#102 Why your trauma and PTSD brain works against you.#102 Why your trauma and PTSD brain works against you.
The Trauma Recovery School
Bonita Ackerman du Preez explains why trauma-trained brains resist change and offers methods to retrain them for healthier patterns.
3:37•22 Dec 2025
Why Your Brain Resists Change After Trauma
Episode Overview
- Trauma-trained brains cling to familiar patterns for survival.
- Willpower alone can't create real change; structured methods are needed.
- Neuroscience and nervous system regulation are key in retraining the brain.
- The trauma recovery method helps replace harmful patterns with healthy ones.
- Intentional choices lead to emotional stability and better mental health.
“Your brain resists change, especially when trauma has shaped your nervous system.”
Curious about how trauma shapes our brains and influences our behaviour? In this episode, Bonita Ackerman du Preez unpacks why our brains cling to familiar patterns, even when they're harmful, and why willpower alone isn't enough to create real change. She explains how trauma-trained brains are hardwired for survival, often leading us to repeat old behaviours that feel safe but are detrimental.
You'll learn about the brain's survival responses and how they can override your intentions, leaving you wondering why you can't break free from certain habits. Bonita shares her expertise on retraining the brain using structured methods that incorporate neuroscience and nervous system regulation. She introduces the trauma recovery method, which helps replace trauma patterns with healthier ones through a systematic approach.
By understanding how to work with your brain rather than against it, you can make intentional choices and build emotional stability. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of repeating the same mistakes, this episode offers a fresh perspective and practical tools to help you take control of your mental health journey.

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