This Trauma Aware America forum is designed for deep, informed conversation about human development, Relational Neuroscience/Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), and the lived reality of our bodies.
This is not an algorithmic feed designed to capture your attention and deliver frequent dopamine hits; it is a community hub designed to support your nervous system. By joining, we agree to uphold the following principles to keep this space safe, regulated, and nourishing for all.
1. Agency is Our Foundation
You are the ultimate authority on your own body and nervous system.
The Power to Disengage: You are never required to participate, respond, or “perform” engagement. If a discussion, thread, or voice space feels overwhelming or disregards your window of tolerance, you are encouraged to step away, mute, or leave. There is no shame in prioritizing your regulation over participation.
Self-Direction: You choose what you read, what you engage with, and when you contribute.
2. Symptoms are Data, Not Pathology
We leave the diagnostic, medicalized language of “disorders” and “brokenness” at the door.
Biological Logic: We treat symptoms (anxiety, shutdown, hyper-vigilance) as brilliant, evolutionary survival strategies rather than defects.
Curiosity over Certainty: When we discuss our experiences, we approach them with curiosity (“What might this physical sensation be trying to tell me?”) rather than a desire to “fix” or pathologize ourselves or others.
3. Intentional Sharing (The “Trauma-Aware” Standard)
In a space like this, deep sharing is natural—but we must balance vulnerability with the safety of the collective.
Context First: If you are planning to share something highly activating or graphic, please provide context or a “heads up” in your header. This allows members to choose whether to engage with that content, protecting their own nervous system capacity.
Witnessing, Not Fixing: We aim to listen, acknowledge, and offer empathy. We do not offer unsolicited advice, diagnosis, or “fixing” comments. We are here to witness each other’s humanity, not to treat each other’s histories.
4. We Are Human, Not Algorithms
We acknowledge that we are all operating within human bodies that get triggered, tired, and frustrated.
Generous Assumptions: We assume that members are trying their best and acting with good intentions, even when a comment lands awkwardly or we misinterpret a tone of voice.
Accountability: If a conflict arises, we aim to resolve it with curiosity rather than accusation. We ask questions before we assume motives.
5. Privacy: “What’s Said Here, Stays Here”
Trust is a biological necessity for healing.
Confidentiality: We respect each other’s privacy. Personal details shared in the server are not to be taken outside of this space.
Public Learning: The concepts, IPNB principles, and resources learned here are meant to be shared with the world, but the personal stories shared by members belong to the community.
6. Conscious Engagement & Nervous System Stewardship
We recognize that when our nervous systems are highly activated, we may have an urgent need to reach out. This space is designed to support that, but we encourage “conscious engagement” to ensure our collective nervous systems can stay regulated.
Before You Post: Ask yourself what you are looking for in this moment. Are you looking to share, to be witnessed, or to discharge high-intensity energy?
The Power of Framing: Because we are a community that prioritizes safety, if you are planning to share something with high emotional intensity or graphic content, adding a “heads-up” or brief context in your post header helps others choose when they have the capacity to engage.
Collective Care: If you find yourself in a state of high activation and need to discharge energy, we encourage you to use our #somatic-shims or #daily-check-in channels. These spaces are purpose-built for movement and release, ensuring that we can support you without overwhelming the collective dialogue.
If you have concerns about any interaction, or if something in the community feels unsafe, please reach out to Shay directly. We are building this sanctuary together.
