Dr. Trish Leigh Podcast Episode #201: Family of Origin Dysfunction: Why Going Home Dysregulates Your Brain
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Dec 21, 2025 The discussion highlights how family interactions trigger old neural wiring, often leading to anxiety and emotional upheaval during holidays. Listeners learn about limbic reactions and the concept of identity regression, revealing why we revert to childhood roles around family. Strategies for maintaining emotional regulation are shared, including pre-visit rituals and setting boundaries. The episode emphasizes neuroplasticity and the importance of recognizing and naming triggers, providing practical tools for navigating family dynamics with a grounded mindset.
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Old Wiring Comes Online Around Family
- Family-of-origin settings reactivate the brain's oldest wiring and past identity loops.
- This neurological conditioning explains why adults can feel like children again around family.
Limbic Hijack Overrides Intentions
- Limbic reactivity can hijack behavior before conscious choices occur.
- Pausing and activating the prefrontal cortex lets you respond instead of react.
Emotional Memories Trigger Threat Circuits
- Emotional memories and threat circuits fire quickly in familiar family interactions.
- These automatic responses can override updated adult patterns and create incongruence.