Changing minds and evolving views: a bio-psycho-social model of the impact of trauma and its implications for clinical work

ABSTRACT This paper summarises my current understanding of relevant neuroscience and trauma therapy concepts, and discusses the implications for psychoanalytic psychotherapy with traumatised patients. It also explores the new social constructivist theory of ‘How emotions are made’ which has deep resonances with the psychoanalytic theory of thinking. These bio-psycho-social models and ideas challenge our existing traditional techniques and ways of working with trauma, and places the necessity of addressing body states at the forefront of our work. Some guidelines on working with traumatised children are discussed which take account of the newer findings of the impact of trauma on the body/brain.