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.

IPNB: a Framework for Anxiety Relief

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from anxiety by offering a framework that integrates the mind, brain, and relationships. Here’s how it can be beneficial: Understanding the Brain’s Response to AnxietyIPNB provides a comprehensive understanding … Continue reading

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What is Resonance and How Do We Achieve It?

Resonance in the context of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) refers to the harmonious connection between individuals, where their nervous systems and emotional states align and synchronize. This connection fosters mutual understanding, empathy, and emotional attunement, creating a sense of being deeply … Continue reading

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The Misplaced Rage of Incels

Patriarchy and domination hierarchies cut both ways, harming not only women but also men. While incels blame women for their frustrations, the deeper issue lies in the patriarchal system itself, which sets rigid expectations for gender roles and promotes toxic … Continue reading

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Why a Child’s Quality of Life Depends on a Parent’s Cohesive Narrative

From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, a child’s quality of life is deeply influenced by their parents’ ability to create a cohesive narrative of their own lives. This is because a cohesive narrative helps parents provide a stable, secure, and … Continue reading

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Boomers in Decline: the Impact of Dominance and Disconnection

A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology reveals that baby boomers (born in the late 1940s and 1950s) are living longer but experiencing more health problems, such as obesity, disability, and chronic disease, compared to earlier generations. An … Continue reading

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Brain Under Siege: Narcissistic Abuse and Its Lasting Effects

From an Interpersonal Neurobiology perspective, narcissistic abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects on a victim’s brain, body, and overall well-being. Interpersonal neurobiology focuses on the interconnectedness of the mind, brain, and relationships, emphasizing how our interactions shape our neural … Continue reading

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World Mental Health Day: Understanding the Root Causes of Mental Health Conditions Through an IPNB Lens

As we recognize World Mental Health Day on October 10th, it’s important to step back and examine the deeper, systemic causes of the global mental health crisis. From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, mental health is not just an individual … Continue reading

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The Toxic Dogma of “Your Role in Your Suffering”

The idea that “healing means taking responsibility for your role in your suffering” comes from a pathologizing and shame-based perspective. From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, the idea that individuals are responsible for their suffering is indeed problematic and overly … Continue reading

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The Bidirectional Relationship of Emotion and Cognition: Insights from IPNB

From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, cognition is not superior to emotion. IPNB emphasizes integration and the equal importance of all brain functions.The brain and nervous system work best when integration occurs between different parts (cognitive, emotional, sensory, etc.). Rather … Continue reading

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How Media Affects Our Nervous Systems: An IPNB Perspective

In mainstream media, we typically see a focus on topics and narratives that prioritize certain types of stories over others. Key trends include: Breaking News and Sensationalism: Media tends to prioritize sensational stories that grab attention, like celebrity gossip, political … Continue reading

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