Understanding Emotional Triggers

Certain situations can trigger intense emotions for people-pleasers: a critique, an unmet expectation, or a conflict. These reactions aren’t a sign of weakness – they are your nervous system doing its job.

Triggers activate your protective patterns. You might find yourself over-apologising, withdrawing, or rushing to fix things. Understanding the triggers – what sparks the fawn response – is key to gentle change.

Notice what your body does first: tension in your shoulders, shallow breath, racing thoughts. Awareness helps you step back and choose your response consciously, rather than reacting automatically.

Reflection Prompt:

• “What recent situations triggered me, and what did my nervous system do first?”

  
  

Mini Tool:

• Practice three grounding breaths, then label the emotion you’re feeling without judgement. Using the feelings wheel should you need some inspiration

This is an early step in learning to respond from choice. Soon, a dedicated space will help people-pleasers explore triggers safely and practice new responses. Get in touch to find out more.