Waking the Tiger, Healing the Trauma, by Peter A, Levine

Many people who have suffered tremendous emotional trauma (for example, the recently deceased, people in war-torn countries, those who have been tortured or sexually abused) or physical injuries (for example, severe neglect, debilitating injuries) are recover completely or almost completely from their tragedy. However, others do not do so well and continue to relive the same horrible experiences of morbid fear, heartache, and anxiety over an extended period of time. These latter groups of people have been traumatized by their bad experiences.

In their book, “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma,” Levine and Frederick (1997) said that this is the result of suppressed somatosensory symptoms emanating after trauma. There are three main ways that people respond when faced with a traumatic experience, said Levine and Frederick (1997). They can fight (face the situation), run away (get away from the situation), or freeze (be totally overwhelmed by the situation to the point of immobility). Victims who apply a fight or flight solution to a traumatic experience do better in dealing with the trauma than do people who freeze in response to shock (Levine & Frederick, 1997). This state of suspended animation and paralysis occurs unconsciously and involuntarily. During this frozen state, the victim has no way of going through all the typical reactions associated with traumatic events (Levine & Frederick, 1997). Because they are not properly discharged by the victim, trapped emotions wreak havoc on the traumatized individual.

The solution to trauma is, therefore, to guide the victim along a path (Experiential Sensation-FAITHFUL SENSE) that allows them to perceive and release those trapped emotions (Levine & Frederick, 1997). This approach to trauma healing was gained by learning how animals recover from a traumatic experience (Levine and Frederick 1997). Coping with trauma, Levine and Frederick (1997) said, should be primarily at an emotional and limbic brain level, and not just at a rational executive brain level.

Levine and Frederick’s theory of trauma is also supported in some way by polyvagal theory, which suggests that trauma has a somatic experiential component. If, as the polyvagal theory and the theory of Levine and Frederick (1997) indicate, that trauma has strong emotional roots, elements of relationship models such as the DIR model can be applied to address the trauma. After determining the level of functional emotional development capacity of the victim, a DIR practitioner can begin to appeal, build and strengthen the areas of weakness discovered, thus allowing the victim to escape the chaining phenomena of a past traumatic event. Calming the Traumatized Individual is a tool in the DIR toolbox with which to regulate traumatized individuals. A calm mind creates an opportunity for greater regulation of emotions and understanding of deeply held feelings, all of which are necessary for trauma victims to break free from the shackles of the past and begin to reach new heights of functional capacity.

Other applicable trauma theories include the NARM model, which, by focusing on the mind, suggests that trauma is associated with a maladaptation in the victim’s attachment history. The PTSD model suggests that trauma victims are applying solutions to their current problems that have worked and were appropriate in the past.

In my opinion, while attachment and trauma appear as opposite ends of the same emotional realm, it is evident that while attachment is mostly positive, except, for example, in cases of extreme attachment / dependency, trauma is almost always negative. , at least until it was resolved. Trauma treatment requires a dedicated professional who is ready to learn from their victims and understand their challenges in order to develop an appropriate management strategy.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma, making timely referrals to a trauma specialist, and integrating several of the aforementioned modalities would likely provide the best result in the management of traumatized children and adults.

Reference

Levine, PA and Frederick, A. (1997). Waking the tiger: Healing trauma: The innate ability to transform overwhelming experiences. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

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