What Happened to You? - Understanding Trauma & Building Resilience
🧠 What Happened to You?
Understanding Trauma, Building Resilience, and Finding Healing
Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey's groundbreaking approach shifts the question from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?"
This perspective change is revolutionary - it moves us from shame and judgment to understanding and healing. Your behaviors and patterns make sense when we understand your story.
Trauma isn't what happens to you - it's what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you.
🔍 Understanding Trauma
The Trauma Continuum
Trauma exists on a spectrum from single incidents to complex, ongoing experiences. All trauma impacts the developing brain and nervous system.
Your Brain on Trauma
Trauma changes brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for memory, emotion regulation, and stress response.
The Body Keeps the Score
Traumatic experiences are stored in the body and nervous system, not just in conscious memory. Healing must address the whole person.
📊 Types of Traumatic Experiences
Recognizing Different Forms of Trauma
Acute Trauma
Single overwhelming events: accidents, natural disasters, violent crimes, sudden loss
Complex Trauma
Repeated, prolonged exposure: childhood abuse, domestic violence, war, systemic oppression
Developmental Trauma
Early life disruptions: neglect, inconsistent caregiving, family dysfunction, medical trauma
Intergenerational Trauma
Trauma passed through families and communities across generations through behavior and biology
Historical Trauma
Collective trauma experienced by groups: slavery, genocide, forced displacement, cultural destruction
"The most important thing to remember is that trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility."
🌱 The Healing Journey
Dr. Perry's Sequential Model of Healing
1
REGULATE
First, we must help the brain stem and nervous system feel safe. This includes rhythm, movement, and soothing activities.
2
RELATE
Healthy relationships provide the foundation for healing. Connection with safe people rewires our capacity for trust.
3
REASON
Only when regulated and connected can we effectively process memories and develop new understanding through therapy.
💪 Building Resilience
The Four Core Elements of Resilience
Attachment
Safe, consistent relationships that provide emotional security and co-regulation
Self-Regulation
The ability to manage emotions, stress, and physiological responses effectively
Self-Reliance
Confidence in your ability to solve problems and navigate challenges independently
Self-Efficacy
Belief in your power to influence your environment and create positive change
🏃♂️ Daily Healing Practices
Nervous System Regulation Tools
Rhythmic Activities
Engage in repetitive, soothing activities that regulate the brainstem
Walking, drumming, rocking, breathing exercises
Mindful Movement
Gentle physical activities that reconnect you with your body
0 Comments
Post a Comment