The mainstream / domination psychology system pathologizes normal human responses to abnormal experiences. It also presses us to fit its definition of humanity and valid human experience. Not to mention, it completely denies oue neurobiology.
For instance, it uses the term “maladaptive behavior” in reference to our brilliant survival skills. An honest psychology would call them “survival adaptations.” It would also say “we don’t know how to help you” instead of labeling us “treatment-resistant,” which puts blame on us when their knowledge is limited.
According to one of the world’s most respected trauma experts, Dr. Gabor Mate, virtually all mental health issues can be traced back to trauma, particularly Developmental Trauma, the number one health crisis in the world.
Dr. Arielle Schwartz notes, “PTSD is never the fault of the individual but a failure of their environment” this particularly includes the lack of necessary and vital psychosocial support.
Trauma expert Deb Dana says “it’s all about how we are welcomed into the world,” because that early environment sets the trajectory of our lives. When a child is unwelcome this arc is extremely difficult to bend, particularly in a culture that ignores Developmental Trauma.
The correlation between developmental trauma and all manner of social ills is shockingly high. This includes substance abuse, homelessness, violence, criminality, incarceration, and the onset of chronic disease at midlife followed by early death. That is the common trajectory of the unwanted child.
Fortunately, the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPBN), also known as Relational Neuroscience, can help us resolve all of this. It shows us that the brain, mind, and relationships integrate and alter one another. Relationships can change our brain and mind for better or worse.
So, safe and kind relationships can heal trauma, prevent and heal PTSD, and create a more cohesive and compassionate society that can focus on human flourishing. We may find such relationships in therapy, but most likely, not. Too few providers even know what they’re looking at with trauma; they don’t even recognize and tolerate their own.