Neuroplasticity to Solve Racism
The brain’s ability to change may be a key to a better world
Neuroplasticity is a fancy scientific term used to explain how our brains have the ability adapt and learn.
One way therapists have used this concept to help people confront and overcome the psychological effects of trauma is through something called EMDR. It’s a type of neuroplasticity treatment that helps “re-wire” the brain. Basically, retraining how we think and react.
It’s above my pay grade to understand it all, but having suffered childhood trauma myself, I used EMDR as an adult and I was able to significantly reduce how often and how severe my childhood emotional triggers got the better of me.
EMDR isn’t the only type of neuroplasticity therapy out there.
Virtual reality can also be used to explore neuropathways.
Brain-computer interfaces, which allow a user to control devices, have been used to treat people. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy employs certain mental exercises to re-wire. There’s also sensorimotor therapy, neurointegration and physiotherapy techniques.
Additionally, a growing body of scientific research shows that music therapy can help reorganize and re-wire the brain to treat trauma and even mental disorders.
