About this episode
This is the question I get all the time. Jen why is my brain is so confused, exhausted, and foggy? I dive into the neuroscience and the parrallels with the impacts of trauma neurologically. This month on the Newsletter, feel alive today: get my alive series and join the therapist pen-pal list: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbBelieve me, you're not the only one. I hear repeatedly from other therapists that they just feel like, I can't think, I can't do my work. I have no idea which way to go. I feel like I'm spinning. And since it’s March, I want to touch base on Brain Injury Awareness Month. I am a certified brain injury specialist. Brain Injury Corner for the Month of March: Did you know that at least 64 million adults report having experienced at least one traumatic brain injury (TBI) in their lifetime? Or that there are at least 2.9 million TBI-related emergency department visits each year in the U.S.?Would it surprise you to learn that 81% of adults in the U.S. do not recognize concussions as traumatic brain injuries? This is a huge issue because a mild TBI—aka a concussion—is still a brain injury. I worked with folks who had a concussion and never fully recovered—losing jobs, relationships, and their sense of self. The emotional impact of brain injury is significant, and many people don’t get the follow-up care they need.If you suspect a concussion, the best thing you can do is get checked—ideally by a physical therapist specializing in concussion management. Outdated advice told people to avoid screens and stay in a dark room indefinitely, but we now know that moderate aerobic activity (like walking) is one of the best treatments for recovery.For therapists, I highly recommend taking a free training on concussion awareness, like the CDC’s Heads Up online courses. Having this knowledge is invaluable for referring clients and understanding the broader implications of brain health.Key Topics:My personal story of burnout in 2020, balancing a private practice and parenting without childcareThe emotional and cognitive symptoms of therapist burnoutRecent research on how burnout rewires the brain, affecting emotional regulation and executive functioningHow burnout mimics trauma responses, including an overstimulated amygdala and reduced ability to downregulate emotionsThe moment I realized I had to make a change—and why many therapists struggle to do the sameWhy This Matters:If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, struggling to connect with your work or your loved ones, this episode is for you. Burnout isn’t just a phase—it’s a neurological and emotional shift that affects every part of our lives. Understanding what’s happening in the brain can help us recognize the signs earlier and take steps toward real reco
