Welcome to my blog where we will explore mental, emotional and physical wellness. My aim is to empower you with insights, tips and resources for your personal journey of growth. Thank you for being a part of my community. Your wellbeing matters and I am so glad you are here!
The other day, I was chatting with someone who said, "I don't know what's wrong with me. I just snapped at my partner for no reason. I wasn't even that mad." And I said, "Maybe it wasn't about now. Maybe something older got touched."
It landed.
Because so often, the emotions we think are "the problem" - anger, fear, overwhelm - are really just messengers. They're like flares from the body saying, "Hey, something in here still hurts."
But instead of being taught to listen, we've been taught to control. To deep breathe it away. To be rational. To not be "too emotional."
But emotions aren't bad. They're a compass.
In Root Cause Therapy, we work with the body and the unconscious mind to gently trace emotions back to their origin point. And we often find that underneath a clients anger...is hurt.
Underneath their fear...is abandonment.
Underneath their overwhelm...is a younger part of them who was never taught how to feel safe while feeling big things.
Anger, for example, is rarely "just anger." It often protects softer parts - like disappointment, powerlessness, rejection. It rises to defend us when our boundaries have been crossed (sometimes decades ago). It flares up when we feel like we don't have a voice - when no one is listening.
And fear? It's cleaver. It stores memories in our nervous system, not just in our mind. So when something feels similar, even slightly, the body can go into "unsafe" mode - even when we're not actually in danger.
Here's what I want you to know:
You're not overreacting.
Your emotions aren't broken.
You're not weak for feeling deeply.
You're responding from a place that hasn't been fully heard yet.
And that's what Root Cause Therapy helps with.
We don't try to force positivity.
We meet what's really there.
We uncover the first time your body felt this - and we process it, safely, without reliving it.
When you do the work, things shift.
Clients often say things like:
"I had no idea I was still holding that."
"It's not as loud anymore."
"I feel more like me again."
And it's not because the emotion magically disappears. It's because it's finally resolved. The loop is closed. The body doesn't have to keep sounding the alarm.
If you're feeling big things lately - maybe that's your turning point.
Maybe this isn't a breakdown moment, but a breakthrough waiting to happen.
And if you want someone to walk with you through that...I'm here.
This work has changed my life. And I've seen it change so many others.
If that speaks to something in you, feel free to reach out.
Let's gently go to the root, together.
With warmth,
Janet BA, NLPP, Rc.t, EWC, IPHM
#rootcausetherapy #rootcausetherapypractitioner #emotionalhealing #traumainformedhealing #feeltoheal #HealingattheRoot #safetofeel #EmotionalAwareness #somatichealing #InnerChildHealing #NervousSystemSupport
For years I did what most people do when they're hurting-I went to therapy. I sat in quiet offices, answered questions and explored my past. I talked through the pain. I did hours upon hours of traditional talk therapy. And respectfully, it helped-but only up to a point.
What I had lived through wasn't something I could simply reframe.
What I had lived through was trauma.
Eventually I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress. It made sense. The flashbacks, the hypervigilance, the constant bracing in my nervous system...and the night terrors-those were the worst.
I'd wake up in the middle of the night, frozen, drenched in sweat, unable to move or breathe, feeling like I was back there. Back in it. And no amount of insight could reach that part of me.
Because the truth is-trauma doesn't live in our thoughts. It lives in our bodies.
I tried to "think differently." To challenge my beliefs. To stay positive. But what I've come to understand-both personally and professionally-is that the beliefs we form in trauma aren't just "thought errors." They are protective, primal, and often unconscious.
Beliefs like:
It's not safe to trust
I have to be strong all of the time
It was my fault
If I let go, everything with fall apart
They live deep in our nervous system and in our subconscious mind, like old roots tangled in the soil of our being. And to truly heal, I had to go there-to the root.
That's where Root Cause Therapy came in. It was the first approach that helped me reconnect with my body in a way that felt safe. Not just intellectually exploring the past, but gently visiting the exact memories, the stuck emotions, the survival responses that had kept me locked.
This wasn't about forcing change. This was about creating space-softening into those old frozen places with compassion, awareness and guidance.
I didn't just understand what had happened to me. I started to feel it leave my body.
And amazingly...the night terrors went away.
I stopped waking up in paralysis.
The flashbacks stopped hijacking my days.
My nervous system found space to breathe.
If talk therapy hasn't brought the relief you hoped for, you're not alone.
You're not broken.
And you don't have to keep pushing through.
There are other ways.
Gentler ways.
More embodied ways.
I offer Root Cause Therapy sessions for those who are ready to feel whole-not just in your mind, but in your body and soul.
