The title underscores the book’s central idea: Exposure to abuse and violence fosters the development of a hyperactive alarm system and moulds a body that gets stuck in fight/flight and freeze.
Trauma interferes with the brain circuits that involve focusing, flexibility, and being able to stay in emotional control. A constant sense of danger and helplessness promotes the continuous secretion of stress hormones, which wreaks havoc with the immune system and the functioning of the body’s organs.
The book describes various therapeutic interventions, including trauma processing, neurofeedback, theatre, meditation, play, and yoga. However, it emphasises that each intervention must be tailored to the individual as one size never fits all.
