Motivational Speaker Derek Clark What Does Childhood Trauma Look Like in the Brain?

As a society, we tend to look down on mental health problems and focus solely on the negative aspects of these issues. One psychiatrist at Amen Clinics says that’s the wrong approach. In fact, according to Daniel Emina, MD, in some instances, it’s better to think of specific challenges as superpowers. In an episode of Scan My Brain with Derek Clark, a motivational speaker known as the “Rapping Dad,” Dr. Emina explains why people with certain psychiatric issues are like superheroes. Before delving into this superhero concept, let’s look at how Clark went from being an emotional wreck to finding his superpowers.
As a child, ‪@RappingDad‬ experienced horrific abuse and emotional distress prior to being abandoned at age 5. Growing up in the foster care system, he struggled with extreme anxiety, had learning disabilities, displayed aggression, and couldn’t concentrate. Filled with emotional stress, he withdrew from reality. Psychological assessments left him misdiagnosed and labeled in ways that negatively impacted his self-esteem. For many years, Clark lived with anger, bitterness, resentment, rage, and sadness related to his upbringing.
In 2021, Clark wanted to see how that childhood emotional trauma may have affected his brain, so he visited Amen Clinics for a brain SPECT scan. SPECT is a functional brain imaging tool that looks at blood flow and activity. SPECT reveals 3 important factors about the brain-areas with healthy activity, too little activity, and too much activity.
Like many people who experience trauma, Clark’s SPECT scan showed increased activity in the emotional centers of the brain. Overactivity in this brain region makes people more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, negativity, worry, and obsessive thoughts.
Seeing his brain scan helped Clark gain a better understanding of himself. He says it’s like “I’ve been emotionally fighting against my brain-fighting my thoughts, fighting my worries, fighting my stress, fighting my anxiety.” That’s how many trauma survivors feel as if they’re battling their automatic thoughts and feelings.
Read more: www.amenclinics.com/blog/a-ps...
Follow Derek on Instagram: @rapping@dad ( / rapping_dad )
and KZbin: / @rappingdad
Want to schedule a visit? Our highly trained specialists can guide you through the process so you and your loved ones can get the help you deserve.
www.amenclinics.com/schedule-...
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE BRAIN HEALTH NEWS & TIPS kzbin.info_...
If you or someone you know would like more information about Amen Clinics, please call us or visit www.amenclinics.com/schedule-....
Within the U.S. call 1-888-288-9834
Outside the U.S. call 1-949-266-3700
www.amenclinics.com/
www.brainmdhealth.com/
Follow Amen Clinics on Instagram: / amen_clinics
Follow Amen Clinics on TikTok: / amenclinics
Like Amen Clinics on Facebook: / amenclinic
Follow Amen Clinics on Twitter: / amen_clinics
Follow Amen Clinics on LinkedIn: bit.ly/AmenClinicsLinkedIn
Follow Dr. Daniel Amen on Instagram: / doc_amen
Follow Dr. Daniel Amen on Tiktok: / docamen
Like Dr. Daniel Amen on Facebook: / drdanielamen
Follow Dr. Daniel Amen on Twitter: / docamen

[@crecer_y_emprender]

I wish we had this kind of scan and treatments in Argentina. Because my best friend committed suicide as consequence of bipolarity and lack of lithium. The treatment he was under never helped him and eventually he took that terrible decision. Can you imagine how better this world will be if science go deeper in healing physiological diseases through scans and treatments?? This is disruptive and I hope this kind of therapy gets adopted world wide soon

[@JCLiveoutloud]

I too am a motivational speaker who grew up with trauma. Just had my scans done with first follow up. Scans very similar to Dereks, as are the super hero intensities and the counsel to treat, heal and temper the brain. It's very helpful to separate my identity from my brain. To see it sure empowered me in next steps! Thanks for this story! The why do we act this way or struggle within ourself. Edifies and reminds each of us their is dignity in the journey, reasons for intensities and treatments to serve our brain!

[@saffloweroyl3663]

Those scans (I've had two over 20 years) were invaluable in both diagnosing and providing guidance in recovering from a stroke and trauma.

[@debbie4264]

Just love, "never let your inner me be your enemy".

[@thomasjames5499]

What an incredible man Derek Clark is, unbelievable!

[@heavenregnier9661]

You were born for this moment to shine! Amen

[@daniellet9669]

Yes! Very similar story and I am grateful for my Spect scans and the things I’ve learned from them.

[@keyfiender799]

"Those first 5 years of my life were the most formidable.." That's a freudian slip/ pun. His first 5 years were both formative and formidable. 💔💕

[@estherchang4174]

It is such a touching moment.

[@lynnjames6629]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@domalskid]

I've never seen Derek Clark before, but he's a pretty damn awesome person!

[@sabinagatti7978]

Thank from Poland 💖💖💖

[@Skmskmskm]

I sent an email for info on these clinics and I have not heard back…any advice to get in touch?

[@AmenClinic]

We'd be happy to help, you can reach our Care Coordinators here: www.amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/

[@justakidfromnewark4738]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥‼️

[@jesusisgoat8656]

Barzzzzz

[@estehfano]

Would be possible you treat somebody from another country? I'm from Brasil and I'd love made a treatment with you. Thanks.

[@AmenClinic]

For more information about virtual consultations, please contact our Care Coordinators: www.amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/

[@FPT84]

Where can 1 have done?

[@AmenClinic]

We currently have 10 locations nationwide: www.amenclinics.com/locations/. For more information about SPECT imaging and our services, contact our Care Coordinators: www.amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.

[@Solistastyle]

Cannot listen to this Psychologist. He comes across emotionally disconnected. Lacking in empathy. He could well be a robot which is why the person talking got disproportionately emotional and couldn't communicate at one point. When you don't feel heard, you increase the emotion in your communication. The multiple "mmmhmn"'s. The bland 'Yeah' and 'Yes' is just difficult to listen to. 😪

[@nutech1810]

Not everyone is perfect. Good lord