You’ve tried explaining yourself. You’ve tried having the conversation. But what happens when nothing changes, no matter how carefully you say it?
When you’ve spent so long questioning yourself, it can be difficult to trust your own judgment about what’s happening.
If you’re struggling to make sense of your relationship, take my free Toxic or Troubled? survey to gain some clarity and explore your next steps.
https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/toxic-troubled-survey
Why does your voice disappear the moment you need it most?
Freezing isn’t weakness, and it isn’t going along with it. It’s your body making a survival decision faster than your thinking brain can.
In this episode, drawn from a recent live stream, Kerry explains what really happens inside the body and brain when you lock up under threat. Learn the six concrete steps to crack a freeze when it’s happening.
In this episode, learn:
1. Why your body acts before your brain can think
2. The difference between freezing and full collapse
3. Why you literally can’t speak in the moment, and how fear and shame form a “double lock” on your voice
4. Six steps to break a freeze
00:00 Why your body freezes when you’re in danger
00:40 What freezing really feels like
02:02 Your amygdala acts before you can think
03:50 Why some of us freeze instead of fight
06:36 Freeze vs. collapse: a reflex, not a choice
09:27 I froze on my honeymoon
10:33 Why your voice disappears
12:36 Frozen in my marriage
13:47 How to break a freeze, step by step
17:27 The man with the knife
19:36 Can you train yourself out of a freeze?
20:56 The Cornell Seven: why even strong men freeze
#FreezeResponse #TraumaResponse #FightFlightFreezeFawn #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #NarcissisticAbuse #SurvivalMode #FreezingIsNotConsent #EmotionalAbuse #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth
Resources
- The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
- First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
- Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support
Follow Kerry!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., an author and educator, helps listeners decode toxic dynamics, recognize manipulation, and rebuild self-trust.
As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases.
This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice, nor does listening create a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (US/Canada).
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
