This is a short blog entry about the triune brain. The picture above is used as a reference to the type below:

I often reference the MacLean (1967 and 1990) model of the triune brain and bring in Fisher, PhD (2020) information into the description to explain to clients how the body and brain interprets triggers.

Understanding that your body and brain are actually doing what they are built to do in the presence of triggers often helps clients realize that (for example) when they jump or are startled by noises, or the way someone looks at them, they are not defective. In fact, their body is doing exactly what it was built to do. Alert to possible danger and take action. It is understandable to question why, after a traumatic incident is long past, you would continue to jump. The reason is your body and brain are storing packets of the memories from the trauma events so you are prepared to avert similar events in the future.

If you engage in therapy with me, we will teach your brain and body what triggers no longer need to be interpreted as danger. If, in fact, the danger is still present in your life, we will work together, through a solutions-focused approach, at building your capacity to create the changes in your life needed to reduce internal or external, dangerous stimuli or to build the resilience needed.

I find that EMDR is the most effective way to do both of the above.

EMDR takes memories from all over your body and allows the brain to process them, reconsolidating the memories. When you were under threat during your traumatic incident(s), the brain could not process memories (in the hippocampus) because the body and brains focus was on how to achieve safety. During EMDR therapy, your brain and body start to make sense of past memories, finally allowing the verbal (left brain) and non verbal (right brain) to work through the memories and the result is less or no reaction to triggers. Unfortunately, if you’ve experienced repeated trauma, your body starts to store memories so you can react quickly. EMDR helps purge your body of that memory (Fisher, PhD, 2020).

If you are interested learning more about therapy in Washington DC, EMDR in Fort Lauderdale, EMDR in Virginia by Telehealth, EMDR or Brainspotting in Florida or Telehealth in Florida, reach out today. You can click here to contact us or call 754-946-6600.

Jordan Nodelman, LCSW, LICSW provides compassionate care in a judgment free zone. We are LGBTQI+ competent. We have worked with First Responders and do extensive work with C-Level Executives and professionals too.

Located in Wilton Manors, FL the office is safe and tucked away for confidentiality for peace of mind. I am an EMDR Certified Therapist in Fort Lauderdale and provide telehealth in Florida, telehealth in Washington DC and telehealth in Virginia.

Call today. Jordan looks forward to working with you.

This article is Copyrighted by Jordan Nodelman, LCSW, LICSW with proper citation given to original ideas below. To reproduce please emailjordan@jnodelmanlcsw.com