Trauma and The Current Crisis: How Traumatic Experiences Are Registered in Mind and Body

Join world-renowned trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk as he examines how trauma is registered in mind and body—and how to overcome it.

Trauma is rooted in an overwhelming sense of helplessness and physical immobilization, destroying one’s sense of safety and being in charge of one’s life. Our response to trauma, like the COVID 19 crisis, is determined both by the degree of safety and support we experience from our environment, including family, workplace and political leaders, and our internal resources, in which developmental level and prior experience play a major role.

Being overwhelmed by horrific experiences changes the way the brain processes subsequent information. These experiences orient people to potential sources of danger and threat at the expense of love, satisfaction and human connection. Overcoming the legacy of trauma consists of learning to re-establish a sense of physical and social safety, and re-instating our capacity to take effective action. Using brain scans, movie clips and demonstrations of effective interventions, Dr. van der Kolk will illustrate how to overcome trauma and heal your mind and body during a global pandemic.

Dr. van der Kolk recently launched a new program, Let’s Talk, which provides a unique opportunity to explore what is important to you and your community. To learn more and register, please visit the website here.