In this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Forrest dives into cognitive bypassing – a common strategy many of us use to avoid feeling difficult emotions – with trauma therapist Simone Saunders. Simone and Forrest discuss the connection between cognitive bypassing and trauma before exploring somatic tools that can help us avoid an endless cycle of overthinking, and fully process our experiences. They focus on the “freeze” and “fawn” stress responses, and talk about how these responses can impact our relationships and everyday interactions. The conversation widens from there to include topics like letting go of unhealthy relationships, navigating the shame that can come with self-awareness, working through triggers, finding more agency, and changing our models of conflict.
About our Guest: Simone Saunders is a registered psychologist and founder of The Cognitive Corner, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Simone is dedicated to promoting mental wellness and helping clients navigate their challenges through evidence-based practices.
Key Topics:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:25: What’s cognitive bypassing?
- 5:55: Somatic approaches, and widening the window of tolerance
- 18:10: The freeze and fawn responses
- 22:25: Grieving letting go of unhealthy relationships
- 26:20: Shame, the problem with self-awareness, and identifying your values
- 35:35: How to move through “first contact” with our triggers
- 38:05: Feeling connected to others
- 41:55: Agency, and being embodied in a relationship
- 47:30: Changing how we see conflict
- 51:15: Grief as self-awareness, and expressing ourselves
- 57:25: Recap
Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.
