Essentials: Therapy, Treating Trauma & Other Life Challenges | Dr. Paul Conti

The discussion centers on defining trauma and understanding its impact on mental and physical well-being. Trauma is defined not merely as a negative experience, but as an event that overwhelms coping mechanisms, leading to changes in brain function and subsequent alterations in mood, behavior, and physical health. The conversation explores the evolutionary roots of guilt and shame associated with trauma, suggesting these emotions were once adaptive for survival but can become maladaptive in the modern world. Dr. Paul Conti shares his personal experience with his brother's suicide, illustrating the reflexive avoidance and guilt that often accompany traumatic events. The discussion further investigates the concept of repetition compulsion, where individuals unconsciously recreate traumatic situations in an attempt to resolve them.