Understanding Trauma Through Biology: New Pathways to Healing

Have you ever wondered why trauma seems to live in your body long after the events have passed? Why certain sounds or situations trigger responses you can't control? Or why traditional talk therapy, while helpful, sometimes doesn't create the lasting change you're seeking?

At Arbor Health, we believe that understanding the biological foundations of trauma is essential to true healing. That's why we're excited to share two powerful resources that illuminate how trauma affects the body and brain—and more importantly, how you can rewire those patterns for lasting transformation.

The Biology Behind Your Experience

Trauma isn't just psychological—it's deeply biological. When we experience trauma, our nervous system shifts into survival mode, creating protective neural pathways that can become stuck patterns long after we're safe.

Dr. Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician and leading expert in trauma, has spent years researching these biological foundations. Her groundbreaking book, The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm—and How to Heal It, examines how trauma affects every system in your body—from your nervous system and hormones to your immune response and cellular function.

Recently, our CEO Amber Ratcliffe sat down with Dr. Aimie for an in-depth conversation about trauma, healing, and the body's remarkable capacity for transformation. Their discussion reveals insights that resonate deeply with what we see in our practice—particularly how unaddressed trauma manifests as physical symptoms that resist conventional treatment.

Understanding Stress vs. Trauma: A Critical Distinction

One of the most eye-opening insights from Dr. Aimie's work is the crucial difference between stress and trauma at a physiological level.

Stress is a high-energy state fueled by adrenaline. You're anxious, but you're taking action—managing tasks, pushing through challenges. Trauma operates differently. It's characterized by overwhelm and shutdown—a low-energy state where you feel crushed by the weight. This is communicated through the vagus nerve, which can signal both rest and restoration, but also overwhelming shutdown.

Many of our patients recognize this pattern all too well. What started as chronic stress eventually led to complete breakdown of physical health—autoimmune conditions, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and profound fatigue.

A Unified Approach: Combining Biology and Brain Training

In her conversation with Amber, Dr. Aimie emphasized a truth we've witnessed countless times: addressing trauma requires working at multiple levels simultaneously.

As Dr. Aimie explained, "When people are just doing the therapy side of things, they're neglecting the biology. They get stuck... because they're not addressing how their own biology is now actually driving those trauma patterns."

Similarly, patients who only pursue Functional Medicine approaches often see symptoms pop up in different areas. This whack-a-mole pattern continues because the underlying nervous system dysregulation—the conductor of the orchestra, as Dr. Aimie calls it—remains unchanged.

This is where Neurofeedback becomes a powerful complement to trauma healing work.

Neurofeedback: Training Your Brain for Regulation

Think of Neurofeedback as exercise for your brain. During a Neurofeedback session, sensors monitor your brain's electrical activity in real-time. When your brain produces beneficial patterns, you receive immediate feedback through visual or auditory cues. Your brain naturally moves toward these healthier patterns, gradually rewiring itself through repeated practice.

What's remarkable is that this process works without requiring you to relive traumatic memories. Your brain does the work naturally, creating lasting changes that help stabilize nervous system dysregulation.

Join Us for a Deep Dive into Brain Training

We invite you to our free webinar on October 7th, where Amber and our Practice Manager, Corey Ameele will share their expertise about this transformative approach.

Choose your time:

• 12:00 PM session
• 6:00 PM session

You'll discover how 30-minute Neurofeedback sessions work like exercise for your brain, what a qEEG Brain Map reveals about your unique patterns, and why Neurofeedback works even when other approaches haven't. You'll also learn about how this drug-free, proven solution supports trauma, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and sleep issues, and how to determine if Neurofeedback is right for you.

Your Journey Toward Vibrant Health

Healing from trauma isn't about forgetting what happened—it's about giving your nervous system and brain the support they need to create new patterns that allow you to feel safe, connected, and fully alive in the present moment.

Watch the Full Interview with Dr. Aimie Apigian

See Amber's complete conversation (at the top of this page) with Dr. Aimie about the distinction between stress and trauma, and practical steps toward healing. 

Get Your Copy of The Biology of Trauma

Order Dr. Apigian's comprehensive guide today.

Register for Our Free Neurofeedback Webinar

Save your spot for October 7th.

Your body and brain's remarkable capacity for change means that healing is always possible. With the right understanding and tools, you can rewire those stuck patterns and create the vibrant, resilient life you deserve.