When you're ready, I'm here.
With deep respect for where you've been.
And hope for where you're going.
With warmth,
Janet Rhodes
Root Cause Therapy Practitioner
Equine Wellbeing Coach
#rootcausetherapy #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #traumarecoveryjourney #notjusttalktherapy #bodybasedhealing #safetoheal #emotionalhealingjourney #cominghometoyou
The feeling of overwhelm is so prevalent in our society. So many of us live under the constant pressure to produce, and to be on the go because we have bills to pay, and neighbours to keep up with, and those devices we carry add to that pressure with their constant notifications. This overwhelming feeling can profoundly affect our nervous system and our overall health. Here is a more detailed exploration:
Sympathetic Nervous System Activation: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for our fight-or-flight response. When we become overwhelmed we experience acute stress. Our body releases adrenaline and cortisol. This increases our heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration and prepares the body to deal with immediate threats. While beneficial in short bursts, chronic activation can lead to various health issues. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can contribute to cardiovascular problems, immune system suppression, and metabolic disturbances.
Parasympathetic Nervous System Inhibition: The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body to rest and digest. When a person is in chronic overwhelm their parasympathetic nervous system can become suppressed making it difficult for the body to relax and recover. This can lead to sleep disturbances and digestive issues, as the body remains in a heightened state of alertness. Without adequate activation of the parasympathetic system, the body struggles to repair and rejuvenate, which can exacerbate fatigue and decrease resilience to stress.
Cognitive and Emotional Effects: Overwhelm can significantly impact a person's mental processes. The prefrontal cortex in the brain, which is responsible for critical thinking and decision making can become overwhelmed. This leads to difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and poor decision-making. Increased stress levels can also amplify emotions such as anxiety, irritability, and depression making emotional regulation more challenging.
Physical Symptoms: The physical manifestations of overwhelm can be widespread. Stress often results in tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. This can lead to chronic pain and increase the risk of headaches and migraines. The constant activation of stress responses can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, reducing overall energy and vitality.
Behavioural Responses: Behavioural changes often accompany chronic overwhelm. Individuals may withdraw from social interactions or avoid responsibilities which can worsen feelings of isolation and stress. Some people resort to coping strategies such as substance use, over or undereating to numb the stress but this only leads to further health issues.
Holistic Interventions: A holistic approach to managing overwhelm involves multiple strategies. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can activate the parasympathetic nervous system promoting relaxation and balance. Regular exercise helps reduce stress hormone levels, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function. Activities like walking, swimming, or dancing can be beneficial. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can support brain health and mood regulation. Reducing caffeine and sugar intake can also stabilize energy levels. Social support is important to creating a healthier lifestyle. Connecting with friends, family or support groups can provide emotional relief and reduce feelings of isolation. Therapeutic Interventions like Root Cause Therapy can help reduce a person's overwhelm by going back to root events and securely processing unprocessed emotions to release stress and gain emotional regulation and well-being. Spending time in nature and with animals can also be extremely therapeutic. Nature is a natural equalizer for our nervous system. Time with my horse herd stabilizes my nervous system and activates my parasympathetic nervous system bringing a feeling of rest and relaxation. The horses also offer a supportive space where I can release and process any emotions that are coming up. There are also exercises that a person can do to help regulate their nervous system in times of stress. One is called the Vagus Nerve Reset. This exercise can help activate your Parasympathetic Nervous System helping you achieve a more rested state. You can find a video of this exercise here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cChE-Lea2eo&t=25s
In conclusion, understanding the impact of overwhelm on the nervous system is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage it. By addressing both the physical and psychological components of stress a person can restore balance, improve their resilience, and enhance their overall well-being. By integrating mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, social support, and therapies a person can learn to manage their feelings of overwhelm and be able to live a healthier life.
Wishing you well,
Janet Rhodes BA, NLPP, Rc.t, EWC, IPHM
If you would like to chat further about this blog or the services I offer I invite you to book a free 30-minute Discovery Call with me. No pressure, just a casual chat.
When we experience trauma, our nervous system develops instinctive ways to protect us from danger. These survival responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—can show up in our daily lives, even when there’s no immediate threat. Learning to recognize them and meet their core needs helps you feel safer, calmer, and more in control.
Fight: You confront perceived threats with anger, tension, or bursts of energy.
Flight: You feel the urge to escape, avoid, or move away from perceived danger.
Freeze: Your body may feel stuck, numb, or unable to act.
Fawn: You try to please, appease, or adapt to keep the peace and avoid conflict.
Each response is your nervous system doing its best to protect you. The key is learning how to release, regulate, or meet the needs of each response, so the energy doesn’t get trapped and cause anxiety, tension, or overwhelm.
When your body goes into fight mode, you might notice your jaw clenching, your fists tightening, or sudden bursts of anger. This is action energy—your body is primed to protect itself. If that energy doesn’t move, it can become trapped, which may cause tension or anxiety later.
Your core need: To know that there isn’t an emergency and your body is safe.
How to respond:
Acknowledge safety: Say out loud, “I am safe right now.”
Get grounded: Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor or lie on your back.
Breathe deeply: Inhale through your nose into your belly, exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat at least three times.
Move the energy: Release the fight energy safely—punch a pillow, stomp your feet, shake your hands, or stretch dynamically. This helps your nervous system settle naturally.
When your nervous system goes into flight mode, you may feel a fluttering of anxiety in your chest, shallow breathing, or a strong desire to leave the situation—or even just pace around the room. Restlessness can make it hard to focus or feel grounded.
Your core need: To feel anchored and present.
How to respond:
Engage your senses: Play gratitude as an “I Spy” game—look around you and name items you are grateful for, either aloud or silently.
Move mindfully: Walk slowly, tap your feet, or shift your weight from side to side. Let your body release excess energy while staying aware of the present moment.
Breathe into your body: Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, noticing how your body responds.
Freeze mode happens when your body perceives danger but feels unable to fight or flee. Instead of action, the system moves toward shutdown and conservation. You may notice flat or blank stares, a dampened sense of excitement, low energy, or withdrawing from activities and people. Some people experience a distorted sense of time, where things feel slowed down, foggy, or unreal.
This isn’t laziness or disinterest — it’s your nervous system trying to protect you by reducing stimulation when things feel overwhelming.
Your core need: To be met with warmth, gentleness, and nurturing, helping your system feel safe enough to come back online.
How to respond:
Temperature reset: Wash your face with cool water or try an “ice dive” (briefly placing your face in cold water or holding something cold to your cheeks). This can gently stimulate your nervous system and bring awareness back to your body.
Add warmth: Drink a warm beverage or wrap yourself in a blanket. Warmth signals safety and comfort to the body.
Grounding touch: Give yourself a firm hug, place a hand on your chest and one on your belly, or press your feet into the floor. Supportive pressure can help your system feel contained and secure.
Gentle movement: Small motions like rocking, swaying, or wiggling fingers and toes help signal that it’s safe to begin coming out of shutdown.
Coming out of freeze is not about forcing energy — it’s about inviting your system back with care, at a pace that feels manageable.
Fawn mode happens when your nervous system tries to stay safe by keeping others happy. When your response is fawn, you may find yourself pacifying others for safety, people-pleasing, avoiding disagreement, or shaping yourself to meet everyone else’s needs. Over time, this can look like codependency, difficulty setting boundaries, and losing connection with your own wants and feelings.
This response develops because, at some point, harmony felt safer than conflict. It is a survival strategy — not a personality flaw.
Your core need: To feel nurtured, safe, and free from conflict, while also learning that your needs matter just as much as anyone else’s.
How to respond:
Increase emotional awareness: Pause and ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now?” before responding to others.
Validate yourself: Remind yourself, “My feelings and needs are real and important.”
Practice self-compassion: During hard moments, journal your thoughts, speak to yourself kindly, and notice your effort rather than your perceived shortcomings.
Offer yourself care: Spend time in nature, move your body in ways that feel good, rest when you’re tired, or take a nap. These acts help teach your nervous system that care doesn’t only come from meeting others’ needs.
Try small boundaries: Even gentle phrases like, “I need a moment,” or “Let me think about that,” help you stay connected to yourself while remaining safe.
Fawn healing is about slowly returning to yourself — learning that connection doesn’t have to come at the cost of self-abandonment.
Your trauma responses are not signs that something is wrong with you. They are signs that your nervous system learned how to protect you the best way it could. Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn are not personality flaws — they are adaptive strategies that once helped you survive.
The goal isn’t to eliminate these responses. It’s to recognize them with compassion, understand what your body is needing in the moment, and respond in ways that bring you back toward safety and balance. Each time you pause, notice, breathe, move, or offer yourself warmth, you are teaching your nervous system something new: I am safe now.
This work is not about doing it perfectly. It’s about building a relationship with your body — one moment of awareness at a time. Over time, these small practices help you feel more grounded, more present, and more at home within yourself.
Be patient. Be gentle. Your system is learning a new way to feel safe.
With Warmth,
Janet BA, NLPP, Rc.t, EWC, IPHM
*Picture credit to Equimotional
#traumaresponses #fight #flight #freeze #fawn #somatic #embodied