Podcasts about freeze response

Anxiety, Avoidance, Defensiveness, and Overreacting in the Anxiety Response Loop Avoidance, defensiveness, and overreacting are all expressions of the anxiety response loop at work in Christian women leaders. Each behavior is rooted in a dysregulated nervous system. Each one is driven by the same biological survival mechanism. And each one, when chronic, erodes relationships, diminishes leadership effectiveness, and ultimately contributes to burnout. When you break through anxiety, however, you shift the pendulum and can lead with calm, confidence, and consistency. Three Anxiety-Driven Behaviors in the Loop Overreacting: The Fight Response in Leadership Clothing Overreacting is the fight response. When your nervous system detects a threat — real or perceived — cortisol and adrenaline flood your body within seconds. Defensiveness: When Justifying Yourself Feels Like Survival Defensiveness is also rooted in the fight response. However, its origins are often more personal and more painful than overreacting. People-pleasing and defensiveness are woven together. Lack of trust Furthermore, defensiveness often signals a lack of trust in one's own judgment. Avoidance: The Flight and Freeze Response in Disguise Avoidance is the fight-or-freeze response. When your nervous system decides that fighting is too costly, it chooses a different strategy: avoid the threat entirely. Relationship of indecision and avoidance How These Behaviors Connect to the Rest of the Anxiety Response Loop None of the behaviors in the anxiety response loop exists in isolation. Avoidance, defensiveness, and overreacting are deeply connected to every behavior explored in this series. Faith, Strength, and Responding with Grace Instead of Reacting with Fear How Christian Women Leaders Can Break Free from Avoidance, Defensiveness, and Overreacting 1. Identify Your Default Response 2. Create a Gap Before You Respond. 3. Regulate Your Nervous System Daily, Not Just in Crisis 4. Trust the Holy Spirit with Your Decisions and Your Defense 5. Face What You Have Been Avoiding 6. Replace the Harsh Word with the Gentle Answer What This Looks Like in the Calm, Confident, Consistent Loop When you move out of avoidance, defensiveness, and overreacting and into the calm, confident, consistent leadership loop, your relationships begin to heal. The people around you relax because they are no longer bracing for an outsized reaction or waiting for the conversation you keep postponing. REFLECTION QUESTIONS Which of the three behaviors — overreacting, defensiveness, or avoidance — shows up most in your leadership right now? When you trace it back, what situation or relationship is most likely to trigger that response? What does your nervous system believe is threatening? What would it look like to trust the Holy Spirit's leading in the specific situation you have been avoiding or reacting to this week? Check out the FAQs on the blog. Read the full show notes and access all referenced links.

Episode 76 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum tackling one of the most misunderstood realities of Selective Mutism — the difficult behaviors that so often surface alongside it. Meltdowns, shutdowns, avoidance, and controlling moments leave many parents exhausted, and Dr. E and Dr. Jenna make the case that none of these behaviors are defiance. They are communication.Dr. E and Dr. Jenna explore why so many children with SM hold it together at school and fall apart at home, and why structure, consistency, routine, and predictability are non-negotiable for any anxious child. Through real case examples — a six-year-old hiding under the table at her own birthday party, a teen retreating to his room when relatives visit, a young client frozen in front of a beloved family friend — they walk through the four types of difficult behaviors and what each is trying to say.The middle of the episode turns to practical strategy: the Look-Listen-Learn framework, the roadmap method for preparing children before overwhelming events, and bridging down on the Social Communication Bridge® so kids build comfort before words. They also dig into the underlying contributors that drive dysregulation — sensory sensitivities, ADHD, hunger, fatigue, and the parent's own agenda.The episode closes on the feelings chart — a deceptively simple tool that gives children numerical language for emotions they can't yet explain — and on the truth that parents are the most critical component in their child's progress. Dr. E previews a Part Two with more strategies for navigating the big feelings behind the silence.--Chapters: (04:06) When Silence Feels Big: Why Kids with SM Hold It Together at School and Fall Apart at Home(10:55) Behavior Is a Signal, Not Defiance: Reframing Outbursts Through Look, Listen, Learn(17:07) The Roadmap and the Bridge: How Preparation Prevents Avoidance and Shutdown(29:44) On the Lookout: Using Cognition and Real-World Goals to Outsmart the Freeze Response(38:00) The Feelings Chart: Giving Kids Words for What They Can't Yet Explain- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/resources/ Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support programLearn more about our 6-week, virtual social skills series, designed to help children, teens, & young adults build social communication, comfort, and connection with similar aged-peers in a supportive setting.- For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Productions (neweditionconsulting.com)

Have you ever reached a new level of success… only to suddenly feel exhausted, disconnected, shut down, or emotionally frozen afterward? After returning from my book tour, I noticed myself slipping into a freeze response. And underneath it, I realized something deeper: for many of us who grew up with a narcissistic parent, connection felt unpredictable, conditional, or unsafe. So when we experience expansion, visibility, love, or success, the nervous system can interpret it as danger instead of safety. In this podcast, I'm sharing: ✨ How growing up with a narcissist can create deep feelings of being unloveable ✨ Why the nervous system sabotages success when it doesn't feel emotionally safe ✨ The connection between attachment wounds, freeze response, and emotional shutdown ✨ What happens when connection goes away and the body perceives it as threat or abandonment ✨ Why healing isn't just mindset work — it's nervous system work The truth is: we can often only hold the level of success that our nervous system feels safe enough to sustain. And when we expand beyond what feels familiar, the body may unconsciously shut us down in an attempt to protect us. This podcast is for anyone who has ever wondered: “Why do I collapse after growth?” “Why do I feel unsafe being seen?” “Why does success trigger anxiety, numbness, or withdrawal?” You are not failing. Your nervous system learned survival patterns that once protected you — and healing is about teaching the body that connection, visibility, love, and success can now be safe.

Are you questioning more than ever… while friends and family around you seem to question nothing at all?In this week's coffee chat with Brice from @EsotericAtlanta we dive into why so many people appear unable or unwilling to react to things that should concern them — from the rollout of live facial recognition and surveillance technology, to animal vaccination programmes, food supply pressure, digital control, and the deeper conditioning that keeps people passive. Not to mention fuel and food shortages. We also touch on the recent UK court decision allowing the Metropolitan Police's live facial recognition policy to continue after a human rights challenge, and France drafting in the army to support mass cattle vaccination during a lumpy skin disease outbreak. Both stories raise important questions about how quickly large-scale systems can become normalised. This conversation is not about panic. It is about discernment, sovereignty, health, community, and asking better questions before the world changes around us and everyone simply adapts.WATCH PLANET MIND CONTROL: https://www.planetmindcontrol.com/————————————————Work with CatherineIf you'd like deeper support for yourself or the animals in your care, explore Catherine's consultations and courses here:

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with Steven Painter to explore the deeper realities of living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), the mind-body connection, and the hidden impact of stress and trauma on our nervous system. This conversation goes beyond labels and diagnoses, diving into the human experience behind chronic conditions and the resilience it takes to navigate them.

Kennst du dieses Gefühl, wenn die Welt um dich herum besonders laut wird – und du plötzlich verstummst? Nicht bewusst, nicht absichtlich. Es passiert einfach. Wie ein stiller Rückzug, den du erst bemerkst, wenn du feststellst: Ich habe schon lange nichts mehr wirklich gesagt. Diese Sprachlosigkeit ist keine Schwäche. Sie ist eine Traumfolge – und sie beginnt oft viel früher, als wir denken. In dieser Folge schauen wir gemeinsam hin: Wo kommt diese Stille her? Warum verstummen wir, wenn wir uns eigentlich ausdrücken möchten? Und wie findest du deine Stimme wieder? Du erfährst, was die Freeze-Response mit deiner Stimme macht, warum Introversion manchmal gar keine Persönlichkeitseigenschaft ist – sondern eine Traumfolge, und welche einfachen körperorientierten Übungen dir helfen, den Kloß im Hals zu lösen und wieder in Kontakt mit deinem Ausdruck zu kommen.

