05/12/2025
BRAIN / NERVOUS SYSTEM
Subtle
- The moment their nervous system drops out of thinking mode — eyelids flutter, jaw softens, micro-sighs start
- Their breath pattern becomes automatic signalling entry into a trance-like or parasympathetic shift
- The split-second “fight, flight, freeze” micro-activations: tightening around the shoulders, a sudden pause in breath, slight frowning
Obvious
- Crying, laughing, shaking, tingling
- Breath becomes louder, faster, or more laboured
- Dissociation cues: eyes darting, zoning out, loss of presence — time to slow or re-anchor them
EMOTIONAL BODY
Subtle
- Emotions surfacing before they express — jaw quivers, lips tremble, a single tear welling but not falling, throat clearing.
- Protective behaviours: fidgeting, holding their breath, crossing arms, tucking chin.
- The “edge” moment when they’re about to break through a wall — breath stutters, chest contracts then slowly expands.
Obvious
- Full emotional release: sobbing, shouting, laughter, primal sounds
- Emotional shutdown: going silent, holding tension, wanting to stop breathing.
PHYSICAL BODY
Subtle
- Small twitches or tremors as the body unwinds stored tension.
- Body temperature gets hotter or cooler.
- Changes in breath rhythm that signal fatigue, overwhelm, or softening
Obvious
- Tetany (T Rex hands), tingling, buzzing — all signs of oxygen/CO₂ changes and nervous system activation
- Body shaking, hips rocking, spontaneous movement or stretching
- Deep yawns or sighs — indicating release or nervous system recalibration
ENERGETIC BODY
Subtle
- A shift in their field: from tight and contracted to open and expansive
- A subtle “charge” or buzz building around them as the breath activates deeper layers
- Moments when their energy pulls away — they’re leaving their body or resisting
Obvious
- Big energy surges: heat waves, intense tingling, surging emotion
- Sudden grounding: they become heavy, calm, still, like they’ve dropped back into themselves
- Intuitive imagery or sensations they share: colours, memories, visions
I notice these clues and use these to create more safety for my clients, support them at just the right moments and guide them to integration
