Page 119 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

“Developmental trauma occurs early in life and
disrupts normal sequences of brain development. As a
result, other aspects of development such as emotional,
physical, cognitive, and social are also impacted. In the
first years of life, the brain develops from the bottom
upwards. Lower parts of the brain are responsible for
functions dedicated to ensuring survival and responding
to stress. Upper parts of the brain are responsible for
executive functions, like making sense of what you are
experiencing or exercising moral judgement” (Kraybill,
p. 2, 2019). (photo: sciencedaily.com)

“Development of the upper parts depends upon prior development of lower parts. In other words, the
brain is meant to develop like a ladder, from the bottom-up. So when stress responses (typically due to
persistent neglect or abuse) are repeatedly activated over an extended period in an infant or toddler or
young child, sequential development of the brain is disturbed. The ladder develops, but foundational
steps are missing and many things that follow are out of kilter” (Kraybill, 2019). Look at the chart on the
following page to see how trauma can impact a child.

“Trauma takes things away from us and some can’t be returned, ever. For some survivors, the losses are
physical, and tangible, such as people we loved or a body that once functioned perfectly. For others, the
losses are emotional or intangible, such as a sense of uncomplicated wholeness, pristine memories of
beloved times and places. Either way, coming to terms with irreversible loss is an essential part of the
trauma integration process” (Kraybill, 2019).

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