauma as something that needs to be fixed.
How Trauma Changes the Brain
Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma alters brain function and perception, creating distorted internal maps of the world that influence responses to threats, with effects varying by age and the presence of social support during the traumatic experience.
How Trauma Affects Behaviors and Relationships
Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma survivors often experience uncontrollable, exaggerated emotional reactions, leading to shame and difficulties in relationships, as their trauma-stunted emotional intelligence hinders their ability to connect and communicate effectively with others.
How Trauma Survivors Numb Their Pain
In a video lesson, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes the importance of compassion when interacting with trauma survivors, highlighting that seemingly negative behaviors may be coping mechanisms for deep emotional pain and urging us to consider their struggles before passing judgment.
Two Ways Organizations Can Support Trauma Survivors at Work
Instead of mundane morning interactions, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk suggests that offices should engage in joyful group activities like dance parties to foster camaraderie and support, especially for colleagues healing from trauma, while empowering employees and cultivating community.
Do’s and Don’ts for Supporting Traumatized Colleagues and Loved Ones
In this video lesson, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk advises against viewing trauma survivors as "fixer-uppers," emphasizing the importance of acceptance, support, and understanding their needs while avoiding intrusive questions or attempts to change them.
How to Heal from Trauma
Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes a careful, personalized approach to trauma healing, suggesting various techniques like EMDR and yoga, while reminding individuals that they are the true experts on their own experiences.
It’s often said that you should be kind because everyone is fighting their own battle. Stress, emotions, memories — we’re all struggling with something on the inside. So how can we co-create more inclusive and compassionate spaces, especially for trauma survivors? According to psychiatrist and neuroscientist Bessel van der Kolk, we can start by learning more about the neurology of trauma, its life-altering impacts, and potential methods for working through it.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the enduring effects of trauma.
- Explore various treatment techniques.
- Cultivate psychological safety for trauma survivors.
- Empower your colleagues.
- Regard others’ coping mechanisms with compassion.