Trauma and the Neurosequential Model of Therapy™ (NMT)
Defining Trauma
Overcoming Adversity
Emotional and psychological trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that shatter a child’s sense of security, making them feel frightened, helpless, and isolated. Abuse and neglect are obvious sources of trauma, but divorce, lack of financial resources, and loss can also create chronic stress. Children from every walk of life – including those from good, loving homes – can have mental health challenges that our professionals can help overcome.
How does trauma affect brain development?
The brain develops sequentially, from the bottom up and from the inside out. There are four layers in the brain. Basic survival skills originate in the lower region of the brain (brain stem) and complex thinking comes from the top layer of the brain (cortex).
When a child experiences an adverse event, the brain stem is activated. If they remain in their lower brain too long, children can become mentally and emotionally stuck at the age when their trauma occurred. For example, if a child experienced prolonged stress when they were five, their emotional maturity can stay at that age even though their bodies continue to grow.
Kids operating in their brain stem often “act out” by being aggressive, argumentative, impulsive, or irritable. Other symptoms can be a lack of concentration, sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, or flashbacks. They may run away, physically hurt themselves or others, withdraw or become overly emotional.
Neurosequential Model
of Therapeutics™ (NMT)
The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ (NMT) is a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed approach to clinical problem solving developed by internationally recognized child psychiatrist and neuroscientist Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D. NMT integrates principles of brain development and trauma science to help clinicians understand how a child’s experiences may impact functioning and behavior. It is not a specific therapy, but a framework used to guide assessment and treatment planning.
At Alexander Youth Network, NMT helps organize a child’s history, strengths, and needs to inform individualized care. The model emphasizes the importance of safe, supportive relationships and recommends interventions that are rhythmic, repetitive, relational, rewarding, relevant, and respectful, supporting improved self-regulation, emotional stability, and long-term growth.
Brain Mapping
An NMT “brain map” is the product of a structured, neurodevelopmentally informed clinical assessment that helps identify patterns of functioning based on a child’s developmental history and current presentation; it is not a diagnostic or neuroimaging procedure. Conducted by Alexander clinicians trained through the Neurosequential Network™, the brain map guides individualized treatment recommendations, supports collaboration among caregivers and professionals, and helps track progress over time.
The 6Rs – How NMT works best
Relational
Relationships create change and building trust is key. Family involvement is also vitally important to help kids heal and recover.
Relevant
Developmentally matched to the individual’s needs, based on the results of the brain map.
Repetitive
The brain needs to experience new things over and over to fully grasp them.
Rewarding
It’s fun but also lowers the brain stem temperature and levels of stress hormones, giving children the peace they crave.
Rhythmic
Activities that follow a strong, simple rhythm are most soothing to the human brain.
Respectful
Of the child, family, culture and experiences.
“Repetitive, big-muscle activities help regulate brain activity, empowering the brain to get back on track so kids can overcome obstacles they faced in the past. We teach kids what it feels like to be in a normal, unaroused state so once they’re in that state, they know how to get back to it. The results of the brain map determine which activities, such as therapeutic drumming, swimming, biking, yoga, pottery, or pet therapy, will be most effective for a child.”
Visit the Neurosequential Network to learn more about NMT.
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ Training and Consultation
As a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ site, we are able to provide training in the Core Concepts of NMT and interventions that are consistent with the NMT approach. We have provided training to community partners such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Cabarrus County Schools, Buncombe County Department of Social Services, Benchmarks, and others.
Our NMT certified clinicians are also available to conduct NMT assessments and treatment planning consultations for children, families, and agencies nationwide.
To obtain more information about our NMT programs and training and consultation services, please email info@alexanderyouthnetwork.org.