Trauma Rewired

Shame, Stress, and Survival: Developmental Trauma Impacts Health

The amount of time and patience it takes to heal the body cannot be understated. Pushing our own personal boundaries to create a larger capacity to be witnessed and seen, can feel counterintuitive at times. However, if we can dig deep to understand how the nervous system attempts to protect us, even when it doesn’t feel like it, we can come to a place of deep compassion for ourselves and others to allow our bodies to feel safe again. In today’s episode, our hosts Elisabeth and Jennifer sit down ...

ACE Scores, Mental Health, and Physical Health

Our emotional and nervous systems are intricately connected. Our emotional states provide clues about the state of our nervous system, and vice versa. Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, gut health issues, pain, eczema, and psoriasis often trace back to complex trauma and nervous system dysregulation. These physical symptoms are our body’s protective responses. Viewing overall health from this perspective offers insights into how we can facilitate true healing by addressing nervous system he...

The Highly Sensitive Person and Sensory Processing Dis-Order

For highly sensitive people (HSPs), the intensity of the world often feels magnified. Their heightened sensitivity makes them highly empathetic and deeply attuned to others' emotions. This allows them to form meaningful, compassionate connections. However, it can also lead to overwhelm. Everyday stimuli—like sounds, touch, smells, textures, and colors—can be particularly dysregulating for HSPs. This is why understanding where we fall on the sensitivity spectrum is crucial. By recognizing how we ...

ADHD, Burnout, and Development

We live in an extremely overstimulating society, where information is coming at us from all angles, and the brain is constantly working to make sense of it all. As we continue to unravel and understand ADHD, we're beginning to see it not just as a disorder, but as an adaptive response to the world. With this perspective, we can work with ADHD more effectively and with greater empathy. In today’s episode, Elisabeth and Jennifer are joined by Neuro-Somatic Intelligence (NSI) Coach Mari Del Luna, w...

Complex Trauma Is A Neurodivergence

What is a neurotypical world? Here at Trauma Rewired, we don’t believe it exists. As humans, we are biodynamic, unique, individuals that process the world around us differently. So understanding how that happens is key to unlocking our healing potential. Complex trauma adds another layer to the mix, which we believe is not separate from neurodivergence. The “extra” neural pathways reinforced by traumatic events to keep us safe is what shapes the neurodivergent spectrum. On today’s episode, Elisa...

Autism & NeuroSomatic Intelligence

There is a staggering number of adults with ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence, who have yet to be diagnosed. Even in the age of information, many adults don’t realize they are wired differently until their children are diagnosed. This can create all sorts of issues in the nervous system for these folks, by suppressing, repressing, masking their true selves, and feelings of inadequacy can take a toll. This is why a diagnosis is so important when it comes to these types of disorders, because once ...

Neurodivergence and NeuroSomatic Intelligence

In a society where we are encouraged, and sometimes forced to conform, life can become quite dysregulating for neurodivergent people. Feeling misunderstood, not good enough, or wanting to fit in, suppresses a person’s ability to be in full self-expression and wreaks havoc on the nervous system. The isolation and shame associated with being neurodivergent can create its own protective outputs, adding another layer to the neurodivergent lens. However, our diversity and differences are what makes u...

Beliefs, Identity, and Diagnosis

Our beliefs about ourselves and the world are so deeply ingrained in our being that every sensory input is filtered through the lens of these beliefs. Beliefs like, “I am not enough” or “I am unworthy”, can create maladaptive emotions, behaviors, or thoughts, and can cause a ton of stress on our nervous systems and result in illness or disease, especially when that belief is misaligned with who we truly are. Addressing our core beliefs and how they have shaped our identity, is so important to un...

Rest and Recovery

In a society that often equates our worth with productivity, focusing on rest and recovery can feel unsafe, potentially leading to increased stress in both our minds and bodies. By challenging the need to be constantly productive and redefining our relationship with rest, we can uncover a common theme: doing more doesn’t always equate to achieving more. Whether that is career success, finances, healing, etc. Actually, the opposite can be true: the more we rest, the more productive we are able to...

Chronic Fatigue, Functional Freeze, and Depression

Depression is one of the most researched mood disorders, but if we look a bit deeper into how depression is able to develop, it is more nuanced than we think. This means, treating depression isn’t a one size fits all solution. It is agreed upon that depression is a chemical imbalance and can be treated with SSRIs or SNRIs, etc., which can work for some, but this doesn’t always work for everyone. Understanding what happens in the body and brain when it comes to nervous system outputs and how we a...

Burnout

magine a flame that isn’t receiving adequate fuel, slowly dying down. This is a great visualization of what happens in the body when we are experiencing burnout. When we push past our capacity and boundaries, while doing things that may not be authentic or aligned with us, we are essentially burning through our reserves faster than we can replenish them. This is so common for people to experience in our society, with so many pressures to do more constantly. The demand it has on our physical, men...

Somatic Memory

As humans we rely on visual memory the most, but what if we told you that memories, especially memories that were formed before we had language, live primarily in our bodies. It’s safe to say, the body keeps score, more than we know. It can be extremely dis-regulating to try to retrieve memories that live in the body without proper training because the visual aspect of the memory may not correlate to the sensations that show up in the body. This is why having awareness and training is so crucial...

Memory

Explore the intricate world of memory and trauma and delve into how generational trauma impacts our nervous system, behavior, and even our genes. Discover the fascinating science behind neuropeptides, epigenetics, and how your body stores and processes traumatic memories. The hosts explore how generational trauma manifests through behavioral, nervous system, and epigenetic changes, and discuss how consistent, daily practices can aid in reshaping the brain and healing somatic experiences. They em...

Anxiety

In this episode of Trauma Rewired, hosts Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof are joined by Matt Bush as they unpack anxiety. The conversation starts with an exploration of how neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and autism impact executive functioning, sensory processing, and create hypersensitivities that lead to emotional overwhelm. They highlight the importance of self-assessment and retraining of sensory systems to better manage these challenges. Elisabeth Kristof further connects deve...

Redefining Mental Health From An NSI Perspective

"The mental health system's adherence to the medical model not only neglects the complex interplay of genetic, developmental and environmental factors, but also serves to stigmatize and marginalize those who suffer." In the premiere episode of Season 4, hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace dive deep into the challenges and impacts of mental and physical health diagnoses from a Neurosomatic Intelligence (NSI) perspective. They share their personal journeys, battling with insomnia, anxiety...

Stress Response In Relationship

This week on Trauma Rewired, hosts Jennifer and Elisabeth welcome back Matt Bush of Next Level Neuro to explore the physiology of stress and the transformative power of neurosomatic intelligence. We know that connection is crucial to our survival as humans, but for those with complex trauma, even the healthiest relationships can trigger a stress response and lead to maladaptive behaviors. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how stress impacts our relationships and physical health, and ...

Emotional Neglect

When we think about adverse childhood experiences, emotional neglect is often seen as less significant compared to other forms of trauma. Its subtleties make it easy to overlook, but the truth is that emotional neglect has a profound effect on our relationships and health as adults, from the detrimental effects on the brain and immune system. In this episode, hosts Jennifer and Elisabeth define emotional neglect and go over the signs and behaviors of those who’ve experienced it in childhood. The...

What is Neuro-Somatic Intelligence? FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Our latest episode dives deep into the transformative power of Neurosomatic Intelligence (NSI) and its potential to ripple positive change across communities. We explore how understanding the nervous system can sharpen our existing strengths, address our weaknesses, and cultivate resilience. By intentionally training our nervous systems, we’re not just enhancing our personal health but fostering a connectedness that benefits the larger society. Whether you're a therapist, coach, or simply someon...

The Neurology of Empathy

Believe it or not, empaths and narcissists have foundational similarities. Not only does the brain chemistry look the same, but empaths and narcissists both struggle with nervous system regulation and look to others to help them regulate their emotions. But whereas the narcissist avoids the emotions of others, empaths are deeply affected and have a physiological experience to the emotions of others on a subconscious level. This can lead to emotional fatigue, chronic stress, poor sense of self an...

Healing The Relationship To Our Body

Relationship to the Body Season 03, Episode 30 Our bodies are always speaking to us, but often we’re not able to understand or listen to what they’re trying to communicate. In this episode, hosts Jennifer and Elisabeth unpack the complexities of our relationship to the body, including how our perceptions, emotions and beliefs about our bodies significantly impact our overall well-being. They dive deep into the impact the interoceptive system has on the nervous system, emotions and behaviors, esp...

