
Hosted by Gregory · EN

In this episode, navigate the chaos and discover practical strategies to anchor yourself when the world feels overwhelming. This introduction is your first step to building resilience during challenging times.What You'll Learn:• Understanding the impact of crisis on your nervous system.• Simple techniques to re-regulate during intense moments.• Identifying personal triggers and warning signs.• Cultivating a sense of present moment awareness.• Building a personal crisis toolkit.Key Insights:• Grounding is an active, skill-based practice.• The body remembers and responds to stress.• Small, consistent efforts build significant resilience.• Self-compassion is crucial in difficult periods.• External support amplifies internal strength.Recommended Resources:• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk• EMDR therapy• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we're diving into the foundational understanding of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and equipping you with essential strategies to navigate its inherent ups and downs. If you're on the path to recovery, this is your essential guide to recognizing the patterns and building resilience.What You'll Learn:• Define CPTSD and its core characteristics.• Understand the cyclical nature of CPTSD recovery.• Identify common triggers and emotional shifts.• Develop coping mechanisms for difficult moments.• Build a sustainable recovery roadmap.Key Insights:• CPTSD impacts emotional regulation and self-perception.• 'Ups' in recovery are often followed by 'downs' – this is normal.• Self-compassion is a critical tool for managing setbacks.• Building a strong support system is vital for long-term progress.• Understanding your trauma response empowers your healing journey.Recommended Resources:• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker• EMDR therapy• IFS (Internal Family Systems)📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we're diving into the foundational principles of genuine self-compassion. Discover how to cultivate a kinder inner dialogue and begin the transformative journey of healing through gentle self-treatment.What You'll Learn:• Understanding the core of self-kindness practices• Practical steps for a gentler inner voice• Identifying patterns of self-criticism• Building resilience through self-compassion• The link between kindness and trauma recoveryKey Insights:• Self-kindness is an active skill, not just a feeling• Gentleness is essential for processing difficult emotions• We can learn to be our own safe haven• The impact of early experiences on self-treatment• Small acts of kindness build lasting changeRecommended Resources:• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker• IFS (Internal Family Systems)📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, discover the essential first steps to reclaiming your energy and navigating the overwhelming feeling of emotional exhaustion that often accompanies trauma recovery. We're diving deep into practical strategies to replenish your reserves and build resilience.What You'll Learn:• Identify the signs of emotional exhaustion.• Understand its link to trauma recovery.• Learn immediate coping mechanisms.• Develop sustainable energy management habits.• Build a foundation for long-term well-being.Key Insights:• Emotional exhaustion is a common recovery hurdle.• Small, consistent actions make a big difference.• Self-compassion is a vital recovery tool.• Prioritizing rest is not a luxury, but a necessity.• Understanding your triggers empowers you.Recommended Resources:• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker• EMDR therapy📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, dive into the foundational principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a powerful tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of CPTSD. Discover how CBT can help you reframe distressing thoughts and behaviors, offering a structured path toward emotional regulation and resilience.What You'll Learn:• Understand the core concepts of CBT for CPTSD.• Identify how thoughts impact trauma responses.• Learn techniques to challenge negative self-talk.• Explore behavioral strategies for managing triggers.• Grasp the role of CBT in trauma processing.Key Insights:• CBT offers a practical framework for CPTSD.• Your thoughts are not your reality.• Small behavioral shifts create significant change.• Understanding patterns is the first step to breaking them.• CBT empowers active participation in recovery.Recommended Resources:• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker• EMDR therapy• "Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors" by Janina Fisher📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we explore emotional flashbacks, one of the most confusing aspects of complex trauma that leaves people feeling blindsided by overwhelming emotions that seem to come from nowhere. Unlike the flashbacks portrayed in movies, emotional flashbacks hit you with intense feelings, shame, terror, or worthlessness without any visual memories or clear triggers, making you believe these emotions reflect your current reality when they actually belong to your past. Gregory shares his personal experience of being floored by inexplicable shame and despair, only to later discover it was triggered by something as simple as a familiar scent in a grocery store. This episode breaks down the mechanics of emotional flashbacks, why they happen, and how to recognize when your nervous system is responding to ghosts from childhood rather than present circumstances.What You'll Learn:• How to distinguish emotional flashbacks from regular emotions and recognize when past trauma is intruding on present moments• Why emotional flashbacks lack visual memories and instead flood you with pure emotional content from childhood experiences• Common triggers including interpersonal dynamics, authority figures, situational cues, and even feeling good or relaxed• Physical and mental signs that indicate you're in a flashback rather than responding to current reality• Practical tools to use when caught in an emotional flashback to regain perspective and ground yourselfKey Insights• Emotional flashbacks feel completely real and present-focused, making your brain attach overwhelming feelings to current circumstances incorrectly• The worse your childhood trauma, the harder flashbacks are to recognize because those terrible feelings were your baseline• Triggers can be incredibly subtle like scents, tones of voice, or lighting that your conscious mind doesn't register• Recognizing a flashback creates separation between then and now, transforming "I am worthless" into "I'm having feelings from the past"• Shame about having flashbacks is often part of the flashback itself, echoing voices from those who originally hurt youRecommended Resources:• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk - comprehensive research on trauma's effects on brain and body• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker - foundational work on emotional flashbacks and complex trauma recovery• "What Happened to You?" by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey - accessible exploration of trauma's impact on development• NICABM (National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine) - free trauma resources and webinars• Psychology Today's "Find a Therapist" directory with trauma specialization filters - practical tool for locating qualified supportComing Up NextWe'll explore grounding techniques specifically designed for emotional flashbacks, giving you a toolkit of strategies to use when you're in the thick of overwhelming emotions and need to find your way back to the present moment.📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/c-ptsd-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6331440/support

