Regulate, Relate and Reason: A Deep Dive into Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model

What if the key to understanding your mental health and relationships lies in how your brain developed from the very beginning? I'm joined by Michelle Maikoetter, LPC from the Neurosequential Network, to demystify the Neurosequential Model developed by Dr. Bruce Perry. We explore how our earliest experiences, from in utero through childhood, shape our capacity for self-regulation, connection, and reasoning in adulthood. This conversation is a deep dive into the 'regulate, relate, reason' framework, revealing why we often struggle with emotional healing and how we can sequence our support for true mental wellness. We also discuss the vital role of rhythm, relational health, and creating healing environments, even in our workplaces. Listen now to explore how this transformative lens can change your understanding of your own healing journey and your approach to therapy.0:00 - Intro1:44 - Michelle’s personal journey discovering the Neurosequential Model4:18 - Why the model is a transformational lens for all of life5:15 - The core tenets of brain development and early childhood impact7:48 - How the Neurosequential assessment differs from a standard diagnosis9:36 - Understanding bottom-up brain development10:57 - Why we must sequence interventions, starting with sensory activities13:57 - Breaking down the ‘Regulate, Relate, Reason’ framework19:15 - The essential self-exploration and personal transformation in learning the model21:38 - The key components of regulation and creating a balanced system29:51 - How to create a relational and supportive workplace culture33:32 - The profound relevance of rhythm to regulation and connection46:39 - The role of empathy and shared humanity in this work49:57 - How to learn more about the Neurosequential ModelEpisode Highlights:The brain develops sequentially, and experiences from in utero to age three have a disproportionate impact on its organization.Our capacity for regulation, relationship, and reason is built upon foundational neural pathways laid down in our earliest years.To be effective, interventions must be sequenced developmentally, often starting with sensory and regulatory activities before cognitive work.The "Regulate, Relate, Reason" framework reflects the biological order in which our brain processes information.We cannot be relational or access our reasoning cortex when we are in a dysregulated, reactive state.Self-care is about maintaining a consistent baseline of arousal so we aren't overly reactive to daily stressors.Rhythm is a powerful and often overlooked regulatory tool, intertwined with our earliest developmental experiences.When someone is struggling, the goal should be to increase both structure and relational support, not withdraw connection.True empathy requires us to be in a regulated space to imagine another's experience and acknowledge our shared humanity.For change to be sustainable in any system, the leadership and environment must be aligned with the relational model being taught.Resources:Book: What Happened to You by Bruce Perry and Oprah WinfreyBook: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce PerryBook: Born for Love by Bruce PerryWebsite: Neurosequential Network (neurosequential.com)Guest: Michelle Maikoetter, LPC – Director of Special Projects, Neurosequential NetworkContinuing Education: Many episodes offer a free CEU for licensure in Arizona through the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Content is relevant for continuing education across LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, NCC, NBCC, and psycholThe Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice.  With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor  in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your personal curriculum here!If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource.  See you next week!