Introduction to Trauma in the Psyche and the Body: The Psychodynamics and the Latest Discoveries in Neuroscience

The experience of trauma and, in general, extreme overwhelming emotions, is not only psychological but also physical as it profoundly impacts our overall physiology and especially the nervous system and brain. The psychological and physical effects of trauma can persist for years, and remain extremely difficult to treat. To understand why, we will review both psychodynamic discoveries and the latest neuroscience research. In the process we will also study the physiology and biochemistry of the trauma response, looking at the hormonal and nervous systems.