An initiative of Shay Seaborne, CPTSD, trauma awareness artist, educator, and activist, who shares her experience, knowledge, and perspective.*
You are invited to check out “Foundations of Regulation,” a 6-week course Shay co-teaches with BodyIntelligence instructor Imogen Ragone. Life is better with a regulated nervous system, enabling you to cope more easily with stressful situations and make better decisions for yourself. Unlike forced positivity and pure will power (which is never enough), a basic understanding of neurobiology and BodyIntelligence offers real relief. We want everyone to have access to this important information so we do offer scholarships when possible.
All about trauma, the best definition of which is, “Too much or too little for too long.” Find answers to these questions and more:
What is trauma?
What are the most common symptoms of trauma and chronic toxic stress?
How does the nervous system respond to trauma?
What causes trauma?
How can we recover from trauma together?
What do trauma survivors need?
Unresolved trauma affects every aspect of life.
Trauma dysregulates the nervous system, disintegrates the brain, and distorts our ability to feel safe in connection. It separates us from ourselves, each other, and our place in the world.
Trauma may not be avoidable, but PTSD is preventable.
PTSD is a neurophysiological condition caused by a failure of the environment.
Psychology and medicine are not going to save us.
We can’t wait for psychology to swoop in and save us. This pseudoscience is inherently pathologizing and dehumanizing. It is also 20 years behind neuroscience. If psychology could save us it would have already. We wouldn’t have increasing numbers of people on long-term antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and pain medications. Medicine also ignores the neurobiology of trauma and its profound effect on health and life trajectory.
Instead of looking toward professionals, we need to look to each other. We are inherently capable of helping each other not only recover from trauma but avoid PTSD. We’ve forgotten because the dominant culture has separated us from ourselves and each other insidiously for so long.
The miracle of neuroplasticity allows us to change our nervous system.
We are biologically designed to help each other heal. With basic information and focused attention, we can help ourselves and each other heal through the miracle of Interpersonal Neurobiology.
We need safety and connection. It is a biological imperative.
How we treat each other changes who we are.
We change the nervous system, not by a “reset,” but by frequent tiny bits over time, like a drip, drip, drip infusion.
What do trauma survivors need?
Trauma Recovery Resources: therapy, books, resources, podcasts, videos, film.
*DISCLAIMER: This is not medical, psychological, pharmaceutical, or legal advice. The contents of this site represent Shay Seaborne, CPTSD’s lived experience and understanding of the neurobiology of trauma through study and experiences. For medical, psychological, pharmaceutical, or legal advice, consult a licensed practitioner.
#TraumaAwareAmerica