Living with a Primitive Brain: Understanding Trauma and Recovery

Every day we are faced with new experiences, new challenges, and new memories to store. We navigate through the world, attempting to make something of this phenomenon we call ’life.’ Not so often, however, do we encounter situations and challenges that cripple us to our core. In examining trauma from a biological perspective with an autobiographical touch, Living with a Primitive Brain sheds light on what trauma really is, how we feel it, and how we can better understand its ferocity to help push open the doors to recovery. Within these pages, the biological changes that occur with trauma are examined, as well as various intervention strategies ranging from connecting with nature to neurofeedback. This is a story of hardship, hope and the evidence-based tools available to aid in the journey to healing.

Myles introduces trauma survivors and their loved ones to neuroscience and the mechanics of trauma as a bridge between scientific research and the general public. From her own experience, she knows that understanding brings compassion as well as acts as a guide to the discovery of practical tools that target the biological cause of symptoms. In a narrative sense of a battle between our evolved functioning versus instinctual drives, Living with a Primitive Brain introduces readers to a wide range of healing approaches including eco-therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, cognitive behavioural therapy, and more.