“I always thought my chatty moments with clients were me being unprofessional. Now I realize it’s my nervous system’s way of seeking connection when I’m activated.”
What a powerful realization! While we often talk about fight, flight, or freeze responses, our bodies have different ways of signaling when we’re moving from calm to stress.
In my clinical work, I’ve noticed my own pattern – I tend to become hyper-organized when stressed, creating endless to-do lists instead of staying present. Understanding this has been game-changing for my work with families.
- What are your earliest signals of dysregulation?
- How does stress show up in your body during sessions or your workspace?
- Which patterns emerge in different situations with children and families?
Understanding your personal stress responses isn’t just self-awareness – it’s a professional tool that enhances your work with families.
Remember, this isn’t about judgement – we all have moments when our nervous system gets the better of us. It’s about awareness and the opportunity to choose a different response next time.
