Interpersonal neurobiology and trauma

[Ally Jamieson]

Hello everyone!

I'm wondering if there's anyone else on this forum that is utilizing knowledge and practice around the biology of trauma? Much of my work is training professionals and consumers on how the biological impacts of trauma influences their psychological experience of self and others, and how psychological and social experiences influence our neurobiology. Here is a link to my website called Positive Human Development if anyone wishes to either learn more or share information!

[Kathy seifert]

Dear Ally:
I visited your web page and i couldn't agree with you more. I have incorporated these ideas into my work. I also have a website http://howchildrenbecomeviolent.com. I have been working with violent youth and families for over 30 years. I have found that therapy needs to address the neurobiological effects of trauma, as well as the "story." Children need to change the end of their story to one of confidence, competence, and empowerment.

Kathy Seifert

[Ally Jamieson]

Hi Kathy,
I checked out your website and it is also very informative! I'm in the process of learning more about some neuroscience principles behind violence. I have worked in residential care for psychiatric youth prior to grad school and can think of a few extreme examples of 15-17 year-old youth who expressed themselves through hate speech and violence. One kid in particular had punched walls so frequently throughout the day, even thought he had broken both hands (still continued after he broke his hands), the many of the staff I worked with at the time dreaded working with him. This added to the problem because without meaning too, their subtle expressions of dislike were very apparent to this boy who used such interactions to justify why he was so justified in expressing his anger towards others.

One day, I brought in a movie called "Speak", a drama about a young high school girl's journey throughout a school year followed by a violent rape she kept secret (an excellent movie by the way!). I noticed that he was paying particular attention to the movie, and when I invited anyone to stay after the movie to discuss how it impacted them, this young man was one of many who stayed. He was able to process out-loud, on his own accord, that he felt really bad for anyone who experiences rape because as a small child a male family member had sexually assaulted him. He had never told anyone (yes, the crime was reported) and expressed a belief that this might be why he was so angry towards homosexuals and Jewish people (he was very antisemitic). He found some good support from his peers, support that was lacking before due to others fear of him, and he was able to talk about his experience in a supportive environment.

From that day on, this young man never hit a wall again, began to request reading materials that addressed where antisemitism comes from, made apology rounds to staff and peers he had said hateful things towards, and began to make significant gains in treatment goals. By the time he left (after about 50 days), he was one of the most well-adored clients in the treatment center (with both peers and staff).

When violent people make a cognitive and empathic connection to what is making them so angry (in many cases at least), I do believe they feel empowered to move beyond the anger if they are in a caring and supportive environment.

Do you know of any neuroscience around violence that you utilize in your work? I'm beginning to explore this area a bit more in my own work because some of the youth I work with and advocate for experience homelessness and justice system involvement due to poor anger management skills...

A super long response to your reply, but I am curious to learn more in this area:)

[Kathy seifert]

This is a long reply and is an article, but gives you an idea of how my ideas are developing.

Kathy