Therapy in a Nutshell

Nervous system regulation has gotten oversimplified. Let’s clear up 3 big misconceptions about trauma, dysregulation, Polyvagal Theory, and healing.

Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Download of Figma chart: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/misconceptions-about-nervous-system-dysregulation-figma-download

Is your nervous system really “dysregulated”? Is the goal of nervous system regulation to feel calm all the time? And does past trauma permanently change or damage your nervous system?

Nervous system dysregulation has become a huge mental health buzzword—and along with some genuinely helpful ideas, there are plenty of misconceptions, oversimplifications, and “vagus nerve hacks” floating around.

In this episode, I break down three common misconceptions about nervous system regulation.

Polyvagal Theory articles referenced in the video:

https://www.clinicalneuropsychiatry.org/download/why-the-polyvagal-theory-is-untenable-an-international-expert-evaluation-of-the-polyvagal-theory-and-commentary-upon-porges-s-w-2025-polyvagal-theory-current-status-clinical-applications-and/

https://drarielleschwartz.com/clinical-reflections-on-the-critique-on-polyvagal-theory-proposed-by-grossman-et-al/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12302812/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12937496/ 

Sign up for my free Grounding Skills course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/free-resources

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. 

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

If gentle parenting isn’t working for you, or you want to learn how to create healthy discipline for your kids, learn how to get your kid to listen to you with Dr. Kat Green.

Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks

In this episode, child psychologist Dr. Kat Green shares evidence-based strategies for how parents can effectively get their kids to listen, especially children with challenging temperaments. We explore practical techniques to improve communication, reduce power struggles, and build stronger parent-child relationships. Dr. Green also explores effective parenting strategies, focusing on structured discipline, managing anxiety, and fostering cooperation through evidence-based methods. You’ll get practical tips for reducing chaos, increasing compliance, and supporting children's emotional regulation.

Check out the Membership https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Kat’s course on Teachable: Parenting Preschoolers with Big Emotions https://back-in-charge.teachable.com/l/pdp/parenting-preschoolers-with-big-emotions?coupon_code=EMMATIN

Coupon code: EMMATIN

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/free-resources

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. 

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Does an unanswered text or a small criticism send you into a spiral of “Nobody likes me” or “What’s wrong with me?” Rejection sensitivity can make real—or perceived—rejection feel intensely painful.

Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks

In this conversation, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline to explore rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), social anxiety, and ADHD. We share personal experiences with friendship breakups, big emotions, and overthinking—and discuss practical ways to respond when rejection feels overwhelming.

You’ll learn how to:

Separate what actually happened from the story your mind is telling.

Take responsibility for your part without blaming yourself for everything.

Shift from “I’m a terrible person” to “I can learn a new skill.”

Practice compassionate self-acceptance.

Use trusted support and healthy distractions to interrupt a shame spiral.

If rejection sensitivity has you replaying conversations, taking things personally, or withdrawing from relationships, this conversation offers tools to help you work through the hurt and stay connected.

www.drSharonSaline.com

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/free-resources

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. 

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Trauma and hypervigilance keeping you from falling asleep? Learn why your mind won’t stop worrying—and simple ways to make it finally rest.

Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership:

https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

If your brain won’t shut off at night, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Trauma and hypervigilance can keep your mind stuck in “high alert,” making sleep feel impossible. Instead of winding down, your brain starts scanning for danger, replaying conversations, and worrying about everything from your kids to the future.

I’ll walk you through practical, trauma-informed tools to help you calm your mind and finally get better sleep. These are simple, realistic strategies you can use tonight—no complicated routines or unrealistic expectations.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/free-resources

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. 

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

If you want to learn how to regulate your emotions, you have to learn the crucial emotional regulation skill of acceptance.

Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Free Course: Grounding Skills for Stress, Anxiety and PTSD: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd

Sometimes when I’m feeling a little cold, or hurt, or stuck, or frozen, or just like I’d like to have a little more love and light and energy in my life- I like to do this gentle little 9-minute meditation called Healing Beam of Light, and it’s perfect for healing and energizing at the start of the day. So let’s try it together. This exercise can help you fill with light, warmth, and healing energy. We’re now going to visualize 9 minutes of the sunrise.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/free-resources

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC