Have you ever felt like trauma changed the way your brain worked? You're not wrong.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face life challenges with evidence-based approaches,

a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

Have you ever wondered how trauma might be impacting your brain?

Today I'm going to introduce the concept of the triune brain, and how each part of your brain

may process your traumatic experiences. Triune means literally, three in one.

The Triune brain model describes three areas within the brain

that have a unique way of understanding and processing information.

However, they are meant to function as a cohesive whole.

Trauma and attachment issues can disrupt this cohesion and lead to things operating out of sync.

In the triune brain model the oldest part is the reptilian brain.

It's fully developed at birth and includes the brain stem and

cerebellum. It operates on instinct and is responsible for the survival-related functions of the body.

The reptilian brain is most closely linked to sensory motor or body processing.

Examples of reptilian brain functions include,

reflexes or instinctive trauma responses

such as fight, fight, flight, or freeze,

startle responses, crying for help, aggression,

and urges to hoard resources.

It also controls autonomic responses that we experience as body

sensations and basic life-sustaining processes like digestion, heart rate, body temperature, and respiration.

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