
Episode #9
Why Do I Shut Down During Conflict?
In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why some of us shut down during conflict and what may be happening beneath the surface. They discuss what shutting down can look and feel like. Katie and Emily explore how conflict can activate the nervous system's threat response and how emotional flooding, freezing, dissociation, attachment patterns, and past experiences can make it difficult to access communication and problem-solving skills in the moment. Throughout the episode, they explore the difference between a protective pause and unhealthy withdrawal, how to recognize the early signs of becoming overwhelmed, and practical ways to regulate during a break so that we can return to difficult conversations with greater capacity. The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment. Episode mentions and links: Healthy Roots Counseling Website Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram






