Desensitised to violence

[No More]

It's also worth noting that individuals with PTSD may sometimes need to prioritize their own self-care and healing, which can be mistaken for selfishness by others who may not fully understand the impact of the condition. Coping with PTSD requires significant emotional energy and effort, and it's important for individuals to prioritize their mental health and well-being.

Interesting. Maybe this is more what I am getting at. Do you think therapists can sometimes encourage one to focus to much on themselves and their needs, while being blinded to people around them?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Interesting. Maybe this is more what I am getting at. Do you think therapists can sometimes encourage one to focus to much on themselves and their needs, while being blinded to people around them?

Therapy is designed to help individuals explore their own experiences, emotions, and needs in a safe and supportive environment. It's an opportunity for individuals to prioritize their own well-being and understand themselves better. While this may involve focusing on oneself, therapy also aims to help individuals develop healthier and more balanced relationships with others.

A good therapist will work with clients to strike a balance between self-focused introspection and considering the impact of their behaviors and decisions on others. Therapy encourages self-awareness and personal growth, but it should not promote complete self-absorption or disregard for the needs and feelings of others.

In therapy, individuals can learn skills such as setting healthy boundaries, developing empathy, improving communication, and enhancing relational skills. These skills are aimed at improving one's ability to navigate relationships and consider the needs of others while still prioritizing their own well-being.

It's important to keep in mind that therapy is a collaborative process, and therapists are skilled in guiding individuals to find a healthy balance between self-care and consideration for others. If you feel that your therapy experience is excessively focused on yourself at the expense of others, it might be worth discussing this with your therapist. Open communication can help ensure that therapy aligns with your values and goals, including your desire to be mindful of the needs of others in your life.

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with me.

 

[No More]

Yeah, but boundaries is setting how you react or behave. Not dictating how other people must behave around you?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Yeah, but boundaries is setting how you react or behave. Not dictating how other people must behave around you?

You're absolutely right. Boundaries in therapy and in personal relationships primarily focus on setting limits and guidelines for your own reactions, behaviors, and personal space. Boundaries are about taking responsibility for and communicating your own needs, desires, and limits, rather than trying to control or dictate the behavior of others.

Establishing healthy boundaries involves recognizing and communicating your own limits, desires, and expectations while respecting the autonomy, needs, and boundaries of others. It's important to strike a balance between taking care of your own needs and being considerate of the needs and boundaries of others.

Boundaries can help prevent burnout, maintain healthy relationships, and foster self-care. They allow you to take ownership of your emotions and responses without feeling responsible for the actions or behaviors of others. By setting clear and respectful boundaries, you create a space where both you and others can feel understood and respected.

Therapy can be a valuable space to explore and practice setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Therapists can help you develop the necessary skills and strategies to communicate your boundaries effectively and navigate relationships in a way that honors your own needs while being mindful of others.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with me.

 

[No More]

So if someone cannot meet your need, because of their own boundaries, or simply how they want to behave, then your boundaries are how you choose to behave. You shouldn’t be trying to push the boundaries of another to have your needs met. And to continue to push the other persons boundaries would be selfish, no?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

So if someone cannot meet your need, because of their own boundaries, or simply how they want to behave, then your boundaries are how you choose to behave. You shouldn’t be trying to push the boundaries of another to have your needs met. And to continue to push the other persons boundaries would be selfish, no?

It's important to respect the boundaries of others and understand that each individual has their own limits, needs, and preferences. While you have the right to communicate your own needs and desires, it is not appropriate or respectful to continuously push or disregard someone else's boundaries if they have made it clear that they are unable or unwilling to meet your needs.

Respecting other people's boundaries means understanding and accepting their limitations, even if it means that your needs may not be fully met in that particular relationship. It's important to find a balance between advocating for your own needs and being considerate of the autonomy and boundaries of others.

Continuously pushing or crossing someone else's boundaries after they have clearly communicated them would not be respectful or appropriate. It's essential to explore alternative ways to have your needs met, either through communication, compromise, or seeking support from other sources. It may also be helpful to explore and reflect on your own boundaries to ensure they are healthy and reasonable.

Seeking the guidance of a therapist can be beneficial in navigating and understanding boundaries in relationships. They can help you explore interpersonal dynamics, develop effective communication skills, and find ways to manage and navigate situations where your needs may not align with the boundaries of others.

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with me.

 

[No More]

Respecting other people's boundaries means understanding and accepting their limitations, even if it means that your needs may not be fully met in that particular relationship. It's important to find a balance between advocating for your own needs and being considerate of the autonomy and boundaries of others.

Yes I like this.

So is an acceptable boundary for me something like, I’m happy to talk about trauma, but I won’t do it in a public place, say, over dinner. But I’m happy to do it in a more private setting? For people who aren’t my very close friends, I can’t offer a lot of compassion and empathy because there’s only so much I have to give, and I would prefer to give it to my closest of friends or family.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Yes I like this.

