After a brain injury, survivors often feel overwhelmed and on edge - one of the reasons for this could be nervous system dysregulation. Today, we are going to talk about nervous system safety and how to incorporate this into our recovery.

In this episode, Cristabelle Braden interviews occupational therapist Shelley Latendresse about the importance of understanding nervous system safety. Shelley shares her personal journey with brain injuries and how it shaped her approach to therapy. They discuss the complexities of the autonomic nervous system, the misdiagnosis of symptoms, and practical steps for creating safety in one's environment and body. It’s important to understand that feeling unsafe can hinder rehabilitation, but self-awareness and self-compassion can go a long way. The journey isn’t always linear, but you are not alone, and there are simple steps you can take today towards nervous system safety.

Connect with Shelley: otshelley.com IG: @ot_shelley

00:00 Introduction with Cristabelle

04:57 Introducing Shelley and OT

11:31 Exploring the Autonomic Nervous System

19:02 Identifying Symptoms of Dysregulation

31:10 Creating Safety in the Nervous System

39:30 Holistic Approaches to Recovery

48:22 Words of Hope

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.