S2.E13 trauma-sensitive holidays 🎄: managing expectations & relationships with Mackenzie Reed, LPC

Own Your Revival

Welcome back to Own Your Revival🔥

Do you long for the joy, connection and celebration of the holiday season, but struggle with waves of stress, anxiety, and (maybe) unresolved trauma? If so, you are not alone. The pressure to create the perfect holiday experience can lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially when family dynamics are complicated or past traumas resurface. As we gather with loved ones, the weight of expectations can amplify feelings of loneliness, disappointment, and emotional turmoil.

In this episode of the Own Your Revival podcast, we delve into the heart of what makes the holidays so challenging. Our guest, Mackenzie Reed, a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma, shares invaluable insights into how our brains respond to stress and trauma during this time of year. By understanding the different brain states—our primal instincts of safety, emotional connections, and executive functioning—we can begin to navigate our feelings more effectively.

Mackenzie introduces trauma-sensitive tools that empower us to reclaim our peace and joy amidst the chaos. From mindfulness exercises that engage our senses to recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns, these strategies can help us create a more grounded and fulfilling holiday experience. Join us as we explore how to foster healthier relationships, set boundaries, and cultivate a sense of belonging, allowing us to embrace the true spirit of the season.

📆 Podcast will pause for Advent after December 2nd episode and resume on January 6, 2025. Subscribe on your podcast app to not miss a beat. 🎄🥳

⏰ Timestamps:

[00:03:32] Christian counseling and trauma.

[00:06:48] Adoption and childhood trauma.

[00:09:43] Understanding trauma's impact on behavior.

[00:15:09] Emotional brain and impulsive behavior.

[00:19:12] Exercising the frontal cortex.

[00:24:16] Big T vs. little T trauma.

[00:26:54] Defining personal boundaries in relationships.

[00:33:19] Anger iceberg and vulnerability.

[00:41:01] Thoughts and feelings control cycle.

[00:44:05] Situational vs. diagnosed conditions.

[00:49:12] Physical safety in therapy.

[00:55:35] Communicating feelings in relationships.

[00:59:10] Emotional stonewalling in relationships.

[01:02:00] January divorce spike.

[01:06:57] Addiction and physical safety.

[01:09:34] Boundaries and personal integrity.

[01:14:29] Mental health during the holidays.

🖥️ Links:

Mackenzie Reed, LPC (The Healing Project)

Andy Arbie, ICF Associate Certified Coach

📲 Connect with Andy☀️

➡️ Instagram: @andyarbie

➡️ Website: www.andyarbie.com/connect

➡️ Book a discovery call here. ✨

➡️ Soulful Sunday Reflections: www.andyarbie.com/soulful-sunday

I’d love to hear your comments, questions, suggestions about the show! ⬇️

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Thank you so much!

xoxo