Scientists have been looking at brain wave activity for years for the purpose of developing treatments for various disorders. For example, ADHD in children can be measured by observing electrical activity in the frontal lobe of the brain. In people who have been through traumatic events, brain wave activity can also be observed through the use of the EEG.
A great deal has been learned about trauma by observing this brain activity in traumatized people. In his book, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk discusses his findings.
Brain Wave Studies
In research that was completed with a control group of people who did not have a traumatic past in comparison with those who did, a few different key findings were discovered.
- The coordination of brain wave patterns in traumatized participants was off
- The information-processing portion of the brain was poorly defined
These two discoveries led to some valuable information that could be put to good use in the treatment of trauma. It was finally understood why those who have PTSD struggled to pay attention, had problems learning from their experiences, and found it difficult to be active participants in their daily lives.
The only question that remained was, is it possible to change these brain-wave patterns to be more like those of the people in the control group of the study?
Introducing Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a process that involves giving the brain a mirror image of the way it is functioning. Two electrodes are placed on each side of the head, and one on the ear. A computer detects brain waves, and the machine encourages the brain to see the frequencies in a different way than normal. As a result, new patterns are created.
Neurofeedback also has the ability to track circuitry in various portions of the brain. Just by making a few changes, an individual can become completely focused, or more aware of bodily sensations. It became very clear to Dr. Van der Kolk that this machine was capable of making some serious positive changes for trauma patients in the way that they think and respond in their everyday lives. It has the ability to effectively restabilize a brain that is otherwise, unstable. It also gives people more choices as far as how they respond to everyday stimuli and situations. It was certainly a breakthrough in trauma therapy.
It’s clear that the treatment of trauma has come a very long way in a short amount of time. More and more people are finding that they don’t have to live as prisoners to their traumatic experiences, and they can experience the freedom they desire to turn those experiences into memories.
Healing from trauma is more possible today than ever, and if you are suffering because of a traumatic event in your past, working with a trauma therapist can help you significantly. Please contact me today for an appointment.
