Trauma in the Limbic Brain

I’m not a brain scientist—and chances are, you aren’t either.

For years, reading “brain-related” information left me confused and frustrated because it all felt too technical. While researching why it’s so hard to let go of trauma, I kept being pointed back to the brain. I realized that to truly understand why trauma is so “sticky,” I had to understand where it lives in the brain.

In June 2025, I completed a Master of Education in Trauma Care from Columbia College. During the program, we explored many key factors of trauma and its impact on the brain and body.

Now, part of my mission—and part of this website—is to educate others about how trauma gets encoded in the brain and which regions are activated during a traumatic event. My goal is to share this in a way that isn’t overly technical, so readers don’t walk away confused or frustrated. I’d love to know if I’m meeting that goal, or if there are ways I can make it even clearer.

It’s also important to understand that trauma reactions are not a personality flaw or a weakness of character.

Trauma reactions are safety mechanisms wired into the brain and body—automatic responses designed to keep us alive. Knowing this can help shift the way we view ourselves (or others) when old wounds get triggered: we are not “broken,” but our nervous system is protecting us..

One video I came across during my studies does a wonderful job of explaining the “emotional brain” and what happens when trauma is experienced. I promise—it’s not overly technical and breaks down the information in a way that truly makes sense. The YouTube video below was created under the direction of Dr. Russ Harris and Psychwire, developed to educate others, and is freely accessible.

To learn more about Dr. Harris, visit https://psychwire.com/harris 

Understanding and healing trauma doesn’t require a neuroscience degree—it just requires the clear explanations, the right tools, and knowing that healing is possible.

Okay, what did you think about this discusion post and the video? DId it help you better understand unconscious trauma reactions you may experience? Let me know!