Best Neurobiological Guided Practices for Therapeutic Work with Childhood Trauma

Abstract

The intention of this study was to better understand the impact of childhood trauma on neurodevelopment and explore best neurobiological informed practices that have been developed related to trauma and its connection to subsequent hyperarousal and or dissociative symptoms in youth. The understanding of the neurobiological impact of childhood trauma (e.g. abuse, neglect) not only serves as a rationale for the appropriateness and need for neurobiological informed practices but also as a psychoeducational tool, allowing counsellors to understand how to better adapt their interventions to stimulate the specified brain areas (which have been dysregulated by childhood adverse experiences). The methodology inquiry was conceptual based on a literature review as this methodology was deemed as being the ideal method for the purpose of this study as it allows the research to be expansive and inclusive without placing already vulnerable youth at risk for re-traumatization. Key findings highlighted the strengths, benefits, and appropriateness of neurobiological informed practices when treating the aforementioned demographic. Finally, practical implications were presented in the form of a protocol, a protocol for counsellors working with the aforementioned population which has been created using the six principles of neurodevelopment that have been identified by Perry (2006). It was suggested as a future recommendation that further qualitative research into how childhood trauma impacts the development of children is needed to understand and address the range of problems related to trauma (e.g. abuse, neglect).