This is a bonus episode — a raw and honest check-in.

In this episode, I’m showing up human in a moment where the world feels unsafe. The feelings I share come from different parts of myself, different experiences, and different layers of my life — as a therapist, an advocate for social justice, and a Haitian immigrant.

We reflect on how current events activate the nervous system, collapse time, and bring past trauma into the present — even when we’re not directly in danger. We talk about how constant exposure to violence, fear-based news, and collective threats impacts the body, and why freezing, numbness, and overwhelm are normal nervous system responses.

This episode is not about political debate. It’s about the human and nervous-system impact of what we’re witnessing — and why pretending we’re “fine” doesn’t actually protect us.

Lakay Within: This is also why I’m building Lakay Within — a healing space for reflection, nervous system care, and collective healing. You can learn more through the link in the show notes.

Please note: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual therapy.

If you’re listening from California or Texas and are interested in therapy services, you can learn more about working with me by visiting my website

Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe