Critical Analysis and Reflection Paper Essay Example

of Dr. van der Kolk’s opinion that trauma is not just psychological but an entire body that gets stuck.

During a traumatic event, the body is not allowed from safeguarding itself and feels as if it being held down (van der Kolk 2012). In essence, Dr. van der Kolk believes that when we are threatened our muscles and hormones are activated to protect and we run away, but a freeze response leaves a person immobilized.

Trauma changes the way that things are seen and perceived. According to van der Kolk, the traumatized victim has a new take on reality, distorted perceptions and feelings of helplessness. (van der Kolk, 2014; van der Kolk 2015). Chris, a nine-year-old African American male, was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, ADHD and Encopresis. He is, anxious and easily agitated. He has unsubstantiated sexual abuse in his background and attachment issues stemming from his relationship with his biological mother. She has previously rescinded her parental rights and has subsequently rescinded them.

Chris’ encopresis could be related to the unsubstantiated sexual trauma. Chris often has outbursts when perceives a situation as unfair to him. His distorted perception of reality is usually to his detriment. According to Herman (1997) when an adult experience repeat trauma, it eats away at the character that they have developed, but when a child is repeatedly traumatized their personality is stunted and they form self-protective mechanisms. Trauma also weakens attachment systems

According to Dr. van der Kolk (2012), remembering trauma is sensory. People remember specific sounds and smells. They also replay the event just as it happened. The nomination of Brett Kavenaugh to the supreme Court is flooding current events. Allegations reported by

Dr Christine Blasey Ford that he committed sexual assault against her. Being questioned by members of the senate forced her to relive her trauma over and over.

As someone diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder, the readings and video in this module, gave me greater understanding of trauma. Reading Dr. van der Kolk’s beliefs that trauma is not just psychological, but in essence a encompasses the entire body makes better sense to me now. Becoming better trauma informed, will help me to process my own trauma more effectively, therefore allowing me to effectively help as many people as I possibly can.