Some parts of the brain never forget but remember in ways that we don’t have explicit awareness of. Certain of these tacit memories have the potential to commandeer our emotions, cognition, and physical reactions. This has been referred to as “amygdala hijack.” It matters for all of us and even more so for people who have experienced trauma. This module invites us to consider the experience of amygdala hijack, what it is, and research on what is known about why it happens.
Next, a case study is shared with a set of guiding questions to invite us to think about how amygdala hijack may be interacting with an individual’s ability to engage in learning opportunities related to the workplace and what support can be provided. It offers questions to ask and points to keep in mind for managing amygdala hijack and for supporting others in doing so.