Fostering Intrinsic Resilience: A Neuroscience-Informed Model of Conceptualizing and Treating Adverse Childhood Experiences

Abstract

An increasingly common dialogue among mental health professionals revolves around adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and developmental trauma. ACEs can occur in a number of ways with a myriad of potential outcomes, often making treatment choices difficult. During critical stages of neurodevelopmental growth, trauma makes a mark on the brain and body at a physiological level. Although the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria have been used to address this brain–body impact, the far-reaching scope of implications needs grounding in a theoretical framework. The current paper discusses developmental trauma and proposes a new reciprocally determinant model that advocates for neuroscience-informed counseling interventions such as neurofeedback therapy. Clinical implications and considerations for counselors are discussed.