

The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
Robyn Gobbel
Formerly the Parenting after Trauma podcast, internationally recognized children's mental health expert Robyn Gobbel decodes the most baffling behaviors for parents of kids with vulnerable nervous systems. If you're parenting a child who has experienced trauma or toxic stress or a child with a neuroimmune disorder, sensory processing, or other nervous system vulnerability, this show will let you know you are not alone. You can stop playing behavior whack-a-mole because Robyn offers you tools that actually work. You can become your child's expert, feel more confident as a parent, and bring more connection and clarity into your family.Educators, therapists, coaches and consultants- you too can learn all about what behavior really is and become more effective at helping the families you support. You can love your work again!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 56min
EP 231: EMDR with Kids with Attachment Trauma with Deb Wesselmann
Deb Wesselmann, a pioneer in integrating EMDR therapy with family therapy for children facing attachment trauma, shares her insights on healing processes. She discusses the development of her attachment-focused EMDR model, highlighting its effectiveness in treating complex trauma. Deb emphasizes the importance of creating a secure holding environment for kids and parents alike. The conversation touches on the necessity for therapists to engage in their own healing, ensuring they can provide the best support for families grappling with early trauma.

Jul 22, 2025 • 38min
EP 230: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) isn’t about being overly sensitive. It’s about a nervous system that experiences rejection as danger. In this episode, I explore RSD through the lens of relational neuroscience, attachment, memory, and regulation. Whether you see this in yourself or your child, this episode will help you understand why rejection feels so big, and what actually helps.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why RSD reactions are so intense and how they’re rooted in memory and nervous system statesHow attachment experiences shape our sensitivity to rejectionWhat actually helps when RSD shows up (for you or your child), including co-regulation and self-compassionResources mentioned in this podcast:Trauma, Memory, & Behavior: Part 1 {EP 90}The Neurobiology of Toxic Shame {EP 119}1% Better Is Enough. {EP 166}All Behavior Makes Sense {EP 198}Read the full transcript at:RobynGobbel.com/rejectivesensitivityCheck Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Jul 15, 2025 • 55min
EP 229: NeuroRelational Healing with Guest Sara Sherman
Healing comes in all forms, including on farms, with horses, and of course, in relationship. My guest this week, Sara Sherman, is a graduate of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s Professional Immersion Program and the founder of Dandelion NeuroRelational Family Services in Minnesota. Sara and I have a delightful chat about what it means to bring relational healing to kids and families and how we can (and must!) think outside the box.Read the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/neurorelationalCheck Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources :::The All-About-Me workbook will help your child grow their owl brain and develop ways to calm their watchdog and possum brain. 24 page, full-color, instant download at RobynGobbel.com/store :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Jul 8, 2025 • 40min
{REPLAY} The Privilege of Parenting This Way (with safety)
{Replay of Episode 169 from March 2024} Parenting with co-regulating and seeing below our kids behaviors is actually a privilege we rarely talk about. It’s always a privilege, but especially when we consider different marginalized and oppressed identities that a lot of kids- and those of you listening- intersectionally hold. In this episode, you’ll learnThe definition of privilege (it is NOT a criticism)The privilege of safety for folks with histories of traumaThe privilege of safety for folks with other marginalized and oppressed identitiesHow this relates to parenting Resources mentioned in this podcast:Mr. Chazz https://www.mrchazz.com/https://www.instagram.com/mrchazz/Yolanda Williams & Parenting Decolonizedhttps://www.instagram.com/prntgdcolonized/What Happened to You? By Bruce Perry & Oprah WinfreyRead the full transcript at:RobynGobbel.com/privilegeCheck Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Jul 1, 2025 • 59min
EP 228: Supporting Kids who Live Part Time in a Home without Regulation, Connection, or Felt Safety with guest Sybil Cummin
In this conversation with Sybil Cummin, a licensed professional counselor specializing in families affected by domestic violence, listeners gain valuable insights into parenting amidst instability. Sybil explains coercive control's impact on both children and parents, emphasizing the need for steady support and a sense of safety. She shares strategies for navigating co-parenting challenges and the importance of emotional attunement. The discussion also highlights the need for safe spaces for parents to heal, fostering healthier connections with their children.

13 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 36min
EP 227: Nothing Works! Are you burned out on tools?
Feeling overwhelmed with parenting? Dive into the struggles of burnout when traditional tools seem ineffective. Discover why connection trumps protection, and learn insightful questions to assess your parenting approach. Explore a treasure trove of online resources aimed at supporting your journey. Join a vibrant community for ongoing support, connection, and growth opportunities. Whether it's self-compassion or strategies for stress management, find the tools that resonate with your unique parenting experience.

Jun 17, 2025 • 33min
EP 226: The Power of Delight in Parenting Kids with BBBs
I know- sometimes it feels impossible to feel delight toward your child. I get it! BUT! If you can find even micro-moments of delight, it can be very powerful for both you and your child. In this episode, you'll learn:How is delight related to secure attachmentThe science behind why it’s sometimes very hard to find delight in kids with vulnerable nervous systems How to intentionally look for and pause in moments of delightWhy delight doesn’t just help your child, but your nervous system tooResources mentioned in this podcast:Titrating Connection- Oppositional Series Part 4 {EP 159}Read the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/delightCheck Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Jun 10, 2025 • 30min
EP 225: How to Stay Curious When Behavior Makes No Sense
Discover the transformative power of curiosity in parenting, especially when faced with perplexing behaviors. Learn how to shift your mindset from 'what’s wrong?' to 'what's needed?' Curiosity acts as a guide for understanding your child's hidden needs, promoting emotional regulation and compassion. Delve into why baffling behaviors like lying or stealing may hold clues to deeper issues. Engaging in reflective exercises can aid both personal growth and your child’s success, fostering a safer and more empathetic environment.

11 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 34min
EP 224: Is Behavior Change the Goal?
Is behavior change really the first priority when dealing with challenging kids? It turns out, focusing on the nervous system might be key to long-term solutions. Discover why even baffling behaviors make sense when you dig deeper. The discussion highlights the significance of creating a safe and regulated environment for children. Plus, learn about vital resources and community support that can aid parents and professionals navigating this journey together. It's all about connection and understanding!

8 snips
May 27, 2025 • 38min
EP 223: What a Trigger REALLY Is
Discover the fascinating science behind triggers and why they can suddenly take over our emotions. The discussion reveals how unresolved memories impact our parenting responses. Learn practical strategies to ground yourself and reconnect with your children amidst challenging moments. Dive into the ripple effect of parenting challenges and their positive influence on society. Plus, explore a supportive community designed for parents, packed with resources to navigate the complexities of raising children with unique needs.