If you've been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you just can't get yourself to sell or take action in your business… this episode will explain exactly why. What most people label as procrastination or lack of discipline is often a nervous system response called freeze, and it quietly impacts your income more than you realize.   In this episode, I break down how the freeze response shows up specifically around money, sales, and visibility. You'll understand why you can know exactly what to do and still not do it, how your brain is wired to avoid perceived financial risk, and why your income can stall even when you're "doing all the right things." This is where neuroscience, psychology, and money behavior intersect.   NEW LIVE COURSE – Member Exclusive: Create a Personal Brand That Gets You Paid — Without a Big Audience Fast Track: 3 Weeks to Start Making Money From What You Know (EXCLUSIVE TO POSSE MEMEBERS ONLY JOIN HERE)   RESOURCES MENTIONED:   >> Join the famous ProjectME Posse Business & Money Coaching Membership HERE NEW LIVE COURSE Create a Personal Brand That Gets You Paid — Without a Big Audience Fast Track: 3 Weeks to Start Making Money From What You Know (EXCLUSIVE TO POSSE MEMEBERS ONLY)   Make More Work Less: The Money Relationship Healing & Manifestation Program GET THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER HERE   CONNECT WITH TIFF: Tiffany on Instagram @projectme_with_tiffany Tiffany on TikTok @projectme_with_tiffany Tiffany on YouTube: ProjectME TV Tiffany's FREE Abundance Email Community: JOIN HERE > The Secret Posse Digest   In this episode: > What the freeze response is and how it affects your ability to make money > Why you avoid selling, posting offers, or following up — even when you need to > The psychology of loss aversion and how it impacts your income decisions > How decision fatigue and overwhelm lead to inaction in your business > The difference between rest and being stuck > Why freeze often happens right before a financial breakthrough > Simple ways to create momentum and start moving again   If your income has felt inconsistent, if you've been stuck in overthinking instead of executing, or if you feel disconnected from your drive… This episode will bring clarity to what's actually going on, and what to do next.   NEXT STEP: If you're seeing yourself in this, this is exactly the work we go deeper into inside The Project Me Posse — where you get support, accountability, and guidance so you take action and stay in action until it works! NEW LIVE COURSE Create a Personal Brand That Gets You Paid — Without a Big Audience Fast Track: 3 Weeks to Start Making Money From What You Know (EXCLUSIVE TO POSSE MEMEBERS ONLY JOIN HERE)

Send us Fan MailSomething in you keeps saying no. And you don't know why. This episode names it.Eight to ten weeks after a loss,  a redundancy, job loss, relationship, or life shift of any kind, something changes. Moving forward isn't working, even when you're doing everything right. You might have offers. You can't say yes. Something deeper is asking to be heard.This episode is for high-achieving professional women who can't move forward,  whether it was a redundancy, career transition, being pushed out of a role, or a shift that happened years before and still hasn't shifted inside.In this episode Dr Amen Kaur covers:Why losing your job feels like losing yourself The science of identity and belonging The neuroscience of belonging: why the nervous system treats job loss as physical threat Baumeister and Leary's landmark research on belonging as a fundamental human need Why women in senior leadership experience greater loneliness and why that matters here The freeze response (Polyvagal Theory, Stephen Porges), what it is and why you're stuck in it Why borrowed belonging always has a ceiling and what that means for high achievers The difference between fitting in and belonging and why you've been doing the first Where the belonging you've been searching for actually lives Why nothing you've tried - therapy, coaching, mindset work, has been able to reach thisKeywords: redundancy recovery, job loss identity, women career transition, nervous system regulation, belonging and identity, loss of self after redundancy, high achieving women burnout, freeze response career, polyvagal theory women, identity collapse redundancy, female leadership loneliness, career identity crisis, nervous system and belonging, human intelligence framework, BEYOND podcastReady to go deeper: amenkaur.com/masterclassFree Masterclass: The Human Intelligence FrameworkA walkthrough of the five stage method Dr Amen Kaur uses with high achieving women who have lost themselves inside a career, role or identity that no longer fits.Watch it free at amenkaur.com/masterclassAbout Dr Amen KaurDr Amen Kaur holds a PhD and spent over twenty years in corporate, including time as a Partner at a FTSE 250 company focused on business growth. She now teaches the Human Intelligence Framework, a five stage method that helps women stop performing and come home to who they actually are.Learn more at amenkaur.com/aboutStay CloseInstagram: @dramenkaurTikTok: @dramenkaurYouTube: @dramenkaurDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical, psychological, or financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Dopamine, amino acids, hopelessness, and beans! Let's dive in with Luis and Camille as they explore burnout and freeze alongside ADHD. If we get our dopamine from ultra processed foods, devoid of micronutrients, lacking L-Tyrosine, we do not replenish the building blocks to make more dopamine. We find ourselves hopeless, unmotivated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Frozen.Whether we are diagnosed neurodivergent or not, ultra processed foods, and screens, can put us into a state of freeze and burnout. Our next 6 month Slow Group, starting April 7th, will be focusing on counteracting these symptoms and nourishing bodies holding ADHD, as well as freeze and burnout. We may not have the ADHD diagnosis but we may have the experience of ADHD symptoms. We are not trying to fix ourselves. We are learning to relate to ourselves and to the ADHD/burnout symptoms.  We also learn to relate to screen usage and nutrition because it can either enhance or reduce our capacity. Luis closes the episode with a beautiful and simple practice that can help us navigate burnout. Email us at info@holisticlifenavigation.com if you have any questions. You can read more about, and register for, the Navigating ADHD, Freeze & Overwhelm 6-month program, here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/slow-practice-adhd You can register for the FREE Food Therapy session here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/events/beans You can pre-order the book here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/the-book----You can learn more on the website: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/You can follow Luis on Instagram @holistic.life.navigationQuestions? You can email us at info@holisticlifenavigation.com

Send us Fan MailYou walked into the boardroom feeling completely prepared. You knew the data. You had done the work. Then, the moment it mattered most, your mind went blank. This is not a sign that you are unprepared or lacking confidence: it is a biological reaction. In this Women's History Month episode, Kele Belton interviews Lilach Mendelovich, a world-class audition coach and screenwriter. She reveals why brilliant leaders are actually more susceptible to the freeze response and provides the neuroscience tools to reclaim your authority when the stakes are highest.WHAT THIS EPISODE IS ABOUT Lilach Mendelovich has spent over a decade behind the scenes at top Los Angeles casting offices. She discovered that the skills actors use to command a room during high-pressure auditions translate directly to the boardroom. In this episode, we unpack why the brain shuts down creative problem-solving when it deems a situation threatening. We explore how to interrupt the Super Multitasker Trap and move into the identity of a Meaning Maker, even when your nervous system is in survival mode.WHAT YOU WILL LEARNThe Identity Threat. Why high achievers freeze because their sense of self is tied to their success.The Self-Compassion Circuit. Why being hard on yourself signals a physical attack to your brain, making the freeze worse.The Toddler Analogy. How to treat your nervous system like a tantruming child that needs physical safety before logical input.Managing Up vs. Managing Down. How the freeze response shifts depending on who is in the room and how to refocus on service over perception.Reframing Failure. Why success is measured by how you handle the "bad days" rather than the absence of them.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODELilach Mendelovich - Audition coach and author of the Panic to Presence Guide. GET THE GUIDE.Dr. Kristin Neff - Pioneering researcher on the science of self-compassion.Ignite Your Leadership Power Accelerator - Kele's 12-week program for women moving from execution to strategy.Communicate to Lead - Now officially ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally.CONNECT WITH LILACHLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilach-mendelovich/Website: https://lilachcoaching.com/ABOUT YOUR HOST Kele Belton is the CEO of The Tailored Approach and a leadership communication coach. Through her podcast Communicate to Lead, which is ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally, she helps high-achieving women move from execution to strategic leadership during major career transitions.CONNECT WITH KELE:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com

