Herman's Tri-Phasic Theory Summary

To begin our discourse on theory, we will start with Herman’s (1997) tri-phasic model of trauma. At this point, Jane is solidly in stage one. Stage one of Herman’s tri-phasic model is focused upon creating safety for the individual. Nightmares, flashbacks, racing thoughts, memories, and emotions create a series of conditions within the brain and body where the limbic system becomes hijacked and the brain begins a stress response within the body. Having the limbic system hijacked can leave the individual feeling unsafe and going through repeated stress responses. Herman (1997) states “no other therapeutic work should even be attempted until a reasonable degree of safety has been achieved” (pg. 159). By gauging her current coping skills and providing containment through a guided imagery exercise when I found her distressed, I sought to help Jane create safety in her body in accordance with the tri-phasic model.
In his 2014 book, Van Der Kolk discusses how the limbic system, including the amygdala and hippocampus, are hijacked in the face of traumatic events as well as after the traumatic event has ceased. The limbic system helps us process and regulate emotions (Van Der Kolk, 2014). When the limbic system is hijacked, connection between the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for rational thought, and the limbic system is disconnected and the brain begins to respond solely from emotion (Van Der Kolk, 2014). When the limbic system is hijacked, a stress response within the body occurs. For Jane during session 2, the hijacked limbic system results in increased psychomotor agitation, labile affect, and slumped posture as she attempted to cope with increased adrenaline, lack of prefrontal cortex, increased emotions; all symptoms of a fight or flight