It Wasn’t Your Fault: Understanding Trauma Responses

It Wasn’t Your Fault: Understanding Trauma Responses⚠️ Content Note: Sexual Trauma This episode discusses sexual assault, trauma responses, and the neurobiology of survival. Please listen only when you feel safe and supported, and take breaks as needed.In this transformative episode of Happiness On Tap, Leann Herron sits down with Nishita Rao—the first and only Indian AASECT-Certified Sex Educator, interdisciplinary researcher, and global leader in trauma-informed, culturally responsive sexual wellness. Drawing on her background in behavioral neuroendocrinology, sexology, and spiritual healing, Nishita breaks down the neurobiology of sexual trauma with unflinching clarity and deep compassion.Together, we explore why your brain and body are not broken, but perfectly designed to protect you—even in moments of unimaginable harm.We discussed:How the brain functions (the difference between anticipatory vs. reactionary survival responses).Survival Responses - why some survivors freeze, comply, or dissociate rather than fight or flee.Survival Responses - habitual responses (fawning) and extreme survival reflexes (freeze, immobility, unconscious).Unlearning and relearning.How trauma impacts memory, making recall unclear or fragmented - this one is huge.Why physiological arousal can occur during assault—and what that really means.How cycles and patterns of abuse and trauma re-enactment take hold in the nervous system.Tips for leaving an abusive situation.Breaking the cycle of repeating similar situations with new partners.The impact of gendered trauma and what systemic healing could look like.This conversation is a beacon of science, empathy, and hope—equipping survivors and allies alike with the understanding that healing is not only possible, but deeply human.👍If this story inspired you, imagine what’s possible when you take control of your own health and wellness journey! Visit Finding Resilience with Leann at https://findingresiliencewithleann.com/ for coaching, resources, and support to help you thrive. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more empowering stories and strategies to build a stronger, healthier you!Episode Resources:Nishita Rao:Affiliations & Alliances/Pillow Talk with Nixi: https://www.pillowtalkwithnixi.com/ Eros Coaching: https://www.eroscoaching.com/2025/06/nishita-rao/ National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF): https://www.kapprofessionals.org/ About Nishita Rao https://www.pillowtalkwithnixi.com/about Neuroscience Consultation https://cal.com/nishita-rao-ptwn Trauma-Informed Care https://cal.com/soul-sync-sanctuary Free Library https://www.pillowtalkwithnixi.com/sexscholarslibrary You can also find her on Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTubeLeann HerronFinding Resilience with Leann:Website: https://findingresiliencewithleann.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannherron/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/findingresiliencewithleann GET MORE SUPPORT👉Grab My FREE Ultimate Guide to Overcoming Overwhelmhttps://findingresiliencewithleann.com/digital-products/ols/products/overcoming🎙️Listen to this podcast on the go!📲 You can access the Happiness On Tap podcast on your favorite podcast platforms: YouTube, IHeart, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, and Audible (just search Happiness On Tap)#traumaresponses #survival #traumainformedcare #survivor