The Body Trauma Expert: Medicating Kids Can Harm Brain Development! Eye Movement Trick That Fixes Trauma! The Secret To EMDR Therapy! - Bessel van Der Kolk
In this episode of The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk shares his insights into the neuroscience and psychology of trauma. He explains how trauma rewires the brain, causing the amygdala to become hypersensitive and impairing cognitive functioning. Van der Kolk discusses the limitations of traditional talk therapy and advocates for somatic, body-based approaches like EMDR and psychodelic-assisted therapy to reintegrate the mind-body connection disrupted by trauma.
The episode also explores the role of community and embodied experiences in trauma recovery. Van der Kolk critiques modern screen culture and emphasizes the need for collaborative physical activities to facilitate human connection and healing. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of trauma's impact on the brain and body, as well as learn about alternative therapeutic approaches and the importance of community in the healing process.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 23, 2024 episode of the The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
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1-Page Summary
The neuroscience and psychology of trauma
According to trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk, trauma causes significant rewiring in the brain that disrupts normal functioning. The amygdala, responsible for threat detection, becomes hypersensitive. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, which provides a sense of time, shuts down - causing trauma to be relived as if happening in the present.
Trauma also impacts the insula, van der Kolk states, compromising the mind-body connection. This can lead to emotional numbness or hypersensitivity. Furthermore, trauma impairs cognitive processing, leaving individuals struggling to articulate their experiences.
Therapeutic approaches to treating trauma
Van der Kolk emphasizes the limitations of traditional talk therapy for trauma, as verbal processing becomes impaired. He advocates for somatic, body-based therapies like EMDR, yoga, and psychodrama to reintegrate the mind-body connection disrupted by trauma.
EMDR, which induces eye movements during trauma recall, has shown efficacy, with 78% of van der Kolk's patients with lucid trauma reportedly cured. He notes profound benefits from psychedelic-assisted therapy, but stresses the need for proper therapeutic support during sessions. Van der Kolk shares his own healing through guided MDMA experiences.
The role of community and embodied experience
Trauma isolates individuals and disrupts their sense of belonging, van der Kolk explains. To counter this, he emphasizes restoring community through shared embodied activities like sports, theater, and music. These provide corrective experiences by fostering human connection safely.
Van der Kolk critiques modern screen culture for exacerbating trauma-induced disconnection. He advocates creating opportunities for collaborative physical creation to facilitate the visceral bonding essential for trauma recovery.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Trauma can lead to significant changes in the brain, affecting key regions like the amygdala, which becomes hypersensitive to threats. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, can shut down during trauma, impacting the sense of time and causing the trauma to feel like it's happening in the present. Additionally, the insula, involved in processing emotions and the mind-body connection, can be compromised by trauma, leading to emotional numbness or hypersensitivity. These changes in brain function can result in difficulties in processing and expressing experiences for individuals who have experienced trauma.
- Traditional talk therapy may be limited for trauma because trauma can impair verbal processing, making it challenging for individuals to articulate their experiences effectively. Trauma can also disrupt the mind-body connection, which verbal therapy alone may not address adequately. Somatic therapies like EMDR, yoga, and psychodrama are recommended as they focus on integrating the body and mind to aid in trauma recovery. These body-based approaches can be more effective in addressing the physiological and emotional aspects of trauma that traditional talk therapy may not fully reach.
- Somatic therapies like EMDR, yoga, and psychodrama are approaches to trauma treatment that focus on the mind-body connection. EMDR uses eye movements during trauma recall to help process distressing memories. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote relaxation and self-awareness. Psychodrama involves role-playing and creative expression to explore and address emotional issues in a therapeutic setting.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach used to treat trauma by facilitating the processing of distressing memories. It involves the patient recalling traumatic experiences while focusing on external stimuli like hand movements or sounds. The bilateral stimulation during EMDR is believed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. Studies have shown EMDR to be effective in alleviating symptoms of trauma, with many individuals experiencing significant improvements in their mental health after undergoing this therapy.
