Unclear Inquiry: Seeking Clarification
In a groundbreaking study, psychologist Greg Lewis delves into the nervous system of trauma patients, including those who have experienced sexual violence and struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Lewis's lab monitors brain activity during psychotherapy sessions, with a green spot indicating stress processing and a red spot signifying its resolution. His research provides valuable insights into the physical effects of trauma on the nervous system and the potential benefits of psychotherapy in addressing these effects.
Trauma, as Lewis explains, often disrupts the brain's ability to calm the body during social situations, making connection with others difficult. However, the red spot on the brain activity monitor indicates the resolution of stress, a potential outcome of psychotherapy for trauma patients.
Lewis's research suggests that psychotherapy can help trauma patients regain control over their bodies, potentially alleviating symptoms such as ED. This is achieved through a holistic process involving emotional, cognitive, and somatic healing.
Psychotherapy creates a safe space for individuals to process trauma, reducing anxiety and restoring a sense of safety and trust in the body. This can reorganize the nervous system's response, alleviating ED symptoms.
Trauma often induces an unconscious self-protective shutdown in the body, including in sexual responses like erection. Psychotherapy enables individuals to become aware of these unconscious responses and safely process trauma memories and feelings.
Specific therapeutic effects on the nervous system and sexual function include creating safety and reducing hyperarousal, emotional processing and cognitive restructuring, somatic and body-focused interventions, mindfulness and relaxation, therapeutic sexual exercises, and restoring relational intimacy and communication.
In summary, psychotherapy addresses the root trauma underlying psychogenic ED by helping the nervous system reorganize from a state of protection and shutdown to one of safety, presence, and sexual confidence. This holistic process allows individuals to overcome trauma-induced barriers to erectile function.
Lewis's research focuses on psychotherapy as a means to help trauma patients feel comfortable in their bodies again, particularly those who have experienced sexual violence and struggle with maintaining relationships. His work offers hope for many who have been affected by trauma and are seeking a path to recovery.
[1] Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking. [2] Hertz, R. (2018). Healing Sex: A Mind-Body Approach to Helping Trauma Survivors Improve Their Sex Lives. New Harbinger Publications. [3] Foa, E. B., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2007). Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD. Guilford Publications. [4] Levine, P. A. (2010). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
