Can setting boundaries actually transform your relationships and boost your personal growth? Laura Wood and Michaela Beaver promise to unlock the secrets to mastering healthy boundaries in this episode of "Why Am I Like This?". Dive into a discussion about why so many struggle to set limits and the common misconception that we can control others' actions. Laura and Mishayla delve into the fears that hold us back, like disappointing others and the guilt of asserting our needs, while providing insights into unlearning childhood beliefs that confuse self-care with selfishness.

Expect some practical wisdom as Laura and Michaela explore the role of personal values in defending your boundaries and the potential resistance you might face when doing so. By offering strategies such as using "I feel" statements, they demonstrate how to communicate effectively without triggering defensiveness. The conversation also touches on an optimistic view of human nature, suggesting that most hurtful comments are misguided attempts to help, and how understanding this can ease tensions and foster trust. Their discussion underscores the importance of acknowledging miscommunications to improve relational dynamics.

In challenging relationships, understanding the character of those you engage with can drastically change the game. Laura and Michaela equip you with techniques for respectful communication and self-reflection, ensuring that you maintain your emotional balance and don't mirror negativity. They affirm that boundaries empower us, teaching others how to treat us with dignity while nurturing self-respect and growth. Through relatable examples and a heartfelt dialogue, the episode aims to inspire you to set limits that align with your values and enhance your interactions, paving the way for stronger, healthier relationships.

Laura's Free Course on Emotional Development and Regulation:
https://benavieri.com/neuroception-sign-up/

This show is sponsored by:

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com

After a childhood filled with playful scares from my father, I've found myself jumping at the sound of a simple balloon pop. Join us on "Why Am I Like This?" as Mishayla and I delve into our personal experiences with fear and the startling responses that followed us from innocent childhood pranks to more serious trauma-induced reactions. Michaela shares her journey from a shocking high school event that left a lasting impact on her nervous system, influencing how she perceives safety in everyday situations. Our conversation reveals the rapid-fire processes of the brain's affective and sensory channels, highlighting how the amygdala often overrides cognitive assessment in triggering fear responses.

We unravel the intricate workings of the nervous system, exploring the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems essential for staying grounded. Recognizing how trauma—whether from significant events or mundane experiences—can foster hypervigilance, we emphasize timely trauma processing. Techniques such as EMDR come into play, presenting pathways to desensitizing heightened responses. Through relatable examples, like the universal fear of spiders or the modern-day active shooter drills, we illustrate how perceptions shape our threat responses and impact the long-term state of our nervous systems.

Our exploration moves toward managing anxiety and overcoming phobias, likening them to an allergy of the mind. Not every fear reflects an actual danger, and understanding this distinction is crucial. We discuss techniques to regain control, such as controlled breathing and cognitive exercises, offering a toolkit to bring the cognitive brain back into play. For those dealing with severe anxiety disorders, we underscore the importance of professional guidance, presenting practical strategies to ground oneself and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. From challenging negative thoughts to exploring the "window of tolerance," we offer insights into finding stability and competence in the face of fear.

Laura's Free Course on Emotional Development and Regulation:
https://benavieri.com/neuroception-sign-up/

This show is sponsored by:

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com

What if dissociation is more common than you'd think, quietly influencing our daily lives? Join us, Laura Wood and Michaela Beaver, as we unpack the intricate world of dissociation, often misunderstood and overlooked. We explore dissociation's role as a protective mechanism against overwhelming emotions or sensory overload. This episode sheds light on our brain's natural inclination to disconnect, from the innocuous zoning out during a TV binge to the complex dynamics in children forming their personalities amid trauma.

As we navigate the nuances of various dissociative experiences, we tackle the unsettling sensation of feeling like a stranger in your own life. Our conversation delves into the differences between dissociative identity disorder (DID) and other conditions, breaking down how memory and identity awareness play distinct roles. Understanding these differences can clarify the boundaries between dissociation and psychosis, helping listeners gain a clearer perspective on their internal experiences and the lifelong journey of symptoms that often begin in childhood.

Finally, we explore the fascinating link between trauma, somatic symptoms, and the healing journey. By integrating grounding techniques, somatic work, and strategies like heart rate variability training, we offer practical paths to self-understanding and healing. Together, we emphasize the importance of self-compassion and the transformative power of acknowledging our emotional roots. Join us for a compassionate dialogue that encourages listeners to embrace their unique experiences and empowers them toward growth and self-awareness.

Laura's Free Course on Emotional Development and Regulation:
https://benavieri.com/neuroception-sign-up/

This show is sponsored by:

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com