neurobiology

The Amygdala’s Role in the Stress Response

by John Nolan
18th March 2025

The amygdala, acting as the brain’s threat detector, initiates the stress response upon perceiving danger. This involves activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing stress hormones, leading to a cascade of physiological changes that prepare the body for fight, flight, or freeze. This response can be triggered by real or perceived threats, including sensory input, memories, and cortical interpretations. While rapid and often unconscious, the amygdala’s activity can be influenced by the prefrontal cortex. Understanding this process and employing strategies to calm the amygdala are crucial for managing anxiety.

How Havening Technique for Anxiety Impacts Brain and Mind Processes

by John Nolan
5th February 2025

Havening technique for anxiety works on multiple levels to reduce the impact of anxiety on the brain and mind. It primarily targets the amygdala to reduce activation and depotentiate traumatic memories, while also engaging the cortex to change negative thought patterns and promote mindfulness. Additionally, Havening supports the regulation of neurochemicals, encourages positive emotions, breaks patterns of avoidance, and enhances overall psychological well-being. By combining neurological and psychological approaches, Havening provides a comprehensive method for overcoming anxiety.

COACHING FOR OVERWHELM18th April 2025
Overwhelm is a state of feeling unable to manage excessive demands, significantly impacting an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Neurologically, it involves overactivity and potential impairment of the prefrontal cortex due to stress and information overload. Coaching offers a powerful pathway back from overwhelm by adopting a solution-focused approach that emphasises present action, skill-building, and personal empowerment. By concentrating on creating solutions and implementing practical strategies, coaching can provide tangible relief and a renewed sense of control, potentially offering a more direct and action-oriented route compared to traditional therapies that may focus more on historical context and in-depth emotional processing.
Applying Psychosensory Therapy17th April 2025
Psychosensory therapy offers a unique approach to addressing anxiety and emotional distress by utilising sensory input to influence brain function. Examples range from touch-based techniques like Havening to movement-based practices like yoga. Havening, in particular, uses gentle touch to potentially reduce the impact of traumatic memories and current anxiety. Anxiety coaches can effectively integrate psychosensory therapy to provide clients with immediate relief, enhance emotional regulation, and promote self-reliance in managing their anxiety, ultimately aiming for improved well-being and the ability to lead a more fulfilling life.
Navigating workplace pressures: job stress solutions16th April 2025
Effective job stress solutions encompass a range of strategies focusing on setting boundaries, seeking support, problem-solving, time management, cognitive techniques, mindfulness, self-care, understanding stress responses, aligning with values, and improving communication. By implementing these approaches, individuals and organisations can mitigate the negative impacts of workplace pressures and foster a more productive and healthy environment.
The Amygdala: Understanding Its Role15th April 2025
In summary, the amygdala function is crucial for survival. It acts as a rapid threat detector, initiates the body's fear response, forms and recalls emotional memories, and plays a central role in the stress response. It learns through associations, leading to the development of triggers for anxiety. While powerful, the amygdala also interacts with other brain regions like the prefrontal cortex, which can modulate its activity. Understanding the various aspects of amygdala function is key to managing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.
Stress management coaching13th April 2025
Individuals in stress management coaching often experience heightened self-awareness regarding their stress triggers and coping mechanisms. They actively learn and practise new stress-reducing techniques, explore their values, examine their thought patterns, and develop interpersonal skills. While initial discomfort may arise, the focus is on gradual progress and self-compassion as they work towards a more balanced and resilient life.