In this episode of Transcending Trauma, Moniquea Spiteri explores the fawn response, a powerful and often misunderstood trauma response where the nervous system learns to prioritise harmony, approval, and connection in order to stay safe.

Often experienced as people pleasing, conflict avoidance, or constantly managing the emotional needs of others, the fawn response is not a personality flaw. It is an intelligent nervous system adaptation that can develop in environments where maintaining connection felt essential for safety.

Drawing on trauma psychology, Polyvagal theory, somatic experiencing principles, parts work, and body‑based awareness, this episode explores why people pleasing becomes automatic in the nervous system and how we can begin reconnecting with our own voice while staying in relationship.

You’ll also be guided through three gentle somatic practices to help you recognise the fawn response in your body, reconnect with your internal signals of yes and no, and begin responding from a more grounded and authentic place.

Topics explored in this episode include

• The fawn response and how it develops in trauma • People pleasing and the nervous system • Polyvagal theory and the social engagement system • Guilt, approval seeking, and fear of disappointing others • Parts work and why younger protective parts can take over in relationships • How to reclaim your voice without losing connection

This episode includes three guided somatic practices designed to help you slow down, notice your body’s signals, and begin creating new relational experiences for your nervous system.

If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit from the conversation, and follow the podcast so these teachings can reach more people interested in trauma healing, nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, and relational healing.

In this episode of Transcending Trauma, Moniquea Spiteri explores the fawn response, a powerful and often misunderstood trauma response where the nervous system learns to prioritise harmony, approval, and connection in order to stay safe.
Often experienced as people pleasing, conflict avoidance, or constantly managing the emotional needs of others, the fawn response is not a personality flaw. It is an intelligent nervous system adaptation that can develop in environments where maintaining connection felt essential for safety.
Drawing on trauma psychology, Polyvagal theory, somatic experiencing principles, parts work, and body‑based awareness, this episode explores why people pleasing becomes automatic in the nervous system and how we can begin reconnecting with our own voice while staying in relationship.
You&rsquo;ll also be guided through three gentle somatic practices to help you recognise the fawn response in your body, reconnect with your internal signals of yes and no, and begin responding from a more grounded and authentic place.
Topics explored in this episode include
&bull; The fawn response and how it develops in trauma &bull; People pleasing and the nervous system &bull; Polyvagal theory and the social engagement system &bull; Guilt, approval seeking, and fear of disappointing others &bull; Parts work and why younger protective parts can take over in relationships &bull; How to reclaim your voice without losing connection
This episode includes three guided somatic practices designed to help you slow down, notice your body&rsquo;s signals, and begin creating new relational experiences for your nervous system.
If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit from the conversation, and follow the podcast so these teachings can reach more people interested in trauma healing, nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, and relational healing.

"Where healing meets humanity."

Welcome to Transcending Trauma, a space where science, story, and soul converge. Hosted by Somatic Psychotherapist and change-maker Moniquea Spiteri, this podcast explores the human journey through trauma, transformation, and embodied awakening. 

Each episode invites you into meaningful conversations with leading experts, healers, and visionaries who are redefining what it means to heal,  from the nervous system up. With warmth, depth, and authenticity, Moniquea guides listeners through the complexities of trauma recovery, the wisdom of the body, and the pathways to reclaiming vitality, connection, and purpose. 

Whether you’re a practitioner, a healing soul, or someone reclaiming your vitality after adversity, Transcending Trauma ® offers grounded insights, somatic practices, and heartfelt stories that remind us: Transformation is not just possible,  it’s how we transcend the patterns of survival, awaken the wisdom of the body, and remember the truth of who we are. 

New Season Theme:The Return - stories of resilience, reinvention, and radical embodiment. To connect with Moniquea, visit her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy and connect with Moniquea via her other platforms via Link Tree https://linktr.ee/Moniquea_Spiteri

To connect with Moniquea, visit her Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy

Many thanks to The Kondoors for the use of their amazing single, Mr Rain, for our show's theme song in Season 1. To find out more about The Kondoors visit - https://www.thekondoors.com/ or to purchase Mr Rain click this link - https://orcd.co/byqrerj

