In this episode of Feelings and Other F-Words, Dr. Daryl Appleton explores the fawn trauma response and why so many high-performing women default to people pleasing, overcommitting, and saying yes when they mean no.
Drawing from research in CPTSD, polyvagal theory, and attachment styles, this episode explains how the nervous system confuses appeasement with safety, leading to burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion. Dr. Appleton shares actionable tools like the 3-second pause, resentment inventory, and building tolerance for disappointing others, helping you create stronger boundaries and reconnect with your own needs.
If you’ve ever felt exhausted from being “easy to work with” or constantly managing other people’s emotions, this episode will hit uncomfortably close… in a useful way.