Everyone can agree that quality learning is desirable while trauma is not. However, the two do have one thing in common.
Both are highly dependent on the brain’s neuroplasticity. Because if the brain was unable to alter and adapt its structure in either situation, nothing will happen instead! Thus, it has become more and more important to be aware of such structural changes. Unfortunately, many still ignore this reality and the implications it has on our physical and mental health.
It is worth noting that connections and pathways between the brain have been proven science for more than 30 years. More specifically, there are already studies that have demonstrated that the brain creates, dismantles and maintains all these connections for the purpose of retaining information.
Those who continue to reject this consensus are doing a disservice to people seeking to improve learning and heal from trauma. Either situation is highly dependent on the brain’s plasticity for very obvious reasons such as:
Some parts of the brain are more active during emotional experiences compared to others. The connection between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex is one popular example. This is also the area that receives the most ‘shock’ during times of trauma.
This area of the brain has been highly reported to experience dramatic structural changes to retain memories of emotionally adverse events. Take note, such changes are just as much present in adult victims of PTSD as they are among people with adverse childhood experiences.
If the brain is so set in stone, adults struggling with PTSD would not even exist. Their brains would have remained as they were prior to their traumatic event. Sadly, many experts in the field of mental health will immediately vouch that this isn’t the case. The silver lining, however, is that the plasticity that enabled these changes can also be used to undo them. It takes time for sure, but it is possible nonetheless.
Incidentally, people who are not sure about the brain’s later plasticity generally subscribe to the adage “Can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Yet since the start of the 21st century, the world has undergone rapid changes that put this idiom under a lot of skepticism.
Underpinning the research is the simple fact that the average person continues to learn even after finishing higher education. It is also known that people change careers many times during a single lifetime. That, by itself, strongly implies a wealth of accumulated knowledge that could not be possible if the brain did not alter itself with new connections while also unlearning and disconnecting old data.
Lastly, it is worth noting that plasticity is a crucial element to those working to overcome disabilities. Usually the conversation is about the plasticity of people who had been born with conditions like autism and Down Syndrome, but we shouldn’t ignore the stories of those who suffered physical disabilities later in life (such as amputees).
There are also many stories about how these individuals, with the guidance of therapy, challenged their brains to adapt. The need to compensate for loss limbs or other important functions is a major trigger for brain transformation and that is difficult to reconcile with the pre-neuroplastic view.
Overall, it is really hard to ignore evidence that is coming out of over half a century’s worth of neuroscience research. Some might say it all seems very novel despite that, but it doesn’t change what has been found: The brain can still change in later years, whether it is through experiencing trauma or learning to heal from it.
If you need any advice or support, then know that we at the Australian Tomatis Method are still here to help you. Please reach out if you need to, either by email at info@tomatis.com.au or by phone to Francoise at 0414 444 915.
Official Representative of Tomatis Developpement SA in Australia, Asia and South Pacific, Director of the Australian Tomatis® Method, Registered Psychologist, Certified Tomatis® Consultant Senior, Tomatis® International Trainer and Speaker, Co-author of the Listening Journey Series, 40 Years of Experience, Neurodiversity Speaker
