When the limbic system becomes damaged, it exaggerates the level of threat and overreacts with an involuntary survival response in order to protect itself.

“When we activate the brain and the trauma that is stored in the limbic system, we get into the negative neural network by addressing the components of trauma.

When answers to triggering questions about trauma or abuse come from the limbic system, they’re not coming from the reasoning or analytical part of the brain.

The limbic system is a group of structures in the brain that help with memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Learn more here.

Are you wondering what the limbic system is? Read our guide to learn all you need to know about this vital component of our brains!

Dr. Darrel Ray is the founder of Recovering from Religion, a non-profit working with people experiencing religious trauma, and the Secular Therapy Project, which helps clients find therapists offering ...

Dislodging trauma Memories of traumatic events often become stuck in the brain’s limbic system, where the fight, flight and freeze response resides.

The pandemic has boosted interest in trauma books full of advice that isn’t particularly relevant to what most Americans are going through.

Trauma significantly alters brain structure, leading to PTSD symptoms like hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and memory issues, but targeted therapies can help survivors heal and regain control.

This signals that the limbic system is taking over, reducing one’s brain to a “fight, flight or freeze” response that originates in the brain stem.