In the first half, clinical psychologist Dr. Ingrid Clayton discussed the complexities of the "fawning" trauma response, a coping mechanism often developed in abusive environments. Fawning is a "trauma response where you appease or caretake your abuser in order to minimize the harm that's being done," she detailed. This instinctual behavior, while adaptive in the moment, can become problematic when it evolves into a chronic coping mechanism, with individuals always prioritizing others' needs over their own.
"All of our trauma responses are these genius ways that our body keeps us safe without our conscious awareness," Clayton explained, adding that fawning can manifest as hyper-vigilance. She also highlighted societal pressures that condition individuals, especially women, to engage in fawning behavior. Those in traumatic situations may feel compelled to choose safety over authenticity in their relationships, and thus lose part of themselves. She advocated for people who have undergone trauma or PTSD to seek out accurate diagnosis and treatment, including therapies like EMDR and somatic experiencing.
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In the third hour, psychotherapist and documentary director Kristin Gillespie discussed her work on the properties of human emotion and the spiritual self. Reflecting on her past, she noted, "I did anything to numb myself out and avoid feeling the intensity of emotion," such as from sadness, grief, and anger. "I didn't know how to process my emotions at all." After over a decade of sobriety, she dedicated her life to understanding human emotion and its connection to consciousness and spiritual awakening.
She emphasized the importance of emotions, defining them as "energy in motion," and explained that they serve as feedback from our environment and ourselves. "Our bodies are essentially sensory receptors," she said, describing life as a "sacred game," where understanding our emotions helps us navigate our experiences. Discussing the relationship between emotion and manifestation, she asserted, "We manifest based on our felt state," highlighting that a positive emotional frequency attracts favorable outcomes.
Gillespie also articulated the significance of the heart in emotional processing, calling it "the seat of the soul." She explained that living from the heart, rather than the head, allows for deeper emotional understanding and healing. "Your emotions are a fast track for ultimate healing," she insisted, urging listeners to heed emotional signals before they manifest as physical ailments.
The last hour of the program featured Open Lines.
News segment guests: John Curtis, Catherine Austin Fitts