Is This A Trauma Response?

 Is THIS a Trauma Response?

By Susan Shehata / January 17, 2023 /

I teach about trauma responses in my work—what they are, how to recognize them, how to navigate them, etc. One of the questions that comes up in classes is, “Is (xyz) a trauma response?” So, I want to make something clear… Anything can be a trauma response if it is a response to trauma. In…

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School Trauma, Neurodivergence and Core Beliefs

School Trauma, Neurodivergence and Core Beliefs

By Susan Shehata / October 7, 2022 /

One of the more commonly overlooked forms of trauma is the kind of adverse and traumatic situations that take place in the context of school—both on an academic and social level.    This can be in the form of mockery, bullying, being put in the spotlight, being told on-going disparaging comments about your academic or…

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Spill the Milk

By Susan Shehata / August 11, 2022 /

Every morning, I make myself a cup of cocoa. Other people have their morning coffee, but I have cocoa. In the cold months, I have it warm. In the warm months, I have it iced. Dedication. Most days, as I mix up the ingredients and carefully measure out my (oat) milk—I’m lactose intolerant, not just…

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Canary in the Coalmine

By Susan Shehata / July 27, 2022 /

Are you a canary in our collective coal mine?   Emotions are messengers from our inner world-which includes our mind, body and spirit. Perhaps your joy is communicating that a need has been met: “Yay, tacos!” Or your anger is indicating that a boundary has been crossed: “Boo, misogyny!” While both the head and heart…

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When Rights are Just a Theory

By Susan Shehata / July 5, 2022 /

Is it too early in the week for a little thought experiment?   Let’s say you’ve just purchased a brand new car, sight unseen. You felt confident doing so, because you have a right to a full refund if there are any issues. The car arrives. There’s an issue. When you reach out to remedy…

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Bombs, Guns and Mr. Rogers

By Susan Shehata / June 6, 2022 /

As a child, Mr. Rogers made me very uncomfortable.   It was mostly unconscious so I still watched the show, despite my uneasy feelings. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when the film came out, that I ever really considered the reason behind my discomfort. Fred Rogers was gentle and patient. He expressed kindness…

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The Role of Emotions on your Health

By Susan Shehata / May 13, 2022 /

You know all those pesky feelings you’re having? I hope you are paying attention to them. 19 years ago, I began teaching people how our emotions impact our physical health. Many folks looked at me like it was utter nonsense. To be fair, I wasn’t as skilled at communicating the biological mechanisms at play….and I’m…

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Is Stress Impacting your Creativity?

By Susan Shehata / March 15, 2022 /

Have you noticed that it’s been especially difficult to access your creativity the last few years?   If so, you are not imagining it. There is a relationship between stress and creativity.   Your brain and body perceive creativity as optional. So, when we are in a stress response, the body pulls energy away from…

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How your Brain Impacts your Home

By Susan Shehata / July 6, 2021 /

Have you ever read an article with quick tips for home decor or organization and thought, “those are great, but they would never work for me!” If so, you are not alone. After all, no two brains are exactly alike. And that means that the way that we interact with our belongings and our homes…

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Let’s Release the Core Obstacles that Keep you Stuck

By Susan Shehata / November 11, 2020 /

What if you felt safe, confident and supported–no matter what? What if you finally got to the root of what ails you? What if you broke through your fears and came out strong and successful on the other side? You know what you are seeking: * A life of purpose * Energy and health *…

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