To grossly over-simplify a complex area of biology so that us non-biologists can understand it, our friendly neighborhood scientists have classified the human brain into three main sections: 1) the neocortex (the part in charge of rationality); 2) the mammalian brain (the part in charge of emotions); and 3) the reptilian brain or brain stem (the part in charge of survival). The reptilian brain regulates the autonomic nervous system and its “language” is that of sensation (hot, cold, relaxed, tense etc.) which is present tense. The continuity of the self (as experienced through the felt sense) is lost in trauma. A traumatized person needs to be gradually reconnected with the felt sense (the physical body) to re-establish a normal connection with themselves and with the world.
