Episode 3 : The Somatics of Survival and Safety

In this episode of Beneath the Binge, Alex Bottomley explains how binge urges relate to the body and nervous system through somatic psychology.The episode contrasts survival mode (sympathetic activation with racing heart, shallow breath, muscle tension, agitation, anxious thoughts, and urgent cravings used for fast relief) with safety mode (parasympathetic regulation with slower breath, soft muscles, openness, calm, emotional capacity, and more choice around food).Alex emphasizes these reactions are adaptive and automatic, and invites listeners to notice bodily signals that precede binges, name sensations without judgment, orient attention toward areas of softness, and engage “resources” (people, places, memories, or spaces) that bring safety.For more information, visit www.thefoodfreedomtherapist.com or @thefoodfreedomtherapist