My name is Carolyn Cowan and we’re exploring shame. Today I want to talk about something that comes up again and again in my work as a psychotherapist: high functioning trauma and low functioning trauma.
When something happens...when you’re triggered, when there’s a crisis...you might notice that you respond in very different ways. Some people become incredibly capable, calm, and decisive. Others freeze, hide, or feel completely overwhelmed.
Neither is right or wrong. They are safety mechanisms.
In this video, I explore:
What high functioning trauma looks like (and why it can lead to burnout)
What low functioning trauma looks like (and why it can lead to self-criticism)
How these patterns connect to shame and your “stress system”
Why awareness, not judgment, is the beginning of change
How to start asking: does this still work for me?
You might recognise yourself in one, or both.
This may aid you in building a more compassionate relationship with how you respond to life, and gently beginning to choose something different where you can.
If this resonates, take your time with it.
Notice what happens next time you’re under pressure.
Does this behaviour still work for me?
If you’d like to explore this work more deeply, you can find my courses, workshops, and book via the links below.
Subscribe for more videos on shame, trauma, and recovery.You can get a copy my book, Shame: The Path Out of Hell:
(UK) On my website: https://carolyncowan.com/buy-the-shame-book/
(Global) Via Amazon: geni.us/Ksp7AL2
You can find information on my upcoming workshops and trainings on my website:
https://carolyncowan.com
For great emails, links to free classes, and to download a free copy of my Trigger Triage sequence, sign up for my newsletter:
https://carolyncowan.com/triggertriage/
