The Intrepid Spirit Center here offers active-duty service members with traumatic brain injuries ways to relax through Art of Serenity sessions.
TBI patients practice relaxation techniques to calm themselves, according to Patricia Becker, ISC behavioral technician.
“Many of our patients who experience traumatic brain injuries have over stimulation and dysregulation going on inside them,” Becker said. “Their bodies are in such a high state of stress they often forget to turn things down.”
At a recent session, patients used pillows and mats to get into comfortable positions.
Becker led the group in relaxation techniques including breathing, progressive muscle relaxation that focuses on specific muscle groups.
Becker said a TBI can affect the brains’ ability to process in adverse environments. She said the focus in a session is on neuro plasticity, which allows the brain to form new neuro pathways.
“When a person with a TBI is highly stressed, it’s harder for their brain to form those pathways,” she said. “When their brain is relaxed, it’s easier to utilize these tools and techniques to form new pathways, which help with neuro plasticity.”
For now, only active-duty service members can participate in the sessions. For more information, call 883-9484.