PRIMITIVE RELFEXES AND PSYCHOTHERAPY.
Primitive reflexes are automatic and involuntary movements that are present in infants from birth. They are controlled by the brainstem and are necessary for survival and the development of more advanced motor skills. As the infant grows and develops, these primitive reflexes are typically integrated into higher-level voluntary movements.
However, in some cases, these primitive reflexes may persist into adulthood and interfere with the person's ability to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This can contribute to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
In psychotherapy, addressing these primitive reflexes can be critical to helping the individual overcome these issues. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of these reflexes, such as early childhood trauma or other adverse experiences, the therapist can help the person develop more adaptive coping strategies and improve their overall emotional regulation.
Additionally, psychotherapists may use various techniques to help the individual "retrain" their brain and nervous system to integrate these primitive reflexes into more advanced movements, which can also contribute to better emotional and behavioral regulation.
Overall, understanding the role of primitive reflexes in mental health and utilizing this knowledge in psychotherapy can be critical to helping individuals overcome a range of issues and improve their overall well-being.
Travis knowlton
