How To Control Emotional Reactions, with Dr. Kelly Flanagan

I sit down with Dr. Kelly to unpack what really happens when we get triggered and why it feels so hard to stay in control. We dive into how our nervous system hijacks us, how past experiences shape our reactions, and why awareness alone isn’t enough to change behavior. I also explore what it actually means to “keep your heart open” in conflict and how to take ownership without taking blame. This conversation is a practical look at how to respond instead of react, especially in relationships that matter most.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 What Is A Trigger

03:15 The Three Step Trigger Cycle

06:20 Why You Get Hijacked

11:50 Regulating The Nervous System

18:15 Fight Flight And Control Modes

27:30 Control And Letting Go

36:20 What Keeping Your Heart Open Means

43:30 Sensing Conflict Before It Happens

54:20 Taking Ownership In Conflict

01:04:00 What To Do During Conflict

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