Don't Count Freud Out Entirely

Recent research on the neurobiological impact of childhood trauma suggests we revisit the psychodynamic framework Freudian Psychology provided regarding the formative experiences of early life shaping our personalities and throughout the lifespan. Freud and more specifically, Wilhelm Reich theorized that early truama had a direct and predictable impact on early psychomotor and energetic processes that sustained the unconscious defenses used to protect our psyche from being overwhelmed. These insights shaped early Psychology and psychotherapeutic practice but were constrained by the limited understanding that these Neurologists possessed about how the brain processes stimulation at the cellular (neuronal) level. 

In the last 10 years modern neuroscience has provided deeper understanding as to the electrophsiological  intricacies of central nervous system activity, especially as it relates to our response to early childhood traumatic experiences.  Reich suggested that trauma fosters an energetic contraction observable in the  musculature, especially those that were under conscious control. A baby's frustration at being deprived of oral gratification might cry and scream to express their anger and need. If frightened they might contract their deep abdominal flexors to inhibit their experience of overwhelming terror. These patterns become habituated and the associated tension and emotions contained in that tension are out of awareness but the pattern remains and influences all future musculoskeletal and fascial system development.

Here now we can see these patterns as they manifest in brain electrical and biochemical pathways. We now have the neurophysiological analog to characterological armoring in the body. I wrote about this in a paper int he Journal of Bioenergetic Analysis in 1998 where I discussed the changes in brain electrical activity in a hemiplegic client who'd loss the connection to his legs and pelvis. He was able to feel more assertive wand in touch with himself and his feelings after working to free up the chronic tension and express his frustration at not being able to stand up for himself. We saw positive changes in his EEG activity over the course of his body-centered psychotherapy sessions. 

The research referred to in this video allows for a deeper look into the neurobiological processes that underlie our response to trauma, specifically in terms of increasing neuroinflammation and mitochondrial exhaustion. Here is where I have seen how neurofeedback and photobiomodulation therapies can offer significant opportuntieis for repairing these deficits and allowing the CNS to repair itself and develop resilience against further degrading influences.  

“From the cradle to the grave” by Sara Poletti. Brain Medicine
https://youtu.be/NnOuesI123

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