Learn daily habits for trauma and anxiety self-regulation, focusing on nervous system regulation and dysregulation to manage stress and PTSD. Free Grounding Skills for Anxiety or PTSD course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Safe Place visualization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isw37iCwMCg&t=6s

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNqYG95j_UQ

Living with Trauma or PTSD can feel like your nervous system is constantly on high alert—like an overly sensitive car alarm that goes off at the slightest trigger. This state of nervous system dysregulation can leave you tense, hypervigilant, anxious, angry, or completely burnt out. But the good news is that you can retrain your body toward balance and calm through simple, consistent practices. In this video, you’ll learn 9 science-based daily habits for trauma and daily habits for anxiety that promote nervous system regulation. These micro habits include setting clear intentions, slowing down instead of rushing, creating a calm morning routine, scheduling true rest, checking in with your body, restoring a sense of safety, and developing skills to bounce back after triggers. You’ll also learn how to expand your window of tolerance with movement and end your day with soothing wind-down rituals. Healing your nervous system doesn’t mean you’ll never feel stress again—it means you’ll feel safer, calmer, and more confident in your ability to recover quickly. With small daily changes, you can reduce anxiety, improve resilience, and support lasting recovery from trauma.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Toxic stress isn’t just having too much to do—it’s getting stuck in the Freeze Response, and this can fuel depression. When overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or global problems, our brain may default to the freeze response—shutting down, avoiding, or numbing out. While this can feel comforting short-term, over time it dysregulates the nervous system, increases cortisol, and fuels anxiety and depression. Stress is meant to mobilize us to act; suppressing that drive makes it toxic. Small, purposeful actions restore flow—re-engaging the prefrontal cortex, calming the limbic system, and activating the ventral vagus nerve. This is where service for mental health shines: helping others boosts dopamine, oxytocin, and resilience, breaking the freeze cycle. Acts of kindness, whether raking a neighbor’s yard, volunteering, or donating, create the “helper’s high” and increase well-being. Service brings purpose, which turns discomfort into joy. Even brief, local, face-to-face kindness reduces loneliness and strengthens connection. You don’t have to solve everything—consistent small actions aligned with your values can transform toxic stress into healthy engagement, proving that even little ripples can change the world.

Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership.

Donate at https://teamwater.org/

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Learn to manage emotional flashbacks, a key symptom of PTSD and Complex PTSD CPTSD, or Childhood Trauma with these tools from Pete Walker. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Check out the FREE Grounding Skills course here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd

https://www.pete-walker.com/pdf/13strategies_flashbacks_management.pdf

Childhood trauma can trigger a different type of flashbacks from other types of trauma. Emotional flashbacks are intense waves of fear, shame, or hopelessness that can overwhelm you without warning. Unlike typical PTSD flashbacks, they’re not visual memories—they’re emotional states triggered by past trauma. In this video, we explore 13 powerful tools from Pete Walker to help you manage emotional flashbacks, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with the present moment. Learn how to ground yourself, speak kindly to your inner child, and build resilience. Healing from CPTSD is possible—one compassionate step at a time.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Anger can be a hidden root cause of Anxiety. sometimes suppressed anger comes out as anxiety especially when you've been conditioned to believe that anger is unacceptable. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Anger and anxiety are often interconnected, with unprocessed anger manifesting as anxiety. In this conversation, Emma McAdam and Dr. Sarah Michaud explore the intricate relationship between anger and anxiety, sharing personal experiences and insights from their professional backgrounds. They discuss how unprocessed anger can manifest as anxiety and depression, the importance of recognizing hidden anger, and the body's response to these emotions. The conversation also delves into practical tools for processing anger, including writing exercises and the significance of compassion in managing feelings of resentment. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for emotional awareness and the benefits of confronting and understanding one's feelings.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

It’s normal that intrusive thoughts are about things that you consider “Bad” but just having a thought won’t hurt you and it doesn’t mean you’re dangerous. Harm OCD is common. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Course on Managing Intrusive thoughts: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/managing-intrusive-thoughts