What if your core wounds aren't things to conquer, but parts of yourself that just need to be seen, heard, and understood? And what if the reason manifestation feels effortless in your imagination but impossible in action has nothing to do with motivation…and everything to do with your nervous system? This week, Jessica sits down with somatic therapist and parts work expert Sarah Baldwin for a conversation that will completely reframe how you understand manifestation. Together, they explore why your nervous system calls the shots on what you attract, and how the self-protective patterns you developed as a child are quietly keeping you from stepping into your purpose, relationships, visibility, and expansion as an adult. Using Somatic Experiencing & Internal Family Systems (IFS) and spiritual practices, Sarah explains how our minds are made up of different "parts" — inner voices or emotional states, each with their own fears and roles. The parts that learned to protect you in childhood don't disappear; they keep running in the background, quietly shaping what you believe you're allowed to have. Unblocking starts with getting curious about those parts rather than fighting them, and learning to become a loving, attuned parent to your inner child. With nervous system regulation and parts work, you'll move through fear without forcing it, gradually expanding your capacity to hold more goodness. If manifestation feels clear in theory but sticky in practice, this episode will show you why, and guide you in softening the walls that have been keeping you from the life you've been waiting for. Find the complete show notes here -> https://tobemagnetic.com/expanded-podcast   Resources:  Virtual NYC Speaking Tour + New DI & Journal Prompts Missed the speaking tour? We're bringing our NYC conversation straight to your screen—featuring an intimate dialogue with Lacy, Jessica, Jenna Zoë, and Elizabeth Orrigo, plus the Purpose & Soul Essence Deep Imagining and guided journal prompts. Manifested during the Return to Magic Challenge? Take our Survey to share your thoughts!   Join the Pathway Membership Use code EXPANDED for 20% off your first month! The Pathway Membership gives you unlimited access to all of our manifestation workshops—including How to Manifest, Unblocking Your Inner Child, Shadow, Love, Money, Rock Bottoms, Ruts, and Energetic Updates —plus 70+ self-hypnosis tracks designed to unlock your full potential. LEARN MORE HERE   Get the latest from TBM Join the Pathway now - Return to Magic Challenge available now!   New to TBM? Free Offerings to Get You Started Learn the Process! Expanded Podcast - How to Manifest Anything You Desire  Get Expanded! The Motivation - Testimonial Library Ready to find out what's holding you back? Try our Free Clarity Exercise   Be an EXPANDER! Share Your Manifestation Story Submit to Be a Process Guest What did you manifest during the Return to Magic Challenge? Share a voice note of your question, block, or Process to be featured in an episode!   This Episode Is Brought to You By:  Anima Mundi - Use code TBM20 for 20% off purchase QI | Energy + Stamina HAPPINESS Tonic™️ | Adaptogenic Spirit Tonic*   Wildgrain - Use EXPANDED at checkout for $30 off your first box and free Croissants for life! Variety box Gluten free box Vegan box Protein box   In this episode we talk about: Why your nervous system is the true gatekeeper of manifestation The three states of regulation: sympathetic, dorsal vagal, and freeze The “invisible wall” that shows up when you try to uplevel Why manifestation often feels uncomfortable before it feels good Building capacity to receive more goodness in your life The role of parts work in unblocking and reparenting Vulnerable parts vs. protective parts — and how they work together Why procrastination, perfectionism, and overachieving are protectors Becoming a “competent protector” for your inner child The lioness metaphor: soft and attuned, yet ferociously protective How adult self-energy creates safety for expansion Why intuition is quiet and unbothered (and how to distinguish it from fear) Why shining big is an act of healing — not selfishness   Mentioned In the Episode:  Find our Return to Magic Challenge plus all our workshops and all workshops mentioned inside our Pathway Membership! (Including the Freeze or Fawn DI, Fight or Flight DI, and the NYC Speaking Tour Session)   Connect with Sarah Baldwin! @sarahbcoaching on IG https://www.sarahbaldwincoaching.com/ You Make Sense on Apple Podcasts You Make Sense - Sarah's somatic healing program - join the waitlist HOW TO MANIFEST by Lacy Phillips (with exercises by Jessica Gill)Available now! The Expanded Podcast, from To Be Magnetic™ (TBM), is the leading manifestation podcast rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and energetics. Hosted by TBM's Chief Content Officer Jessica Gill, with monthly appearances from founder Lacy Phillips, Expanded is where science and the mystical meet to help you manifest in the most grounded, practical, and life-changing way.At TBM, we've redefined manifestation through Neural Manifestation™—our proven, science-backed method developed with neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart. This process helps you reprogram limiting beliefs at the subconscious level so you can create the life most aligned with your authenticity.Each week, we take you inside the TBM practice to help you expand your subconscious to believe what you desire is possible. Through expert interviews, thought leader conversations, TBM teachings, and real member success stories, you'll learn how to: – Rewire your subconscious mind and step into your worth – Heal your inner child and integrate shadow work – Set boundaries, strengthen intuition, and reclaim self-worth – Manifest relationships, careers, abundance, and experiences that align with your true selfWith over than 40 million downloads and a global community in over 100 countries, Expanded has become the gold standard in manifestation content. Think of it as your weekly practice for expanding your mind, believing what you want is possible, and manifesting the life you're meant to live.Past guests include leading voices such as Mel Robbins, Lewis Howes, Jenna Zoe, Martha Beck, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Gabor Maté, Mark Groves, and Brianna Wiest. Where To Find Us!@tobemagnetic (IG)@LacyannephillipsLacy Launched a Substack! - By Candlelight - Join Here@Jessicaashleygill@tobemagnetic (youtube)@expandedpodcast

Send a textDissociation is often misunderstood, but for many people it's a protective nervous-system strategy—a way the mind and body reduce overwhelm when something feels too much to stay present for. In this intro-level episode, we explore dissociation as a spectrum: from spacing out and going blank to numbness, unreality, time loss, and feeling detached from the body or emotions. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we connect dissociation to shutdown protection, discuss common triggers (conflict, overwhelm, feeling trapped, sensory load), and outline what helps—especially gentle, body-first ways to return without shame. We close with a grounding practice using texture and temperature cues to support a soft “coming back.”In this episode, you'll learnA clear definition of dissociation and how it differs from ordinary distractionWhy dissociation is a protection strategy (not a character flaw)A polyvagal lens on dissociation as shutdown/freeze protectionCommon triggers: conflict, overwhelm, feeling trapped, sensory load, exhaustionHow dissociation can impact memory, relationships, and self-trust over timeWhat helps: gentle return, reduced stimulation, body-first orientation, naming without shame, building safetyA grounding practice designed specifically for dissociationGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Texture + Temperature Return”Touch a textured object (fabric, chair, sleeve)Name 3 qualities (smooth/rough/cool/warm)Notice one temperature cuePress feet into the floor (twice)Phrase: “I'm here now. I'm coming back gently.”Check the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What's next: How Trauma Can Affect the BodySupport the show

Send a textMedical and birth trauma can happen when care meant to help also involves fear, helplessness, loss of control, or violations of consent and dignity. In this episode, we explore why “routine” experiences can still leave lasting nervous system imprints, especially when a person feels rushed, unheard, exposed, or powerless. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we look at fight/flight and shutdown responses in medical settings, common aftereffects like avoidance of care or panic in clinics, and practical ways to reclaim choice. We close with a grounding practice that emphasises resourcing and choice—two key ingredients for nervous system safety.In this episode, you'll learnWhat medical and birth trauma is (beyond outcomes)Why consent, choice, and dignity are central nervous-system needsPolyvagal-informed patterns: mobilised protection vs shutdown in medical contextsCommon signs (non-diagnostic): avoidance of care, panic in clinics, distrust, shame, disconnectionWhat helps: reclaiming small choices, support scripts, debriefing, gentle body reconnection, trauma-informed supportA short grounding practice focused on resourcing and choiceGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Resourced Breath + Choice Point”Bring to mind a neutral-to-good resource imageChoose one breathing option (choice matters)Say: “Right now, I have choices” + name one small supportive choiceHand-on-body support: “Thank you, body, for protecting me.”Check the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What's next: When the Environment Is the Threat: Chronic Stress Without an ExitSupport the show

This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen break down the freeze response, one of the most misunderstood trauma responses. They explain how freezing is an involuntary nervous system reaction to overwhelming threat, often linked to trauma, and why so many people carry shame for something their body chose automatically.They explore what freeze can look like in daily life (numbness, dissociation, procrastination, avoidance, shutdown), as well as “functional freeze,” where you're moving through life on autopilot. The conversation covers why freezing happens, how it differs from feeling stuck or avoidant, and practical ways to gently come out of a freeze state by activating the nervous system.Listener questions dive into freezing in relationships, with authority figures, and during conflict; plus, how to explain the freeze response to a partner who misreads it as disengagement. Em and Jen also talk about slowing relational tempo, understanding what your nervous system learned about safety, and how awareness can reduce shame and increase choice.Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 6:45 to skip the intro and get straight to today's content.⁠Get Matched With One of Our Therapists⁠ at The Therapy Group!⁠ShrinkChicks on Instagram⁠Our ⁠Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal⁠!!Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg⁠A special thank you to this week's sponsors for supporting ShrinkChicks! We have these exclusive offers for our listeners:AG1: Go to DRINKAG1.com/SHRINKCHICKS to get their best offer, and for a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription orderBobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to hibobbie.com to find the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babiesQuince: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quince.com/shrinkchicks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and 365-day returns on your next orderGreenChef: Right now, go to GreenChef.com/shrinkchicksgraza and use code shrinkchicksgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxesDavid Protein: David is offering our listeners a special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to davidprotein.com/SHRINKCHICKSOlive & June: Visit OliveandJune.com/SHRINKCHICKS for 20% off your first SystemPique Life: Secure 20% off your order and begin your intentional wellness journey today at Piquelife.com/shrinkchicksSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if your spiraling thoughts are just your brain craving dopamine?Learn why ADHD brains cling to worst-case scenarios and how to break freeDiscover the sneaky connection between rumination and dopamine-seekingGet a step-by-step strategy to move from panic to functional actionUnderstand why gaslighting yourself doesn't stop the spiral, and what doesTry a real-time mental exercise to regain control when thought loops hijack your dayLinks:

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared shares a simple quarterly framework to help you actually follow through on health goals: Start, Stop, Keep. Adapted from a powerful business coaching tool, it becomes a practical way to evaluate what's working, what's draining you, and what single change could move you forward right now. Jared ties it to the “1% better” mindset from Atomic Habits—small daily choices that compound into massive long-term results—and gives real-world examples like setting a consistent bedtime, intermittent fasting, and quitting grazing. You'll also hear actionable “starts” (like walking after meals and tracking food/supplement effects) and “stops” (like late-day caffeine and doom scrolling). No hype—just a clean system you can repeat every quarter, month, or whatever works for you.Products:LiverVitatlityEndoCleanseVital 5:Ultimate Vitality MultiMagnesium BisglycinateOmega-3 + AntioxidantsPrecision Probiotic Vital SporesAssimil-8 Digestive EnzymesBack on TractAdditional Information:Atomic Habits by James Clear - bookThe Compound Effect by Darren Hardy - book#579: Fueling Your Day Right: How to Eat for Energy, Focus, and Weight Loss with Nate Palmer#604: Emotional Vitality: How to Break Out of Overwhelm and the Freeze Response#242: The Vital Five How To: Your User's Guide to Filling the Gaps in Your DietVisit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalitynutritionbountiful and @vitalityradio on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared introduces a refined Emotional Vitality format and tackles one of the most common struggles in modern life: overwhelm. Rather than being a mindset failure or lack of willpower, overwhelm is explained as a nervous system state—specifically a freeze response driven by brain chemistry and stress signaling. Jared breaks down what's happening neurologically, why procrastination is often protection, and how clarity and motivation shut down under chronic stress. You'll learn practical, science-grounded tools to regulate your nervous system through simple physical actions, breathing, language shifts, and small, specific steps that restore agency. Supplement support like magnesium, ashwagandha, L-theanine, and B vitamins is discussed as supportive—not corrective—tools. This episode is about skill-building, self-leadership, and learning how to move forward when life feels heavy.Products:Magnesium BisglycinateUltimate Vitality MultiActive B ComplexAnxiety ReleaseSensoril AshwagandhaL-TheanineVitality Radio POW! Product of the Week: Buy Vital Skin Therapy Hydrating Cream and get  Vital Skin Therapy Cleanser FREE! A $30 value! Add both to your cart and use PROMO CODE: POW23Additional Information:Overwhelm Blog PostVisit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalitynutritionbountiful and @vitalityradio on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.

7 micro habits to escape the freeze response, climb the polyvagal ladder, boost energy, heal burnout, and get unstuck from dorsal vagal shutdown and depression. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership If you feel sluggish, numb, depressed, or burnt out, your nervous system might be stuck in the freeze response. In this video, I'll teach you 7 tiny habits that activate energy, restore safety, and help your body move up the polyvagal ladder. These simple, science-backed steps help you feel more alive, more motivated, and more like yourself again. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books  Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

In today's episode of Advice My Friends Ignored, Audrey explores how to get out of a freeze state—what it actually is, how it shows up in your body, and why so many people misinterpret it as laziness, depression, or lack of motivation. She breaks down what a freeze state feels like from a nervous system perspective, what helps gently bring your body back online, and what doesn't work when you're stuck there. This episode is for anyone who feels numb, stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and wants practical, compassionate tools to regulate without forcing or shaming themselves.To work with Audrey 1:1, learn more here. xx, Audrey

What happens when you freeze up during a difficult conversation with your partner—when your mind goes blank, your voice disappears, and you can't find the words? Todd explains why shutting down isn't a weakness. It's your nervous system trying to protect you from emotional overwhelm.In this episode, Todd breaks down the freeze response and why it happens. When your body shuts down, your partner might interpret it as disinterest or rejection. But that's not what's really going on. You're not choosing to withdraw—your nervous system is trying to help you survive an emotional flood. Todd shares the story of Martine and Larry, a couple who struggled with this pattern for years. When Larry would get expressive about his frustrations, Martine would completely shut down. The more desperate Larry became to connect, the deeper Martine would retreat.Then Todd taught Martine something different. Instead of disappearing completely, she learned to stay present in her body through simple grounding techniques: pressing her feet into the floor, holding a warm cup of tea, placing her hand on her heart, and maintaining eye contact with Larry. She didn't say a word, but Larry felt her presence for the first time. That shift changed everything.Todd reminds us that healing doesn't always come through talking. When your nervous system is frozen, words won't come—and that's okay. What you need is more safety. Safety in your body, safety in the relationship, and safety to feel without having to fix anything. When you can stay in the room energetically, you begin to rewire that freeze response and reclaim your sense of choice.If you or your partner shuts down during conflict, this episode offers practical tools you can use right away. You don't have to perform connection—you just have to allow it. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who could benefit and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more couples who are ready to transform their lives.Check out my complete program "From Bickering & Escalating to Connecting & Loving" for more in-depth guidance: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/loving-connecting-masterclassTodd Creager, LCSW, LMFTTodd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach. He provides relationship coaching to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach. (714) 848-2288.You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at: https://toddcreager.com HELPFUL LINKS: Get your FREE copy of Healing Infidelity From The Inside Out https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity Secrets to a Sexy Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/sexy-marriage-secrets 7 Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/optin-DPYM ...

