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What Is Wrong With Me?


Picture of flower, triggers, Raleigh Psychotherapy, counseling, Katherine Broadway

Vinny needed some electrical work done on his house. He was new to town and did not have anyone to give him recommendations for trustworthy electricians. He searched online, and found dozens of options. He became paralyzed and could not make a decision about who to call. He was overwhelmed with fear because he did not know who he could trust.

Gail was on her way to an important business meeting. She planned to pitch a new

product to a potential customer. On the way she encountered a fire engine with its lights flashing and siren blaring. Her breathing became shallow, she got light-headed and began to cry. She had experience a house fire.

Blair was excited about having lunch with his AA sponsor. He recently got a DWI and the court ordered treatment. He consulted with several substance abuse specialists who helped him create a plan that allowed him to get that treatment in a way that he could still keep his job and fulfill the requirement. His sponsor told him that he was trying to avoid treatment and was unwilling to do what was necessary to maintain his recovery. Blair replayed the conversation for a week oscillating between fear, self incrimination, anger and hurt. He couldn’t seem to find peace about the situation,

Vinnie, Gail and Blair have a common problem: they are being emotionally triggered. They are having problems accessing their left brain. Their logical thinking ability is being impaired by a flood of emotions that started because of a trigger in their interactions with the world.