Understanding How the Subjective Mind Relates to the Brain in Trauma Assessment and Treatment

A New Scientific Model Rooted in Neuroscience and Philosophy

Trauma is a complex phenomenon that involves profound alterations in brain function, emotional regulation, and subjective experience. Traditional therapeutic approaches often focus solely on behavioral or cognitive aspects. 

Dr. Carol Diviney has developed a pioneering science-based model — the Ruach Refuah Subjective Mind Model — that integrates neuroscience, philosophy, and person-centered  assessment and treatment. 

The new model will be used on a broader scale not just for neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders, giving individuals a choice between Ruach Refuah Subjective Mind or Psychotherapy. 

The Foundations of the Subjective Mind Model

At its core, the Ruach Refuah Model emphasizes the importance of the subjective mind — an individual's internal landscape that can be shaped by historical, collective, or intergenerational trauma experiences, external knowledge, interactions, and societal experiences, as well as personal perceptions, opinions, and experiences.

Rooted in philosophical depth and neuroscience, this model posits that assessment and treatment requires pioneering resources for Mental Health  Practitioners Fellows, Medical Settings and Academic Institutions. Dr Diviney has developed a Pioneering resource for assessment and treatment. The scientific image of the subjective mind and processing brain, the first in the World that provides a groundbreaking resource in Mental Health. 

A central aspect of the new pioneering model is the recognition of the personal neurocognitive environment, which refers to the individualized and dynamic internal landscape composed of neural networks, cognitive processes, and subjective experiences. This concept underscores how each person's unique brain function shapes their perceptions, memories, and emotional responses, forming a personalized internal universe. An integral part of this groundbreaking approach is the introduction of the scientific image, a novel resource that provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for understanding the intricate relationship between brain activity, consciousness, and subjective experience. The scientific image serves as a foundational tool within the model, offering a clear, systematic visualization of these complex interactions, and advancing our capacity to explore and influence mental health and neuroplasticity in a scientifically rigorous manner.

Trauma assessment and treatment as well as the broader context of therapeutic provision requires a scientific model focused on the subjective mind and processing brain.

Acknowledging its influence on brain functioning, and nervous system processing and responses, thus providing a scientifically robust framework in the assessment and treatment of patients, accessing therapeutic services and provisions. 

Being able to explore the subjective mind requires individuals to be free from negative influential subjective minds with time and space to explore their subjective mind. 

Dr. Diviney’s approach is unique in its integration of neuroimaging and subjective experience, recognizing that the brain is both a biological organ and a reflection of nature’s interconnectedness. This aligns with contemporary views in quantum science, particularly QBism, which emphasizes the subjective nature of quantum phenomena, suggesting that individual perception plays a vital role in shaping reality (King et al., 2021).

Neuroscience and the Nervous System in Trauma

The nervous system — comprising the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) — is fundamental to understanding trauma’s impact. Neural pathways transmit information via electrochemical signals, responding to both external stimuli (e.g., sights, sounds) and internal states (e.g., blood sugar levels). When a threat is perceived, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and causing physical sensations such as increased heart rate (Science Direct).

In trauma, this system can become dysregulated, leading to persistent hyperarousal or hypoarousal. 

Dr. Diviney’s model emphasizes the subjective mind which involves engaging the subjective mind to reprocess and reframe these physiological responses. The brain’s plasticity allows for new pathways to form, especially when individuals explore their inner experiences through a scientifically informed, philosophical lens.

Emotions, Feelings, and the Inner Experience

While often used interchangeably, emotions and feelings are distinct yet interconnected. Emotions are automatic physiological and psychological responses to stimuli, whereas feelings involve the conscious interpretation and labeling of those emotions. Trauma can distort these processes, leading to disconnection or overwhelming sensations.

The subjective mind is influenced by environmental, societal, and intergenerational factors, this shapes how individuals perceive and interpret their emotional states. Recognizing this, Dr. Diviney advocates for therapeutic approaches that validate personal inner experiences, allowing individuals to explore and reframe their subjective realities.

The Role of the Subjective Mind 

The subjective mind exists within a broader context of interconnectedness with nature, echoing the philosophical and scientific research that emphasizes we are part of nature (Diviney, 2025). This interconnectedness underscores the importance of approaches that honor scientific research and understanding of the subjective mind, personal perception, while acknowledging the influence of external and collective histories.

Traditional talk therapies often aim for awareness and acceptance but may fall short if individuals are not ready or able to confront their internal experiences directly. 

The Ruach Refuah Model uses scientifically proven treatments that increase the brain’s master chemical dopamine.

This will aid individuals to explore emotions that they may not be aware of and foster a pathway toward expressing their inner voice and aiding well-being.

Using scientifically proven creative modalities such as art therapy, poetry, and using‘ the most highly developed type of  purely connotational semantic which is music’ (Langer, 1951, p. 93). In other words, meaning in music came to us before meaning given by words. 

This single neurotransmitter dopamine is responsible for a plethora of mental and physical processes.

Which facilitates self-expression and exploration of the inner subjective landscape. 

Without high dopamine levels, we tend to experience depression, sadness, confusion, fear, negative thinking, rumination, and other emotional obstacles. (Minds Journal).

Integrating Scientific and Philosophical Frameworks

Looking ahead, Dr. Diviney envisions integrating neuroimaging techniques into this model, providing objective assessment tools alongside subjective exploration. Such integration could enhance understanding in complex cases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, by correlating brain activity patterns with subjective reports.

This approach aligns with ongoing scientific endeavors to map brain function in trauma, neurodegeneration, and mental health conditions, emphasizing the importance of a holistic view that respects both scientific data and personal experience (King et al., 2021).

Dr. Carol Diviney’s commitment to helping others process trauma through this innovative model reflects a profound integration of neuroscience, philosophy, and person-centered treatment and assessment.  By acknowledging the central role of the subjective mind and its relationship with brain function and nature, this model offers a deeper pathway for neuroplasticity — one that honors the individual’s personal neurocognitive environment while grounding treatment in scientific understanding.

This paradigm shift encourages mental health practitioners and individuals alike to view trauma not merely as a disorder to be fixed but as an experience to be explored, understood, and integrated through a scientifically informed, philosophically rich lens.

Resources for Further Reading

• King, J., et al. (2021). Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness: The Role of Subjectivity. Academic Press.

• Science Direct. (2023). Neural Mechanisms and Responses to Trauma.

• Diviney, C. (2025). The Ruach Refuah Subjective Mind Model: A New Paradigm for Trauma Assessment and Treatment.

• Neumann, D. (2019). Neuroplasticity and Trauma Recovery. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.

• The Minds Journal. (n.d.). Supercharge Dopamine. Retrieved from https://themindsjournal.com/supercharge-dopamine/

• Langer, E. J. (2017). The Power of Mindfulness. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618809/