Ask a Therapist in Tacoma: What Are Signs of a Dysregulated Nervous System?

Hey Tacoma—What Is a Dysregulated Nervous System, Anyway?

If you've ever felt overwhelmed for "no reason" or stuck in a cycle of anxiety and fatigue, you might be dealing with a dysregulated nervous system. As a therapist in Tacoma, I often explain this in simple terms: your nervous system is like your body's alarm and relaxation system. When it’s working well, it knows when to activate and when to calm down. But if it’s dysregulated, it can get stuck in overdrive or shutdown mode. That means your body and brain might respond to everyday stress as if it were a full-blown crisis. Therapies like Brainspotting can help identify where these stress responses are held in the body, gently supporting the nervous system in returning to balance.

Why Your Body Feels “Off” and You Can’t Explain It

One of the first clues that your nervous system might be dysregulated is a persistent sense of something being "off" in your body. Maybe you're exhausted even after a full night's sleep, or your muscles are constantly tense. Some folks feel a tight chest, shallow breathing, or frequent stomachaches. These are all signs that your body is trying to communicate something. As a therapist in Tacoma, I always encourage clients to trust what their body is telling them—it often knows before our minds catch up. Brainspotting works with that body awareness, allowing us to explore what’s stored in the deeper parts of the brain, beyond words.

Emotional Rollercoaster? Your Nervous System Might Be Involved

The mood swings of a dysregulated nervous system can feel like a rollar coaster—not the good kind. Finding a therapist in Tacoma can help.

Ever feel like you're swinging from calm to anxious to irritable in a matter of minutes? Emotional volatility is another hallmark of nervous system dysregulation. It doesn’t mean you're "too sensitive" or "overreacting"—your system is simply trying to protect you, even if there isn’t a clear and present danger. I often help clients in my Tacoma therapy office learn to notice these shifts without judgment, so they can start to understand what's going on underneath. Brainspotting can be especially helpful here because it targets the root of these emotional patterns—not just the symptoms.

Freeze, Fawn, Fight, or Flight—Which One Shows Up for You?

When we talk about trauma and nervous system responses, the four Fs—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—often come up. Fight might look like snapping at someone unexpectedly. Flight might look like overworking or always being busy. Freeze can be zoning out or feeling paralyzed. Fawn might be people-pleasing to avoid conflict. These are all nervous system strategies designed to keep us safe. In therapy, we look at which patterns are showing up and why, so we can create space for new, healthier responses. Brainspotting helps by processing these responses at the source, unlocking stuck survival energy that keeps us cycling through the same reactions.

Therapist in Tacoma Explains: How Stress Hijacks Your Nervous System

When stress is chronic, it doesn’t just affect your mood—it impacts your entire nervous system. Think of it like your internal dashboard: too much pressure and the warning lights start flashing. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood your system, and your brain has a harder time shifting into rest mode. In my work as a therapist in Tacoma, I see this often in folks who are juggling work, family, and life demands without a moment to reset. That constant "on" feeling can be draining. Brainspotting allows us to process the stress that’s built up over time, so your system can finally take its foot off the gas pedal.

When Coffee Feels Like a Panic Attack: Clues You Might Miss

If your nervous system is dysregulated, even small things can tip the scale. Some of my Tacoma clients report that caffeine suddenly makes them jittery or anxious, or that loud sounds feel unbearable. This kind of sensory sensitivity is a red flag. It means your system is already on edge, and even minor stimuli can feel overwhelming. You’re not crazy—you’re just maxed out. Recognizing this can be the first step toward healing. Brainspotting offers a gentle, non-verbal path to help your nervous system down-regulate, even when traditional talk therapy hasn’t helped.

Signs of a dysregulated nervous system can look like anxiety or depression—or both. Finding a therapist in Tacoma can help you address these symptoms.

Are You Always “On” or Totally Numb? That’s a Red Flag

Hypervigilance and emotional numbness might seem like opposites, but they both point to the same issue: nervous system dysregulation. If you're constantly scanning for danger, even in safe environments, your system might be stuck in a fight-or-flight state. On the other hand, if you feel emotionally flat or disconnected, you might be in freeze mode. As a therapist in Tacoma, I help people recognize these extremes and find ways to come back to center. Brainspotting can support this process by allowing your brain to process overwhelming or frozen experiences at a pace that feels safe.

Your Gut, Sleep, and Skin Are Talking—Are You Listening?

Your nervous system doesn't just live in your head—it's connected to your whole body. That means gut issues, skin flare-ups, and sleep disturbances can all be signs of dysregulation. If you’re waking up at 3 AM every night or dealing with chronic digestive issues, your nervous system might be trying to get your attention. Tacoma clients are often surprised to learn that addressing emotional health can improve physical symptoms too. Brainspotting helps us access those deeper layers of stored stress and trauma that are often behind persistent physical symptoms.

How a Therapist in Tacoma Can Help You Re-Regulate

Therapy can be a powerful tool for regulating your nervous system. In my Tacoma practice, I use approaches like Brainspotting, mindfulness, and somatic techniques to help clients reconnect with their bodies and emotions. It's not about "fixing" you—it's about helping your system feel safe enough to shift. Brainspotting in particular can be transformative because it works directly with the brain and body to release trauma and emotional blocks, often without needing to rehash painful stories. Over time, clients start to notice more calm, better sleep, improved relationships, and a greater sense of resilience.

Small Steps You Can Take Today to Soothe Your Nervous System

You don’t have to wait for a therapy session to start regulating your nervous system. Try placing your hand on your chest and taking slow, deep breaths. Go outside and feel your feet on the ground. Listen to calming music or splash cold water on your face. These might seem small, but they send powerful signals of safety to your brain. And when you're ready to go deeper, therapy—and especially Brainspotting—can offer lasting support. If you're in Tacoma and wondering whether Brainspotting therapy might be right for you, I invite you to reach out. Let’s talk about what you’re experiencing and explore how healing can begin.

Interested in Brainspotting therapy in Tacoma?

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I specialize in helping people heal from nervous system dysregulation using Brainspotting and other approaches. Reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and explore whether Brainspotting might be the right fit for you.