Author Archives: Shay Seaborne, CPTSD

About Shay Seaborne, CPTSD

Former tall ship sailor turned trauma awareness activist-artist Shay Seaborne, CPTSD has studied the neurobiology of fear / trauma /PTSD since 2015. She writes, speaks, teaches, and makes art to convey her experiences as well as her understanding of the neurobiology of fear, trauma theory, and principles of trauma recovery. A native of Northern Virginia, Shay settled in Delaware to sail KALMAR NYCKEL, the state’s tall ship. She wishes everyone could recognize PTSD is not a mental health problem, but a neurophysiological condition rooted in dysregulation, our mainstream culture is neuro-negative, and we need to understand we can heal ourselves and each other through awareness, understanding, and safe connection.

How to Resist the Domination System Individually and Collectively

Resisting a system that perpetuates harm and neglect, particularly in the context of trauma and inadequate support, requires both individual and collective action. Here are some strategies that can help: Build Communities of Support Connect with Others: Isolation is one … Continue reading

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Emotional Deprivation: How ‘Crying It Out’ Shapes Brain Development and Contributes to Personality Disorders

After my first child was born, my then mother-in-law repeatedly insisted I should “Just let her cry,” alone in her crib because “it won’t hurt her.” My instincts said my baby needed safe connection, and I followed my instincts. From … Continue reading

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Building Our Sense of Agency

Trauma, particularly chronic or developmental trauma, often affects our sense of agency. This is especially true when the people, structures, and systems that are supposed to protect us and create justice refuse to hold abusers accountable. Our sense of agency … Continue reading

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Understanding Incels, an Interpersonal Neurobiology Perspective

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) highlights the importance of early attachment relationships in shaping our brain development and social behaviors. Secure attachments in childhood foster healthy emotional regulation and social skills. In contrast, insecure attachments can lead to difficulties in forming and … Continue reading

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The Kaiser Strike Exposes a Broken Mental Health System Built on Symptom Management, Not Care

As nearly 2,400 Kaiser mental health workers continue their strike, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the mental health industry is not providing the care most people need. While the striking workers are asking for more time to manage their workloads … Continue reading

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Misogyny and Violence: the Neurobiological Connection

The connection between misogyny and violence can be deeply understood through the lens of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), which explores how our brain, body, and relationships are intricately connected. From this perspective, misogyny and violence are not just social phenomena but … Continue reading

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Cultivating Safe Relationships When You Have No Support

Safe relationships are vital to trauma recovery and general well-being. For many, the idea of forming safe and supportive relationships seems daunting, especially if they don’t have anyone in their life they can truly rely on. But building these connections … Continue reading

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Safety in Uncertainty: Protecting Ourselves and Others Through IPNB

In times of growing fear and division, such as those surrounding political uncertainty, it’s vital to mindfully choose our safety strategies for our own well-being and the collective health of those around us. As another Trump administration looms on the … Continue reading

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The Brain Isn’t Broken; Medicine’s Approach to Depression is Faulty

A recent study on rumination and depression suggests that brain structure plays a major role in why some individuals get stuck in repetitive negative thinking. The researchers identified differences in the precuneus, a brain region linked to self-reflection and memory, … Continue reading

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Connection Over Control: Why IPNB is the Antidote to Dominance Hierarchies

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) supports the reduction of hierarchy, especially when it comes to relationships, organizations, and social structures. IPNB, developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, is grounded in the idea that human beings thrive in environments that promote connection, attunement, empathy, … Continue reading

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