Many survivors can identify what they feel—but not why it feels so big. Emotions may arrive suddenly, escalate quickly, or linger far longer than expected. A minor disagreement at work can trigger panic. A small disappointment in a relationship can feel crushing. Moments of closeness can feel overwhelming or unsafe. This intensity is often mistaken for being overly sensitive, emotional immaturity or instability. In reality, it reflects a nervous system that adapted early to s

Many survivors of childhood trauma carry a quiet but persistent belief: Something is wrong with me because of how I feel. Emotions feel too intense. Too fast. Too overwhelming. Or, at times, completely inaccessible. Survivors are often labeled—or label themselves—as too sensitive , too reactive , or too emotional . To understand why emotions feel like a problem, it helps to first understand what emotions actually are, what they are designed to do, and how early relational

This post continues where the last post left off 5. Normalize Temporary Regression Why This Matters Healing from childhood trauma is not linear. Even with consistent growth and practice, small moments—a tone of voice, perceived disapproval, emotional distance, stress, or fatigue—can suddenly pull you back into familiar emotional states. Pete Walker describes these experiences as emotional flashbacks : moments when the nervous system relives the feelings of past trauma witho

This post follows and expands on the previous article: You Didn’t Choose Your Core Beliefs—and How You Can Change Them. It isn’t enough to simply think  differently about yourself—healing isn’t an intellectual exercise. Core beliefs are held in the body, the nervous system, and in lived experience, not just in thoughts. New beliefs need to be practiced, felt, and anchored in daily life through real choices: speaking a boundary, allowing support, noticing when you’re minimizin