EP13 Invited Address 02 – Frontier of Trauma Treatment – Bessel van der Kolk, MD

Description:

This workshop explores how trauma affects people’s rhythms within themselves and with their surroundings. Trauma changes the way the brain processes information and how the human organism engages with the world. Because of biological systems that are altered in a use-dependent manner traumatized people continue to react in myriad ways to current experience as a replay of the past. We will explore the neurobiology of self regulation and examine ways of befriending one’s body, both of which are essential for the integration of traumatic memories: sensations, action patterns and physical sensations derived from the past. Most experience is automatically processed on subcortical, i.e. unconscious levels in the brain; therefore, insight and understanding have only a limited influence on people’s control over these processes. We will explore our clinical experiences and research with EMDR, yoga, theater work, and neurofeedback, and present the efficacy these various techniques to help people overcome a traumatic past and regain the capacity to be fully alive in the present.

Educational Objectives:

1. Describe recent developments in neuroscience as they relate to the treatment of PTSD.
2. Demonstrate techniques of physical mastery, affect regulation attention and memory processing.
3. Explain how experience itself, and controlled body action, individually and in groups, can powerfully help overcome traumatic repetitions and continued fight/flight/freeze responses.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*