Healing Dissociation

“You can’t be present and dissociated at the same time.” These wise words from co-host Jennifer Wallace encompasses why this topic is so important to explore. Presence is the truth of our emotions and our reality, because we cannot heal what we do not feel. Being present with our emotions, and feeling them in our body, allows us to truly understand and heal our nervous system in ways that dissociating from the body cannot. This is a powerful conversation highlighting what goes on in the brain an...

Self Abandonment of Complex Post Traumatic Stress

The essence of who we are radiates when we live in our purpose. When we can connect with our true self and share it with others. There are many blockers stopping us from being able to express our feelings, or even know what we’re experiencing, and one of them is self abandonment. Don’t let the “self” fool you — sometimes, we unintentionally abandon ourselves because of the survival responses born as a result of trauma. Until healing begins, we can get stuck living through learned patterns of ign...

Social Anxiety of Complex Post traumatic Stress

The term social anxiety gets tossed around a lot these days, however individuals with CPTS who experience social anxiety feel its effects on a visceral level. It can be highly debilitating and can affect the way we relate and connect to others, when the need for connection is at the very core of what makes us human. Knowing if you actually have social anxiety can be tricky, especially if there are socially acceptable coping mechanisms like overconsumption of substances involved. The proof is in ...

Toxic Shame Of Complex Post Traumatic Stress

As a human, you have most likely felt shame to some degree. Although it is a normal human protective emotion to keep us safe on a societal level, shame can become toxic when it persists and when we internalize the critical narrative from that shame. Toxic shame shows up in many ways, however, the way it shows up physiologically is understood the least, but the most telling. From posture, dilated pupils, tense muscles, to inflammation in the body, headaches, and diseases, it is possible to visibl...

The Inner Critic of Complex Post Traumatic Stress

We’ve all experienced the inner critic to some extent. You know, that voice inside of your head saying you’re not good enough, or that you’re a bad person. Where does this voice come from and why is it so vicious? Well, for people dealing with CPTS, this voice is even louder, and even more critical. The volume gets turned up ten notches, and turning it off feels like a game of tug of war. Understanding where this voice comes from and how it manifests is a crucial part to replacing the inner crit...

The Emotional Flashbacks of Complex Post Traumatic Stress

What is C-PTSD?

We first explored this question in Season 2 and felt it was necessary to revisit; with more altitude, updated research and further along in our healing journeys. In this episode, hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace dive deep into the realm of Complex Post Traumatic Stress, or CPTS, exploring the complexities of trauma and the impact on our nervous systems. We offer a comprehensive understanding of its five key components. The hosts share practical tools and emphasize the importance of h...

Relationships and Your Nervous System; Closing the Season and Looking Ahead

Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace close season three of Trauma Rewired by reflecting on the interconnectedness of trauma, the nervous systems and our relationships explored throughout the season. They delve into the season’s most powerful conversations and insightful concepts, including relational patterns like emotional neglect, the neurology of narcissism, the importance of community healing, and more. Listeners were engaged more than ever, so you’ll hear stories of how the season impacte...

Transforming Trauma in Youths Through Athletics and Neuro-Somatic Intelligence

It's no secret that wellness programs like neurosomatic intelligence coaching often lack accessibility in marginalized communities, where populations most in need of such services are usually underserved and underprivileged. Unfortunately, these programs are often not tailored to meet the specific needs of these communities. Hence, there's a pressing need to rethink our approach and become more innovative in how we deliver them. Today, we're joined by Martin Simms, one of our NSI coaches, who ha...

Navigating Neurodivergence and Chronic Pain with Neuro-Somatics

Neurosomatic intelligence can be the key to healing not just trauma, but in the management of chronic pain. Joining us on this episode of Trauma Rewired is Lindsey Wall, a neurosomatic intelligence practitioner, movement practitioner, and Brain-Based Wellness coach. Her personal journey with chronic pain, hypermobility, and neurodiversity highlights the versatility of NSI in healing unique nervous systems. Lindsey shares how NSI has allowed her to navigate these challenges with a deeper understa...