Author Archives: Shay Seaborne, CPTSD
Why Internal Family Systems (IFS) Doesn’t Work for Me: An Interpersonal Neurobiology Perspective
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is increasingly popular in trauma-informed care. The approach asks individuals to partition their internal experience into distinct “parts”—assigning roles like managers, protectors, or exiles—and lead internal dialogues from a central “Self”. While some find comfort in … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged IFS, integration, Internal Family Systems, IPNB, parts, Relational Neuroscience, relational safety, therapist, therapists, therapy
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The Patel Pause: How a One-Minute Practice of Agency Transformed My Medical Healing
Five years ago, my first pain specialist, Dr. Hersh Patel, came up with a simple practice to help me build a sense of safety and navigate painful procedures. At the time, severe Complex PTSD and medical trauma left me freezing … Continue reading
What Does It Mean to Establish Safety First in Trauma Recovery?
We hear a lot about the importance of safety and its effect on nervous system regulation in trauma recovery, but what does establishing safety first actually mean in everyday life? And how do we build genuine physical and psychological safety? … Continue reading
Posted in Safety
Tagged agency, choice, environment, integrated relationships, relational safety, relationships, safety, somatic, Stress, Trauma
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People Need More Than Emergency Supplies. They Need Other People.
Emergency preparedness includes protecting physical safety, maintaining human connection, meeting practical needs, respecting people’s choices, and supporting those who witness and respond to suffering. Communities can reduce some of the harm associated with emergencies by making dependable relationships and mutual … Continue reading
Posted in Emergencies
Tagged Community, connection, Emergencies, emergency preparedness, people, relationships, responses, safety
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CRPS Awareness and Interpersonal Neurobiology: Healing Through Relational Safety and Connection
November 2nd is CRPS Awareness Day. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a profound neurophysiological disorder characterized by chronic nervous system dysregulation, central nervous system sensitization, and relentless pain. On CRPS Awareness Day, shifting the narrative around chronic pain requires … Continue reading
Posted in pain
Tagged agency, allostatic load, CRPS, CRPS Awareness Day, CRPS recovery, Doctor, health, Interpersonal Neurobilology, IPNB, neuroception, pain, pain relief, quadrilateral CRPS, recurrent pain, well-being
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Psych Meds Are the Bread and Butter of the Mental Illness Industry
The claim that psychiatric medications correct a “chemical imbalance” in the brain has long been disproven. These drugs don’t fix an underlying defect. Instead, they alter brain function to numb our distress, often bringing unwanted negative effects like emotional blunting, … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged medications, Mental Health, psychiatric medications, psychiatry
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What to Say After an Emergency: Supporting People Through Crisis
An emergency affects people long after immediate danger passes. People may lose homes, possessions, routines, physical safety, income, or contact with loved ones. They might experience disrupted sleep, trouble concentrating, sensitivity to noise, or difficulty making decisions. Some will want … Continue reading
Posted in Emergencies
Tagged Community, connection, Emergencies, what not to say, what to say
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Navigating Emergencies Relies on Community Trust
When an emergency hits, everything shifts. People feel overwhelmed, information is patchy, and suddenly you have to rely on folks you might not know well—or might not even get along with. If trust is already shaky in your neighborhood, that … Continue reading
Posted in Emergencies
Tagged Community, Emergency, emergency preparedness, emergency response, IPNB, neighborhood, relationships
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The Importance of Connection and Practical Help After an Emergency
After a disaster, people need clear updates, human connection, and practical support. Having someone familiar nearby to listen, guide next steps, or just offer a presence provides stability during crisis and loss. Essentials like food, clean water, medication, shelter, transportation, … Continue reading
Posted in Emergencies
Tagged connection, disaster, Emergencies, safety, stability, support
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Near Death, Disbelieved, and Abandoned
“I haven’t had a shower since Monday so that’s my goal today. Have a shower. Also go for a walk would be good. if I can. I’ll see how my pain levels are and my energy. I can ignore pain … Continue reading
Posted in Healthcare
Tagged connection, disbelieved, disconnected, dismissed, healthcare, near death, Nervous System, practitioner abandonment, safety
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