True or False… It is possible to avoid trauma.
False.
What does ACE stand for?
Adverse Childhood Experiences
When are new pathways in the brain created?
When we repeat a pattern of thoughts or images over and over. (Negative or positive)
True or false, a small or constricted window of tolerance also affects our ability to “take in the good” ?
True
What is the upstairs brain responsible for?
Executive functioning (thinking, imagining, planning)
Soothing downstairs brain
True or false, there is no difference between experience a traumatic event and being traumatized
False
What is the window of tolerance?
A Psychological concept developed by psychiatrist dr. Dan Siegel. When operating within this window, you can effectively manage stress, process emotions, think clearly, and navigate daily challenges without becoming overwhelmed.
Signs of the freeze response
- spacey, frozen, numb, can’t move, disconnected from self, saying “I don’t know.” Dissociating.
What is a flashback?
A memory that someone does not realize is a memory. Can feel very real.
“Trauma is the responses of the nervous system.”
When I am regulated I feel…
- Curious, Connected to myself, Open to connect, Relaxed yet alert, Responsive and present
What 2 psychological states that are involved in the window of tolerance?
Arousal level
Safety Level
Signs of flight response
- restless or fidgety, jumpy legs, Big or darting eyes, Wanting to get away, feeling trapped, pounding heart, fast breathing,
What should you do to help someone during a flashback?
What is trauma affected by?
Developmental Stage. Frequency, duration, and severity.
What are the 3 r’s?
1. Regulate
2. Relate
3. Reason
What is it called when you are above the window of tolerance? (State of being)
Hyperarousal
Definition of Compassion
- Showing empathy, love, and kindness
- it renews the giver and receiver
What is dissociation? They say it occurs on a ______?
A neurobiological event that occurs under extreme stress, it can result in blocked memory and emotions along with bodily numbness. Dissociation occurs on a continuum. (Rothschild, 2000).
What is co -regulation?
using your own nervous system to regulate another nervous system
Examples of the fight response
- snarl, glare, Raised voice, muscles tighten, fists clench, red face
In the car analogy for the nervous system, which subsystem is the gas and which is the brake?
Gas - Sympathetic
Brake - Parasympathetic
What is mindfulness?
An ancient practice of paying attention but being relaxed.
“Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment & non-judgementally.” (Kabat-Zinn, 1994)
What is the downstairs brain responsible for?
Basic functions (breathing, heart rate), survival responses (fight, flight freeze), Strong emotions (Anger or fear)
It is like a thermostat in regulation.
True or false, trauma interferes with development
True