How to Regulate Your Nervous System after Brain Injury with Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques (with Shelley Latendresse)
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In this episode…
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a brain injury, with the mix of symptoms, daily stress, and simply coping with how your life has changed. It’s also common after brain injury to end up in survival mode, feeling disconnected from your body, and pushing yourself - which may be okay short term, but can add to long term stress and chronic symptoms. Today, we are diving into the topics of grounding, mindfulness, and how learning to regulate your nervous system can help you to move forward with healing after a brain injury.
In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews Occupational Therapist Shelley Latendresse, who shares practical insights on how mindfulness and grounding techniques can aid recovery from a brain injury. Listen to discover how simple daily practices can help manage symptoms, reduce cognitive load, and promote healing. We also talk about coexisting with pain, symptoms, and the ways that we can acknowledge where we are at while also moving forward.
We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Schmoe explains how to bring your nervous system out of a hyper-sympathetic "fight-or-flight" state using targeted neurological stimulation as well as ways to do it at home.
This is also our Season 5 finale! We are so grateful for the conversations we've had this season and we look forward to staying connected as we enter a break to prepare for the next season.
🧠 In this episode:
Navigating the process of managing symptoms, pain, and cognitive load post-concussion.
Why focusing on simple, everyday habits can bring forward healing after brain injury.
Understanding mindfulness as a core skill for present moment awareness to reduce stress after brain injury.
Exploring grounding techniques that actively involve your senses and nature.
Ways to stimulate your vagus nerve for nervous system regulation.
Meet Our Guest
Shelley Latendresse, OT
OT SHELLEY: My full name is Shelley Latendresse. I live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, just a 5 minute walk from the Ocean. And I'm not just any Health Coach. I am a registered Occupational Therapist with 30 years experience in brain injury, neurology and neuro development. My speciality areas and OT training includes Reflex Integration, Sensory Integration, and Traumatic Brain Injury. I have trained and continue to study under Kim Barthel, OT in Functional Neurobiology and with PT Natasha Wilch in the Concussion Nerds Program.
I currently work as a licensed private contractor Occupational Therapist contracting to private clients, the Insurance Corp of BC , Symphony Rehab and Pony Pals Therapeutic. I'm also a certified yoga instructor; I teach classes at Open Space Yoga, in Equestrian settings, have my own Vitality Yoga Program and offer private Post Concussion Yoga.
I’ve been a speaker on many podcasts such as The Concussion Coach, The Concussion Nerds Podcast, Hope Survives, Concussion Inc, and Brain Wellness. discussing yoga for concussion, the role of OT, Creating Safety in the Nervous system and my own personal history of concussion and where I see the gaps in care. My own personal experience with multiple concussions and persistent symptoms is what actually led me to my current role working in OT and coaching for concussion.
My love of nature and physical activity shows in my social media posts; I love the ocean, road cycling, running, hiking and animals and I spend a lot of my time outdoors. I find energy there, spirit there, and as well incredible nervous system regulation.
Something else about me: I am a survivor of multiple concussions and persistent concussion symptoms. My own personal journey of struggle and resilience is so helpful in my work, understanding the nuances of post concussion, mindset, setbacks, neuroplasticity, real tools and more.
My biggest passion? …my Online Concussion Coaching. The creation of THREE , my three month post concussion intensive,has been a few years in the making, and launched in 2023.. This THREE month post concussion recovery program includes all the education I would give my concussion clients as an Occupational Therapist, PLUS so much more, like journaling, videos, a handbook andweekly progressive yoga classes.Humor and optimism is part of my coaching, but I also provide you with the science of concussion, real tools and movement practices that can be implemented to boost your rehabilitation from home.
WEBSITE: https://www.otshelley.com/
FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/OTShelley
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ot_shelley/
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
