Our Science
The Science Behind Recess
A brain-based approach to stabilizing trauma exposure at work.
Repeated exposure to crisis, grief, and distress changes how the brain and nervous system respond to stress. Over time, the body stays more activated. Recovery becomes slower. Emotional reactivity increases. Decision quality declines.
This is not just burnout. It is accumulated biological strain.
Built specifically for secondary trauma and repeated exposure, not general stress.
Trauma Exposure Is Stored in the Nervous System
Research in secondary trauma and compassion fatigue shows that repeated exposure to distress impacts:
- Emotional regulation
- Cognitive flexibility
- Stress recovery
- Behavioral response under pressure
When activation becomes chronic, instability becomes predictable. That is why stabilization must go beyond awareness and address the nervous system itself.
Built on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
Recess draws from the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the foundation behind EMDR. The AIP model proposes that distressing experiences can become maladaptively stored, leaving the body and brain more reactive in future situations.
Traditional therapy helps reprocess these experiences in clinical settings. Recess adapts core AIP principles into structured, guided protocols designed specifically for:
Important Distinction
This is not therapy. It is structured stabilization built for real-world shifts.
Nervous System Regulation, Not Just Resilience
Recess protocols are also informed by:
- Polyvagal theory, how the autonomic nervous system regulates safety and threat
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV) research, a measurable indicator of stress and recovery
- Secondary trauma and occupational stress literature
The goal is simple: Reduce nervous system activation. Support recovery. Prevent cumulative overload.
Real-Time Emotional Processing & Adaptive Intervention Response
The REPAIR™ Engine
At the center of Recess is the REPAIR™ Engine, our AI-driven personalization model that integrates three inputs to tailor stabilization in real time.
By synthesizing emotional signals, engagement patterns, and biometric input, REPAIR™ adjusts pacing, modality, and protocol intensity, creating a self-paced experience matched to the user’s current activation level.
Why This Matters
Most digital wellness tools deliver generic content. Recess integrates:
Evidence & Research Base
The research foundations behind Recess, including secondary trauma literature, AIP processing theory, polyvagal research, and HRV-based stress science, are detailed in our white paper: Lost Productivity, Lost Profits Recess White Paper.
Important Note: Recess is not a substitute for clinical therapy. It is designed to provide structured stabilization support within professional environments.