#TranscendingTrauma #Trauma #MoniqueaSpiteri #TheKondoors

"Where healing meets humanity." Welcome to Transcending Trauma, a space where science, story, and soul converge. Hosted by Somatic Psychotherapist and change-maker Moniquea Spiteri, this podcast explores the human journey through trauma, transformation, and embodied awakening. Each episode invites you into meaningful conversations with leading experts, healers, and visionaries who are redefining what it means to heal,&nbsp; from the nervous system up. With warmth, depth, and authenticity, Moniquea guides listeners through the complexities of trauma recovery, the wisdom of the body, and the pathways to reclaiming vitality, connection, and purpose. Whether you&rsquo;re a practitioner, a healing soul, or someone reclaiming your vitality after adversity, Transcending Trauma &reg; offers grounded insights, somatic practices, and heartfelt stories that remind us: Transformation is not just possible,&nbsp; it&rsquo;s how we transcend the patterns of survival, awaken the wisdom of the body, and remember the truth of who we are. New Season Theme:The Return - stories of resilience, reinvention, and radical embodiment. To connect with Moniquea, visit her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy and connect with Moniquea via her other platforms via Link Tree <a href="https://linktr.ee/Moniquea_Spiteri">https://linktr.ee/Moniquea_Spiteri</a>
To connect with Moniquea, visit her Facebook page here <a href="https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy">https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy</a>
Many thanks to The Kondoors for the use of their amazing single, Mr Rain, for our show's theme song in Season 1. To find out more about The Kondoors visit - https://www.thekondoors.com/ or to purchase Mr Rain click this link - https://orcd.co/byqrerj
#TranscendingTrauma #Trauma #MoniqueaSpiteri #TheKondoors

 Transcending Trauma ® with Moniquea Spiteri

"Where healing meets humanity."

Welcome to Transcending Trauma — a space where science, story, and soul converge.

Hosted by Somatic Psychotherapist and change-maker Moniquea Spiteri, this podcast explores the human journey through trauma, transformation, and embodied awakening. Each episode invites you into meaningful conversations with leading experts, healers, and visionaries who are redefining what it means to heal — from the nervous system up.

With warmth, depth, and authenticity, Moniquea guides listeners through the complexities of trauma recovery, the wisdom of the body, and the pathways to reclaiming vitality, connection, and purpose.

Whether you’re a practitioner, a healing soul, or someone reclaiming your vitality after adversity, Transcending Trauma ® offers grounded insights, somatic practices, and heartfelt stories that remind us:

Transformation is not just possible — it’s how we transcend the patterns of survival, awaken the wisdom of the body, and remember the truth of who we are.

New Season Theme:The Return — stories of resilience, reinvention, and radical embodiment.

To connect with Moniquea, visit her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy and connect with Moniquea via her other platforms via Link Tree https://linktr.ee/Moniquea_Spiteri

#TranscendingTrauma #Trauma #MoniqueaSpiteri 

"Where healing meets humanity."
Welcome to Transcending Trauma &mdash; a space where science, story, and soul converge.
Hosted by Somatic Psychotherapist and change-maker Moniquea Spiteri, this podcast explores the human journey through trauma, transformation, and embodied awakening. Each episode invites you into meaningful conversations with leading experts, healers, and visionaries who are redefining what it means to heal &mdash; from the nervous system up.
With warmth, depth, and authenticity, Moniquea guides listeners through the complexities of trauma recovery, the wisdom of the body, and the pathways to reclaiming vitality, connection, and purpose.
Whether you&rsquo;re a practitioner, a healing soul, or someone reclaiming your vitality after adversity, Transcending Trauma &reg; offers grounded insights, somatic practices, and heartfelt stories that remind us:
Transformation is not just possible &mdash; it&rsquo;s how we transcend the patterns of survival, awaken the wisdom of the body, and remember the truth of who we are.
New Season Theme: The Return &mdash; stories of resilience, reinvention, and radical embodiment.
To connect with Moniquea, visit her Facebook page -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy">https://www.facebook.com/somaticsynergy </a>and connect with Moniquea via her other platforms via Link Tree <a href="https://linktr.ee/Moniquea_Spiteri">https://linktr.ee/Moniquea_Spiteri</a>
#TranscendingTrauma #Trauma #MoniqueaSpiteri&nbsp;

Transcending Trauma® with Moniquea Spiteri

Why do so many people say yes when something inside is saying no?  In this episode of Transcending Trauma, Moniquea explores the fawn response through the lens of trauma, Polyvagal theory, somatic awareness, and parts work. Often experienced as people pleasing, conflict avoidance, and over adapting to others, this pattern is not weakness but an intelligent nervous system strategy designed to protect connection and belonging.  Through three guided somatic practices, you’ll learn how to recognise the fawn response in your body, reconnect with your internal yes and no, and begin reclaiming your voice without losing connection.  This episode is for anyone ready to move from self abandonment toward authentic, secure relating.