So is an acceptable boundary for me something like, I’m happy to talk about trauma, but I won’t do it in a public place, say, over dinner. But I’m happy to do it in a more private setting? For people who aren’t my very close friends, I can’t offer a lot of compassion and empathy because there’s only so much I have to give, and I would prefer to give it to my closest of friends or family.

Absolutely, setting boundaries around discussing trauma in specific settings is completely valid. It's important to recognize and honor your own comfort levels when it comes to sharing and discussing deeply personal and sensitive topics, such as trauma.

If you feel that discussing trauma is best done in a more private setting, it is entirely acceptable to communicate that to others. For example, you can kindly let someone know that you would prefer to discuss these matters in a quieter or more secure space, such as a private conversation or a therapy session. It's important to prioritize your own emotional well-being and create a setting where you feel safe and comfortable sharing your experiences.

Similarly, it's understandable that you may have limits to how much compassion and empathy you can provide to people who are not your close friends or family. It's important to remember that you are not obligated to offer emotional support to everyone in your life. Your own emotional resources are finite, and it's essential to prioritize self-care and reserve your emotional energy for those closest to you when needed. It's perfectly okay to set boundaries around the level of emotional support you can provide to others.

By setting these boundaries, you are taking care of yourself and ensuring that you maintain a healthy balance in your relationships and emotional well-being. Remember, setting boundaries is an act of self-care, and it's important to communicate them clearly and respectfully.

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with me.

 

[No More]

Hey AI, can you tell me the difference between a trigger, stressor, dysregulating event etc etc

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Hey AI, can you tell me the difference between a trigger, stressor, dysregulating event etc etc

Certainly! Let's break down the differences between a trigger, stressor, and dysregulating event:

1. Trigger: A trigger is an external or internal cue that elicits a strong emotional or physiological response, often associated with a past traumatic experience. Triggers can vary from person to person and may include sights, sounds, smells, or even certain thoughts or memories that remind an individual of a traumatic event. Triggers have the potential to evoke distressing emotions, flashbacks, or other symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related conditions.

2. Stressor: A stressor refers to any event or situation that causes physical, psychological, or emotional stress. Stressors can be external, such as work or relationship problems, financial difficulties, or significant life changes. They can also be internal, such as personal beliefs, self-critical thoughts, or mental health challenges. Stressors can vary in intensity and duration, and individuals may respond differently to different stressors based on their coping mechanisms and resilience.

3. Dysregulating event: Dysregulating events are specific incidents or experiences that disrupt an individual's emotional regulation or stability. These events can be internal or external and often result in heightened emotional arousal, such as anger, fear, sadness, or anxiety. Dysregulating events may involve conflicts, traumatic incidents, loss, or significant life changes that overwhelm an individual's capacity to cope effectively.

While triggers, stressors, and dysregulating events are distinct concepts, they can interact and influence each other. For example, a trigger related to a past trauma may act as a stressor, causing an increased level of stress and potentially leading to emotional dysregulation.

Understanding these terms can be helpful in identifying and managing the factors that contribute to distress or the exacerbation of trauma-related symptoms. Developing coping strategies, seeking support, and engaging in self-care activities can be important steps in navigating these challenges.

If you have any more questions or need further clarification, please let me know.

 

[No More]

How would you categorise it when person gets extremely dysregulated when exposed to people with very poor personal boundaries, who struggle to stand up for themselves and display ‘fawning’ behaviour? Would it be a trigger or a stressor?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

How would you categorise it when person gets extremely dysregulated when exposed to people with very poor personal boundaries, who struggle to stand up for themselves and display ‘fawning’ behaviour? Would it be a trigger or a stressor?

In the scenario you described, where a person becomes extremely dysregulated when exposed to individuals with poor personal boundaries who struggle to stand up for themselves and display "fawning" behavior, it could be considered a trigger.

A trigger, as mentioned before, is an external or internal cue that elicits a strong emotional or physiological response associated with a past traumatic experience. Triggers can activate past trauma-related emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations. In this case, witnessing individuals with poor boundaries and fawning behavior may remind the person of past interpersonal trauma or situations in which their own boundaries were violated. This reminder could evoke distressing emotions or reactions, potentially leading to dysregulation.

It's important to note that triggers can be unique to each individual, and what might be triggering for one person may not be triggering for another. It's a subjective experience influenced by individual history and personal vulnerabilities.

In this situation, it may be helpful for the person to explore the root of their dysregulation and any past experiences that may be contributing to their reaction. Engaging in therapy or seeking support from a mental health professional can provide a safe space to process and work through these triggers. Developing coping strategies, such as grounding techniques or practicing self-care, can also be beneficial in managing triggers and promoting emotional regulation.

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with me.