Your nervous system has a built-in Freeze and Appease response to manage the threat of sexual assault, aka the Fawn response. Learn to forgive yourself and train to respond differently. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership When someone experiences sexual harassment or sexual assault, their body often doesn't react the way they expect. Instead of fighting or running, they might freeze, fawn, or appease—smiling, complying, or going still, even when they feel terrified inside. In this video, we'll explore the Freeze and Fawn Response—sometimes called the Freeze-Appease Response—and how these instinctive reactions are the body's way of trying to stay safe during sexual violence or threat. You'll learn what happens in the nervous system during a freeze response, why people can't “just say no,” and how understanding this can help survivors release shame and start to heal. This is essential education for survivors, loved ones, and anyone who wants to understand trauma responses with compassion and science. If you've ever blamed yourself for how you reacted during sexual harassment or sexual assault, please know: it wasn't your fault. Your body was trying to keep you alive. Freeze Response, Fawn Response, Freeze Appease, Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault, Tonic Immobility, Trauma Response, Nervous System, PTSD Recovery, Survivor Support Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books  Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

SIBO is usually described as “too much bacteria in the wrong place,” but what if it's really an overgrowth of emotional responsibility, guilt, and other people's chaos living in your gut? In this episode, Heather McKean explores the emotional and metaphysical blueprint behind SIBO—over-responsibility, self-punishment, delayed reactions, fear of change, and inherited family patterns. Through a client story and practical reflection questions, she shows how restrictive diets can often reinforce the very emotional architecture that created the problem in the first place. You'll learn how to begin releasing what was never yours to carry, rebuild trust with your body, and support true healing using the Mind Change method.  Episode topics:

What if the brain fog you're experiencing isn't just tiredness—but your nervous system's way of disconnecting you from an unbearable reality? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian answers a question from Rachel, a therapist in Seattle, about why the freeze response is associated with brain fog. Many people think of the freeze response as simply paralysis, not understanding the sophisticated biological mechanisms happening at the cellular level. This episode dives deep into the freeze response—when it happens, why it happens, and the brain inflammation that creates the disconnection and fog we experience. Understanding this biology helps us recognize when we or someone we're working with has a chronic functional freeze, so we know where to start with healing. In this episode you'll hear more about: The five steps the body takes to go into a trauma response—starting with activation and crossing the critical line of overwhelm The two reasons we cross that critical line: "too much too fast" (excessive activation) and "too little for too long" (prolonged stress without recovery) Why your nervous system decides certain situations are life threats—even when logically they're not (like being berated in residency or hearing hurtful words from someone you care about) The cellular biology of brain fog: How immune cells in your brain (microglia) unleash inflammation, cytokines, and chemokines that create the mental disconnection and fog The surreal feeling of freeze: Why voices sound distant, why you feel like you're in a daze, and why people around you seem far away even though they're right there Chronic functional freeze: The state where you're still functioning and going through life, but secretly wanting to hide, using substances like caffeine or food (especially histamine-producing foods) to push through Why anxiety is often your body fighting the freeze—using stress to stay out of shutdown, which is why relief from anxiety can sometimes make you fall into that heaviness The brain inflammation protocol: Specific nutrients and practices to keep your microglia in their resting state, including NAC, magnesium L-threonate, luteolin, GABA, resveratrol, and turmeric Ocular-cardiac reflex (eye support): A simple but powerful tool where gently pressing on closed eyes activates the vagus nerve for immediate calm Why starting with the freeze is essential—opening up the chronic functional freeze gives you more energy to dedicate to the healing journey Dr. Aimie's personal story of a biking accident and concussion—experiencing the freeze response firsthand as she regained consciousness on the sidewalk The freeze response isn't weakness or paralysis—it's your nervous system's sophisticated survival strategy when it perceives a life threat. Brain fog is always part of the freeze response, created by immune cells in your brain that help you disconnect from unbearable reality. Understanding this biology helps you recognize the freeze in yourself or others, and know that working with it is where healing must start.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Dr. Aimie Apigian, author of "The Biology of Trauma," as we explore the hidden impact of trauma on our physical and mental health. In this episode, Dr. Aimie shares her groundbreaking insights on how trauma shapes our biology, the science behind the body's trauma response, and why addressing trauma is essential for true healing. We discuss the five Ds of trauma patterns, the difference between stress and trauma, and how unresolved trauma can manifest as chronic health conditions, addiction, and mental health struggles. Dr. Aimie also offers practical steps for recognizing and healing trauma, and shares resources for families and individuals seeking support. Whether you're a healthcare professional, parent, or someone on a personal healing journey, this episode will empower you with knowledge and hope. Don't miss Dr. Aimie's expert advice, inspiring stories, and actionable tips for creating a biology of safety and resilience. Get the book, explore additional resources, and start your journey toward healing today! — Resources mentioned: "The Biology of Trauma" by Dr. Aimie Apigian (available on Amazon) Free nervous system reset and more at biologyoftrauma.com   Timestamps : 00:00 – Introduction & Host Welcome 00:26 – Introducing Dr. Aimie Apigian and the Book 01:36 – The Hidden Impact of Trauma on Health 03:25 – What is Trauma? The Internal Response 05:34 – The Five Ds of Trauma Patterns 06:45 – Freeze Response vs. Stress 08:37 – Addiction, Trauma, and Chronic Health 09:45 – Mental Health Crisis and Cyberbullying 11:01 – Personal Healing Journey and Functional Medicine 13:10 – The Fear of Addressing Trauma 15:12 – Book Recommendations and Practical Steps   ---- Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

Dr. Aimie Apigian, author of “The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It,” details how unaddressed trauma is often the hidden cause of many preventable illnesses and is linked to eight of the ten leading causes of death. The conversation delves into the physiological responses to trauma, the mechanisms by which trauma can manifest in chronic physical ailments, and the importance of incorporating a holistic approach that includes addressing mental, somatic, and biological impacts of trauma. Dr. Apigian also shares insights from her personal journey and professional evolution, emphasizing the need for a combination of medical treatment and trauma work for optimal health.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Aimie Apigian, author of “The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It.”

Learn more about Mindfully Well: http://mindfullywell.com/mindfully-wellQuestions? Shoot me an email here: http://mindfullywell.com/contactSummaryIn this episode, Melissa Eich discusses the fear of failure and how it often leads to self-sabotage, particularly in the context of wellness and health. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nervous system's role in these patterns and reframing past attempts at health as learning experiences rather than failures. The conversation explores the freeze response, especially in women, and how it can hinder progress. Melissa advocates for compassion over criticism, the significance of taking baby steps, and building sustainable habits. She also addresses the fear of success and the need for a supportive environment to foster growth and healing.Keywordsfear of failure, self-sabotage, nervous system, wellness, Mindfully Well, emotional body, freeze response, compassion, baby steps, sustainable habitsChapters00:00 Understanding Fear of Failure02:36 Reframing Failure as Learning05:18 The Freeze Response in Women08:27 Taking Baby Steps Towards Change11:00 The Importance of Self-Compassion13:44 Building Sustainable Habits15:54 Navigating Success and Maintenance16:33 Using a Compass Instead of a Map19:17 Creating a Safe Environment for Change

In this episode, we challenge the common advice to "just take action" that's given when people are feeling stuck in a freeze response. We explore why this approach can be harmful, how it overlooks the vital role of the nervous system, and why addressing the underlying emotional triggers and unmet core needs is essential for real progress. Through personal stories and viewer comments, we reveal how quick fixes and surface-level solutions often create dependency and shame, rather than lasting change. Tune in to discover why deeper tools for self-regulation, breaking unhealthy patterns, and finding compassion for yourself are what's really needed when you want to thaw from the freeze. Connect with Kim: EFT Tapping Booster Session - https://courses.kimkeane.com/courses/tapping-booster-sessionFree Emotional Detox Workbook - https://courses.kimkeane.com/f/emotional-detox-workbookFree Everyday Spirituality Handbook - https://courses.kimkeane.com/f/everyday-spirituality-handbookInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimvkeane/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kimvkeaneYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kimvkeaneEmail - kim@kimkeane.com If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to leave a review and tell your friends about it. If you have a question or need help, please don't hesitate to reach out! 

