Neuroscientist Breanne Kearney Explores Body’s Memory of Trauma

Breanne Kearney, a recent PhD graduate from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, has made significant strides in understanding how trauma affects the brain’s sensory-motor networks. Kearney’s journey began with a six-year-old boy who had faced numerous challenges in his early education, including multiple school expulsions. Arriving in her care angry and withdrawn, he engaged in movement and play therapy, which ultimately led to his successful graduation from first grade. This experience transformed Kearney’s professional path, shifting her focus from occupational therapy to academic research.

Kearney’s groundbreaking research, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Ruth Lanius, delves into the intricate relationship between trauma, sensory processing, and the body’s memory. She employs functional MRI technology to study adults suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Many people with trauma feel it in their bodies – tension, pain, or visceral unease. We wanted to know what parts of the brain correspond with this sense of reliving things somatically in the body,” Kearney explains.

Exploring Innovative Therapies for Trauma

One of Kearney’s notable contributions to the field is her exploration of an emerging psychotherapy known as deep brain reorienting. This approach focuses on the body’s initial reflexive responses to traumatic experiences. “This therapy targets the shock response from the lowest part of the brain, before any thoughts or feelings,” Kearney elaborates.

In a recent clinical trial, Kearney and her colleagues observed significant improvements in participants’ symptoms, particularly among those who had not responded to conventional therapies. “It offers another option for people, especially those who don’t do well with exposure or talk therapy,” she says, highlighting the potential of this innovative treatment.

Kearney’s journey into neuroscience was somewhat serendipitous. Originally from Long Island, NY, she earned her degree in occupational therapy from the University of New Hampshire. A neurology course, which her peers often dreaded, sparked her interest in the field of neuroscience. After gaining experience working with children and adolescents facing neuro-developmental challenges in Portland, she pursued a master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience at University College London. A pivotal email to Dr. Lanius set the stage for her current research trajectory.

Kearney reflects on this transition, stating, “I still can’t believe I cold emailed Dr. Lanius, having no clue how much of a giant she is in this field. But I remember writing to her that I believed in this work more than anything.”

Combining Research and Clinical Practice

With her PhD now complete, Kearney’s commitment to both research and clinical practice remains strong. She is continuing her work at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry as a postdoctoral scholar while also pursuing the final stages of her licensure in Canada. Kearney plans to balance her time between research and occupational therapy, stating, “I’m passionate about having a foot in research while still keeping myself in the reality of seeing people in the clinic. It just gives me such a richer understanding.”

Her dedication to working with individuals, particularly children, is evident in her words: “That’s my heart’s work.” As Kearney continues to explore the complexities of trauma and its effects on the body, she remains committed to advancing therapeutic interventions that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.

Through her innovative research, Breanne Kearney exemplifies the vital intersection of clinical practice and scientific inquiry, paving the way for new understandings of trauma and healing.