Bonita Ackerman du Preez
Bonita Ackerman du Preez
#106 When trauma strikes your brain lets you down - here’s why!
#106 When trauma strikes your brain lets you down - here’s why!
#106 When trauma strikes your brain lets you down - here’s why!
Monday 23rd February 2026
Explore why trauma hijacks your brain and learn practical steps for recovery with Bonita Ackerman du Preez.
5 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Hopeful
Supportive
Healing
About this podcast
Author:
Bonita Ackerman du Preez
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Mindful Recovery
Healing Relationships
Entrepreneurship for Personal Growth
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
107 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Why Your Brain Betrays You Under Stress
Episode Overview
- The amygdala can override rational thinking during stress.
- Trauma recovery involves rebuilding brain regulation.
- Structured repetition is key to retraining the brain.
- Small, achievable tasks help regain control.
- The brain isn't broken; patterns need retraining.
"You cannot think your way out of this reaction. The brain believes it's in constant threat."
Ever wondered why, despite being intelligent and self-aware, you sometimes act in ways you regret? This episode of The Trauma Recovery School podcast dives into the fascinating world of trauma and its impact on our brains. Bonita Ackerman du Preez, an expert in trauma recovery, breaks down how our brain's survival mechanisms can override rational thinking, especially when triggered by stress or past trauma.
Bonita explains how the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, often gets sidelined by the amygdala—the brain's survival centre—during stressful situations. This switch can lead to emotional outbursts, panic, and impulsive reactions, even when you 'know better.' It's not about lacking discipline or insight; it's about which part of your brain is in charge at that moment. The episode explores how trauma recovery isn't just about forcing calm or trying harder.
Instead, it's about rebuilding brain regulation through structured repetition and nervous system support. Bonita emphasises the importance of creating conditions where the brain no longer feels threatened, allowing the prefrontal cortex to regain control. She highlights that small, achievable tasks and repeated experiences are key to retraining the brain. Listeners are encouraged to understand that their brains aren't broken; rather, they've developed patterns that need retraining.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with trauma-related reactions, offering hope and practical steps towards healing. So, if you're ready to retrain your brain and reclaim control, this episode is your guide.