Neuropsychoanalytic Perspectives on Trauma

In this book, Kobi Tiberg presents a novel neuropsychoanalytic perspective that integrates psychoanalytic theory with contemporary neuroscience, particularly predictive processing, to explore trauma across mind and brain.

Building on Freud's concept of binding, the book examines trauma as a state of overwhelming surprise where prediction errors cannot be resolved, leaving mental and neural processes unbound. It offers a unique dual-aspect approach, addressing both neurological forms of trauma, such as acquired brain injury, and relational developmental trauma, revealing functional links between brain mechanisms and subjective experience. The book provides fresh insights into dissociation, repetition, and post-traumatic adaptation, whilst also exploring how mechanisms underlying trauma—surprise, disruption, and unbinding—may be re-engaged under favourable conditions in domains such as sexuality and humour, allowing for transformation rather than mere repetition. Clinical implications are also discussed, offering reflections on how these mechanisms may inform therapeutic practice.

Written for clinicians, researchers, and students in psychoanalysis, neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry, this integrative framework bridges theory and practice, making complex concepts accessible to those working with or studying trauma from multiple perspectives.