Category Archives: Neuroscience

Humans as social animals

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Shay

Human beings are inherently social animals, but, unfortunately, the ability to properly function as a social organism takes a certain set of resources, of which many of us were robbed or never allowed. Proper human functioning is nearly impossible for … Continue reading →

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DO THIS, NOT THAT! When Compassionate Witnessing Goes Wrong

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Shay

In this video, Imogen Ragone and I provide practical information about what to do, and crucially, what NOT to do. They discuss how to identify and avoid the common mistakes that undermine meaningful connection, and what you can do instead. … Continue reading →

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Compassionate witnessing: what is it and why does it seem like magic?

Posted on December 12, 2022 by Shay

Do you know what it means to be a compassionate witness? It’s a term that’s been bandied around quite a bit recently and is something we’ve discussed in depth in Imogen Ragone‘s weekly BodyIntelligence, Neurobiology, and Trauma ongoing study group. … Continue reading →

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Enter the Cuckoo’s Nest

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Shay

Me, four years ago tonight, at the cusp of what would turn out to be a horrible turn of events: “I’m having serious problems with my SSRI medication and I need to talk to a doctor. Increasing suicidal ideations, wish … Continue reading →

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The Cuckoo’s Nest lives

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Shay

Four years ago this month I was in a cuckoo’s nest! I’ve been working on trauma recovery for over 20 years. Unfortunately, some of the worst damage to my nervous system occurred through the so-called “standard treatment” for PTSD when … Continue reading →

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Don’t “flip your lid,” down-regulate!

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Shay

How does regulating the nervous system help sufferers of trauma and chronic stress? What is the “window of tolerance” and how can we widen ours? What happens in our brains when we “flip our lid” and how can we avoid … Continue reading →

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The myth of self-regulation

Posted on January 22, 2022 by Shay

Healing from trauma requires co-regulation with regulated nervous systems, particularly for those who experienced Developmental Trauma, which most often occurs in relationships. We are MADE to co-regulate. Wired for it. Co-regulation is a biological imperative. That means we cannot survive … Continue reading →

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The capacity to make good decisions

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Shay

The capacity to make good decisions is among many aspects of self that are dependent on sufficient nervous system regulation. Beyond a certain point of dysregulation, we lose our ability to feel love, joy, peace, gratitude, and beauty inside us. … Continue reading →

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