Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Real Zone of Growth is Not Outside the Comfort Zone But Inside the Window of Tolerance
A whiteboard at a local gym promotes the idea that “growth only happens outside the comfort zone,” which is popular in our “push through” culture. Stagnation can happen when there’s no challenge and no novelty. But if pushed too far, … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology, Uncategorized
Tagged comfort zone, growth, gym, IPNB, learning, mindset, neurobiology, progress, pushing through, Regulation, sweet discomfort, zone of growth
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The Seductive Trap of Success Hacks: The Vital Factors Tony Robbins, Tim Ferriss, and John Assaraf Bypass
It’s not surprising that almost all the “success” influencers dominating social media and podcasts are men. Tony Robbins, Brendon Burchard, Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, Robin Sharma, Lewis Howes, John Assaraf, and Scott D. Clary have built massive followings telling people … Continue reading
Medicalized Trauma: ChristianaCare’s Behavioral Health Fail
Seven years ago today, I first met with Alan L. Schwartz PsyD, the “embedded” psychologist at ChristianaCare’s Family Medicine Center at Foulk Road, having been referred to him by an intern at that facility. Schwartz (I refuse to use the … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health, Uncategorized
Tagged ChristianaCare, neglect, psychologist, Psychology, Rockford Center for Behavioral Health, UHS
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The Mental Illness Industry Barks Up the Wrong Tree
When someone is depressed, their whole system is in a state of distress. Low energy, low motivation, negative thinking, and isolation are all signs that the nervous system struggles to find safety and stability. The shift doesn’t begin with forcing … Continue reading
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US Homeland Security: When Trauma Is Codified into National Policy
A Facebook friend recently asked, “Is Kristi Noem even human?” This question, seemingly born from disbelief, prompted a deeper look into the behaviors of the current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. What if her actions, often described as impulsive, harsh, … Continue reading
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No Labels, No Symptom Checklists: The Shame Busting Science of IPNB
Many people share a deep and growing concern about psychiatry’s limitations. Meanwhile, Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) offers a framework grounded in science and is also deeply humane. Rather than defining mental health through labels and symptom checklists, IPNB recognizes health and … Continue reading
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Randy Shrugged: Generational Trauma Emotionally Eviscerated My Husband
When I was married to Randy*, I was in a constant state of confusion and loneliness. I’d ask what he felt, what he needed, what was going on between us. He’d shrug, tilt his head and say, “I don’t know.” … Continue reading
Posted in Family, Uncategorized
Tagged disconnection, divorce, intergenerational trauma, IPNB, Marriage, shrug, spouse
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The Neurobiological Case for Justice
Justice is essential for nervous system regulation, and a key missing factor for me. My nervous system isn’t just dealing with severe pain and trauma. It is also dealing with the ongoing assault of being gaslit, dismissed, and denied justice … Continue reading
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Why There Are No “Good” Billionaires
The idea that certain billionaires like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey can be considered “good” billionaires is tied to their efforts to use their wealth for philanthropy or positive social change. They may appear to contribute positively to … Continue reading
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Healing From Helplessness
Healing from perpetual helplessness, especially with Complex PTSD (CPTSD), involves reconnecting with our capacity for agency and self-regulation. Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) emphasizes that healing happens through relationships—both with ourselves and others—because we are inherently relational beings. One way to begin … Continue reading
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