Why do we keep returning to the same painful thoughts, even after awareness kicks in?
In this eye-opening episode, Michael Unbroken sits down with award-winning psychologist Dr. Betsy Holmberg to explore how trauma shapes our brain, fuels negative self-talk, and keeps us trapped in cycles of shame, anxiety, and coping mechanisms that no longer serve us.
Dr. Holmberg brings groundbreaking insight into the default mode network (DMN)—the part of your brain responsible for that relentless inner critic—and explains how trauma strengthens this network while weakening the one responsible for focus, calm, and choice. They talk through the science behind addiction, why healing feels impossible some days, and how to begin flipping the switch from stuck to free.
If you've ever felt broken, overwhelmed by your reactions, or lost in the loop of "what's wrong with me?", this episode will not only validate your experience but give you real tools to understand it—and start shifting out of it.
🔹 Why your brain resists healing (and how to work with it)
🔹 How trauma hijacks your nervous system
🔹 The real reason we return to harmful habits
🔹 Why sharing your story might be your turning point
🔹 How to quiet the DMN and strengthen your sense of self
You are not your thoughts. You are not broken. This episode is your starting point for change.
************* CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO *************
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Meet Dr. Betsy Holmberg
00:42 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects
01:36 Betsy's Personal Journey with Trauma
03:55 The Science Behind Trauma Responses
05:35 The Brain's Thought Networks
23:48 Coping Mechanisms and Their Impact
34:06 Overcoming Resistance to Therapy
34:27 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Healing
34:36 Forcing Yourself Through Fear
35:09 The Importance of Self-Monitoring
35:42 Finding Unique Support Systems
36:28 The Evolution of Trauma Research
37:21 Surprising Insights in Trauma Healing
38:50 The Power of EMDR Therapy
40:51 The Future of Trauma Therapy
42:36 Debunking the Subconscious Mind
49:42 Meditation and Rewiring the Brain
54:08 The Challenge of Stress Responses
58:54 Choosing Kindness and Self-Compassion
01:02:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
01:03:36 What does it mean to be Unbroken
************* LINKS & RESOURCES *************
Learn how to heal and overcome childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse, ptsd, cptsd, higher ACE scores, anxiety, depression, and mental health issues and illness. Learn tools that therapists, trauma coaches, mindset leaders, neuroscientists, and researchers use to help people heal and recover from mental health problems. Discover real and practical advice and guidance for how to understand and overcome childhood trauma, abuse, and narc abuse mental trauma. Heal your body and mind, stop limiting beliefs, end self-sabotage, and become the HERO of your own story.
Join our FREE COMMUNITY as a member of the Unbroken Nation: https://www.thinkunbrokenacademy.com/share/AEGok414shubQSzq?utm_source=manual
Download the first three chapters of the Award-Winning Book Think Unbroken: Understanding and Overcoming Childhood Trauma: https://book.thinkunbroken.com/
Join the Think Unbroken Trauma Transformation Course: https://coaching.thinkunbroken.com/
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LINKS:
Website: https://betsyholmberg.com/
Unkind Mind: The Neuroscience of Why Women Are So Hard on Themselves―and How to Quiet Your Inner Critic for Good: https://betsyholmberg.com/elementor-page-2529/
