Corinna Dranow, Therapy

12/13/2025

12/12/2025

From Kristin Neff:

Dear friends,

People often ask me - "why is it so much harder to be compassionate to myself than to others?" The answer is simple, because we're physiologically wired this way. When we perceive a threat, even an emotional one like failure or rejection, our sympathetic nervous system activates the classic fight, flight, or freeze response. Our cortisol levels increase. Our body reacts as if we’re in danger, even though the “enemy” might be our own imperfect humanity.

So we instinctually fight ourselves with harsh criticism, hoping it will somehow help us be alert and make the changes needed to avoid harm. We flee into shame, assuming it will shield us from the judgment of others. We freeze and ruminate, believing that if we think about the problem long enough, we'll solve it. This is why attacking ourselves can feel so automatic: on a physiological level, our bodies are trying to protect us and keep us safe — just not in a very helpful way.

When others make a mistake or confront problems, however, we aren't so personally threatened. This means that a different safety mechanism can kick in - the care system. Evolution wired us to help family and in-group members through the tend and befriend response, because the survival of close others helps us (and our genes) to survive. When we feel care and connection, our parasympathetic nervous system is activated and our bodies start to calm down.

This is where self-compassion becomes powerful. We can learn to respond to ourselves with care rather than threat, even if it's not instinctual. Research shows that when we befriend ourselves with self-compassion, our cortisol levels decrease and our heart-rate variability and coherence increases, markers of calm and emotional resilience.

Studies also show that an effective way to “hack” into this soothing state is by using practices that signal safety to the body such as supportive touch. Placing a hand over your heart, holding your own hand, or gently cupping your face instinctually activates pathways associated the care system. Even if your mind can't go there, your body can.
Supportive Touch Exercise
The more we practice these small moments of physical safety, the easier it becomes for the body to settle, soften, and shift out of threat mode. One study out of UC Berkeley found that just 20 seconds a day of supportive touch, done every day for a month, is enough to significantly increase the habit of self-compassion.

Our biology may default to self-criticism under stress, but we can train the body and mind to meet difficulty with care. These simple, tiny acts can shift your entire nervous system. And with practice, they can change your entire life.
With warmth,

Dr. Kristin Neff

11/10/2025

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-one-research-study-will-change-how-you-think-about/id1646101002?i=1000728615600

Podcast Episode · The Mel Robbins Podcast · 09/29/2025 · 1h 30m

09/06/2025

What grief might feel like to you:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNVxd2MO8WN/?igsh=MXdlcWFzcGZqNXA3Mg==

03/31/2025

People have asked to see my office. Sometimes it helps to know what a place looks like before you get there.

05/22/2024

PSA: Summer is a great time to start therapy!

-Therapists are less busy, getting an appointment sooner and then securing a prime time spot for the busier fall!
- long summer days get you home from therapy before it’s dark
- the warm summer air and longer light might make it easier to look at shadow pieces
-

My schedule has slowed down significantly due to summer, so now is a great time to refer me to that friend who you think needs help.

Please click on the link in the bio to give my Google algorithm a boost!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/corinna-dranow-fayetteville-ar/118356

05/21/2024

They are also saying that for every negative thing said to be discounted, there has to be 5 positives…

Are you seeing your partner through rose-colored glasses?

Every day, couples can focus on maintaining a positive outlook, which we refer to as Positive Sentiment Override (PSO) or the Positive Perspective. This mindset not only encourages more repair attempts during conflicts but also fosters a generally more positive perception of your partner.

On the flip side, Negative Sentiment Override (NSO) or the Negative Perspective distorts your view of your partner, leading you to perceive your relationship in a negative light. In this mindset, even positive experiences can appear negative.

To nurture positivity, it's essential to extend the benefit of the doubt to your partner, especially during challenging times. Open communication, cherishing moments of joy, and collaborating on problem-solving are key components for maintaining a healthy and happy relationship. Read more
https://bit.ly/3WzpRmv

04/01/2024

In this newest episode I talk about different fun ways to initiate emotional healing and explain how therapy works from a Neurobiological perspective (and to trust hat our psyche knows how to heal ourselves and healing always happens in many ways.
This is a fun podcast. Even if you are not interested in sand tray therapy, you will learn a lot of other good stuff.

And, the cohosts Angela and Sammi, an inspiring mother - daughter team are so insightful, knowledgeable, candid and fun to listen too. Treat yourself!

Also, in episode #67 I talk about how our family shapes us. It’s ranked one of the most popular episodes! (Of course, because we are all trying to understand how we are influenced by our family of origin are.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-freaking-awesome-podcast/id1596976233?i=1000647419135

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-freaking-awesome-podcast/id1596976233?i=1000611510781

‎Show Be Freaking Awesome Podcast, Ep EP108 Fun February: Having Fun at Therapy with the Sand Tray with Corinna Dranow - Feb 27, 2024

02/29/2024

1. Separate the present from the past.

01/24/2024

Out of 100 Episodes, this was ranked #3 - most popular!
I’m not surprised, “How our Family shapes us” is such an important topic!

‎Show Be Freaking Awesome Podcast, Ep EP67 How Family Shapes Us with Corinna Dranow - May 2, 2023