The Neurobiology of Threat Impacts Your Relationships, Ann and Sue Update You on the Latest (173)

by | Apr 10, 2022 | Attachment, Brain Science, Episodes, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, Relationships, Trauma | 0 comments

Show Notes

Learning about relational science and applied attachment theory can help you keep your cool.  Stay updated in this episode learning latest about the science of threat.

This episode on the neurobiology of threat is a warm up to next time, when we air the interview with the amygdala expert, Dr. Joseph Ladoux.

Everyone responds to threat uniquely and each situation is different of course.  Ann & Sue discuss recent findings and how to apply the science to understanding how your brain works when it senses danger.  Inspired by a discussion with Dr. Joseph Ledoux (interview to be published in the next episode #174) – in today's episode, Ann and Sue are covering their take on the latest research related to fear and threat in humans.

Michelle Bobb-Parris/Getty Images

Ann and Sue blend their own personal experiences and knowledge of people, mistakes, dysregulation and basic relational neuroscience to help improve your relationships and integrate healing & change within the body.  Follow along as they take a deeper dive into Ledoux's research and break down his experiment measuring rats' fear in moments of threat and how that applies to human responses in similar instances. They also cover the misconceptions about how the amygdala is often perceived as the “fear center” of the body, and why it's important beyond caring about neuroanatomy.

As always, they also share their own not-pretty version of figuring this stuff out in real life. (Transcript provided below)

We are proud to offer this library of episodes free to the world and accessible. In order to help us do that, please join our Therapist Uncensored online community!

You'll get deeper dives into topics and extra episodes, an ad-free feed, Q&A sessions, discounts on stuff we may produce, unique study opportunities, and access to your like-minded peers! 

 

Time Stamps for Neurobiology of Threat: 

3:24 – Discussion about Sue's interview with Joseph Ledoux

4:23 – Explanation of Joseph Ledoux's rat experiment

15:12 – Threat responses are not amoral

29:01 – Ledoux's implicit narrative

29:54 – The amygdala is not the “fear center” of the body

42:32 – The “third anchor”, memory consolidation

45:00 – Updating your own narrative

Episode Resources for Neurobiology of Threat 

Joseph Ledoux's Article – “The Emotional Brain, Fear, and the Amygdala”

Elena Paci, Charlotte Lawrenson, Jasmine Pickford, Robert A.R. Drake, Bridget M. Lumb, Richard Apps. “Cerebellar Modulation of Memory Encoding in the Periaqueductal Grey and Fear Behaviour.” eLife (First published: March 15, 2022) DOI: 10.7554/eLife.76278

“Discovery of novel brain fear mechanisms offers target for anxiety-reducing drugs” – University of Bristol, March 2022

View the Transcript Here!

More like this from Therapist Uncensored:

Whole Brain Living, Psychology + Neuroanatomy + Spirit with Dr. Jill Bolte-Taylor (164)

If you value this content, please leave us a rating and review to help others discover this resource, and share freely with those you think may benefit. We really appreciate it!

Recent Episodes

Pleasurable Sex, Gender Queerness & Life Burnout with Dr. Emily Nagoski (259)

Pleasurable Sex, Gender Queerness & Life Burnout with Dr. Emily Nagoski (259)

Dr. Emily Nagoski joins co-host Sue Marriott for a deep and insightful conversation about desire, pleasure, and the impact of societal norms on sexuality. Together they explore the evolving landscape of trans rights and healthcare, emphasizing patient-centered care and the urgent need for societal support. Through her journey as a sex educator, Nagoski advocates for deeper understanding and connection, while also sharing practical approaches to educating young people about gender and sexuality, managing stress, and finding meaning and purpose in life.

read more
Bonus – Disorganized / Unresolved Attachment with Dr. Krista Jordan (258)

Bonus – Disorganized / Unresolved Attachment with Dr. Krista Jordan (258)

This is a sneak peek of our episode with Dr. Krista Jordan – available only on our Premium Supercast and Patreon platforms. For as little as $5/month you can have access to special releases like this one, first-to-know about upcoming events and discounts and an ad-free feed.

Dr. Krista Jordan & co-host Sue Marriott LCSW CGP dive into the messy, fascinating world of the 4th attachment category – disorganized attachment. Through intimate personal stories, they describe how it shows up in therapy, relationships, and everyday life. They explore the Adult Attachment Projective (AAP) and Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), unpacking what is sometimes called disorganized, unresolved, dysregulated, dissociated attachment that can ripple through generations.Learn how dismissive strategies work so well they can stop us from growing, why feedback (and a little distress) is crucial for self-awareness, and how shame and anger are often two sides of the same coin.

read more
The Power of Liberation: Courage, Identity & Growth with Pam Benson Owens (257)

The Power of Liberation: Courage, Identity & Growth with Pam Benson Owens (257)

We’re kicking off February with a powerful conversation with the incredible Pam Benson Owens. Alongside co-host Sue Marriott, they explore what it means to live with purpose, navigate systemic challenges, and find liberation in everyday choices. Pam shares her wisdom on the role of self-care in activism, the courage it takes to engage in difficult conversations, and how fear shows up in DEI work. This episode dives deep into the intersection of personal and organizational growth, touching on themes of vulnerability, belonging, and the evolving landscape of diversity and identity. Sue and Pam also tackle honest conversations about race and privilege, the “messy middle” of personal transformation, and why pacing yourself is essential for long-term impact.

read more
Rediscovering Play for More Secure Connections with Children – and Adults (256)

Rediscovering Play for More Secure Connections with Children – and Adults (256)

Co-host Sue Marriott, with special guests, Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent, discuss the powerful role of play in child development and its therapeutic benefits. Play fosters emotional resilience, strengthens parent-child attachment, and supports positive neuroplasticity. They acknowledge the resistance some parents may feel towards engaging in play, while also providing practical strategies for parents to incorporate into their daily interactions. Learn how embracing play can nurture emotional growth and empower both children and parents in meaningful ways.

read more
Family Estrangement, Spiritual Harm & the Ethics of AI in Therapy with Matthias Barker (255)

Family Estrangement, Spiritual Harm & the Ethics of AI in Therapy with Matthias Barker (255)

Ann and Sue, alongside psychotherapist Matthias Barker, unpack the complexities of parent-child estrangement and the often-overlooked generational gaps that shape how families navigate conflict. Matthias discusses the deep wounds that spiritual harm can leave behind, and also expands into broader themes of spirituality. With the emerging presence of AI, they open the conversation to the ethical challenges of the technology and creating meaningful change, whether in family dynamics or the future of mental health care.

read more
2024 Reflections: Growth, Connection & Celebrating Community (254)

2024 Reflections: Growth, Connection & Celebrating Community (254)

As we close out another year, Ann and Sue take time to reflect on 2024 while sharing some exciting opportunities for the year ahead. The Vitality Series is an exciting new endeavor, where they emphasize creating safe spaces for dialogue, navigating tough emotions, and bringing therapeutic concepts into everyday life. With an honest look at shame, vulnerability, and the challenges of personal growth, they explore how connection can empower both individuals and communities. Along the way, they celebrate the milestones of their podcast, emphasize the importance of self-reflection,
and highlight the role of supportive networks in fostering meaningful change.

read more
Embodied Dying: Embracing the Sacred Union Between Life & Death (253)

Embodied Dying: Embracing the Sacred Union Between Life & Death (253)

Lee Warren shares her experience of living in an intentional community and how it opened the door to exploring tantra and the sacredness of death. Alongside co-host Sue Marriott, they explore tantra as a way to connect with the divine within ourselves and others, using tools like breath, sound, and movement to navigate the energy in our bodies. They also discuss death as a sacred process and the importance of preparing for it—both practically and spiritually. Learn how tantra and death preparation share a common goal: helping us embrace the impermanence of life and find joy in the present moment.

read more
The Power of Acceptance & Commitment (ACT Therapy) with Dr. Diana Hill (252)

The Power of Acceptance & Commitment (ACT Therapy) with Dr. Diana Hill (252)

Dr. Diana Hill and co-host Dr. Ann Kelley explore the power of process-based therapy to improve relationships and wellbeing. Through various methods like the 6 principles of ACT, the understanding of values, and the family body analogy, they use their personal and professional experience to discuss ways to help resolve conflict and find deeper connection through secure relating. Learn ways to tap into your most deeply connected self to move forward through life’s challenges and nurture healthy relationships.

read more
AEDP Therapy: Engaging with Emotions & Experiences with Dr. Diana Fosha (251)

AEDP Therapy: Engaging with Emotions & Experiences with Dr. Diana Fosha (251)

Sue Marriott and Diana Fosha explore the key principles of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and its transformative impact on the field. AEDP begins with the premise of “healing from the get-go,” and fostering change from the first session. It emphasizes “undoing aloneness” by building a supportive therapeutic relationship, while encouraging clients to engage deeply with emotions. Join us as we highlight techniques like metatherapeutic processing, where clients reflect on their healing experience, and integrating neuroscience into clinical practice.

read more

What else do you want to learn today?

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This