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Truth Bomb #2: They Didn't Trigger You

  • 4 days ago
  • 3 min read

They Didn't Trigger You: Understanding Triggers, Neuroception, and Personal Responsibility



Welcome to another Truth Bomb from The Truth About Healing Podcast.


Today we're talking about one of Dana's biggest pet peeves.

The phrase:

"That triggered me."


While it may sound like a small distinction, the language we use matters.

In this Truth Bomb, Dana explains why Something Didn't Trigger You You Got Triggered, how the nervous system responds to stored experiences, and why understanding your triggers can empower healing rather than reinforce helplessness.


This isn't about blame.

It's about ownership.

And ownership creates opportunity for change.


Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform



Memorable Quote

"They didn't trigger you. You got triggered. And understanding the difference changes everything."

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Further Learning & Resources



Discover journals, workbooks, consultation resources, and recommended tools designed to support both personal healing and professional growth.


The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal

The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal helps clients track healing progress, identify patterns, document insights, and stay connected to their therapeutic journey between sessions.

Perfect for:

  • EMDR clients

  • Trauma recovery work

  • Reflection between sessions

  • Tracking healing milestones


Click Here to Shop the EMDR Therapy Progress Journal

The EMDR Coach Treatment Planning Workbook

Designed specifically for EMDR therapists, this workbook helps simplify case conceptualization, target sequencing, and treatment planning.

Ideal for:

  • EMDR-trained clinicians

  • EMDR consultation groups

  • Organizing complex cases

  • Strengthening treatment planning skills


Click Here to Explore the Treatment Planning Workbook

Meet Dana Carretta-Stein, LMHC



Dana Carretta-Stein, LMHC
Dana Carretta-Stein, LMHC

Dana Carretta-Stein is an LMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, founder of The EMDR Coach, and founder of Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling (PLMHC).


Her work focuses on trauma-informed therapy, nervous system healing, EMDR therapy, attachment patterns, and helping people understand the deeper roots behind emotional and behavioral patterns.


Dana blends neuroscience, trauma-informed education, and direct honesty in a way that helps listeners feel both validated and challenged to think differently about healing.

Her core belief: Symptoms make sense when you understand the nervous system underneath them.



 

Trauma-Informed Therapy Through PLMHC


Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling provides trauma-informed therapy for children, teens, and adults.



Peaceful Living MHC Waiting Area
Peaceful Living MHC Waiting Area

Services include support for:


PLMHC offers in-person therapy in Scarsdale and virtual therapy throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Colorado and Florida.


If you’ve been searching for trauma-informed therapy in Westchester or EMDR therapy in Scarsdale, support is available.



 

Full Episode Transcript


 Let me tell you a little pet peeve of mine. I can't stand when everyone always says, "Something triggered me." Something didn't trigger you, you got triggered by something. I want you to sit with that for a second. This simple shift in language helps you own your nervous system instead of framing it in a way that makes everyone and everything responsible for how you feel.


Your nervous system isn't being controlled by the outside world, it's responding based on stored patterns from past experiences. Research on neuroception shows that your brain is constantly scanning for cues of safety or danger without your conscious awareness. So that person or thing didn't trigger you.


When you own that, you're not blaming yourself, you're recognizing what's yours to work on. You weren't responsible for what happened to you, but you are responsible for how you heal from it.


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