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- Safety and reality
- Resolution of trauma
- Reconnection with relationships
Treatment at the Trauma Center emphasizes:
Trauma
education of community and survivor
Recognition of the resources and strengths of the patients
Assessments of patients
and their needs, resources, and history
Unburdening or resolution of trauma
Movement towards integration with society
Acceptance
of self and society
How Trauma Affects The Brain
Principles of the Traumatic Stress
Response:
(Limbic System - Primary Site of Traumatic State Memories)
1. The human brain is essentially
a two-part structure made up of the "primitive brain" and the cerebral cortex or "thinking brain." The primitive brain deals
primarily with unconscious, instinctive behavior similar to animal responses that relate to survival, such as the "fight or
flight" response.
2. The more activated a particular part of the brain becomes, the more stimulated it will be to process
information often at the expense of other areas of the brain. We store memories and information in both parts of the brain.
It is common for the functions of the primitive brain to override those of the thinking brain.
3. "State memory" is
associated with the functions of the primitive brain. This memory stores sensation and emotionally charged experiences. For
example, a Vietnam vet, after hearing a helicopter overhead, may exhibit an elevated pulse rate and increased blood pressure.
These responses are triggered by the state memory from what he experienced in combat, even though he may not consciously associate
the helicopter with his battleground experience.
4. The same phenomenon occurs in people who have been traumatized.
The more often his/her brain's fight-or-flight response is stimulated with repeated exposures to trauma, the more "turned
on" the primitive brain memories will be. Correspondingly, their state memories will override the higher functions of their
thinking brain and they exhibit the symptoms of PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals
who repeatedly experience fear-provoking situations eventually begin showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD
is in essence, a persistent triggering of the alarm system by an activated state memory. What was originally a protective
bodily response for the person has become detrimental. PTSD typically has three patterns of behavior.
1. Recurrent
and intrusive recollections or flashbacks, in which a threatening event is relived with all of one's senses. These recollections
often manifest as nightmares or a repetitive reenactment of the traumatic events during play.
2. Avoidance of stimuli
or numbing of general responsiveness to the environment. In avoidance, people will become extremely withdrawn and cautious.
In numbing, they may "space out" when asked about a behavior related to the original trauma.
3. Persistent symptoms
of increased arousal. Inability to concentrate, due to sleep deprivation and the constant search for clues to a threatening
situation. Children often have difficulty in school.
Different Diagnosis Associated with Trauma
Disorder
/ Behavioral Manifestations
1. Mood/Anxiety - mood swings - outgoing vs. introverted,
sad, withdrawn, fatigued and despondent
2. Conduct Disorder - lying, inappropriate sexual behavior, explosive temper,
self-mutilation
3. Attention Deficit Disorder - forgetful, confused, difficulty learning from experience, problems
with concentration/destructibility
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - hyper-vigilance, hyper-startle, traumatic
nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts
5. Dissociative Disorder - rapid changes in personality, rapid age
regression, amnesia, third person reference, daze or trance states, time loss, vivid imaginary companion
6. Somatoform
Disorder - rapidly changing physical complaints
Our treatment philosophy is to provide services,
skill training, and support for all persons to:
Cultivate competence in their lives by bringing into
greater harmony their emotions, body, mind, and spirit.
Alleviate inner turmoil and pain.
Becoming a contributing
member of their family and community.
Provide an environment that is dedicated to restoring wholeness to the individual
and his or her family.
There is also help available for those who have relationship problems with spouses dealing with
trauma (particularly marital problems, such as communication or sexual adjustment), and for other family members.
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