In this episode, we explore why the common advice to "just show up" often falls short for those struggling with visibility and self-expression. The host, Kim, shares her personal stories and client experiences to reveal that the real barrier isn't procrastination or lack of desire, but deep-seated beliefs and nervous system responses rooted in past experiences. We break down the four primary emotional needs—certainty, uncertainty, significance, and connection—and how the "freeze" response can meet these needs in unexpected ways. Listeners will learn why pushing harder can reinforce trauma, and why true progress comes from addressing the underlying need for safety.  Connect with Kim: EFT Tapping Booster Session - https://courses.kimkeane.com/courses/tapping-booster-sessionFree Emotional Detox Workbook - https://courses.kimkeane.com/f/emotional-detox-workbookFree Everyday Spirituality Handbook - https://courses.kimkeane.com/f/everyday-spirituality-handbookInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimvkeane/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kimvkeaneYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kimvkeaneEmail - kim@kimkeane.com If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to leave a review and tell your friends about it. If you have a question or need help, please don't hesitate to reach out! 

Overwhelm causes freeze. Learn the signs and take simple steps to break free in daily life or emergencies. The post Freeze Response: Why You Get Stuck and What to Do appeared first on Mind4Survival.

Toxic stress isn't just having too much to do—it's getting stuck in the Freeze Response, and this can fuel depression. When overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or global problems, our brain may default to the freeze response—shutting down, avoiding, or numbing out. While this can feel comforting short-term, over time it dysregulates the nervous system, increases cortisol, and fuels anxiety and depression. Stress is meant to mobilize us to act; suppressing that drive makes it toxic. Small, purposeful actions restore flow—re-engaging the prefrontal cortex, calming the limbic system, and activating the ventral vagus nerve. This is where service for mental health shines: helping others boosts dopamine, oxytocin, and resilience, breaking the freeze cycle. Acts of kindness, whether raking a neighbor's yard, volunteering, or donating, create the “helper's high” and increase well-being. Service brings purpose, which turns discomfort into joy. Even brief, local, face-to-face kindness reduces loneliness and strengthens connection. You don't have to solve everything—consistent small actions aligned with your values can transform toxic stress into healthy engagement, proving that even little ripples can change the world. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership. Donate at https://teamwater.org/ Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books  Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Your mind says you're safe, but your body still feels tense, overwhelmed, and stuck in danger mode. Why does this happen? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why mental and emotional healing doesn't always translate into physical healing. You'll learn how trauma gets “stuck” in your nervous system, why your body can keep sending danger signals even when your mind feels better, and practical ways to help your body feel safe enough to recover. Your nervous system works like a dashboard, constantly checking if you can handle what's happening or need to shut down. When it stays stuck in survival mode, even after therapy, it can cause chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. The good news is, you can help your body feel safe again and start to heal. In this episode, you'll find out more about: The difference between stress vs. trauma (and why it's not about the event itself!) Why your body creates a personal safety filter based on past experiences How inflammation, toxins, and hidden stressors send danger signals to your nervous system Why your body's natural healing shuts down when you're in survival mode Simple ways to track and shift your nervous system state every day Whether you're doing your own healing or supporting clients who still feel stuck physically despite mental progress, this episode reveals the missing piece of trauma recovery. You'll gain a clearer understanding of the body's signals and walk away with practical tools to help the body catch up with the mind.

Dr. Rick and Forrest answer listener questions about perfectionism, performance anxiety, trauma, and relationships. They explore how early praise for being “gifted” can create a fear of failure and contribute to “failure to launch,” and share ways to shift from focusing on an idealized future to appreciating your actual self right now. They discuss learned helplessness, the freeze response, and practical ways to build agency and vitality to counter feelings of powerlessness. Other topics include the differences between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder, overcoming performance anxiety, and how to decide which friendships are worth investing in. Key Topics: 02:30: Gifted kid syndrome and fear of failure 08:00: Moving from potential to presence 15:50: Performance anxiety and perfectionism 18:50: Redefining success through process goals 22:30: Learned helplessness and the freeze response 29:30: Reclaiming agency and vitality 38:00: Failure to launch in adulthood 45:00: BPD vs. Bipolar disorder 55:00: Rethinking modern friendship advice 1:03:34: Recap Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors For a limited time, get Headspace FREE for 60 days. Go to Headspace.com/BEINGWELL60. Go to Quince.com/BEINGWELL for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. Head to acornsearly.com/beingwell or download the Acorns Early app to help your kids grow their money skills today.  Get Notion Mail for free right now at notion.com/beingwell, and try the inbox that thinks like you Go to Zocdoc.com/BEING to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell.  Go to ZOE.com and find out what ZOE Membership could do for you. Use code WELL10 to get 10% off membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people get stuck on their healing journey. They feel lost and confused. They've spent years in therapy, tried meditation, read all the books but still feel like they're just surviving instead of truly living. This is way more common than we would like to believe, and quite discouraging for those dealing with stress, burnout, or old emotional wounds. Even when you know you're safe, your body might still feel like it's in danger.  That's because healing isn't just about mindset, it's about your nervous system. And most healing methods skip the steps your body actually needs to feel safe at the nervous system level. In this episode, Dr. Aimie explains why one often gets stuck and what the nervous system really needs to move from overwhelm and a functional freeze into calm aliveness. You'll learn how the body experiences a trauma, why it holds on even for years after, and the step-by-step roadmap to give it what it needs to engage its own healing mechanisms. You'll learn more on: [1:46] Why many people avoid connecting with their body and stay “in their head” [4:05] How to tell if you're disconnected from your body [5:48] What happens in your body during a trauma response (and how it can get stuck) [8:48] Why just telling yourself “you're safe” doesn't make your body believe it [12:49] The hidden equation your nervous system uses to decide if you're still in danger [15:49] The surprising trait that can block healing   [18:16] Common signs you're in shutdown mode [21:51] The 3 major roadblocks that can slow down healing [22:52] Why you need cycles of stress and rest to heal [27:36] The 3-phase healing roadmap [29:32] How emotional healing works just like physical healing—and why skipping steps keeps you stuck Whether you're working on your own healing or helping others, this episode gives you the missing piece to understand what's really going on in the body and how to finally move forward.   Helpful Links Related To This Episode: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma - A Roadmap for Healing - Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. It's great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey. Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal. Pre-order now and, at the time of this recording, you'll get over $400 in bonuses included! Those bonuses are only for the pre-order window which goes until Sept 22, 2025. When you've already pre-ordered it on Amazon head over here to receive your bonuses. The 21 Day Journey - If you're ready to create a felt sense of safety in your body and experience the benefits of 26% decrease in daily physical pain, 28% decrease in sleep issues and digestive issues, 30% decrease in anxiety, depression, or want to learn how to do this for those you help - join me for your 21-Day Journey, a structured sequence of gentle, somatic-based self-practices walking you through The Essential Sequence to safely open up stored trauma in the body.    Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 31: Am I Tired, Or Is This Trauma? With Dr. Evan Hirsch Episode 116: The Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System with Bessel van der Kolk Related Youtube Videos:  What is the first thing we need to address to release stored trauma? | Dr. Aimie Apigian Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.

Send us a textHave you ever beaten yourself up for procrastinating, assuming it meant you were lazy or unmotivated?  That you should do more?What if your scrolling, fridge-checking, or mental fog is not a flaw — but a wise signal from your nervous system asking for safety?In this validating episode, Dr. Amen Kaur reframes procrastination as a freeze response — not failure. Drawing on trauma science, nervous system healing, and feminine-coded success psychology, she explores how the brain's amygdala, cortisol response, and prefrontal cortex interplay when fear of failure or rejection is triggered.✨ Inspired by the work of Bessel van der Kolk and others, you'll discover how trauma lives in the body and why procrastination often protects you from unseen emotional threat.You'll also explore:Why moderate “delays” enhance creativity (Einstein & Beatles style)How dopamine and incubation can restore motivation3 powerful strategies to shift from freeze to flow (without shame)You are not lazy. You are intelligent. And your body is doing its best to keep you safe while you grow.

