In this episode, we dive deep into the mental gym that is cognitive behavioral therapy and explore how intentionally questioning our own automatic thoughts can soften the sharp edges of trauma. Gregory shares relatable stories—from a late‑night job‑security spiral to a listener who turned group‑chat dread into dance‑floor joy—while weaving in bite‑sized neuroscience that proves the brain can, in fact, learn new tricks. Whether complex trauma has you catastrophizing spilled coffee or bracing for abandonment at every raised eyebrow, this conversation offers grounded examples, evidence‑based tools, and a warm reminder that you are not your worst prediction. 

Key Takeaways
• Automatic thoughts often echo past dangers rather than present facts
• Naming situation‑thought‑emotion links exposes the trauma blueprint
• Behavioral experiments gather real‑time evidence against fear stories
• Self‑compassion techniques lower cortisol and build neural safety
• Consistent thought records turn healing into measurable progress 

What You’ll Discover
• How CBT reframes inner critics without toxic positivity
• Why spoken labels shift activity from amygdala to prefrontal cortex
• Integrating somatic cues to reinforce cognitive shifts
• The double‑standard method for instant self‑kindness
• Ways relapse moments become valuable data, not defeat 

Resources Mentioned
• Beck, “Cognitive Therapy of Depression”
• Journal of Anxiety Disorders meta‑analysis on CBT for trauma
• UCLA study on affect labeling and brain activity
• Self‑Compassion Lab research, University of Texas
• Oxford longitudinal study on heart‑rate variability and CBT 

Next Episode Preview
Next Friday we will explore how everyday gratitude practices can weave calm into your nervous system and brighten trauma‑fogged mornings. 

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].

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