Trauma is a bodily reaction

The amygdala signals to the body that:

• seek safety
• run or fight
• freeze or collapse

The body’s reactions

• blood is led to the arms and legs
• speech center closes down
• pupils dilate
• shallow breathing
• sharpened senses
• emotions are turned off

In case of freeze or collapse

• pale skin
• blank or absent gaze
• impaired perception of time and place
• high activation in the body – energy that could not be used

When someone is in freeze or collapse – and traumatized –
the person needs someone who is:

• calm
• Present
• patronizing
• conveys that the danger is over
• uses a calm voice
• not talking too much
• stays in place

When such a person is present, the traumatic energy can leave the body,
often through small tremors. The person may feel an impulse to move
the body and use the energy that has been trapped.

Rhythmic movements can help, but as far as possible the body
should do the work itself.

The tripartite brain

(Triune brain – Paul MacLean, 1960s)

The trauma reaction is the same as:

• stress reactions
• the shame reaction

Trauma is the opposite of:

• security
• joy
• by virtue of
• freedom

… leading to a loss of hope.

Ulrika Ernvik