231 — Triggered Easily? 7 Strategies to Take Back Control of Your Life Psychotherapist Michelle Chalfant

Do you ever feel like someone knows exactly how to push your buttons—and it leaves you spiraling long after your interaction?
 
Whether it’s a snide comment, a frustrating situation, or an awkward interaction, triggers can feel like they’re controlling your emotions. But what if those triggers were actually trying to teach you something?
 
Triggers can feel overwhelming, but they’re also opportunities for growth. In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Chalfant, psychotherapist and author of The Adult Chair, to explore how understanding and working through your triggers can help you build mental strength.
 
Some of the things we discuss are:
 

• Why triggers are a gift and what they reveal about your unconscious beliefs.
• How to tell the difference between being angry and being triggered.
• The surprising ways triggers can show up in your relationships, work, and daily life.
• Seven actionable steps to uncover and heal the root of your triggers.
• How working through your triggers can make you mentally stronger and more resilient.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Triggers: Emotional triggers are linked to deep-seated unconscious beliefs formed in early childhood and can serve as a guide for self-discovery and growth.
• Self-Reflection: Identifying and acknowledging what’s happening internally when triggered is a crucial first step toward managing emotional responses.
• Self-Compassion and Ownership: Cultivating a healthy relationship with oneself by owning one’s reactions rather than blaming external circumstances aids in building resilience.
• Empowerment through Boundaries: Setting and maintaining personal boundaries is essential for emotional health and can prevent relationship dysfunctionality.