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Trauma Responses: Understanding The Freeze Response
This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen break down the freeze response, one of the most misunderstood trauma responses. They explain how freezing is an involuntary nervous system reaction to overwhelming threat, often linked to trauma, and why so many people carry shame for something their body chose automatically.
They explore what freeze can look like in daily life (numbness, dissociation, procrastination, avoidance, shutdown), as well as “functional freeze,” where you’re moving through life on autopilot. The conversation covers why freezing happens, how it differs from feeling stuck or avoidant, and practical ways to gently come out of a freeze state by activating the nervous system.
Listener questions dive into freezing in relationships, with authority figures, and during conflict; plus, how to explain the freeze response to a partner who misreads it as disengagement. Em and Jen also talk about slowing relational tempo, understanding what your nervous system learned about safety, and how awareness can reduce shame and increase choice.
Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 6:45 to skip the intro and get straight to today’s content.
Get Matched With One of Our Therapists at The Therapy Group!
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Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg
A special thank you to this week's sponsors for supporting ShrinkChicks! We have these exclusive offers for our listeners:
AG1: Go to DRINKAG1.com/SHRINKCHICKS to get their best offer, and for a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order
Bobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to hibobbie.com to find the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babies
Quince: Go to quince.com/shrinkchicks for free shipping and 365-day returns on your next order
GreenChef: Right now, go to GreenChef.com/shrinkchicksgraza and use code shrinkchicksgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes
David Protein: David is offering our listeners a special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to davidprotein.com/SHRINKCHICKS
Olive & June: Visit OliveandJune.com/SHRINKCHICKS for 20% off your first System
Pique Life: Secure 20% off your order and begin your intentional wellness journey today at Piquelife.com/shrinkchicks
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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By Jennifer Chaiken, LMFT and Emmalee Bierly, LMFTThis week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen break down the freeze response, one of the most misunderstood trauma responses. They explain how freezing is an involuntary nervous system reaction to overwhelming threat, often linked to trauma, and why so many people carry shame for something their body chose automatically.
They explore what freeze can look like in daily life (numbness, dissociation, procrastination, avoidance, shutdown), as well as “functional freeze,” where you’re moving through life on autopilot. The conversation covers why freezing happens, how it differs from feeling stuck or avoidant, and practical ways to gently come out of a freeze state by activating the nervous system.
Listener questions dive into freezing in relationships, with authority figures, and during conflict; plus, how to explain the freeze response to a partner who misreads it as disengagement. Em and Jen also talk about slowing relational tempo, understanding what your nervous system learned about safety, and how awareness can reduce shame and increase choice.
Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 6:45 to skip the intro and get straight to today’s content.
Get Matched With One of Our Therapists at The Therapy Group!
ShrinkChicks on Instagram
Our Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal!!
Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg
A special thank you to this week's sponsors for supporting ShrinkChicks! We have these exclusive offers for our listeners:
AG1: Go to DRINKAG1.com/SHRINKCHICKS to get their best offer, and for a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order
Bobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to hibobbie.com to find the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babies
Quince: Go to quince.com/shrinkchicks for free shipping and 365-day returns on your next order
GreenChef: Right now, go to GreenChef.com/shrinkchicksgraza and use code shrinkchicksgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes
David Protein: David is offering our listeners a special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to davidprotein.com/SHRINKCHICKS
Olive & June: Visit OliveandJune.com/SHRINKCHICKS for 20% off your first System
Pique Life: Secure 20% off your order and begin your intentional wellness journey today at Piquelife.com/shrinkchicks
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.