Brain Science, Are you in Survival Mode or Higher Order Thinking?

Welcome! To become a client visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. In today's episode, Brain Science, Are you in Survival Mode or Higher Order Thinking?, we name what’s happening when survival mode takes the wheel and protection becomes more important than connection. We break down fight, flight, freeze, and fawn and practice simple regulation tools that help us show up with more choice in relationships and parenting. • survival mode as a nervous system response rather than a personality flaw • how the brain and body scan for safety through senses and social cues • emotional triggers like criticism, rejection, conflict, and uncertainty • fight, flight, freeze, and fawn patterns and what they look like day to day • a relationship moment reworked with regulation and clear language • parenting stress and why the “shoe problem” is rarely about shoes • boundaries that hold while kids have big feelings • repair after we get it wrong and why it builds secure connection • the “notice, name, regulate, choose” framework for real-time decisions • the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise to get your whole brain back online Support the showCouch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)UK: Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14Or find local resources through findahelpline.comYou’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time.Follow the show and share it with someone who’s ready for healing, hope, and a more empowered way forward.Show hosted by: Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-SYou can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com and To become a client visit- catiaholm.com