FREE Clarify Your Values Workbook: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/opt-in-2123fb37-7322-4208-a65a-2b135a653d47

Full interview w/ Dr. Green: https://youtu.be/AyXMt89_M9g

Are your intrusive thoughts so intense or disturbing that they feel dangerous? You're not alone. In this video, we break down what these dangerous thoughts really mean, especially in the context of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and anxiety. Harm OCD is the specific thoughts that you might hurt someone. You might think "I'm afraid I'm going to hurt my child". Learn the difference between intrusive thoughts and real desires, and why your brain targets the things you care most about. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you'll discover practical tools like defusion, exposure, and how to stop doing safety behaviors that make negative thoughts stickier. These strategies help retrain your brain to see thoughts for what they are—just thoughts. If you’re struggling with scary, unwanted thoughts and feel trapped in the OCD cycle, this video offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward. #IntrusiveThoughts #ocd

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Medical trauma can cause PTSD, with signs like fear of doctors, flashbacks, anxiety, avoidance, panic attacks, and emotional numbness after medical experiences. Check out my FREE grounding Skills course here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd

Here's the guide about recognizing distress so you can help to prevent medical trauma: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//pediatric_toolkit_for_health_care_providers.pdf

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Medical trauma can have a deep and lasting impact, often leading to PTSD. Signs of PTSD from medical trauma include persistent fear of hospitals, panic attacks during medical visits, nightmares about past procedures, and emotional detachment. Medical trauma symptoms and signs can also involve hypervigilance, irritability, avoidance of necessary care, and distrust of healthcare providers. Some people may experience physical symptoms like racing heart, nausea, or dizziness when reminded of their trauma. Others might struggle with depression, anxiety, or feelings of helplessness related to their medical experiences. PTSD from medical trauma can develop after surgeries, ICU stays, childbirth complications, invasive procedures, or medical negligence. Recognizing the signs of PTSD and medical trauma symptoms early can help prevent long-term emotional suffering. Treatment often includes trauma-focused therapy, EMDR, or somatic therapies designed to help the body and mind heal from overwhelming experiences. Understanding that medical trauma is real and valid is the first step toward recovery.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Dealing with OCD, Intrusive Thoughts, or unwanted thoughts? Dr. Kat Green teaches us valuable strategies from CBT and ERP to help you stop intrusive thoughts. Check out Kat's courses here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ocd-courses

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Struggling with OCD, intrusive thoughts, or unwanted mental images that just won’t go away? In this video, Dr. Kat Green shares practical tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard treatment for OCD. You'll learn why trying to suppress or avoid intrusive thoughts can actually make them worse, and what to do instead. Whether you’re battling obsessive worries, mental compulsions, or scary “what if” thoughts, this episode offers hope and real strategies to help you break the cycle. Learn how to face your fears, stop fighting your thoughts, and take your life back from OCD. #OCD #IntrusiveThoughts #CBT #ERP #MentalHealth #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #AnxietyHelp #UnwantedThoughts #TherapyInANutshell

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Anxiety can make you feel tense, tight, or have other bodily symptoms. In this exercise, learn to soften and relax that tension. Check out the FREE grounding Skills course

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, body tension, or racing thoughts? This 3-minute mindfulness meditation is designed to gently calm your nervous system and release physical tension caused by stress and anxiety. When we’re anxious, we often hold tightness in our jaw, shoulders, chest, or stomach—without even realizing it. In this guided exercise, you’ll practice mindfulness by tuning into your body, softening tension, and using your breath to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Even a few minutes of this calming meditation can lower cortisol levels, reduce your heart rate, and help your body feel safe again. Whether you're new to meditation for anxiety or just need a quick reset, this practice helps bring awareness and peace to your body and mind. Ease body tension and anxiety in just 3 minutes with this mindfulness meditation. Relax, breathe, and reset with simple movements and soothing awareness. #mindfulness #Meditation #AnxietyRelief #BodyTensionAnxiety #mindfulnessforanxiety

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC