

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

17 snips
Jun 15, 2021 • 30min
Ep. 36: A Closer Look at Insecure Anxious Attachment
Explore the fascinating dynamics of insecure anxious attachment and its wide-reaching implications for children and caregivers. Discover how these attachment styles serve as neurobiological adaptations, revealing their potential for growth despite the challenges they present. Delve into the behavior patterns that contribute to this attachment style, and learn about the critical balance of connection and autonomy. The insights in this discussion aim to provide hope and understanding for navigating relationships influenced by anxious attachment.

18 snips
Jun 9, 2021 • 37min
Ep. 35: A Closer Look at Secure Attachment
Delve into the fascinating world of secure attachment in parenting. Discover how a caregiver's attachment style affects a child's development. Explore five key traits that define securely attached adults and how these shape children's behaviors. This insightful discussion underscores the importance of creating a supportive environment for children, especially those who have faced trauma. Resources and an exclusive eBook are also available for listeners seeking deeper knowledge on attachment dynamics.

27 snips
Jun 8, 2021 • 38min
Ep. 34: Back to Basics: Attachment
Dive into the essentials of attachment theory, starting with John Bowlby's groundbreaking observations on emotional survival. Discover the distinction between safe havens and secure bases, and how they influence children's independence. The podcast also highlights Mary Ainsworth's contributions, introducing attachment classifications like secure and insecure. Explore the vital behaviors infants exhibit to maintain connection and safety. This engaging discussion lays the groundwork for understanding how different attachment styles impact trauma and child development.

Jun 1, 2021 • 58min
Ep. 33: Bethany Saltman with A Mother's Journey into the Science of Attachment
Bethany Saltman is the author of part memoir part biography Strange Situation- A Mother’s Journey into the Science of Attachment. Bethany is a professional researcher, writer, and longtime Zen student who went searching for what she felt was missing when she was a new mom. Like myself, Bethany discovered Dr. Sears’ The Baby Book on attachment parenting when she was pregnant with her now 15-year-old daughter (my son is 15 and almost the exact same age!) and had expectations about what motherhood and parenting was going to look like: a blissful time where she enjoyed the natural awakenings of maternal instinct.Which did not happen. Bethany remembers that she wasn’t patient with her daughter. She didn’t feel very loving toward her. And ultimately she felt broken because Dr. Sears had promised in his book that attachment parenting was easy because it ‘feeds on a mother’s natural intuition.’ Bethany stated she was doing her best but also doing a lot of things wrong as a mom- and couldn’t figure out why. So she went on a deep-dive journey into exploring the science of attachment, in particular Mary Ainsworth and The Strange Situation. Bethany’s exploration into the science of attachment led her to the conclusion that behaviors have actually very little to do with attachment. There isn’t a checklist. Raising a child with secure attachment isn’t about breastfeeding or co-sleeping. It has to do with how you think and feel about your attachments and how this is transmitted from mind to mind, generation to generation. I can't wait to hear what you think about this interview with Bethany!!!You can find Bethany on instagram The Club is welcoming new members starting next Tuesday! Set yourself a calendar reminder and then head to RobynGobbel.com/TheClub on Tuesday so you can get instant access to a community, resources, and the change to pick Robyn's brain! Check 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 Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion :::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)

May 25, 2021 • 22min
Ep. 32: Why Good Times Can Suddenly Go Bad
I'll bet you are familiar with this baffling phenomenon.Everything seems great. Fun! Even laughter and real good times.And all of the sudden- completely dysregulation and melt-down.Sometimes even just the anticipation of something fun can lead to dysregulation. I know that understanding the why doesn't exactly solve this problem, but I definitely find that understanding the why can open up compassion and keep us more regulated. Which then means we can respond instead of react.In today's episode we are looking at the science behind why this happens.It's science- not sabotage! Promise!The Club is welcoming new members starting next Tuesday! Set yourself a calendar reminder and then head to RobynGobbel.com/TheClub on Tuesday so you can get instant access to a community, resources, and the change to pick Robyn's brain! :::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)

May 18, 2021 • 56min
Ep. 31: Lisa Dion on how Regulation Does Not Equal Calm
What if I told you that calm isn't best? Calm isn't what we are working toward! And prioritizing calm gives other states of the nervous system a bad wrap! Calm is just a byproduct of an attempt to regulate! In fact, there are risks to focusing on calm as our primary goal. On today's episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, is an international teacher, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, and host of the Lessons from the Playroom podcast. She is the author of Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach for Integrating Intensity and is the 2015 recipient of the Association for Play Therapy’s Professional Education and Training Award of Excellence.Lisa and I have a lovely time discussing the difference between regulated and calm, including the risks of pretending to be calm when we aren't. As parents and clinicians who care for kids with a history of trauma, it's important to negotiate ways within ourselves that we can be honest and congruent with our true experiences (maybe we are mad!) while still remaining regulated and offering felt-safety. Wait what?! Regulated and mad?!?!Yup. Regulated and mad. Have a listen to see what Lisa has to say about this!You can find more of Lisa's work over at Synergetic Play Therapy Institue, including her book for clinicians, Aggression in Play Therapy.The Club is welcoming new members starting next Tuesday! Set yourself a calendar reminder and then head to RobynGobbel.com/TheClub on Tuesday so you can get instant access to a community, resources, and the change to pick Robyn's brain! Check 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 Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion :::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)

10 snips
May 13, 2021 • 1h
{BONUS} What Behavior Really Is- And How to Change It
Dive into the intricate world of behavior change, especially in children impacted by trauma. Explore how relational neurosciences reveal the deeper connections between our brains, bodies, and relationships. Discover the importance of emotional safety, regulation, and supportive environments in fostering positive behavior. Plus, find valuable resources and community support to navigate parenting challenges effectively. This discussion is a treasure trove for anyone looking to understand and address complex behavioral issues with compassion.

May 11, 2021 • 45min
Ep. 30: Trauma Behavior? Or Just Regular Kid Acting-Up Behavior?
You’ve asked yourself “Is this a behavior that’s coming from my child’s trauma? Or is this regular acting out kid behavior???”Sometimes it’s pretty obvious but if you’re asking yourself that question, you’re probably in a situation where it isn’t obvious.What if I told you it doesn’t matter?Hear me out.Why do you want to figure that out? Usually because it feels like you’ll handle the situation different based on the answer.But actually, it doesn’t matter. And it’s impossible to determine anyway.What you really want to think about is- how dysregulated is my child?And then respond to that!! There are some core truths about humans- regulated, connected kids who feel safe do well. So if you’re child isn’t doing well- ask yourself if this is about regulation, connection, felt-safety or some combination of those.Then, based on your child’s level of arousal/dysregulation, you can intervene in a way that will calm their arousal and bring back their owl brain. The Club is welcoming new members starting next Tuesday! Set yourself a calendar reminder and then head to RobynGobbel.com/TheClub on Tuesday so you can get instant access to a community, resources, and the change to pick Robyn's brain! Check 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 Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion :::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)

May 9, 2021 • 16min
{BONUS} Mother's Day is Hard (or worse...)
Maybe 'hard' doesn't even come close to describing your Mother's Day.If so, this episode is for you.I awoke at 4am this morning. Not in the plan but sometimes it happens. Up alone in the dark I decided to record an episode for everyone out there who is dreading today. I see you. Your pain is real and it's valid and I see you.I am sending infinite amounts compassion out into the universe...just for you.The Club is welcoming new members starting next Tuesday! Set yourself a calendar reminder and then head to RobynGobbel.com/TheClub on Tuesday so you can get instant access to a community, resources, and the change to pick Robyn's brain! :::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)

May 4, 2021 • 1h 1min
Ep. 29: Marshall Lyles with Be Brave. Be Reflective. Be Connected. Be Human.
Marshall Lyles is one of my favorite humans on the planet. How did I get so lucky as to call him one of my closest friends, as well as a dear colleague who enjoys the creation process with me.Marshall is a dad, a therapist, a creator. We met and connected over our love for supporting the families of kids impacted by trauma, but our relationship has grown into so much more.Marshall is one of those humans who can combine deep thinking with deep humor. He isn't afraid of asking the hard questions but he intuitively knows how to infuse delight into just the right moments. In this episode, Marshall and I discuss the importance of our ability to be reflective as parents and as people- meaning, our ability to think about ourselves and how we are impacting our children and how they show up in the world. There is a certain amount of awe in realizing that our children come to know themselves largely because of who we show them they are. And our capacity to do that in the truest most authentic way is largely dependent upon our ability to be reflective with ourselves and how allllllll the previous generations have impacted us and how we see ourselves. It sounds heavy I know but Marshall's gift is taking the heavy and bringing in ease. And humor.You'll love this episode, promise.When you're done, go find Marshall!!! www.MarshallLyles.com as well as the amazing, one-of-a-kind workshop in Austin, TX at The Therapists Workshop.The Club is welcoming new members starting next Tuesday! Set yourself a calendar reminder and then head to RobynGobbel.com/TheClub on Tuesday so you can get instant access to a community, resources, and the change to pick Robyn's brain! Check 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 Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion :::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)