Tag Archives: interpersonal neurobiology

Why You Need Political Brain Breaks for Sanity and Health

When we’re constantly surrounded by fear and uncertainty, our nervous system picks up on those cues and responds as if we’re in danger, even when we’re just thinking about what might happen. This triggers our body’s natural stress response, which … Continue reading

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“Be Nice or Go Away” as a Healing Mantra

To come off survival mode, our nervous systems have to believe we are safe now. Too much evidence tells me I’m still not safe, including recent bad therapy and a prior malevolent doctor. Cruelty and contempt at the hands of … Continue reading

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The Shredding of My Safety Nets

Thanks to the effects of compound trauma on the brain, my resources for many things I used to enjoy have been quite limited for years. Most of my resources for social encounters are used for visits with my doctors. There’s … Continue reading

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It’s Not “Psychological Trauma,” it’s Trauma

The term “psychological trauma” is often used, but it overlooks the neurophysiological reality of what happens during trauma. It is more accurately described as nervous system dysregulation, in which trauma overwhelms the nervous system, throwing it out of balance and … Continue reading

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Creating Confident Patients: An IPNB Approach to Healthcare Advocacy

From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, understanding and addressing the reluctance of patients to question healthcare providers involves recognizing the complex interplay between the brain, mind, and relationships. Here are some ways to advocate effectively for patients’ needs: Foster a … Continue reading

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When Professionals Fail with CPTSD

It can feel frustrating and invalidating when professionals fail to recognize Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as a real condition. The truth is, it’s not part of their training to understand it, and that’s a systemic issue. The medical and psychiatric industries … Continue reading

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The Neurobiology of Uncertainty and Fear

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) offers a lens to understand how our brains and bodies respond to uncertainty and fear, particularly during times of political unrest. Here’s a breakdown of how IPNB principles apply to this context: The Neurobiology of Fear and … Continue reading

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CRPS and the Importance of Feeling Safe: An IPNB Perspective on Pain and Recovery

From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, the sense of safety is deeply intertwined with the functioning of the nervous system, which plays a key role in conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). IPNB emphasizes that our brains and bodies … Continue reading

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Restoring Homeostasis: How IPNB Can Inform CRPS Treatment

From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) reflects how the mind, body, and environment are deeply interconnected. CRPS, particularly in its chronic form, illustrates how trauma—initially physical but often layered with emotional and social stress—can lead … Continue reading

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True Need or Trauma Response? How to Tell the Difference

The distinction between a true need and a trauma-driven need isn’t always clear because both arise from the same nervous system working to keep you safe and supported. From an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, it’s helpful to approach this question … Continue reading

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