In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by fellow licensed therapist and Polyvagal Theory specialist with New Moon Rising Wellness, Rachel Sellers. Together we explore how our nervous systems protect us and keep us safe while also exploring how trauma affects our bodies.
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
- How Our Nervous System Keeps Us Safe: We discuss how our nervous systems and bodies are constantly assessing for safety. Our bodies can shift into three states: our vagal state, our state when we are regulated and calm, our sympathetic state, our fight or flight response, or dorsal vagal, our collapse and freeze response. These states are present when we are experiencing stress, emotions, and trauma.
- Trauma Affects Our Bodies: Our bodies choose what is best for us to keep us safe and keep us alive. Rachel and Laura discuss that trauma can get stuck in our bodies, meaning the past feels as if it is happening in the present. Our rational brains may know the threat has passed, but our bodies do not. People with chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma may experience a disconnect.
- Moving Into Health: We encourage you to befriend your nervous system; get curious about the various ways you may experience these different states. Here are questions to ask yourself as you are exploring: what activates my nervous system? What are ways we feel safety with ourselves and safety and connection with others? We discuss that it is important to have compassion with yourself when you are exploring your different states.
This episode is full of insightful tips to understand your nervous system better in order to heal from trauma. Join us as we explore how to find safety and connection through using our nervous system!
Homework: Get curious. What triggers you into a sympathetic storm, fight or flight, and what triggers you into a dorsal state, shutdown. Rachel encourages you to google a polyvagal ladder.
Compassionate Affirmation: “I am safe right now.”
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit.
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We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored, that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth. Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you.
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