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What Neuroscience and Scripture Both Say About Healing Your Brain

10 minutes ago
9 min read

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Your brain doesn't forget trauma just because time passes. It rewires around it. Dr. Carl Wilson, clinical counselor, behavioral health CEO, and pastor, breaks down what trauma actually does to a leader's brain and how Scripture becomes the counter-force that rewires it back. This one gets personal fast. If you've ever wondered why your reactions don't match the moment, this episode is for you.





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Transcript


A respected leader is transparent. You know, they will open up and share with you that they're not perfect and that they are in the process, just like all of us are in the process.


Welcome to the Christian Leader Made Simple podcast. I'm your host, Ryan Franklin, and I'm an executive coach and the vice president of strategic leadership and operations for Pentecostal Resources Group and the United Pentecostal Church International. If you're leading in ministry or a business, then you likely know just how easy it is to get scattered, to lose your focus, and to start feeling ineffective. I've been there myself, and that's why I created the Christian Leader Self Assessment. It's free, and in just 10 minutes, it'll show you exactly how to gain clarity and confidence as a leader. Go to ryanfranklin.org or you can click the link in the description to take the assessment today.


And so now let's dive into today's episode.


Every leader is carrying an internal wiring that they didn't choose. It could be DNA, old pain, old trauma, old patterns—maybe from combat or from family situations or from years in ministry. Most of us never stop to ask how much of that wiring is actually driving our actions in our leadership today.


Today's guest has spent his life in that exact tension. Dr. Carl Wilson is the CEO of Covenant Behavioral Health and Covenant Educational Center. He holds a doctorate in behavioral health and he's a licensed professional clinical counselor specializing in military trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse. One of the main reasons I asked him to talk about our subject today is because he's currently pursuing a doctorate in neuroscience; he just completed the coursework and is working on his dissertation.


So with that said, welcome back to the show, Dr. Wilson.


Thank you for having me.


Thank you, sir. Absolutely. It's been, I guess, what—a year and a half or so since we've done this? Our first collaboration session was tremendous on how to fight fair. I loved that one. If you have not watched it or listened to it yet, I encourage you to go back and check it out. Dr. Wilson unpacked a tremendous list of things that would help you work through tension in marriage or any relationship in general. That was a tremendous episode.


Well, take me back to a moment early in your counseling work, Dr. Wilson, where you first saw how deep trauma had rewired not just a person's behavior but someone's brain.


Yes. Probably the number one reason I came into this field was really to understand behavior—reactive behavior in particular—of family members. Being in the military, I remember when I was deployed my job was to "chapter out" certain individuals who failed to adapt to the war zone. There were lots of reasons why people were being kicked out; we called it chaptering out or a chapter two discharge.


Something struck me—I realized I was processing people out faster than they were coming in. That’s no way to sustain the war effort when people are working double shifts of 10-12 hours; discharging people because of reactive behavior isn’t sustainable.


I went to my commander and asked if I could reassign these troops to work for me instead of discharging them; he agreed because he was tired too of kicking people out.


In conversation with these troops trying to understand why they were having so many issues carrying out their duties, I saw it wasn’t just deployment but deep-rooted issues being compounded—issue upon issue—with no healthy way to process stress or trauma.


That’s when I saw the effects of trauma clearly: trauma happens very early—sometimes even as infants—and we carry it within our bodies. Without processing it properly over time with repeated stressors without recovery or healing, unhealthy impacts emerge.


It was really selfish too—I was tired of kicking people out and onboarding new ones—so I started a successful program helping troops experiencing divorce, infidelity, and other issues deal with trauma by adjusting physically, mentally, spiritually within themselves.


You've worked with many veterans and first responders over the years as well as others; can you elaborate on what unresolved trauma looks like day-to-day for leaders—even years after the event?


Leaders can become emotionally reactive; consider military temperaments: there are four main personality types but I'll focus on one—the dominating "D" personality type: dominating, demanding, directed personalities who make good military leaders but are at higher risk for unresolved trauma.


They can become emotionally reactive yet emotionally unavailable; they stay constantly busy because slowing down allows painful memories or feelings to surface—they tend toward "saw fix forget" behavior: putting things away neatly without dealing with them directly.


This makes them good leaders because they can detach easily but often confuse compliance with loyalty and control/emotional distance as strength.


