Is PTSD Curable If a Person Doesn’t Know What Caused It?

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can be a debilitating condition that alters a personrsquo;s emotional and psychological well-being. But how does it become curable, especially when the precise cause of the trauma remains unknown? In this article, we explore the nuances of PTSD, the role of body memory, and the effectiveness of successful therapeutic approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and reprocessing methods.

Identifying Trauma Triggers

Triggers for PTSD can be complex and multifaceted, often stemming from childhood experiences that are not consciously remembered. Combining traditional talk therapy with experiential techniques can help uncover these hidden sources of trauma.

Reprocessing with Art and Dialogue

For individuals who experienced early childhood trauma, the memories are often held in the form of emotional-affective memories rather than verbal ones. This makes them difficult to articulate and process. A trained therapist can use techniques like drawing or visual representation to help patients identify and understand these memories. Drawing, for example, can serve as a bridge between the limbic system (where emotions and memories are held) and the conscious mind.

ldquo;Due to the entirely non-verbal nature of the limbic brain, experiential rather than cognitive methods are required for successfully engaging and changing its schemas.rdquo; Ecker B. (2011). This means that reactivating and reprocessing these memories can be done through drawing, tactile experiences, or other non-verbal means.

Unlocking the Brain through Reconsolidation

The amygdala, a critical structure in the brain involved in emotional processing, plays a significant role in triggering self-protective responses. When a child experiences traumatic events, the amygdala compares current perceptions with implicit emotional memories, leading to attachment-related protective responses. In order to reprocess and heal these implicit memories, a specific process called reconsolidation is necessary.

ldquo;Further research has established that in order for synapses to unlock the brain requires not just the experience of reactivation of the memory—its also necessary for a second critical experience to promptly take place while the memory reactivation experience is still occurring. That second experience consists of perceptions that sharply contradict and disconfirm the implicit expectations of the reactivated memory.rdquo; Ecker B. (2010).

Mismatching Expectations for Therapeutic Change

To effectively heal, the patient must fully reactivate the target implicit memory and then create an additional experience that sharply contradicts its expectations. This mismatch can be achieved through various means. For example, a hug is a familiar, loving touch that can serve as this contrasting experience during moments of attachment anxiety.

ldquo;The child’s behavior is not the problem; it's the child’s solution to the problem. The problem is a secure attachment has not been created on an emotional level.rdquo; When the child is experiencing attachment anxiety, providing a secure attachment experience, like a hug, can help disconfirm the implicit expectations of the trauma.

Successful Therapeutic Approaches

Therapists like those who specialize in EMDR or other reprocessing methods are well-equipped to help individuals identify potential starting moments of PTSD and guide them through the process of reprocessing. These approaches focus on the body and its memory, helping patients integrate their traumatic experiences and reduce their emotional reactivity.

Conclusion

While the exact cause of PTSD may remain unknown, there are effective therapeutic approaches that can help individuals achieve remission. By understanding the role of body memory, reactivating and reprocessing traumatic memories, and providing secure attachment experiences, therapists can help patients heal from the inside out.