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy involves using substances like MDMA to assist in trauma treatment by facilitating emotional breakthroughs and introspection. Proper therapeutic support is crucial during these sessions to ensure a safe and supportive environment for processing intense emotions and experiences. Therapists guide individuals through the psychedelic experience, helping them navigate challenging thoughts and emotions that may arise. This approach can lead to profound healing and insights but requires careful preparation, integration, and ongoing support.
- Restoring community through shared embodied activities for trauma recovery involves engaging in group activities that involve the body, such as sports, theater, or music, to help individuals reconnect with others in a safe and supportive environment. These activities can provide opportunities for social interaction, emotional expression, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for healing from trauma. By participating in these shared experiences, individuals can build connections, trust, and a sense of community, which can counter the isolation and disconnection often caused by traumatic experiences. This approach emphasizes the importance of physical engagement and interpersonal connection in promoting healing and resilience after trauma.
- Collaborative physical creation opportunities in trauma recovery involve engaging in activities like art, music, or theater with others. These activities promote a sense of connection and belonging, which can help counter the isolation caused by trauma. By working together creatively, individuals can experience a sense of safety and support, fostering healing and resilience. This collaborative process allows for the expression of emotions and experiences in a non-verbal and often cathartic way, aiding in the recovery from trauma.
Counterarguments
- While EMDR has shown efficacy, it may not be universally effective for all individuals with trauma, and some studies suggest that its effectiveness may be comparable to other forms of therapy when factors like the therapeutic relationship are controlled for.
- The success rate of 78% for EMDR reported by van der Kolk may not reflect the broader population, as treatment outcomes can vary widely depending on the individual and the nature of their trauma.
- Somatic therapies are beneficial, but they may not be suitable for everyone, and some individuals may respond better to cognitive or talk-based therapies.
- The role of the insula in trauma is complex, and while it may be affected, trauma's impact on the brain is multifaceted and not limited to a single region.
- The critique of modern screen culture may overlook the potential benefits of digital connectivity, especially for individuals with limited access to in-person community resources or those who find online communities to be a source of support.
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy is still an emerging field, and while early results are promising, long-term effects and the potential for adverse reactions require further research.
- The emphasis on community and physical activities may not account for the diverse needs and preferences of trauma survivors, some of whom may find other forms of engagement more therapeutic.
- The idea that verbal processing is impaired in trauma survivors is not universally accepted, as some individuals may find narrative and language-based therapies to be particularly healing.
- The notion that collaborative physical creation is essential for trauma recovery may not consider the full spectrum of healing practices and the individual differences in recovery processes.
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The neuroscience and psychology of trauma
Bessel van der Kolk provides a detailed look into the rewiring that occurs in the brain due to trauma, explaining that trauma profoundly changes how we process the world around us.
Trauma fundamentally disrupts normal brain functioning and perceptual processes.
Van der Kolk states that trauma reconfigures the brain to perceive present events through the lens of past traumatic experiences. Specifically, he mentions that when traumatized, the amygdala, the brain's "smoke detector," is constantly active, making one feel in perpetual danger.
Trauma causes the "smoke detector" part of the brain (the amygdala and surrounding areas) to become hypersensitive, leading to a constant sense of danger and threat.
According to van der Kolk, when someone is traumatized, the amygdala and related parts of the brainstem are always firing, leading to a continuous sense of threat.
Trauma shuts down the brain's "timekeeper" (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), causing the person to be unable to distinguish past from present and leading to a re-experiencing of the trauma as if it's happening in the moment.
Van der Kolk notes that during trauma, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which acts as the "timekeeper" of the brain, becomes inactive, preventing the person from differentiating past from present. This results in the trauma being relived as if it were happening in real-time. A scan revealed that during this reliving, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is not active, reinforcing this loss of temporal perspective.
