July 2025 Newsletter
- jodie654
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
I hope this summer is treating you well. Up here in Alaska, we kicked off the season with a beautiful stretch of weather in April and early May, only to find ourselves reaching for the extra layers again as cooler temperatures returned. Still, we’re holding onto the joy that summer is just around the corner. To help brighten your day, I’m delighted to share a vibrant painting by Dawn Gerety, a lifelong Alaskan who lives and paints in Girdwood, AK.
This particular piece, with its majestic mountains and a burst of Fireweed in the foreground, captures the essence of Alaskan summer. We hope it brings a little warmth and colour to your world, wherever you are.
This Quarter’s Focus: Conflict Management
One of the primary reasons people reach out to me is they struggle to manage conflict effectively. Whether it’s with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, unresolved conflict can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected.
So often, we aren’t taught how to communicate through difficult moments. We may get caught in patterns of shutting down, lashing out, or behaving defensively—none of which bring us closer to resolution or deeper connection.
Emotional Flooding in Relationships
In so many of my sessions, I hear that people don’t realise they are actually emotionally flooded and in a different nervous system state than the social engagement system. It’s a common experience and one that can deeply affect how we connect with our partners.
The problem with interacting while emotionally flooded is that we may say things we don’t truly mean, or do things we later regret—causing damage to the relationship. Gottman research shows that for every negative interaction, we need five repairs to maintain a positive perspective in our relationship.
That’s why recognising the signs of flooding and knowing when to take a timeout is so important. These breaks allow us to self-soothe and return to the conversation in a calmer, more connected state. Remember: it’s important not to ruminate on the conflict during your timeout.
Common Signs of Flooding
Cognitive Signs
Difficulty thinking clearly — thoughts feel foggy or chaotic
Rapid or hyper-focused thinking on your own stance
Inability to process what your partner is saying
All-or-nothing thinking (e.g., "This will never change")
Physical Signs
Heart rate over 100 bpm
Shallow or rapid breathing
Tight chest or clenched jaw
Feeling flushed, hot, or sweaty
Dry mouth or stomach knots
Emotional Signs
Feeling overwhelmed or panicked
Shutting down or going numb
Urge to escape or end the conversation
Sudden irritability, sarcasm, or anger
Crying without knowing why
Behavioural Signs
Zoning out or going blank
Snapping, raising your voice, becoming defensive
Walking away mid-conversation
Saying things you regret
How to Know It’s Flooding (Not Just Frustration)
You’re likely experiencing flooding if:
Your body, not just emotions, feels overwhelmed
You feel unsafe or like the stakes are too high
You can’t calm yourself, even when you try
Recognising these signs is a key step toward healthier communication. Be gentle with yourself when they appear. A 20-minute break can make all the difference.
Also, don’t forget to use your Safe & Sound Protocol music or your Rest & Restore Protocol music—both support nervous system regulation.
This Month’s Recipe: Fiddlehead Ferns & Bacon
Go on a hike and keep an eye out for some fiddlehead ferns. They grow in shady, moist forest areas—often near rivers or creeks.
These whimsical little spirals, shaped like the curled top of a violin, are one of spring’s tastiest wild treats. They’re especially delicious served with bacon.
Aarne’s Update
Aarne has decided to take a detour on his journey toward becoming a therapy dog. After some thoughtful consideration (and a few tail wags), he let us know that his heart is currently set on something a bit more... nautical.
So for now, therapy dog training is on pause — and boat dog training is officially underway.
He recently enjoyed his first big boat adventure and handled it like a champ. That said, there was one small mishap involving an accident on deck. We’re not entirely sure how the captain felt about it... but we’re focusing on the positives. For now, Aarne is soaking up the sea breeze and enjoying his break. We’ll keep you posted on where his paws take him next.
Jodie's Corner
I passed my Brainspotting Consultant review!
After many months of training, I’ve officially passed the Consultant-in-Training review to certify as a Brainspotting Consultant. The review took place with my fellow CIT study group members, Sami and Janice. Andy and Gina showed up beforehand to offer their support—it meant so much to see them. This is what building trust looks like. According to Gottman, trust and having each other’s backs are vital in any successful relationship.
Big news! I can now certify other Brainspotters!
Becoming a Certified Brainspotting Consultant means I’ve reached an advanced level of skill, training, and experience. For my clients, this translates to even deeper, more attuned, and effective Brainspotting sessions. Ultimately, this helps my clients go deeper, heal faster, and experience more lasting change. I’m excited to bring this expanded knowledge and expertise to our work together!
Don’t forget if this newsletter resonated with you, feel free to share it with someone who might enjoy it too! Look after yourself over the summer and if you need me send me an email - jodie@crossingshealth.com.
