Rewiring Your Brain: The Neurobiology of the Triggered Brain and the Biosocial Model

In this episode of Wise Mind: A DBT Podcast, Maddy and Raich explore the neurobiology of the triggered brain and how trauma impacts how our neurons fire- Not always in the most effective way! We discuss how trauma and chronic stress impact brain structures such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, HPA and hippocampus, leading to heightened threat responses and difficulty regulating emotions.These reactions aren’t signs of weakness or failure. They’re rooted in survival systems your brain developed to keep you safe- Guess what, its NOT your fault.

We break down what happens neurologically when you’re triggered, including how trauma and chronic invalidation can rewire your nervous system. We also discuss the role of neuroplasticity and how DBT skills can help create new, more effective neural pathways over time.

From there, we introduce one of the most important concepts in DBT: the Biosocial Model, developed by Marsha Linehan. This model explains how emotional sensitivity (biological factors) and an invalidating environment (social factors) interact to shape the way we respond to the world. It also answers the classic nature versus nurture question with a core DBT principle: two things are true.

Here’s the dialectic at the heart of this episode: It’s not your fault your brain and environment shaped you this way. And—it is your responsibility to learn new skills and make meaningful changes.

We also take a moment to explain why this episode took longer than planned to release—and yes, it involves some behind-the-scenes chaos we can now laugh about and we can confirm, this ep is not cursed (95% sure).

Understanding your brain is the first step toward compassion—and toward building a life worth living, one skill at a time.

Recommendations & Links to Our Resources:

• Brain Scans - The Neuro Biology https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eN3lNyW5L3AmS34rkxWR5SBpawz-4e0z/view?usp=drive_link

• Biosocial Theory- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RpWVmPsTDJTUlkCgRAcU3oymPJjs-k5G/view?usp=drive_link

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma- Book by Bessel van der Kol

Work With Us

We’d love to connect with you! Whether you have questions, feedback, collaboration ideas, or just want to say hello — reach out to us at:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wiseminddbtpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To learn more about our clinical work or book a session, visit:🔗 Raichel Green Counselling ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.raichelgreencounselling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📸 Madelein Robinson on Wise Mind- A DBT Podcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wiseminddbtpodcast⁠⁠⁠

Stay tuned for the launch of The Wise Mind Collective — website - Coming soon!

Music“Note to Daisy” by the incredibly talented Micah Polla🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Darkinjung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we record, share, and connect here on the Central Coast. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past , present and emerging, and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples joining us today.

Crisis Support

This space may include discussions that bring up strong emotions or difficult topics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you're not alone and support is available.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, we encourage you to reach out to:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

• 13YARN – 13 92 76 (A 24/7 national support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

• Emergency Services – 000 (if you are in immediate danger)

Acknowledgment of Dr. Marsha M. Linehan and the Origins of DBT

We honor Dr. Marsha M. Linehan— psychologist and professor who created Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

It’s thanks to Dr. Linehan that DBT has become a proven intervention for a range of mental health challenges.

Wise Mind A DBT Podcast gratefully acknowledges that DBT is Dr. Linehan’s work—not ours—and we honor her legacy.