The 3 Brains of Trauma - Healing Developmental Trauma
Healing Developmental Trauma
Dr. MacLean’s triune brain theory helps us to understand how trauma is recorded and stored in the brain.
The Triune Brain theory divides the brain into three main areas, each with their own function.
The cortical brain (neocortex) is the outermost layer of the human brain, and the most evolutionarily advanced in comparison with the deeper brain structures. The neocortex is upstream from the limbic system and reptilian brain. It processes and synthesizes the information it receives from other inputs, and is active in the creation rational and creative thought, of memory and in particular its and meaning.
The mental energy of trauma.
Trauma born thoughts are those that resonate with the emotions of helplessness, hopelessness, and terror. These trauma based thoughts form into beliefs and mindsets that cause a negative view of self, of other people, and situations.
The Limbic Brain: Healing Developmental Trauma
The limbic system and its organs are active in the processing of emotional information. Its functions are closely linked with the formation of memory, and the emotional register or tone of memories during their creation and recall. Sleep cycles and endocrine regulated are controlled by limbic brain organs and systems.
The emotional energy of trauma.
The emotional energy of trauma, for example negative emotions such as scared, powerless, out of control - are common emotional charges that activate during experiences that are later recorded as trauma. These negative emotions and many others, continue to activate within the limbic system long after the traumatizing situation has passed, and cause the body to respond as if the dangerous situation is still current.
The Reptilian Brain : Surviving and Healing Developmental Trauma
The reptilian brain is the deepest section of the brain, which is closest to the spinal cord. This area of the brain helps to modulate the automatic functions of the physical body, for example breathing and heart beat. This is the area of the brain involved in the activation of survival instincts.
The instinctive energy of trauma.
When a situation is recorded as trauma, the instinctive responses were activated and never resolved. This is the key point of trauma resolution. Until the instinctive responses are restored to their baseline postion, the body will continue to communicate the presence of danger through the continuous activation of survival instincts.
Healing Developmental Trauma
Developmental trauma is healed when the emotional energy of the trauma is resolved, and the instinctive energy can be cleared from physical record. Healing the mind from trauma becomes more readily available emotional and instinctive charges are cleared. In cases of single event PTSD the trauma can be resolved in a single session. When developmental trauma and c-PTSD are ready for healing, the process can be longer but progressively improves as negative emotions are released, the body resturns to a calmer state, and the mind is liberated to think about anything but survival.
