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Our friend the hippocampus!
Neuronerds – this one is for you. What exactly is happening in our brains when we feel defensive? We go beyond the basics of the amygdala and the pre-frontal cortex and deep dive into the hippocampus to help us understand more deeply what is happening under the surface of our problematic behaviors.
The hippocampus deep dive is part 2 of a 5-part series and you can pick it up anywhere. However, if you prefer to start at the beginning, click here to go to Session 1.
In the last episode, we explored what Sue and Ann call the 3-R spiral of change, Recognize, Reflect and Rewire. We also identified various common defenses. In this episode, Ann & Sue break down the different areas of our brain, and discuss the roles each can play in our defense responses. Understanding the critical interplay between the amygdala and hippocampus gives us more insight into our own behavior and sheds light on how our history can intrude today. They explain the concept of “coherent narrative” and discuss applying the 3 R Spiral to our relationships and personal healing. By blending neuroscience and these strategies, we can begin to sort through our unconscious defenses and rewire the ways in which we navigate our interpersonal world.
“If you're someone that needs to be right or needs to be giving advice – you might not recognize that's your own defense. It feels familiar and good to you, but is actually cutting off your ability to attend your own vulnerability…. it's not enhancing your relationality.” – Ann Kelley
Time Stamps – the Hippocampus as a Defense Regulator
1:39 – What is a defense versus what is an adaptation?
7:46 – Recognizing the critical role of our hippocampus as a regulator of our defense systems
15:10 – Understanding coherent narrative – it's an outcome of neural integration
25:27 – Using mindfulness in the defense process
CLICK HERE for the transcript of: Our Friend the Hippocampus, Disarming Human Defenses with Ann & Sue Session 2 – Episode 184 – Lightly edited for readability
Session 1 of the series starts here!
Other Relevant Therapist Uncensored Episodes (on Mindfulness)
Find Your Focus & Own Your Attention with Dr. Amishi Jha (177)
It's Not Communication You Need, it's Connection – with Guest John Howard (178)
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