Reflection: Understanding Triggers
In this episode, Stacy shares insights on understanding triggers, particularly in the context of interactions with children, whether they are one's own children, students, or clients. With nearly two decades of experience as a clinician and a long history of working with children and families, she introduces the concept of triggers—what activates our stress responses in relation to children.
The core of this reflection revolves around five critical questions to ask oneself when triggered by a child's behavior. These questions aim to explore one's basic needs, sensory system activations, past experiences and reminders, prior feelings similar to the current reaction, and what one was experiencing at the age of the child causing the trigger.
The objective is to shift the blame from the child and encourage adults—teachers, parents, and clinicians—to introspect and identify the roots of their triggers for better emotional regulation and relationship management. Stacy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and reflection in handling triggers, highlighting that the responsibility for managing one's reactions rests with the adult, not the child.
00:37 Exploring the Concept of Triggers
01:24 Understanding Our Reactions to Triggers
02:21 Five Key Questions to Ask When Triggered
03:21 Deep Dive into Each Question
04:57 Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Growth
The core of this reflection revolves around five critical questions to ask oneself when triggered by a child's behavior. These questions aim to explore one's basic needs, sensory system activations, past experiences and reminders, prior feelings similar to the current reaction, and what one was experiencing at the age of the child causing the trigger.
The objective is to shift the blame from the child and encourage adults—teachers, parents, and clinicians—to introspect and identify the roots of their triggers for better emotional regulation and relationship management. Stacy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and reflection in handling triggers, highlighting that the responsibility for managing one's reactions rests with the adult, not the child.
00:37 Exploring the Concept of Triggers
01:24 Understanding Our Reactions to Triggers
02:21 Five Key Questions to Ask When Triggered
03:21 Deep Dive into Each Question
04:57 Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Growth
Creators and Guests
Host
Stacy G. Nation, LCSW
Stacy Nation, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and military behavioral health leader who has spent two decades helping adults and children regulate, reconnect, and heal. As an early Phase 2 certified clinician in the Neurosequential Model, Stacy blends neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and real-world classroom experience to help educators steady themselves before they steady their students.