Your nervous system's main job isn't to make you happy. It's to keep you safe. That's why, even after the danger is over, your body can still act like it's under threat. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind how trauma gets stuck in the body and why it's so hard to “just move on.” You'll learn how something called the body trauma loop keeps your system in survival mode, and how the brain's ability to learn (neuroplasticity) can actually lock in trauma patterns over time. In this episode, you'll hear about: The 3 trauma survival responses: shutdown, disconnection, and freeze Why your body keeps flipping between stress and shut down How your brain and body learn to repeat trauma patterns automatically How things like inflammation and oxidative stress keep your nervous system stuck Why just saying “you're safe” isn't enough A step-by-step process to help your body shift out of survival and into safety Simple, body-based tools (somatic practices) you can use daily to calm your nervous system Whether you're a practitioner or someone who's tired of feeling anxious, frozen, or burned out, this episode will help you understand what's happening in your body and how to start changing it.

Did you know that it's impossible to have gut issues without feeling grief and regret, and equally impossible to hold grief while maintaining a healthy gut?  In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores the powerful connection between constipation and grief, expanding on her discussion in Episode 124. She answers a listener's question about remaining stuck in grief work despite months of therapy, and how chronic constipation might be the  barrier preventing emotional healing. You'll hear more on: How grief triggers a biological trauma response that directly impacts digestion The effect constipation has on your nervous system How constipation leads to brain inflammation, mental fatigue, and emotional shutdown Why your gut health directly impacts your ability to process emotions Practical strategies to improve your constipation  Why talk therapy alone may not be enough when the nervous system is stuck in overwhelm If you're struggling with both grief and digestive issues, or if you're a practitioner working with clients who seem stuck in their healing journey, this episode offers crucial insights into the biological barriers that may be preventing progress. To hear the full episode and access additional resources, head over to Episode 124: Grief and Gut Health to learn more!  

In this episode of the Communicate and Connect Podcast, Liz talks with relationship coach Lauren Dry about the freeze response and how it shows up in communication, connection, and conflict. The freeze response is one of the most misunderstood nervous system reactions, especially in relationships. It can look like emotional shutdown, disconnection, or indifference but it's actually a survival mechanism. Lauren explains why the freeze response happens, how it affects both partners, and what you can do to move from disconnection to reconnection. In this episode, you'll learn: What the freeze response looks like in relationships How unconscious programming and attachment styles affect your reactions Why high-achieving people often experience freeze in their personal lives Simple somatic tools to help regulate your nervous system in the moment How to set connected boundaries that build safety instead of walls If you or your partner tend to shut down during conflict or feel emotionally frozen, this episode will give you practical tools and new insight to create a stronger, more connected relationship. >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.  You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here.  Read the show notes for this episode here. 

Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks.Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frozen in place? In this bite-sized episode of Make Time for Success, Dr. Christine Li unpacks why our nervous system sometimes makes us freeze—and how it's actually a protective response, not a personal failing. Christine shares practical, science-backed strategies you can use right away to reset, unfreeze, and gently move forward—like breathing techniques, movement, tapping, and how to give yourself permission to pause. If you're ready to melt away overwhelm and reclaim your momentum, tune in for actionable tips and compassionate support. Plus, get an exclusive invite to her free five-day Reenergize Your Home challenge!To register for the free Re-Energize Your Home 5-Day Challenge that starts Monday, May 26th, click this link: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/winTimestamps:00:00 Understanding the Freeze Response06:19 "Overcoming Self-Doubt and Inaction"09:29 Box Breathing for Anxiety Relief11:44 "Calming Through Tapping and Reflection"14:39 Overwhelm Support and Decluttering Challenge16:36 "Connect with Procrastination Coach"To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPFor more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.comGain Access to Dr. Christine Li's Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibraryTo work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/labConnect with Us!Dr. Christine LiWebsite: https://www.procrastinationcoach.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoachThe Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab                        Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPIf you're wondering how you'll ever find the time, energy, and motivation to handle your clutter, the free Re-Energize Your Home 5-Day Challenge was designed specifically for you. Starting May 26th, we will band together to raise our energy and quickly move the physical clutter out so our mental and emotional space can expand -- for the better. Join this fun, free event here: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/win

If you feel like you've been stuck in a fog—too tired to move, too overwhelmed to start, or too numb to care—this episode is for you.You're probably not lazy. You're not a procrastinator. You're not failing. You might just be in a nervous system freeze response—the most misunderstood nervous system state.It's what happens after months (or years) of running on fumes. And it's why so many high-achieving women feel exhausted, disconnected, and stuck—no matter how hard they're trying.In this episode, we break down: ✔️ What the freeze response really is (and why it's not about being lazy) ✔️ 7 sneaky signs you're in a freeze state ✔️ Simple, body-based tools to gently start thawing out ✔️ How to support your nervous system without pushing yourself harder

To connect with Doug:https://www.dougwubbencoaching.comTo connect with Travis:https://www.travisstock.comIG: @travers03Become a support of The New Masculine:https://www.patreon.com/c/thenewmasculine

How can a single moment impact your life? Can that moment still affect you not only emotionally but physically years later? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind how trauma gets physically stored in the body, expanding on her conversation with Gregg Ward from Episode 119. She unpacks Greg's story of accidentally causing a fatal car accident at age 18 and how this moment shaped his entire life path and physical health. You'll hear more on: How trauma physically show ups in the body during the freeze response The 3 defense strategies that are triggered by trauma  What moral injury is and how it affects the nervous system  Practical steps for moving through grief and regret And more! If you're carrying regret, grief, or trauma that is staying in your body, this episode offers hope and practical insights for moving through these experiences toward healing. To hear the full episode listen to Episode 119: Transforming Trauma into Joy & Purpose with Gregg Ward  

Can your body be stuck in trauma or grief? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie is answering a listener's question about why her physical symptoms are still bothering her a year after a loved one's death. She dives into why the normal approach to self care won't work and how creating safety can allow the trauma and grief to move through the body instead of staying stuck. Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why movement is needed for overwhelming grief and trauma, building on her conversation with Paul Denniston from episode 117. She shares more on why “emotions need motion” and how movement practices work on a physiological level to release the trauma and grief trapped in the body. You'll hear more about: How grief pushes the body from a stress response into a trauma response The three coping strategies triggered by grief Where grief and trauma get stored physically within the body  The action steps you can start taking today to move through your own trauma or grief  And more! If you feel like you're ready to let go of the trauma and grief that your body has been holding onto, then this episode is a must listen to! For more on this topic, listen to the full conversation with Paul Denniston in Episode 117: Movement For Healing Stored Grief & Emotions   Check out The Essential Sequence which is a free guide that shows you the difference between stress and trauma states of our nervous system. In just 3 steps, it walks you through what your body needs when it has stored trauma or is in a freeze response.

