Laura and Mishayla explore how childhood experiences create lasting templates in our nervous system that trigger automatic responses in similar situations throughout our lives.

• Our nervous system takes "snapshots" during emotionally charged moments that can be triggered later in similar circumstances
• When we feel helpless or threatened, our body goes into fight, flight, or freeze responses that can become habitual patterns
• Children often interpret negative experiences as meaning something about themselves ("I'm not good enough")
• Adults can help children process difficult experiences by acknowledging their feelings rather than dismissing them
• Grounding techniques help bring our prefrontal cortex back online when we're triggered
• Different grounding methods work for different people - find what works specifically for you
• Accepting anxiety rather than fighting it can reduce its power over us
• Changing our narrative about past experiences helps rewrite our nervous system templates
• We can learn to recognize when we're triggered and create plans to respond differently

Follow "Why Am I Like This?" and leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with your friends.

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

This show is sponsored by:

Core Self

www.coreself.org

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com

Our gut and brain are connected through a remarkable two-way communication system that impacts our physical and mental health in profound ways. The gut, often called the "second brain," contains millions of neurons and produces 90% of the body's serotonin.

• Stress activates our fight-or-flight response, slowing digestion and creating gut imbalances
• The vagus nerve connects our brain to every organ and plays a crucial role in regulating our stress response
• Trauma and chronic stress can create gut inflammation and disrupt the gut microbiome
• People with PTSD show distinct patterns in their gut bacteria compared to those without trauma
• Healing approaches should include both targeted gut health strategies and stress reduction techniques
• Vagus nerve exercises like humming, cold therapy, and specific yoga poses help activate the parasympathetic "rest and digest" system
• Functional medicine testing can identify specific gut imbalances affecting neurotransmitter production
• Diet, movement, mindfulness, and nature exposure all contribute to balanced gut-brain function

If you like our show, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow the show and share it with your friends.

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

This show is sponsored by:

Core Self

www.coreself.org

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com

Emotions are complex internal experiences that provide valuable information about our values and responses to situations, yet many of us struggle to manage them effectively.

• Emotions are subjective experiences that vary from person to person
• Children experience emotions intensely because they lack adult context and understanding of time
• Anger often masks more vulnerable feelings like fear, sadness, or rejection
• Many adults struggle with emotions because they never learned co-regulation in childhood
• Recognizing separation between yourself and others helps tolerate their distress
• You can express emotions without acting on them through journaling or talking
• Using visualization techniques like "containers" can help manage overwhelming feelings
• Focusing on connection rather than compliance builds better relationships with children
• Teaching emotional intelligence means validating feelings while setting boundaries on behaviors
• Being okay while others are distressed is a powerful skill in any relationship

Visit coreself.az to learn more about our new practice offering therapy, medication management, and innovative treatments like Spravato and TMS for treatment-resistant depression.

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

This show is sponsored by:

Core Self

www.coreself.org

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com

We explore imposter syndrome and why so many people feel like frauds despite evidence of their competence and capabilities.

• Defining imposter syndrome as feeling like you don't deserve your position or achievements
• How childhood experiences of conditional approval or criticism create adult insecurity
• Understanding "parts work" and how child parts of ourselves can feel triggered in adult settings
• The connection between imposter syndrome and perfectionism
• Time orientation exercises to reconnect with your adult competence
• Finding and embodying "mastery resources" from times you felt confident
• How clarifying personal values helps build authentic self-trust
• Recognizing that even experts don't have all the answers
• Using affirmations to gradually rebuild confidence and self-belief
• The power of projecting confidence even when you don't fully feel it

Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, follow the show, and share it with your friends.

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

This show is sponsored by:

Core Self

www.coreself.org

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com

We explore the science behind why human connection is essential for survival, from attachment theory to why our brains respond so profoundly to face-to-face interaction. Loneliness isn't simply being alone but a profound feeling of disconnection that can persist even when surrounded by others.

• Connection is crucial for safety and releases positive neurochemicals in our brains
• Attachment theory explains our innate survival need to connect with caregivers
• Digital connections don't activate the same neural networks as face-to-face interactions
• Spending just 15 minutes daily in meaningful connection can transform relationships
• We often defend against connection due to past experiences of rejection or pain
• Modern society facilitates isolation through remote work, delivery services, and digital communication
• Low-stakes practice like talking to service workers helps build connection skills
• Connection to ourselves is the foundation for connecting with others
• Repairing disconnected relationships requires persistence through initial discomfort

If you like our show, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, follow the show and share it with your friends.

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

Sleep affects nearly every aspect of our lives, yet many of us struggle to understand why we can't fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested in the morning. We explore how childhood patterns, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors impact our sleep quality and offer practical solutions for better rest.

• Various types of sleep issues including trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and early morning awakening
• How caffeine creates a vicious cycle that worsens sleep problems, especially as we age
• The negative impact of screens before bed on melatonin production and sleep quality
• Why consistency in sleep schedules is crucial for regulating our body's internal clock
• Cognitive patterns that create anxiety around sleep and how to challenge negative thoughts
• Environmental factors like room temperature (ideally 67°F) that promote better sleep
• The value of taking breaks throughout the day to practice calming your nervous system
• Why long-term solutions like CBT for insomnia work better than quick fixes

If you like our show, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, follow the show and share it with your friends.

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

Join us for an engaging exploration of why so many of us carry the weight of seriousness without realizing its impact on our lives. In our latest episode, we dive deep into the reasons behind our reluctance to laugh, unraveling how childhood experiences shape our perceptions of humor. Gain insights into the critical role laughter plays not just in enhancing our mood but also in promoting connections, healing, and overall well-being.

We tackle the barriers that prevent us from embracing humor, including anxiety, societal expectations, and deep-seated fears of vulnerability. Equipped with practical strategies, we guide you on how to invite laughter back into your daily life—whether it's through funny videos, light-hearted games, or simply learning to be silly again. Discover how mindfulness practices can facilitate this journey, assisting you in letting go of the need to take everything so seriously.

This episode is not just about understanding but about fostering resilience and joy in the face of life's challenges. Will you join us in recognizing that it's perfectly okay to find moments of laughter amidst the chaos? Tune in, and let's rediscover the lighter side of life together! Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and connect with us afterward!

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

Ever wondered why it's so hard to let go of that old sweater or those dusty collectibles? Join us as we unravel the emotional intricacies of our attachment to possessions. Through personal stories, we explore how childhood experiences and challenging financial times shape our relationships with stuff. Hear about my mother's journey from chaos to minimalism, and learn how conditions like ADHD and depression can impact organizational skills. Together, we'll uncover the underlying guilt and procrastination tied to clutter and how an abundance mindset can transform your life.

Our conversation goes deeper, examining how hoarding can be a manifestation of unresolved trauma and emotional distress. Discover how letting go is more than just tidying up—it's a process that may require compassion, therapy, or even medication. We discuss practical ways to support loved ones struggling with these issues and emphasize teaching children the importance of mindfulness and executive functioning skills early on. By fostering understanding and self-compassion, we can navigate these emotional layers more effectively, leading to healthier relationships with our belongings.

Finally, we introduce the transformative power of mindfulness in organizing our lives. Learn how simple practices, like engaging your senses during routine tasks, can lead to intentional decision-making and a more fulfilling existence. We offer actionable tips to incorporate mindfulness seamlessly into your everyday routine, helping you break free from autopilot and reducing stress. As we wrap up, we extend our gratitude to you, our listeners, for supporting "Why Am I Like This" and invite you to continue this journey with us by sharing, rating, and reviewing our podcast.

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