Abstract: The latest research and most current literature on trauma recovery is the result of interdisciplinary studies surfacing into main stream academia. New fields of study such as neurobiology, biological psychology, and psycho-neuro-physiology are creating an era of cross-fertilization of information. The result of these shared fields of research is the emergence of a new understanding of trauma and its recovery process. Primarily guided by neurological processes, biological changes and physiological reactions, the traumatized person is seldom in control of their reactions. Most often ones reactions in a traumatic event are autonomic and unconscious. Since they are more often instinctual somatic reactions rather than consciously driven ego responses, it is by returning to the body’s instincts and reversing the autonomic responses employed during the trauma that assures successful recovery from traumatic events.

Until recently most research programs on trauma and post traumatic stress symptomatology were conducted in the field of psychology. Subsequently all of the recovery programs designed to help relieve symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) addressed the psycho-emotional behaviors of the individual. As a result of this limited understanding of trauma, post trauma symptoms became labeled as psychological weaknesses. This labeling actually caused individuals in trauma inducing professions not to seek help for their symptoms for fear of being identified as weak, not able to cut it, unable to cope etc. This created an atmosphere of increased fear and apprehension in an already stressful profession.

The most recent research in the field of traumatology is helping to dispel this limited view of trauma and PTSD. The new fields of study such as psycho-biology, neuro-physiology and physiological psychology have given birth to a new understanding of trauma known as somatic traumatology. This is an emerging field which acknowledges the critical interaction and mutual interdependency of autonomic body responses and neurological processes. Whether the trauma occurs in a physiological, cognitive, emotional, or interpersonal form it is inevitably carried by the physical body.

In order to understand this process better, it is helpful to understand how all species deal with traumatic experiences. Animal species that are still living in their natural habitats often encounter trauma. They however, unlike humans, still have access to their natural ability to discharge the excess energy generated during trauma and completely recover and move on with life.

The trauma response of the human animal is similar to that of most other animal species. Therefore, the humans response to trauma can be found in their roots as an animal or biological organism. Similarly, the mysterious key that activates the release mechanism of our natural recovery process can be found discretely hidden right within the natural psycho-neuro-physiology of our bodies as well.

As a living species on this planet, we like all other living species are genetically encoded to experience, survive and resolve trauma. It is part of our natural instinct that guarantees we will not only survive but actually evolve as a species. Without it the human animal would already have become extinct.

Post trauma reactions are caused by the residual undischarged excitement (biochemical energy) generated at the time of the event. If this high state of aroused energy is prevented from being discharged in the body it remains trapped in a bio-neural-physiological loop that causes a repetition compulsion behavior. Until the brain receives a signal from the central nervous system that the danger is over, the body will continue to repeat the bio-neural pattern of protection and defense. The key to a successful recovery from trauma is to activate the organisms natural release mechanism that signals the body to return to a state of rest and recuperation.

Individuals working in trauma inducing professions often experience multiple traumas as a daily routine. Therefore, they need a prevention and recovery process that can be self-applied, is immediately effective and can also be integrated into their daily routines. For professionals who desire to be physically fit to perform their jobs, the Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) of a body based prevention and recovery process is a perfect fit. Its focus on body awareness creates a natural deterrent from and reduction of PTSD.
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