Romancing the Brain: Transforming Trauma into Triumph with Cynthia Moreno Tuohy
Learning how to stop those assumptions, stop in the moment and ask what causes this to happen.
Ever wondered how your brain's emotional center can influence your recovery journey? In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods chats with Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, a seasoned expert in addiction and mental health recovery. Cynthia, the executive director of Nadac, delves into the concept of 'romancing the brain'—a fascinating approach to managing life traumas and conflicts through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Cynthia breaks down how trauma impacts the brain, often trapping individuals in the limbic system, the emotional core where reactive behaviors reign. The key to breaking free? Learning to moderate this limbic system and shift towards more thoughtful, cognitive decision-making. Through a blend of psycho-emotional-social-spiritual CBT techniques, Cynthia offers practical strategies for fostering emotional maturity and behavioral change. One of the standout moments in this episode is Cynthia's analogy of a romantic relationship.
She explains how, just like on a first date where we're extra cautious and attentive, we can teach our brains to be more mindful and collaborative in everyday interactions. This approach isn't just about managing anger or avoiding relapse; it's about creating long-term changes in how we relate to ourselves and others. Throughout the conversation, Cynthia emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and stopping assumptions.
Instead of falling into blame and shame cycles, she encourages listeners to ask what triggers certain reactions and how they can foster healthier relationships. With a wealth of self-help resources and actionable advice, this episode offers a roadmap for anyone looking to enhance their recovery journey by understanding and moderating their brain's emotional responses. Tune in to discover how you can transform your trauma into triumph and live a more fulfilling, collaborative life.