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Writer's pictureStephanie Patak

The Nervous System as a Rule Maker

The human nervous system contains several parts, including a network of nerves connected to the brain and spinal cord that extend throughout the body. These parts work together to help us respond to and interpret safety cues, manage emotions, make decisions, and regulate bodily function.


How The Nervous System Establishes Safety Rules


Our experiences provide information about the world and the nervous system uses that information to create rules for our safety. Sometimes, the rule is created after one experience and other times, it is created after multiple similar experiences. If I touch a cactus and experience pain, my nervous system may create a new rule: cactus = pain = not safe to touch; therefore, “I can’t touch a cactus.” If I ride a roller coaster and experience nausea, my nervous system may create a new rule: roller coaster = discomfort and illness = not safe to ride; therefore, “I can’t ride a roller coaster.” 


The Impact of Trauma


Experiences that produce significant psychological distress, also known as trauma, are used by the nervous system to create rules for our safety in the same way. If we experience a car wreck, our nervous system may create the rule “I can’t drive a car.” The nervous system is trying to keep us safe, but sometimes its rules can be too broad or become outdated. If my nervous system tells me “I can’t drive a car,” I will experience distress every time I drive or I may avoid driving altogether. This rule is now impacting my ability to function after my traumatic experience. I may begin feeling bad about myself because I feel like I can’t drive to work or to see friends. 


There are many positive aspects of our nervous system working to protect us. However, it can sometimes be overprotective and limit our functioning and well-being. This is where trauma work and therapy come into play.


Steps to Reframe Overprotective Responses


We can take the following steps to help reduce the overprotective or unwanted response from our nervous system:


  1. Verbally and physically process the distress of a traumatic experience 

  2. Identify the overprotective or outdated rule or rules that were created 

  3. Provide opportunities for neutral and safe experiences to generate information that negate the rule(s) in your life right now

  4. “Override” the rule and replace it with one that is useful and true for you in the present


There are many trauma therapy modalities that can walk us through this process, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Therapy, and others. Working through our trauma helps us “thank” our nervous system while staying in the driver’s seat of our life. 


Conclusion


Understanding the nervous system's response to trauma and actively engaging in therapeutic practices can empower individuals to reclaim control over their lives and foster healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of a traumatic event, we want you to know that healing is possible. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.


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