In this episode of Wired for Connection, Travis Goodman, LMFT sits down with trauma therapist, author, podcaster, and trainer Verena König to explore fawning, appeasement, people-pleasing, and the nervous system. Verena is speaking at 2026 PVI International Gathering. Our theme this year is "Navigating Conflict With a Resilient Nervous System. Join us in Spain this September!

Verena shares how the fawn response and appeasement response are not signs of weakness, but adaptive trauma survival responses. We explore how early attachment wounds and relational trauma shape adult relationships, and why unhealthy relationship patterns can sometimes feel safer than healthy connection.

This conversation explores Polyvagal Theory, complex PTSD, nervous system regulation, and the healing journey of moving from automatic survival responses into more choice, connection, and self-trust.

If you have ever wondered why you over-adapt, people-please, avoid conflict, silence your needs, or lose yourself in relationships, this episode will help you understand the deeper trauma and nervous system patterns underneath those responses.

Learn more about Verena and her work here. 

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CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:        
Web: travisgoodmanlmft.com