Have you ever wondered why you react a certain way in stressful circumstances? Maybe you withdraw or isolate; Maybe you yell, or respond in a hurtful way towards those you love the most.
Everyday life situations can challenge us and trigger emotional and behavioral reactions that are difficult to understand. Navigating the aftermath of these reactions can be equally as difficult, as they sometimes leave behind feelings of shame, loneliness, or a sense of hopelessness when we repeatedly respond in a way that makes matters seemingly worse.
Behavioral reactions may include:
- Verbal aggression or defensiveness
- Lying or avoidance
- Alcohol or drug use
- Isolation or withdraw
In these moments, when we are sifting through the aftermath of these events, knowledge truly is power. Sometimes, it’s not enough to know the answer to “What made me upset?”, but rather we need to know “Why did that make me so upset?”. Often, the answer to this can be found in events that have occurred at an earlier time in our life.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the therapeutic journey is gaining an understanding surrounding the neurological connections that drive our thoughts and behavior (Neuroplasticity); The “Why”. These connections have been fostered through our experiences and have served a purpose in your life. Your life has literally shaped your brain!
Neurological connections are influenced by a variety of life experiences including:
- Overwhelming stress
- Trauma
- Infidelity
- Poor Treatment
The good news is that our brains are capable of change! They can adapt and form new, connections. When we better understand the complexities behind our reactions, we can identify tools for developing new connections and healthy behavioral responses that will fuel confidence, and hope for the future.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. You don’t have to be embarrassed to ask for help.
“Most people think about therapy as something that involves going in and undoing what’s happened. But whatever your past experiences created in your brain, the associations exist, and you can’t just delete them.” – Dr. Bruce Perry
