Supporting the nervous system is at the core of healing and well-being. Our nervous system is the foundation of how we process and respond to stress, trauma, and life itself. When it’s dysregulated, as it often is in the face of trauma or chronic pain, it can create a cascade of issues throughout the body and mind. So, when I say, “The answer is always to support the nervous system,” it’s the essential truth: any physical, emotional, or relational healing has to begin with stabilizing and supporting the nervous system.
Support can take many forms, from soothing and nurturing environments to trauma-informed therapies, or creating space for your body to feel safe again. The nervous system needs safety, consistency, and regulation to heal. This is why therapeutic approaches need to work together to holistically care for the body, mind, and relationships. By prioritizing nervous system regulation, I advocate for a fundamental shift that recognizes our mental, physical, and emotional experiences are intra-connected. This is life-affirming, and the key to long-term healing and health.
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About Shay Seaborne, CPTSD
Shay Seaborne CPTSD teaches Relational Neuroscience for stress reduction, trauma recovery, and community building. Shay has studied the neurobiology of fear / trauma /PTSD since 2014 and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) since 2019. They write, speak, teach, and make art to convey their experiences as well as their understanding of the neurobiology of fear, trauma theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology concepts, and principles of trauma recovery. A native of Northern Virginia, Shay settled in Delaware to sail KALMAR NYCKEL, the state’s tall ship. But once they finally had mental health insurance, their life rapidly changed. The standard treatment for PTSD nearly killed them. The psychiatric abuse began a cascade of negative medical encounters that repeatedly caused additional harm and the development of severe Medical PTSD.
Shay wishes everyone could recognize that "mental health problems" are symptoms of dysregulation, our mainstream culture is neuro-negative, and we can heal ourselves and each other through awareness, understanding, and safe connection.