Trauma is a visceral, embodied experience, not just a memory.
Van der Kolk explains that trauma affects the part of the brain responsible for body regulation, which can become severely impacted. Trauma may lead to agitation rather than calm when one closes their eyes, evoking faster brain waves in the back of the brain instead of the expected slow waves.
Trauma disrupts the insula, the part of the brain that connects physical sensations to self-awareness, leading to either emotional numbness or hypersensitivity.
The insula—a brain part that links physical sensations and body awareness—may shut down due to trauma, leading to an absence of aliveness or stimulating the use of drugs to feel something. Van der Kolk points out that after yoga, the insula becomes more active, raising awareness of bodily experiences and needs—elements that can be damaged by trauma. This disruption can result in a disconne ...
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The neuroscience and psychology of trauma
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- When someone experiences trauma, it can lead to changes in how the brain functions and processes information. This can result in a rewiring of neural pathways, altering how the individual perceives and responds to the world around them. Trauma can impact various brain regions involved in emotional regulation, memory processing, and sensory perception, leading to persistent feelings of danger, emotional numbness, or hypersensitivity. These changes in brain wiring can contribute to symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, and difficulties in regulating emotions and forming coherent narratives about the traumatic experience.
- The amygdala is often referred to as the brain's "smoke detector" because it plays a crucial role in detecting and responding to potential threats or danger in the environment. It is a key part of the brain's limbic system and is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and stress responses. When activated, the amygdala can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing it to react quickly to perceived threats. This heightened sensitivity and reactivity can lead to a constant sense of danger in individuals who have experienced trauma.
- The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a brain region involved in executive functions like planning, decision-making, and working memory. It helps us organize and manage our thoughts, actions, and time-related tasks. In the context of trauma, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex's impairment can lead to difficulties in distinguishing past from present experiences, contributing to the re-experiencing of traumatic events as if they are currently happening. This brain region plays a crucial role in maintaining a sense of temporal perspective and coherence in our perceptions and memories.
- Trauma can disrupt the brain's ability to regulate the body, affecting brain waves and leading to heightened agitation instead of calm responses. This disruption can cause faster brain waves in certain regions, impacting how the brain processes sensory information and emotional responses. The insula, a brain region linking physical sensations to self-awareness, may be affected by trauma, leading to either emotional numbness or hypersensitivity. Trauma's impact on body regulation and brain waves can result in a disconnection from the body or an overwhelming sensitivity to physical sensations.
- The insula is a brain region involved in processing bodily sensations and linking them to emotions and self-awareness. It helps integrate physical experiences with emotional responses, playing a crucial role in how we perceive and interpret our internal state. Dysfunction in the insula due to trauma can lead to difficulties in regulating emotions, feeling disconnected from one's body, and experiencing either emotional numbness or hypersensitivity. Trauma can disrupt the insula's function, ...
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Therapeutic approaches to treating trauma
Trauma therapy has seen a shift towards methodologies that account for the complex impact of trauma on the mind and body. Renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes the limitations of traditional therapies in treating trauma and highlights the effectiveness of somatic and body-based therapies, as well as the promising role of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Traditional talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are often ineffective for treating trauma.
According to Van der Kolk, trauma disrupts one's ability to process experiences rationally, and cognitive restructuring methods or approaches that confront patients with their trauma are often ineffective. He asserts that it is not possible to talk someone into being reasonable when dealing with the unreasonable nature of trauma. Furthermore, trauma is characterized as a "speechless experience," indicating that language alone is insufficient for addressing the complexities of traumatic experiences.
Somatic, body-based therapies are more effective for treating trauma.
Van der Kolk stresses the importance of finding language for oneself as a starting point, but he does not dismiss the need for alternative treatments that extend beyond verbal expression. He champions the use of somatic, body-based therapies such as EMDR, yoga, martial arts, and psychodrama to help patients reintegrate the fractured mind-body connection. These practices provide corrective experiences that counteract the feelings of helplessness and physiological dysregulation caused by trauma.