You see this not only in military leaders but also pastors and church leaders who are driven A-type personalities: isolated pastors surround themselves only with compliant teams who don’t rock the boat but lack outside objective voices feeding healthy perspective.


That emotional unavailability is common among leaders hiding trauma—they may preach hope publicly but don't feel safe enough internally to acknowledge their own pain transparently.


Functioning doesn’t mean healed—a leader can be productive, gifted, spiritually committed while carrying untreated wounds.


That tension exists even among counselors who help others manage trauma but may struggle themselves; many enter counseling fields due to personal history or family experiences seeking understanding—which is why every therapist needs a therapist too!


I’m an executive coach with my own counselor; doing our own work helps us be most effective for others.


You’re pursuing a second doctorate in neuroscience—can you walk me through what happens neurologically when someone experiences trauma? What gets rewired?


We have two key brain regions: the prefrontal cortex (rational) and the limbic system (emotional). Within the limbic system lies the amygdala—the size of an almond—which serves as an alarm system highly alert for danger cues.


Some scientists suggest removing amygdala surgically—it’s no longer needed—but I disagree; God gave it for survival—to detect threats.


The hippocampus helps place memories in time/context; traumatic events create "flashbulb memories" seared into consciousness with emotion attached but often aren’t processed immediately so get stuffed inside as we keep moving forward like good soldiers/saints.


That interrupts prefrontal cortex function distorting perception; triggers such as sight, sound, smell, taste or events resembling past trauma activate amygdala causing hypervigilance—even misinterpreting neutral actions negatively (e.g., someone not saying hello might be seen as anger).


Trauma rewires how we see/process life requiring healing so amygdala learns those triggers are not threats anymore preventing disproportionate reactions.


Is there different levels of trauma? For example: mass violence vs rejection or embarrassment?


Absolutely—trauma impacts vary widely based on personal factors such as upbringing, worldview, coping skills etc.—two people exposed to same traumatic event may respond differently (only one develops PTSD).


Character maturity capacity all influence interpretation/impact of traumatic events differently for each individual.


Our brain is meant to be our best friend not enemy—but trauma causes fight/flight/freeze responses where brain perceives threat even if none exists due to flashbulb memory stored deeply affecting DNA response patterns (e.g., gag reflex triggered by taste linked with past illness).


In future perceived threats—even minor ones—we protect ourselves via detachment moodiness passive aggression excessive worry etc.—common PTSD symptoms include aggressive controlling behavior which isn’t intentional meanness but defense mechanism (e.g., veteran unable to drive past trash cans fearing hidden bombs due to prior experience).


There are many ways positive experiences can rewire brain too: human interaction counseling coaching friendship etc.—let’s talk specifically about scripture since it’s powerful spiritually and scientifically for overcoming struggles—what does research say happens neurologically when someone engages consistently with scripture?


Through neuroplasticity we know repeated behaviors/thoughts create neural pathways reinforcing new ways of thinking/feeling; speaking scripture aloud activates auditory pathways linking heart/mind helping shift perspective transforming mindset (Romans 12 talks about renewing mind through God’s word).


The "Bible pathway" creates new memories replacing harmful ones by calling things as though they were so—this shifts interpretation allowing healing/resilience building supported by spiritual truth combined with neuroscience principles confirming mind-body connection benefits from Scripture engagement/prayer/declaration positively impacting brain chemistry/functionality.


While scripture empowers healing we also need counsel/support—we find biblical principles supporting mutual support ("bear one another's burdens") though no direct verse commands licensed counseling its principle aligns perfectly with needing objective voices outside ourselves for accountability/growth/healing.


As both clinician and ordained minister do you ever feel tension between clinical explanation vs spiritual explanation?


For me they complement each other—they go hand-in-hand; science supports God because God created science—you cannot separate true science from faith logically/scientifically—ethical challenges exist professionally but spirituality enriches clinical practice giving deeper meaning/context aligning treatments with biblical principles enhancing care effectiveness holistically integrating body mind spirit within faith framework.


For leaders sensing their reactions are disproportionate—withdrawal extreme moodiness ego/arrogance rising beyond situation—what’s first step toward rewiring brain?


First recognize offense signals trauma/wounding prompting self-evaluation differentiating leadership pressure (normal) vs traumatic response (exaggerated)—notice physical reactions often precede mental awareness signaling dysregulation requiring pause/reflection seeking counsel journaling prayer delaying response until emotions regulate then respond rationally/appropriately avoiding impulsive actions damaging relationships/trust/team cohesion etcetera important objective feedback vital here since self-awareness alone may be insufficient especially under stress/trauma triggers activating unconscious defense mechanisms distorting reality perception requiring trusted external perspectives helping recalibrate responses effectively restoring balance clarity stability enabling healthier leadership presence/performance growth resilience development ongoing process needing patience compassion commitment support community accountability partners coaches therapists friends mentors all essential elements facilitating transformational healing/recovery/reintegration empowering leaders toward wholeness excellence authenticity transparency strengthening influence impact sustainably effectively glorifying God through servant leadership embodying Christlike character integrity humility love grace mercy empowering teams nurturing environments producing fruitfulness multiplying kingdom impact abundantly fulfilling calling purpose faithfully joyfully daily step by step journey forward together learning growing serving loving leading well gloriously!


What role do relationships play in rewiring our brain?


Relationships trigger oxytocin release—the bonding chemical reducing cortisol (stress hormone) improving mood sleep regulation calming amygdala decreasing hypervigilance enhancing emotional regulation resilience—we need safe loving connections fostering belonging acceptance vulnerability strengthening neural pathways conducive positive growth healing recovery relational engagement strengthens social cognition empathy compassion trust repairing attachment wounds rebuilding capacity intimacy security enhancing overall wellbeing leadership effectiveness personal fulfillment quality life fascinating research confirms profound biological psychological spiritual significance consistent loving supportive relationships foundational essential pillars sustaining mental emotional physical spiritual health resilience thriving flourishing optimal functioning holistically integrally synergistically deeply profoundly transforming lives exponentially multiplying blessings goodness grace peace joy hope love power glory forever amen!


What practices reshape someone's brain/leadership over time?


Healthy relationships challenging fears exposing vulnerabilities practicing cognitive restructuring replacing negative thoughts affirmations declarations encouraging resilient mindset setting boundaries delegating responsibilities repairing relationships redefining expectations embracing imperfection transparency accountability continuous learning self-reflection emotional regulation mindfulness prayer meditation worship rest self-care seeking professional support coaching mentoring community involvement service gratitude generosity humility forgiveness persistence courage faith hope love—all vital practices nurturing neuroplasticity catalyzing transformation renewing mind heart soul spirit equipping leaders stewarding gifts talents calling effectively lovingly wisely humbly boldly faithfully impacting generations eternally glorifying God fulfilling divine destiny purpose mission kingdom advancement victorious overcoming conquering flourishing forevermore hallelujah amen!


For pastors suspecting unresolved struggles impacting leadership what should they do this week?


Identify something/someone troubling you ask “What is this teaching me about me?” Reflect honestly discerning areas needing change recognizing we cannot change others only our response attitudes behaviors choose growth healing proactively embrace introspection humility courage seek counsel support prayer scripture renewing mind heart spirit commit small steps daily trusting God transforming grace empowering breakthrough restoration freedom peace joy abundant life leading well gloriously glorifying Christ faithfully joyfully always progressing becoming more fully who God created us to be uniquely indispensably wonderfully blessed!


Remember wounded brain ≠ disqualified brain! Trauma shapes survival lens doesn’t determine destiny! Healing possible transformation real hope alive active ongoing accessible attainable embracing grace truth power love faith community wisdom guidance resources help available never alone journey onward upward forward upward together stronger wiser better more whole more holy more humble more hopeful more loving more joyful more fruitful more faithful always growing becoming Christlike image shining light hope world kingdom advancing forevermore amen!


Before we wrap up any last words?


Pause before responding seek counsel write pray sleep on decisions establish boundaries delegate repair redefine relationships get help don’t isolate don’t give up don’t settle don’t despair trust God trust process trust yourself keep growing keep serving keep loving keep leading keep shining bright lights guiding others safely home glory hallelujah amen!


Dr. Wilson thank you for joining us today—it’s been such a blessing connecting!


Thank you sir! Appreciate your time!


Listeners can find Covenant Educational Center at covenanteducationalcenter.org and Covenant Behavioral Health at covenantbehavioralhealth.org — links will be available in show notes!


This concludes our show today! My name is Ryan Franklin — thank you so much for joining us on Christian Leader Made Simple podcast!


Copyright © 2026 Ryan Franklin. All rights reserved.


 
 
 

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