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Sensory Perception After Trauma

How External and Internal Senses Shape Perspective in the Aftermath of Trauma
 

This presentation discusses how emotion dysregulation among individuals with PTSD can affect how sensory signals are perceived. In particular, the talk focuses on the importance of understanding how sensory information from the internal body and the external world converge in the brain and its translation to higher-order brain structures involved in emotion regulation and social engagement. We introduce a theoretical hierarchy of sensory transmission in the aftermath of trauma and discuss its clinical impact on the distinct PTSD and dissociative subtype symptom profiles. Finally, we highlight different trauma-informed sensorimotor clinical treatments that can enhance the mind-body connection and promote an embodied self.

In this presentation, we will discuss how processing of sensory information from the internal and external worlds shape perception and engagement with the world in the aftermath of trauma.

On-Demand Conference Recordings

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the importance of incoming sensory information from our external and internal worlds in shaping perspective of our surroundings.

2. Describe the importance of interoception and its role in understanding visceral bodily sensations for emotion processing.

3. Describe how emotion dysregulation in PTSD can affect how sensory signals from the environment and inner body are perceived.

4. Propose a theoretical hierarchy of sensory transmission in PTSD, and discuss its clinical impact on the distinct PTSD and dissociative subtype symptom profiles.

5. Describe trauma-informed sensorimotor clinical treatments that can facilitate reintegration of traumatic memories that promote an embodied self where mind and body are attuned.

Presented By

Sherain Harricharan, Ph.D

Sherain Harricharan completed her doctoral degree in Neuroscience at Western University in 2019. Her research focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder, using neuroimaging to study how pathways in the brain are altered after trauma. In particular, she studies how sensory processing in the mind and body impact higher-order cognitive functions, including emotion regulation and social engagement. Dr. Harricharan is dedicated to help develop clinical sensorimotor treatments for traumatized individuals.