Nervous system dysregulation, chronic pain, migraines, fatigue, and perfectionism are all connected in ways most of us were never taught to understand.

In this episode, I sit down with Valerie Beaulieu (former Athletic Therapist, Migraine and Neuroplasticity Expert) to explore what the nervous system actually does, what nervous system dysregulation looks like in real life, and why so many high-achieving women find themselves stuck in cycles of exhaustion, pain, people-pleasing, and survival mode.

We discuss the role fear plays in chronic symptoms, how fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses show up in everyday life, and why silence can feel so uncomfortable when your nervous system is constantly scanning for danger. Valerie also shares the latest thinking on neuroplastic pain, including how the brain can continue to generate pain signals even after an injury has healed, and how our beliefs, emotions, and internal narratives can influence healing.

If you've ever wondered why you feel stuck despite doing all the "right" things, this conversation offers a fascinating perspective on the connection between your brain, body, emotions, and energy.

Key Takeaways:

Your nervous system is constantly gathering information and determining whether you are safe or under threat.
Many women spend years operating in survival mode without realizing it.
Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses can show up as perfectionism, overworking, people-pleasing, procrastination, or feeling stuck.
Fear is often at the root of chronic stress patterns, even when it appears as anger, guilt, shame, or frustration.
The stories and beliefs you attach to your symptoms can influence how your brain experiences pain and fatigue.
Neuroplastic pain is real pain generated by learned brain pathways rather than ongoing tissue damage.
Chronic pain and chronic fatigue are not "all in your head," but your brain plays an important role in how symptoms are experienced.

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Connect with Valerie:

Valerie Beaulieu is a former Athletic Therapist, Migraine and Neuroplasticity Expert with over 17 years of experience helping people overcome acute sports-related injuries, chronic pain, and stress-related symptoms. After years of working with everyone from everyday individuals to Olympic athletes, she discovered that achieving freedom from chronic pain and symptoms goes far beyond the physical body and is deeply connected to the brain, nervous system, emotions, and identity patterns.

Today, Valerie specializes in helping women break free from chronic migraines, pain, and symptoms by retraining the brain and nervous system through a powerful mind-body approach. Through her speaking, coaching, and signature R.I.S.E. program, she empowers women to stop living in survival mode, regain trust in their bodies, and reclaim agency over their health and lives.

Linktree: Linktr.ee/ValerieMindBodyRx

IG: @valerie_mindbody_coach

FB: Valerie Beaulieu - Mind-Body Living Rx

YouTube: Valerie Beaulieu | Rise Above Pain

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Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.