If you keep asking yourself, “Why can’t I stop eating?” the problem may begin with how you’re asking the question. Shame and self-criticism can activate internal defenses that make it harder to understand what is actually driving your eating. Exploring the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual factors behind overeating can create space for more effective—and lasting—change.

Trauma isn’t defined only by what happens to us. Our nervous system’s response—and the internal and external resources we have available to cope—can help determine whether an experience leaves us traumatized. Learn why objectively traumatic events don’t affect everyone in the same way, why experiences that aren’t typically considered trauma can sometimes produce traumatic responses, and how understanding this distinction can change the way we approach trauma healing.