A stimulus-response association creates a link (the beard and trauma energy), which needs to be broken. When the reptilian brain is confronted with an activating situation, the reptilian formation must be guided that a survival response is not necessary as the situation is not unsafe but may be unpleasant. It is not the same situation, person, or time, and the cortex comes into play and says that the response is not logical.
In the aftermath of trauma, a faulty ANS regulation confuses the need for connection with the need for protection. The ANS cannot distinguish between the unsafe past and now-safe present and cannot turn off the need to protect.
The purpose of therapy is to retrain the ANS, to empower the individual to effectively manage their NS, especially for individuals who find it difficult to verbalise their emotional pain.
What does the process entail?
Therapeutic strategies focus on resourcing – building capacity in the CNS to cope with stress and create space. Think of it like adding lanes to your highway (nervous system), improving traffic flow, and handling daily stress.
A brain-based approach includes tools like diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, pointer work, and eye positioning to access the nervous system.
Brain Spotting (BSP) suggests the field of vision can locate eye positions linked to emotional experiences (neuroception).
The ANS needs retraining to connect with others (co-regulate) – not about agreeing/disagreeing, but about connecting.
Trauma therapies include:
