Dr. Abrar Hussain is back to help us stand on some foundational concepts as it relates to all things #NervousSystemIntelligence. We cover the 3 nervous system states, why they matter, what creates them and how to navigate each one .I find myself asserting that our nervous system is 80% of the solution. That being stuck in a spin cycle of anxiety, tension, over analysis, scarcity and unhelpful behaviours is repairable. In my experience, long term, sustainable repair is found by working with, and through, your nervous system. 

CAT Basics (Quick Recap)

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) explores relational patterns—especially how we relate to ourselves and others through learned roles. These patterns shape how we respond emotionally and physiologically.

1. Nervous System Dysregulation

What it is: Your system is overwhelmed—stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. Emotions are intense or shut down.

CAT lens: Often rooted in past roles like criticised, neglected, or abandoned. The nervous system learned to stay on alert due to early relationships.

Examples:

• Overreacting to small things
• Feeling numb or unsafe
• Trapped in repeating emotional loops

2. Co-regulation

What it is: Calming through connection. Another person’s steady presence helps you feel safe.

CAT lens: Reflects roles like soothing to soothed. In therapy or healthy relationships, this helps rewrite old patterns of fear, rejection, or abandonment.

Examples:

• Talking to someone who listens
• Feeling calmer with a trusted person nearby
• Therapist offering a regulated, grounding presence

3. Self-regulation

What it is: You soothe your own system using awareness and tools. It’s learned, not automatic.

CAT lens: A sign you’ve internalized healthier roles—like compassionate to comforted. You replace old self-critical voices with steadier, kinder ones.

Examples:

• Deep breathing or grounding
• Noticing a trigger and responding calmly
• Self-talk that reassures instead of letting the inner voice judge and criticise

🔄 In Short:

• Dysregulation = old survival patterns in overdrive
• Co-regulation = healing through connection
• Self-regulation = internalised care and steadiness

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Dr. Abrar Hussain

Dr Abrar Hussain is a pioneering force in #NervousSystemIntelligence (#NSQ), redefining the way professionals understand #coregulation, #relationalhealing,  #highperformance and #wellbeing.

As a consultant, psychiatrist, speaker and advisor, he specialises in guiding individuals and organisations toward deeper #nervoussystem awareness, helping them shift from #nervoussystemdysregulation to #resilience. With a lifetime of expertise in #CognitiveAnalyticTherapy (CAT) and innovative nervous system frameworks, Dr. Hussain empowers professionals to navigate complexity, foster nervous system safety, and optimise energy for long-term success.

www.drabrarhussain.com 

Follow Dr. Abrar on LinkedIn > 

 

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Shannon Eastman

Shannon Eastman  is a business growth strategist fluent in both boardroom dynamics and nervous system regulation.

With 25 years of experience scaling businesses across tech, finance, and regulated industries worldwide, she brings a systems-thinking approach to performance, leadership, and wellbeing.

After five years studying the neurobiology of trauma, Jungian psychology, and polyvagal theory, Shannon now integrates nervous system intelligence into the way business gets done—through corporate pilots, strategic partnerships, and a global network of innovators driving this shift.

Her work bridges performance and wellbeing, laying the groundwork for a more human, sustainable way to lead.

www.shannoneastman.com

Follow Shannon on LinkedIn > 

 

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NEW: Nervous System Economy™

You’ll hear us refer to the Nervous System Economy™ — a industry level educaiton initiative committed to integrating Nervous System Intelligence into business and leadership. You'll find more about this over here: www.nervoussystemeconomy.com 

 

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A Note on Safety

Your mental health, wellbeing, and sense of safety matter deeply. Working with a trauma-informed practitioner can make a significant difference.

While this podcast shares insights, reflections, and tools, it is not a substitute for professional support. If you’re seeking a qualified practitioner, visit the Directory on our website.

Our community includes psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists who work through a trauma-informed lens — often with a special interest in supporting professionals aged 40+ or working within organisations.

 

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#WTTLO #WhoTurnedTheLightsOn #NervousSystemEconomy #CPTSD #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #40PlusProfessionals #Anxiety #TraumaRecovery #NervousSystemRegulation #WellbeingAtWork #Edutainment #NervousSystemBasics #NervousSystemInformedApproach