Explore the foundational concepts and terms of The statechanged Method
This glossary ensures clarity and understanding of the key terms and concepts integral to The statechanged Method. Use this glossary as a resource to deepen your understanding of nervous system regulation work and to maximize the benefits of statechanged™ transformative methodology.
Affirmation
A positive and intentional statement or phrase repeated to oneself, aimed at fostering a positive mindset, enhancing self-belief and promoting wellbeing. It serves as a powerful tool for nervous system wellness.
Central Nervous System
Composed of the brain and spinal cord, this system serves as the control center, processing information and coordinating bodily functions.
Coping Strategies
Methods used to manage and endure stress or emotional distress, often involving behaviors or mechanisms that numb or suppress sensations during dysregulated states.
Dysregulation Obsession
A pattern of hyper-focusing on potential threats, serving as a hypervigilant survival mechanism that paradoxically offers a sense of pleasure and focus. This fixation can sustain dysregulated states.
Energy Givers
Individuals, situations or elements that positively influence your energy levels, offering support, inspiration or a sense of wellbeing.
Glimmers
Positive experiences, activities or sensory inputs that bring joy, promote relaxation and soothe the nervous system. These subtle cues can appear as pleasant sensations, uplifting actions or inspiring moments, signaling a shift toward balance and calm.
Infinite Outlook
The unconscious belief that a dysregulated state will last indefinitely. This misconception can be disrupted through mindful observation and increased awareness of state shifts, revealing the transient nature of dysregulation.
Natural State
Regulation is the inherent state of all humans when free from dysregulating narratives and surrounded by a safe and supportive environment.
Notice and Name
A mindfulness practice of labeling thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgment. This simple yet powerful technique cultivates awareness and fosters a compassionate connection to your internal experiences.
Regulating Resources
State specific resources designed to support and influence the wellbeing of your nervous system, encouraging Regulation by either up-regulating or down-regulating your nervous system based on your present state.
Somatic
Referring to internal sensations within and around your body, "somatic" emphasizes the connection between bodily experiences and emotional wellbeing. Exploring somatic awareness facilitates a holistic approach to healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind and body.
State Awareness
The ongoing practice of noticing your feelings, thoughts, behaviors and sensations in the present moment. This heightened awareness offers valuable insight into your current nervous system state.
The statechanged Nervous System Map
A comprehensive tool that outlines the four nervous system states in The statechanged Method, detailing key indicators for each state.
Triggers
Stimuli that your nervous system interprets as negative. Triggers can manifest as interactions, internal sensations, environmental factors or emotional cues, signaling a need for awareness and often indicating the necessity to practice The statechanged Method.
State Specific Future
Visions and imaginations about the future generated most commonly in states of dysregulation. When you are in these states, projecting your future can create the illusion of permanence and the belief that nothing will ever change for the better.
State Specific Perception
Perceptions about yourself and the world shaped by a particular nervous system state, which may feel subjectively accurate even when they are distorted. These perceptions will naturally shift when your nervous system state changes.
State Specific Thinking
Thoughts generated in a particular nervous system state, which may feel like absolute truths from that state's perspective. These thoughts evolve as your state changes.
Up-Regulate
The process of increasing physiological or psychological activity. In the context of The statechanged Method. Up-regulating involves actively engaging in regulating resources that elevate your energy or arousal level to help you transition out of states of Depletion or Overload.
Autonomic Nervous System
The ANS is essential for survival, regulating involuntary functions like heartbeat, digestion and breathing. It operates across four states — Regulation, Activation, Depletion and Overload — and plays a crucial role in ensuring your survival and determining your ability to experience optimal wellbeing.
Co-Regulation
The process of regulating the nervous system through interpersonal interactions, shared activities, communication, play or intimacy. This collaborative approach helps maintain a balanced nervous system.
Down-Regulate
The practice of decreasing physiological or psychological activity. In The statechanged Method, this includes techniques that lower energy or arousal levels, such as shifting from Activation to Regulation.
Energy Takers
Individuals, situations or factors that drain or deplete your physical, emotional or mental energy.
Enteric Nervous System
Often called the "second brain," this system is located in the gut and independently manages digestion and gut functions.
Interoception
The awareness and perception of your internal physiological states, including sensations from your body's organs and processes. This involves recognizing and interpreting signals such as hunger, heart rate and emotional responses.
Mindful Labeling
The practice of naming your present nervous system state during shifts. This intentional recognition deepens awareness and fosters a clearer understanding of your emotional and mental landscape.
Neuroception
The nervous system’s built-in threat detector, located in the brainstem. It continuously scans the environment, assessing whether a situation feels safe, dangerous or life-threatening, relying on past experiences to shape present responses.
Peripheral Nervous System
A network of nerves outside the central nervous system that connects organs and tissues, transmitting information to and from the brain and spinal cord.
State Acceptance
The practice of fully recognizing and allowing your current nervous system state without judgment. While Regulation may feel most comfortable, The statechanged Method encourages viewing states of dysregulation as a natural response rather than something to fix or eliminate.
State Identification
The skill of recognizing your present state by assessing and cross-checking the leading narratives, feelings, thoughts, beliefs and sensations on The The statechanged Method Nervous System Map.
Trauma
A distressing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope, often leaving lasting emotional, psychological or physiological effects. It's essential to understand that trauma is not just about the event itself, but also about how your nervous system perceives and responds to it.
State Narrative
Each nervous system state generates its own internal dialogue, with themes that align with that state’s tone. As you transition between states, the narrative within each state will naturally shift to reflect the changes in your nervous system.
State Specific Memory
Access to memories linked to a particular nervous system state. These memories, often uncomfortable or painful, may arise when you are in state of Activation, Deletion or Overload.
State Specific Protocol
A regimen of regulating resources, practices, activities and interventions tailored to a specific nervous system state. State specific protocols are designed to support the optimal wellbeing of your nervous system.
State Story
A narrative or internal dialogue that arises from a particular nervous system state, influencing your perception and experience during your time in that state.
Vagus Nerve
An important cranial nerve within the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) that significantly influences physiological functions such as heart rate, digestion and respiration. It plays a vital role in balancing the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches and maintaining overall bodily equilibrium.