Lectures & Events
January 16, 2026 - 12pm EST
The Neuroscience of the Mind-Body Relationship in the Aftermath of Trauma: Implications for Treatment
Abstract: Trauma can significantly disrupt the connection between the mind, brain, and body, often leaving enduring effects on both the emotional/cognitive and somatic aspects of the self. Emerging findings in neuroscience are deepening our understanding of how somatic sensory processing—a core function that determines how the body experiences itself in space—plays a vital role in self-regulation and how we engage with the world around us.
In the wake of trauma, these systems are often severely compromised. Individuals may become disconnected from their bodies, feel a loss of agency, and struggle with a diminished sense of purpose. These disruptions can result in a fragmented sense of self and difficulty in daily functioning.
This workshop presents a comprehensive, neuroscience-informed approach to healing the traumatized self. Through integrative strategies, participants will learn how to rebuild the mind-body connection—whether that connection was disrupted or never fully developed. The goal is to support the restoration of an embodied, cohesive self that can feel fully alive after trauma.
Ruth A. Lanius, M.D., Ph.D. is a Psychiatry Professor and Harris-Woodman Chair at Western University of Canada, where she is the director of the Clinical Research Program for PTSD. Ruth has over 25 years of clinical and research experience with trauma-related disorders. She established the Traumatic Stress Service at London Health Sciences Centre, a program that specializes in the treatment of psychological trauma. Ruth has received numerous research and teaching awards, including the Banting Award for Military Health Research. She has published over 150 research articles and book chapters focusing on brain adaptations to psychological trauma and novel adjunct treatments for PTSD. Ruth regularly lectures on the topic of psychological trauma both nationally and internationally. Ruth has co-authored four books: The Effects of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease: The Hidden Epidemic, Healing the Traumatized Self: Consciousness, Neuroscience, Treatment, and Finding Solid Ground. Ruth is a passionate clinician scientist who endeavours to understand the first-person experience of traumatized individuals throughout treatment and how it relates to brain functioning.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact of trauma on somatic sensory processing and its effects on self-regulation and embodiment.
Identify key signs of disconnection between the mind, brain, and body in individuals who have experienced trauma.
Apply integrative, neuroscience-informed strategies to help restore an embodied sense of self in trauma recovery work.
This lecture has been approved for 1 APA CE credit
Cheetah House is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cheetah House maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
