Reflections on some methods of psychotherapy of trauma and mental hygiene. I made my thoughts on this subject based on some video lectures by Dr. Bussel van der Kolk. Dr. van der Kolk defines trauma as a terrible event when a person feels helpless and depressed, this event divides life into “before” and “after.” In the process When trauma persists, strong neural connections can form in the brain, which form a behavioral pattern. Each repetition of this stereotype can lead to strengthening of this neural connection. It is accepted that the right hemisphere is responsible for emotional-figurative perception, and the left for verbal-logical. During and after trauma, the left, verbal-logical hemisphere of the brain is blocked and dominance of the right emotional-figurative hemisphere occurs, which leads to frequent memories and emotional experiences traumatic experiences in situations that resemble the trauma experienced. Thus, the person continues to behave, act and feel as if the traumatic event is ongoing. The trauma is so overwhelming that it is impossible to realize it and say: “Yes, it happened to me, but now everything, thank God, is over!” A person gets stuck there and does not move further, also because neural connections have been formed in the brain that are responsible for such a stereotype of behavior. In his lectures, Van der Kolk offers, in addition to traditional methods of working with medication and psychotherapy for trauma, breathing practices and yoga. During yoga and Through breathing practices, a person concentrates attention on the body and the rhythm of breathing. This concentration of attention forms other neural circuits alternative to the traumatic one. A person who often practices yoga and breathing practices develops neural, interhemispheric connections that are stronger and more stable than neural connections formed by trauma. New interhemispheric connections contribute to the harmonization of the work of the right and left hemispheres, a different assessment of the situation, the formation of different behavior and a decrease in emotional stress. Mental hygiene as the ability to manage emotions is manifested in the conscious control of one’s breathing using breathing practices for 20-30 minutes. I offer one example of breathing practices Breathing with the belly, as you inhale, the belly inflates, as you exhale, the belly retracts. Sit comfortably, straight back, inhale for 4 counts (1,2,3,4) - pause, count to 4, exhale - count to 4, pause - count to 4, and so on. During this time, the body relaxes and emotional stress caused by an injury or other situation is reduced. It is better to concentrate attention on a straight back and stomach. During breathing, distracting thoughts and images from lived situations often arise; if they arise, this may mean that these situations have formed chains of neural communication that form incomplete feelings and thoughts. After you notice the distraction, return your attention to your breath and body. Breathing practices harmonize the work of the hemispheres of the brain, which leads not only to a decrease in emotional arousal, but also to making a more constructive decision in a difficult situation. It has become clear that van der Kolk’s work with trauma with the help of breathing practices and yoga, it is also useful for mental hygiene and the prevention of emotional burnout. If you are interested in understanding what is happening in your life, what causes emotional stress and how to control it, call 8-919-4554-263. I will be glad to meet you. Online or in person, we can talk about your personal characteristics, understand how you ended up in this life situation and try new ways of behavior.