The Angry Therapist Podcast How Trauma Responses Shape Us as Adults
May 26, 2025
Vanessa Bennett, a mental health advocate, joins to explore trauma responses like the 'fawn' response, characterized by people-pleasing and self-abandonment. She discusses the critical importance of setting boundaries and reclaiming one’s voice to foster healthier adult relationships. Vanessa emphasizes the practice of embodiment, connecting with one’s body to understand needs and emotions better. The conversation also touches on cultural influences on trauma responses and navigating the complexities of modern dating challenges.
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Fawn Response Shapes Adult Relations
- The fawn trauma response involves hyper-attunement and people-pleasing to maintain safety.
- It leads to self-abandonment and difficulty in identifying personal needs or boundaries in adulthood.
Set Boundaries with Confidence
- Practice saying no and setting boundaries even if it initially causes discomfort or others' upset.
- Over time, this builds the capacity to stay authentic and withstand others' reactions without panic.
John's Flight Response Story
- John’s childhood flight response involved escape through creativity and physical activity like breakdancing and skateboarding.
- These outlets offered him safety and a way to cope with parental absence and trauma.