Executive function refers to a set of mental processes that help us to organize, plan, focus, prioritize, and control our behavior in order to achieve goals. In other words, it's like being the traffic controller of your own brain. 

Imagine you're the traffic controller at a busy intersection. Your job is to make sure that cars are moving in the right direction, stopping when they need to, and avoiding collisions. You need to be able to quickly analyze the situation, make decisions, and adjust your actions as needed. This is similar to what happens in our brains when we use executive function to control our behavior. 

The traffic controller analogy can be broken down further to illustrate the different components of executive function: 

Inhibition: Just like a traffic controller needs to stop cars when necessary, we need to be able to inhibit impulses that might get in the way of achieving our goals. This means being able to resist distractions, delay gratification, and control our emotions. 

Working memory: A traffic controller needs to be able to remember which cars have already passed through the intersection and which ones are still waiting. Similarly, we use working memory to hold information in our minds as we carry out a task, such as following a set of directions or solving a math problem. 

Cognitive flexibility: A traffic controller needs to be able to switch between different tasks and adjust their approach based on changing conditions. Similarly, we use cognitive flexibility to adapt to new situations, shift our focus when needed, and think creatively. 

Planning and organization: A traffic controller needs to plan ahead and anticipate what will happen next in order to keep traffic moving smoothly. Similarly, we use planning and organization to break down complex tasks into manageable steps, set goals, and prioritize our actions. 

Self-monitoring: A traffic controller needs to be aware of their own actions and the impact they're having on traffic flow. Similarly, we use self-monitoring to evaluate our own performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust our behavior as needed. 

Trauma can have a significant impact on executive functioning. Research has shown that trauma can impair executive functioning by disrupting neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as planning, decision making, and impulse control (1). 

Trauma can also lead to symptoms such as hypervigilance and dissociation, which can further impair executive functioning (2). 

Both the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) can help individuals improve executive functioning by addressing the underlying impacts of trauma. The SSP has been shown to improve executive functioning and attention in children with developmental disorders, as well as adults with PTSD (3,4).  

SE helps individuals regulate their nervous system and release stored trauma, which can help improve executive functioning by reducing symptoms such as hypervigilance and dissociation (5). 

References: 

van der Kolk BA. The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin; 2015. 

Courtois CA, Ford JD. Treating complex traumatic stress disorders: An evidence-based guide. Guilford Press; 2013. 

Porges SW, Bazhenova OV, Bal E, Carlson N, Sorokin Y, Heilman KJ, et al. Reducing auditory hypersensitivities in autistic spectrum disorder: Preliminary findings evaluating the listening project protocol. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2014;2:80. 

Ouimet AJ, Gawrysiak MJ, Gonzalez A. Preliminary outcomes from the Safe and Sound Protocol on executive functions, motor performance, and adaptive behavior. Journal of Applied School Psychology. 2020;36(2):138-52. 

Payne P, Levine PA, Crane-Godreau MA. Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology. 2015;6:93.