807 Scripts for When Conflict Makes You Freeze, Defend, or Shut Down episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 24, 2026 · 21 MIN

807 Scripts for When Conflict Makes You Freeze, Defend, or Shut Down

from The Terri Cole Show

Many people can communicate just fine until a conflict arises.  Then the nervous system gets activated, and suddenly you're either shutting down, getting defensive, or saying things you don't mean.  Sound familiar? Our nervous systems get activated during conflict. It's normal for communication to be more challenging when you're activated than when you're not. That's just biology. When you understand how your body responds to stress, you give yourself a chance to communicate more effectively. When you're in conflict, what happens for you? Do you shut down?  Do you get loud?  Or begin attempting to please or appease the other person? I'm going to walk you through the top challenges I see as a psychotherapist. And I've put together a guide with some scripts for you at terricole.com/guide. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/807

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807 Scripts for When Conflict Makes You Freeze, Defend, or Shut Down

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How long is this episode of The Terri Cole Show?

This episode is 21 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 24, 2026.

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Many people can communicate just fine until a conflict arises.  Then the nervous system gets activated, and suddenly you're either shutting down, getting defensive, or saying things you don't mean.  Sound familiar? Our nervous systems get activated...

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