He cites EMDR, which involves recalling a traumatic memory while inducing bilateral eye movements, as particularly effective in helping people classify traumatic events as belonging to the past. He mentions that 78% of the people with lucid adult trauma who were treated with EMDR in his study were cured. Somatic practices such as psychomotor therapy and yoga have also shown to be highly effective, according to Van der Kolk's findings. Additionally, he reflects on the transformative power of movement and group work, as evidenced by hula dancing classes in settings like St. Quentin prison.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for treating trauma.
The potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy in trauma treatment is highlighted by Van der Kolk's personal and professional experiences. He explains that psychedelics can facilitate profound experiences of self-compassion, interpersonal connection, and ne ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Therapeutic approaches to treating trauma
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories. It involves recalling distressing experiences while focusing on external stimuli like hand movements or sounds. EMDR aims to help reprocess these memories in a less distressing way, reducing their impact on the individual's present life. This therapy is known for its effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions and has gained popularity in the mental health field.
- Psychomotor therapy is a form of therapy that integrates physical movement and psychological processes to address emotional and behavioral issues. It focuses on the mind-body connection, using movement to explore and express emotions, improve self-awareness, and enhance overall well-being. This approach can help individuals process trauma by engaging both the body and mind in therapeutic activities, promoting healing and integration. Psychomotor therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities to support individuals in their recovery journey.
- Set and setting in psychedelic therapy encompass the mindset of the individual (set) and the physical and social environment (setting) in which the psychedelic experience occurs. The set includes the person's intentions, expectations, mood, and mental state before taking the psychedelic substance. The setting involves factors like the physical location, lighting, music, presence of trained therapists, and overall atmosphere during the psychedelic session. Both set and setting play crucial roles in shaping the quality and outcomes of the psychedelic experience and are considered essential for safe and effective psychedelic-assisted therapy.
- MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is being explored for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating trauma when used in a controlled setting under the guidance of trained professionals. It is considered a promising tool in psychedelic-assisted therapy due to its ability to facilitate deep emotional processing and enhance empathy. The use of MDMA in therapy sessions aims to help individuals address and work ...
Counterarguments
- Traditional talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have a substantial evidence base and are effective for many individuals with trauma, especially when tailored to the individual's needs.
- While trauma can disrupt rational processing, cognitive approaches can help some individuals by providing coping strategies and helping reframe traumatic experiences.
- The idea that trauma is a "speechless experience" may not apply to everyone; some individuals find healing through narrative and storytelling in talk therapy.
- Language can be a powerful tool for processing trauma for many, and verbal therapies have been successful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
- While somatic therapies can be beneficial, they may not be more effective for everyone, and their efficacy can vary depending on the individual and the type of trauma.
- EMDR's effectiveness is supported by research, but it is not a cure-all and may not work for all types of trauma or for all individuals.
- The claim that 78% of people with lucid adult trauma were cured by EMDR in a study should be scrutinized for methodological rigor and replicability.
- The effectiveness of somatic practices like yoga and psychomotor therapy may not be as high for all individuals, and more research is needed to establish their efficacy across diverse populations.
- Group work and movement therapies may not be suitable or comfortable for all individuals, and some may not experience them as transformative.
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy is still an emerging field, and while promising, it requires more extensive research to establish its safety, efficacy, and long-ter ...
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The role of community and embodied experience in healing
Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma disrupts individuals' sense of connection and belonging, leading to feelings of isolation and distrust. He emphasizes the importance of restoring community and engaging in embodied, synchronous group activities for trauma healing.
Trauma fundamentally disrupts one's sense of connection and belonging
Trauma often leaves individuals feeling isolated and unable to trust or rely on others. Van der Kolk discusses the significant impact of child abuse and neglect, which result in individuals feeling "unseen," disconnected, and distrusting. He highlights the importance of being acknowledged and honored, particularly during childhood, suggesting that a lack of validation contributes to a disrupted sense of connection.
Participation in group activities, sports, music, and theater can provide powerful corrective experiences
Van der Kolk believes that shared physical experiences can lead to transformation. He mentions the military as an example, where people often come not well put together, but through basic training that involves marching and singing together, they feel competent and connected—indicating how such group experiences can restore a sense of belonging.
These group activities create a visceral sense of being seen and part of a collective endeavor. Van der Kolk mentions the bond formed between combat veterans, suggesting that deep connections form when people face danger together. This reasoning can apply to sports teams, theatre groups, or musical bands, where shared rhythmic and synchronous activities help participants feel essential to a collective effort and provide a sense of safety and belonging.
Van der Kolk also points out the therapeutic benefits of activities like hula dancing in St. Quentin Prison and theatre and psychodrama. He advocates for engaging in group therapy with psychodrama, upon which he reflects positively based on his experience with its ability to evoke strong feelings and memories through acting out scenarios in a three-dimensional space.
The modern, individualistic, screen-based culture exacerbates the isolation and disconnection caused by trauma
Van der Kolk criticizes the modern, screen-based culture for contributing to a sense of isolation, as virtual realities offer pleasure without real interaction. He states that this [restricted term] rush is a cheap reward compared to the visceral reaction of sharing pleasure with friends. He highlights the challenge of helping people connect in a world depen ...
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The role of community and embodied experience in healing
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Embodied, synchronous group activities for trauma healing involve engaging in physical experiences together with others in a coordinated and connected manner. These activities aim to create a sense of shared presence, safety, and belonging through synchronized movements or actions. By participating in these group activities, individuals can potentially counter feelings of isolation and disconnection caused by trauma, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. The emphasis is on the collective experience and the therapeutic benefits that arise from shared, embodied engagement in a supportive group setting.
- Psychodrama is a form of group therapy where participants act out real-life situations or scenarios to explore and address emotional issues. It involves role-playing and can help individuals gain insights, process emotions, and practice new behaviors in a safe and supportive environment. The method aims to bring unconscious feelings and conflicts to the surface, promoting catharsis and personal growth. Psychodrama is led by a trained therapist who guides the group through the dramatic enactment, facilitating understanding and healing.
- Shared physical experiences, such as engaging in group activities like sports, music, or theater, can lead to transformation by fostering a sense of connection and belonging through synchronized actions. These activities create a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie, allowing individuals to feel seen and valued within a collective effort. The physicality and synchronicity of these experiences can help individuals rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging that may have been disrupted by trauma. By participating in these activities together, individuals can form deep connections and feel part of a supportive community, which can be instrumental in healing from past traumas.
- Van der Kolk criticizes modern, screen-based culture for its role in exacerbating feelings of isolation and disconnection caused by trauma. He highlights how virtual interactions can provide superfi ...
Counterarguments
- While group activities can be beneficial, they may not be suitable for everyone; some individuals may find healing in more solitary or one-on-one therapeutic practices.
- The idea that shared physical experiences are transformative may not account for the complexity of trauma responses, where some individuals may find physical activities triggering rather than healing.
- The emphasis on community and group activities might overlook the need for personal space and individual coping mechanisms that are also important in trauma recovery.
- The critique of screen-based culture may not fully acknowledge the positive aspects of technology, such as providing access to support and resources for those who are geographically or socially isolated.
- The concept of forming "deep connections" in dangerous situations, like combat, might romanticize potentially traumatic experiences and does not consider the long-term psychological effects of such environments.
- The assertion that virtual realities offer only "cheap rewards" compared to in-person interactions could be challenged by the meaningful connections and communities people form online.
- The idea that closures of communal spaces contribute to loneliness does not consider that new forms of community spaces and interactions, such as online forums and social media, have emerged.
- The f ...
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