Have you ever felt stuck, unable to move forward, and unsure why? This phenomenon is often referred to as the freeze response, a primal reaction that occurs when our nervous system perceives a threat, causing physical and emotional paralysis. While we've all heard of the fight or flight response, the freeze response is a lesser-known yet equally important aspect of our body's fear response. In this video, we'll delve into the world of physiological and emotional regulation, exploring how our nervous system responds to danger and how somatic therapy can help you overcome emotional paralysis. By understanding the polyvagal theory and the role of the dorsal vagal complex, you'll gain insight into why you may be experiencing emotional paralysis and how to break free from its grip. Join us as we explore the freeze response and discover how to regain control over your emotions and move forward with confidence. Key takeaways: - The freeze response is a biological protective state. - It's not a choice; it's an intelligent survival strategy. - Procrastination and numbness can be manifestations of freeze. - Awareness is crucial for reconnecting with the nervous system. - Gentle movements and touch can help re-engage the body. - Co-regulation with a trusted person can aid in healing. - Moving through fight or flight is necessary to heal from freeze. - Creating a sense of safety is essential for recovery. - Small steps towards healing are significant. - Your body is trying to keep you safe; it's not your fault. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Freeze Response 03:34 Recognising and Reconnecting with the Nervous System 08:42 Gentle Practices for Moving Out of Freeze 12:05 Creating Safety and Compassion in Healing Follow Anna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annatheanxietycoach/ Join the FREE Kind Mind Club: https://annatheanxietycoach.com/kind-mind-club#kindmindclub

Preventing people from moving when something terrible happens is what makes trauma a trauma. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind why not being able to move (either physically or internally) can create trauma. She looks more closely at the moment in the trauma response that she calls "hitting the wall" - the pivotal point where we feel powerless and our physiology shifts from a stress response to a trauma response. Dr. Aimie also explains that our neuroception (nervous system's perception) determines whether we take action or shut down, and this process isn't based on reality but on our perceived capacity against perceived danger. So when we feel overwhelmed, our nervous system prevents movement as a way to protect us. You'll hear more about: The five steps of trauma response and why "the wall" is the most significant How our nervous system can block our own movement The biological factors that influence our capacity to respond vs. shut down And more! If you're interested in understanding why you might "hit the wall" in everyday situations and how to support your body's capacity to respond differently, then this episode is for you! For more on this topic, listen to the full conversation with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk in Episode 116: The Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System

In response to overwhelm, the body tries to keep one safe in different ways. Sometimes our body feels so shaken and shocked that it makes our mind need to disconnect from the pain of it. This is called dissociating.  Yet, the body still remembers what happened. The impact to our biology doesn't go away just because we don't understand or remember something. The impact is how the body keeps track of everything from out past. When we understand that our body is reacting because it is still holding onto something from the past, it can help us uncover what needs to be healed. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk joins Dr. Aimie in this episode to explore the profound nature of trauma - how it affects the body in ways that make it keep score. He explains why trauma is not just about the events but about how those experiences become engrained in our biology, creating patterns that persist long after the danger has passed. This in turn can make trauma something that is truly "unbelievable, unbearable, and overwhelming." Our bodies are built to move when we're in danger. When we can't move during traumatic events, it changes how our brain works. This conversation looks at why this happens. It also explains how difficult experiences in childhood create patterns in our minds - like an inner roadmap - that shape how we see the world and connect with people as adults. They'll talk more on: Why trauma leaves people unable to articulate their experiences How dissociation works as a way to survive during overwhelming events Why the lack of movement during an event is what makes it traumatic The physical toll of living with a dysregulated nervous system Why healing must address the basic housekeeping functions of the body How trauma blocks our capacity to experience pleasure and worthiness And more!   If you're working with trauma professionally, supporting someone on their healing journey, or navigating your own recovery, this episode is excellent for understanding how the body keeps score while offering practical actions to reclaim agency, embody healing, and create a life worth living through curiosity and collaboration.   Guides, Tools & Resources: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma: A Roadmap for Healing Trauma - Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. It's great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey. Biology of Trauma (the book) - How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It. With the foreword written by Dr. Gabor Mate, it is a book intended to change the conversation about how to heal on the deepest level, not just our mind, not just our body, but also our biology. Please join me for The Insider's Circle where you can pre-order your copy and receive monthly readings with Dr. Aimie.   Foundational Journey - If you want to be safely guided through The Essential Sequence, and lay your foundation of regulation in this online 6 week course, join me and my team of mentors for this journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices.   Related Podcasts: Episode 7: Identifying And Treating Cooper Excess To Reserve Postpartum Depression With William Walsh Episode 90: Beyond Talk Therapy: Addressing the Biochemical Basis of Behavior & Changing Our Response Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.  

When crisis strikes and we're startled or scared, it's a very natural human response to forget everything we've learned to do in such scenarios, and to freeze instead. Then, in the aftermath, we can be so hard on ourselves — about how we ought to have acted, and how quickly we ought to “return to normal”. In today's episode we propose a compassionate approach instead, and taking your time to feel and integrate scary experiences. "Like finding gold." - Alma W."The best therapy I've ever done for myself." - Sanjeev B.Join our monthly membership for LIVE calls & practice:http://bit.ly/4eF86reGet our Self-Compassionate Body-Based Toolkit:https://bit.ly/40Vnz3b************************************************************************Every episode begins and ends with a body-based self-connection practice, so you can grow your capacity to be with all that life brings. We also include self-reflection and journaling prompts each week, posted on our Instagram @wholeheartedloving. New episodes every Sunday at 10am PT.Learn more about us and how you can practice with us LIVE at wholeheartedloving.com.

Is your biology making it easier to fall into addiction? Today, Dr. Aimie is taking a closer look at this question and other key takeaways from her conversation with the late Dr. Charles Gant  around addiction.  You'll hear more on:  Biological factors that may push someone towards addiction The role of the freeze response in addiction The 3 main biochemical imbalances that are seen in addiction Want to hear more about the connection between your biology and addiction? Listen to Episode 109: End Your Addiction Now: How Pioneer Work Outperforms Traditional Treatment   Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

What if your anxiety, stress, or freeze response wasn't something to overcome—but a signal to understand? In today's episode, we sit down with Natalyn Lewis, founder of Ascend EQ, for an eye-opening and powerful conversation on emotional intelligence—and why it's the key to helping coaches and entrepreneurs get unstuck, avoid burnout, and move forward with clarity. Meet Natty: She's started and sold 7 companies and is currently the visionary behind Ascend EQ, a company focused on understanding and leveraging human emotions to your advantage. With 25 years of experience in marketing and sales, Natty has worked with everyone from athletes to business owners and influencers. Her journey into the science of human behavior revealed one clear truth—emotional intelligence (EQ) is the game-changer. Natty believes that elevating your EQ doesn't just improve performance—it positively impacts every area of life, from revenue and productivity to relationships and intention. Key Takeaways Why positive thinking alone isn't enough—and what to do instead. What the “flipped lid” means in brain science and how it affects your decision-making. Tools to regulate emotions using movement, breath, and reflection. The Circle of Focus: A simple framework to shift out of spiraling thoughts. How to reframe fear signals as information, not identity. Why sleep, hydration, nutrition, and movement expand your window of tolerance. The connection between emotional intelligence and your physical body. Why health & wellness coaches are key players in mental and emotional wellbeing. Tools Mentioned The “Flipped Lid” Brain Model The 3-Step EI Reset: Acknowledge, Move, Write The Circle of Focus Exercise Positive Affirmations (with science-backed structure) Breath + Shake Regulation Technique Connect with Natty Louis Website: ascendeq.com Instagram: @natty.o.lewis Ready to understand the science behind why you freeze, spiral, or shut down—and learn how to reset quickly? This episode is for you.  

Have you ever felt like your body is stuck in survival mode, holding onto stress and tension no matter how hard you try to let it go? What if this instinct to survive is also what drives chronic inflammation, emotional pain, and even long-term illness?   Today, Dr. Isaac Eliaz joins Dr. Aimie to explore the concept of the survival paradox.This process is what keeps your body on high alert and affects everything from your energy levels to your ability to heal and can keep your body stuck in a freeze response. Together, they'll discuss the survival paradox's deep connection to trauma, the protein, Galactin-3, that can either drive health or inflammation, and more.  You'll hear more about: What the “Survival Paradox” is and how it shapes your body's response to trauma and stress. The connection between chronic inflammation and unresolved trauma  Simple ways to start healing your body from the inside How acceptance can unlock your healing potential And more! Our guest, Dr. Isaac Eliaz, is a pioneer in integrative medicine, a world-renowned expert in trauma healing, and the author of The Survival Paradox. For decades, Dr. Eliaz has been bridging the gap between ancient healing wisdom and cutting-edge science, exploring how our biology and emotions are deeply intertwined. His work focuses on the biochemical pathways of trauma, including the role of survival proteins like galectin-3, and how they impact inflammation, healing, and overall health. If you've been wanting to reduce your stress levels, overcome your chronic health issues or start healing yourself, then this episode is a must listen to! Let's dive in!   For more information and show notes, please visit our website: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/