Have you ever felt your heart race when confronted with a stressful situation?
Maybe you’ve suddenly felt the urge to run away or, on the other hand, completely shut down. Your body is speaking to you. This is your nervous system’s natural survival instinct at work—the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response.
As a therapist specializing in trauma, I see this every day. It’s more than just a theory—it’s your body’s way of trying to protect you. It’s real, it’s powerful, and it often leaves us feeling stuck in patterns we don’t understand. But here’s the thing: Your reactions make sense. Your body is trying to protect you, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
What is the Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn Response?
Our nervous system is wired for survival. When we sense a threat, we’re not just reacting—we’re trying to stay safe. When we perceive a threat—whether physical or emotional—our brain kicks into high gear. It signals our body to either:
Fight – We get defensive, confrontational, or irritable.
"I’ll stand my ground."
Flight – We feel restless, anxious, or the urge to escape.
"I need to get out of here."
Freeze – We shut down, feel numb, or disconnect from reality.
"I can’t move or think."
Fawn – We people-please, avoid conflict, and prioritize others’ needs over our own to stay safe.
"I just want everyone to be happy."
For some, these reactions are temporary. For others, they’re a constant battle. But for those who have experienced trauma, these responses can become deeply ingrained. Your body begins to react as if the threat never left. Does this sound familiar?
Why Trauma Keeps Us Stuck
When we go through something overwhelming—whether a painful childhood, an unhealthy relationship, or a sudden crisis—our nervous system remembers. It’s like a broken record. It’s like a fire alarm that keeps going off, even when there’s no fire.
The problem? These responses can take over our daily lives. We snap at loved ones, avoid situations that remind us of past pain, shut down emotionally, or become overly accommodating to avoid conflict. Trauma turns survival mode into your default setting. It keeps us in fight-or-flight long after the danger has passed. But healing is possible.
How Therapy Can Help You Break Free
If you recognize yourself in these patterns, I want you to know something: You are not broken. Your body has simply learned survival tactics that no longer serve you. And together, we can rewire your nervous system to respond with calm, clarity, and confidence. The first step is to know you’re not alone.
Therapy offers a safe space to:✅ Understand your triggers and why they happen✅ Learn tools to calm your nervous system✅ Reconnect with yourself beyond your trauma✅ Develop new coping strategies that work for you, not against you
You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
If you’ve been living in survival mode for too long, it’s time to take a step toward healing. Imagine living without the constant weight of stress and fear. Imagine a life where you feel safe in your own body, where you can respond to stress without feeling overwhelmed. That life is possible—and I’m here to help you get there.
Are you ready to reclaim your peace?
Let’s start this journey together. Reach out today to begin your healing process.
Your nervous system deserves to feel safe. And so do you.
Comments