The Brain Coach

More on how "emotional learnings" are created and how they inform our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Also includes some discovery techniques that will allow us to uncover these schema so that we might update them in future, which will help resolve inner-conflict and mental or emotional suffering.

This episode explores how our memories inform our beliefs and schema from the perspective of science. It includes aspects of memories and how we develop them as we mature from babyhood onwards, why it is difficult (but possible) to update our beliefs when they are downloaded at an early age, and the difference between "extinction" and "reconsolidation".

What do we mean when we say emotional trauma, and why does it matter to us as adults? A huge part of finding inner-peace is understanding where the inner disharmony comes from. Many of the beliefs we have about ourselves that create dissonance and suffering are learned via emotional trauma, especially during childhood years. This episode explores how this trauma shapes us, and introduces a pathway into healing.

Once we have built a foundation of self-worth, the other aspect of self-esteem is personal growth or "mastery". But is it really that important, and how do we find a sense of purpose?

How can we start feeling good about ourselves? What's the difference between people with authentically high levels of self-esteem, narcissists and those with low levels of self-worth? How can we work towards feelings of self-compassion, respect and feelings of worthiness, regardless of our social status or bank balance?

How do we fill the sense of emptiness when we have met our needs but still feel like there's something missing? Why do people get stuck on the hedonic treadmill, which keeps them unfulfilled? How can we reassess our lives and start moving towards self-realisation and inner peace?

How can we let go of this tendency to berate ourselves for things we've done in the past? How can we forgive ourselves and others, so we can get on with living? How can we detach ourselves from the sticky default mode network, which is responsible for dominating our thoughts with "shoulda woulda coulda"?

Are you afraid of being happy? As odd as that sounds, its true for many of us on a deep, implicit level. Uncovering why we might close ourselves to happiness can allow us to let it in.

For those who love the neuroscience and biological aspect of mental health. A brief look into the murky world of biology and depression. If we can see depression as an adaptive response instead of a pathological state it allows us a window into healing.