Trauma and the Brain
What part of the brain regulates breathing?
The Brain stem/Lower brain
What is Domestic Violence?
Abusive behavior towards partners and/or family members
What are some of the benefits of learning relaxation?
Being able to calm down, bringing stress levels down, dealing with worry and anxiety, brain growth, etc.
What does TF-CBT stand for?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The Prefrontal Cortex (Upper Brain)
What kinds of people are affected by domestic violence and where do they live?
All kinds of people, everywhere
When you do deep belly breathing does your chest or belly move in and out/up and down?
Your belly!
What are some challenges that a person who has experienced trauma might be having?
Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, worry, attention problems, "triggers" with big feelings, difficulty calming down, etc.
What changes in the brain when you experience trauma?
Your fear/stress response (fight, flight, freeze)
How many people in the US are affected by DV every year- hundreds, thousands or millions?
About 10 million men and women per year, estimated
Engage in the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise
5 things you can see
4 things you can hear
3 things you can touch
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
(Do the exercise for points)
What happens at the end of treatment?
We celebrate your progress!
Can you change your brain?
Yes! The brain is flexible and has "neuroplasticity"
What are some of the affects on children who witness DV?
School grades dropping, aggression, anxiety, getting in trouble, etc.
What is the definition of being mindful?
Being present in the moment and allowing thoughts and feelings to come and go without judgment.
How might you know that you are making progress during your therapy?
Fewer challenging thoughts, more calm responses, feeling stronger and more able to handle your thoughts and feelings, feeling safe, being able to talk about your feelings..... etc
Any answer is OK!
What is the Amygdala involved in?
Your emotions
What is the perpetrator usually trying to acheive?
Power and control over the other person
Lead the group in a relaxation exercise.
(demonstrate and lead ocean breathing or progressive muscle relaxation)
Say three things you have already learned in therapy or through your homework assignments.
Any answers are OK!