DIAGNOSES

Trauma-Related Disorders

Trauma-Related Disorders
and the IWBMC™

The Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™) uses a whole-person, whole-brain method ensuring healing and transformation of the trauma response from a neurological, brain-based perspective, encompassing every piece that makes up a client’s experience – from their individual neural wiring and physiological status to their support network and environment. Coined the IWBMC™’s Trauma Support Model, we know that it is the brain that is affected by trauma, and it is the brain that must change to combat the maladaptive effects of trauma.

Thus, using the understanding that the brain has changed based on this external stimulation, achievement of similar positive shifts occurs with intentional and individualized therapeutic interventions designed to address aberrant communication patterns through specific frequency, intensity, and duration – the cornerstone of the Interpersonal Whole Brain Model of Care®.

How the IWBMC™ Supports
Trauma-Related Disorders

The IWBMC’s™ Trauma Support Model acknowledges histories of trauma, trauma’s maladaptive impacts on the brain, and a therapeutic way to transform the negative effects of traumatic experiences
Provide environments that allow for safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment
Address maladaptive and externalized control-seeking tendencies
Participation in Neurotherapy, specifically focusing on alpha training within the right brain hemisphere
Use qEEG data to address patterns of under- or over-communication frequently seen in trauma-related disorders, working to calm overactive areas and boost underactive areas
Individual program design targeting the neurobiological framework for each client, with a specific neurodevelopmental and brain-based focus to address brain connectivity anomalies
Address primitive reflex integration to help reorganize the brain
Frequent engagement in cardiovascular and cross-lateral movement to promote new neuronal growth and communication within the brain
Incorporation of mindfulness and body scanning, as the physical self is an extension of the mind – without the body, there is no tangible experience
Foster relationships with others, which is pivotal for the healing process. One must have another person validate and accept their feelings, preferences, dreams, fears, and longings to be accepted for who they are, not what they know, have, or do.
Demonstrate patience, kindness, consistency, and empathy - consistently and routinely. These qualities, adequate structure, and clear expectations are the best and highest hope for wholeness, love, and connection. In time, within a trusted relationship, emotion and memory emerge and can be integrated and rewired in a new way.
Develop the mind-body connection to grow and maintain self-regulation abilities
Bring awareness to primitive emotional response patterns
Increase awareness of emotions and their connection to thoughts and behaviors to increase self-regulation abilities
Teach self-referencing, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills
Cognitive and Dialectical behavior therapy (CBT/DBT) to challenge core thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors
Art, Recreational, and Animal-facilitated therapeutic activities

Related Disorders

The IWBMC™ helps clients who experience trauma-related disorders. There is no single root cause of a person’s unique trauma response, as people who endure similar traumas could have remarkably different responses to the same traumatic experiences.

Therefore, we must change how we view and treat trauma – from a holistic and brain-based approach. Many clients with histories of trauma may also experience:

Program Environments at Jacob’s Ladder that Support Trauma-Related Disorders

Serving Pre-K - 12th

Serving ages 16 and older

Our Person-Centered, Whole-Brain Approach

Evaluation & Assessment.

The IWBMC™ Evaluation considers seven domains and uses 1,300+ assessment metrics to analyze neurodevelopmental progression indicators – often the root of systemic challenges – combined with standardized academic assessments, clinical observation, family reporting, qEEG Analysis, and Nutritional and Physiological Consultation.

Individualized Plans.

The Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™) acknowledges the complex interplay between brain health, efficiency, and organization – combined with clients’ physiological health and well-being, learning style, and emotional-behavioral-relational experiences – to develop an optimal, therapeutic path forward for each client.

Progress Tracking.

With AHAVA’s database of 4,000+ therapeutic activities, each individualized program is tailored to the client’s needs. Daily data tracking captures clients’ progress, allowing ongoing modification of programs to uphold the appropriate levels of intensity, frequency, and challenge point progression to create lasting, positive changes in the brain.

Learn About Our Approach With Trauma-Related Disorders

They are very good at letting him know that was a moment, and it doesn’t define who he is, but they still love him – they didn’t stop loving him because he acted out. The love is real, and it doesn’t just stop when you have a moment of acting out.

— Rachel P., Hope School Parent

Scientifically-Sound Approaches Delivered in Safe, Loving Environments.

Trauma-Related Disorders