Trauma Tip of the Week: “Regulation Over Reaction”

When someone’s behavior feels too much, out of line, or completely irrational — pause.

Breathe. Ask yourself:

👉 What’s the need underneath this behavior?

We’re wired to respond to dysregulation with more dysregulation. Yelling back. Shutting down. Retaliating. But trauma-informed care invites us to interrupt that instinct.

Regulation over reaction doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or ignoring red flags. It means choosing to respond from your center instead of your trigger.

In Practice:

• Instead of: “Calm down.”

• Try: “I’m here. Let’s slow this down together.”

• Instead of: “What is wrong with you?”

• Try: “This seems like a lot. Want to take a break?”

  
  

This shift isn’t soft. It’s strategic. In courtrooms, classrooms, call centers, and clinics — regulation protects progress. When we lead with regulation, we model safety.

Why It Matters:

Dysregulated systems create more harm. But one regulated voice can shift the entire dynamic. That voice can be yours.

Want more weekly tips, phrases to use (and avoid), and downloadable tools?👉 Visit www.americaninstitutetic.com and join the movement.

Burn it down. Build it right. Trauma-Informed, Always. 🔥