There are many different theories as to how trauma affects the brain. One theory, as you mentioned is that new pathways are formed and need to be rerouted.

The more intense the trauma to a person, the longer a trauma lasts, the younger the person is at the time of the trauma, etc. all play a role in how much and how "deep" the pathway will be.

One way to reroute the pathway would be to be exposed to the similar stimuli that caused it, and react differently, teaching your brain that it no longer needs those pathways any more.

Another thought is that the memories get stored in the more primitive part of the brain, bypassing "common sense" for lack of a better word. This is why when a person is triggered, no matter how much they "know" it is not happening, they still react like it does.

The place I went worked on getting the memories to be stored in the other side of the brain, the more advanced part rather than the primitive part.

I must say that it has helped and the amount of nightmares I have now has significantly dropped since going there.

That is not to say their theory is right nor that would work for everyone. It's just one approach out of many.

As for a personality change, I've been told I've changed though I can't really see it. Things that used to trigger me no longer do and I am able to do things that used to terrify me.

I am by no stretch of the imagination "done" in my trauma work but have made steps in the right direction.

This reminds me that I read a book about trauma that had the thoery (it must have been a theory because I don't see how this could have been tested) that if one were to be in a truly trustworthy, loving, honest and respectful relationship it would take about five years to heal the trauma / brain structure damage resulting from having been abused by someone trusted. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the book.

I had a bit of this with a therapist, but then she went weird and the benefit was very diluted.

as i have been on the journey to healing i have definitely changed. i dont know about theories etc, but i do know what has happened to me. i am discovering who i am apart from all the trauma etc. there are definitely some ways that i used think have been changed for the better

I like your way of thinking, Beaumont. There's a movie out there that you might enjoy if you haven't seen it yet. In the US it's called "What the Bleep Do We Know." Great movie. I definitely believe in Conscious Creation - that we create our futures every day through the thoughts, words, and actions we bring to life in the present.

And yes, I think consciously creating our futures can help create lots of "good stuff," AND help reduce the influence of the bad stuff in our past.

I will post a story in my journal about how we (Hubby and I) consciously created the life we now have - our dream log cabin on a mountain with lots of land, while both of us work for retail salaries. We have created lots of good stuff in our lives, and continue to do so.

Yes, I still have PTSD. I've had it for 23 years but just found out there's a name for it last month... which is why I'm in this group, learning. However, my PTSD is definitely better now that we have created this stable, safe, happy life, than it was when the rest of my life was in turmoil.

I think that's a key right there. We can deal with our emotions better when we are coming from a place of stability and safety in the rest of our lives. If we're in constant fear or worry over the necessities of physical life, or our relationships, then it's bound to bring the "bad stuff" to the front more often.

Bright Blessings,
Wistala

Hey Beaumont!

YES! I definitely believe that the neuro-nets can be re-wired. And this came from one of the foremost PTSD specialists in the country. I am walking proof. I am a miracle! My life COULD be so much different if I'd have taken an emotional left instead of an emotional right at key points in my life. We've got to think anyway, why not think positive?

The "Good stuff" for me has been faith in God. I know everyone has different ideas on that topic, but it saved my life and continues to keep me in the light every day. Thanks for sharing, brother.

JMRH