In this episode, discover how cultivating gratitude can be a powerful, accessible tool for navigating the complexities of CPTSD. We're diving deep into practical, everyday practices that can shift your perspective and foster resilience.What You'll Learn:• Simple gratitude exercises for daily life• How gratitude impacts the nervous system• Shifting focus from lack to abundance• Building self-compassion through thankfulness• Integrating gratitude into trauma recoveryKey Insights:• Gratitude is an active practice, not just a feeling• Small shifts in focus yield significant results• Connecting with present moments reduces rumination• The science behind gratitude and well-being• Creating sustainable grateful habitsRecommended Resources:• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker• IFS (Internal Family Systems)📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this powerful episode of "CPTSD: Let's Make Sense of This Shit," host Gregory dives deep into the world of cognitive reframing, offering practical tools and strategies for those struggling with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).Key topics covered:Understanding how CPTSD leads to negative thought patternsIdentifying common cognitive distortionsPractical techniques for reframing negative thoughtsStrategies for managing social anxiety and building confidencePersonal anecdotes and listener storiesGregory shares his own experiences with overcoming social anxiety, providing relatable examples of how these techniques can be applied in real-life situations. The episode also includes a special challenge for listeners to practice reframing their thoughts and share their experiences.Whether you're dealing with CPTSD or simply looking to improve your mental well-being, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Join us as we learn to make sense of our thoughts and take control of our healing journey.Don't miss our next episode on setting healing goals for the New Year!podcasts💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛If this podcast has helped you make sense of C-PTSD, consider joining our Supporters Club. Your support helps us continue these crucial conversations on trauma and healing—conversations that can be hard to find but deeply needed.By joining, you ensure we can keep offering insights, support, and real talk to those navigating their journey with C-PTSD. Together, we can make sure no one faces this alone. Click here to join our Supporters Club and support more people.We’re in this together. 💛Remember, you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Let's reframe those thoughts together!

In this Healing episode, Gregory tackles the challenging topic of setting boundaries during the holiday season. Perfect for those dealing with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), this episode offers practical advice on managing family dynamics and protecting your mental health amidst festive chaos.Learn why holidays can be particularly stressful for trauma survivors, discover effective boundary-setting techniques, and explore coping strategies to keep holiday stress at bay. Featuring personal anecdotes and a listener success story, this episode provides the tools you need to navigate the holidays with confidence and self-compassion. Whether you're dreading family gatherings or simply looking to maintain your peace this season, this episode is your guide to creating a more enjoyable and less stressful holiday experience.Tune in for tips on how to say "no" without guilt, manage triggering situations, and prioritize self-care during this busy time of year.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛If this podcast has helped you make sense of C-PTSD, consider joining our Supporters Club. Your support helps us continue these crucial conversations on trauma and healing—conversations that can be hard to find but deeply needed.By joining, you ensure we can keep offering insights, support, and real talk to those navigating their journey with C-PTSD. Together, we can make sure no one faces this alone. Click here to join our Supporters Club and support more people.We’re in this together. 💛

Self-compassion isn't just a buzzword—it’s an essential skill for anyone navigating the challenging journey of healing from CPTSD. In this episode, Gregory takes you on a deep dive into the transformative power of self-compassion and why it’s critical for recovery.Here’s what you’ll learn:The role of self-compassion in trauma healing and emotional resilience.Why self-compassion is not self-indulgence but a powerful tool for growth.How to practice practical self-compassion exercises you can start today.A step-by-step guide to customizing the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method to meet your unique needs.Gregory wraps up the episode with a powerful challenge: incorporate at least one self-compassion exercise into your daily routine this week. Plus, get ready for Friday’s episode, where we’ll tackle Holiday Preparation: Managing Stressful Family Dynamics.Healing is hard, but with the right tools, it’s always possible. Tune in, take a deep breath, and let’s make sense of this healing journey—together.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 If this podcast has helped you make sense of C-PTSD, consider joining our Supporters Club. Your support helps us continue these crucial conversations on trauma and healing—conversations that can be hard to find but deeply needed.By joining, you ensure we can keep offering insights, support, and real talk to those navigating their journey with C-PTSD. Together, we can make sure no one faces this alone. Click here to join our Supporters Club and support more people.We’re in this together. 💛