Abstract
The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) is a system of healing which aims to clear clinically relevant residues of traumatic experiences by resolving the associated emotional responses that are consolidated in memory at the time of the trauma, thereby activating the defense responses of fight-flight-freeze, hide, avoid, submit or dissociation; all of which contribute to the creation of state-dependent trauma memory learning loops in the limbic system.  In CRM, we conceptualize and treat all presenting problems, symptoms and diagnoses as behavioral, cognitive and relational manifestations of these autonomic nervous system, neurobiological and neurochemical defense responses.  The primary mechanism of change is emotional memory reconsolidation framed within a neurobiological, affect-focused, mid-brain-based conceptualization and practice.  A sturdy scaffold of internally generated resources promotes thorough brain and body-based safety which catalyzes trauma healing and personal transformation. Examples of these resources include: attunement to self and other; secure attachment neurobiology; a positively valenced neurochemical state of seeking affiliation; a brain-based topographical neural network which promotes conscious awareness moment to moment; and breathwork skills.  The individual resources and the layered resource scaffolds are anchored in the brain with fixed eye positions.  

CRM juxtaposes these robustly layered, neurobiological resource states with traumatized states to avoid overwhelming emotional distress while the individual re-members the traumatic experiences.  These crucial mismatches happen at the level of the brainstem, rather than at the cortical level which is a conceptual evolution from the historical theoretical focus in post-traumatic stress disorder; the role of the amygdala and the hippocampus being seen as the initial target areas for the mechanism of change.  Resourcing in CRM is layered and specifically targeted to allow safe entry into the deepest pain residual from the traumatic event so that it is not overwhelming during processing of the memory, does not lead to further re-traumatization or dissociation, and allows the individual to remain fully present throughout the process.  CRM renders intolerable hurt tolerable, releasing the need for autonomic nervous system, limbic and cortical defense responses thereby dismantling the clinical symptoms and diagnoses that were the previous outcome of the original memory consolidation.  Brain neuroplasticity is accessed and utilized to maintain the gains in the learning systems of the limbic system thereby transforming brain connectivity and reactivity to trauma experiences and memory.

Potential to Distress: Yes