Episode Details
Back to EpisodesWhen Safety Feels Scary: Why Regulation Can Be Terrifying After Trauma
Description
Have you ever felt anxious about not feeling so anxious? Or had a moment of regulation trigger anxiety? In this follow-up we explore a counterintuitive but common phenomenon in trauma recovery: when finding safety and regulation actually triggers fear and anxiety. Drawing from research by Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, and Deb Dana, we examine why the regulated "green zone" can feel threatening to trauma survivors.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why trauma survivors often feel most vulnerable when regulated
- How to identify what specific cues of safety and danger influence your nervous system
- Techniques for building regulation capacity without triggering protective responses
- The importance of "both/and" thinking: maintaining protection while exploring regulation
CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways!
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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