5. Shared Neural Capacity and Empathy

5. Shared Neural Capacity and Empathy

In this episode we discuss shared neural capacity and its implications for empathy and burnout in nursing. SHOW NOTES Shared Neural Capacity & Emotional Contagion Auer, A., Walther, L.-M., Jendryczko, D., Auer, L., & Wirtz, P. H. (2024). Is your stress my stress? A standardized, randomized-controlled paradigm to study physiological stress contagion based on direct stress observation. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 162, Article 106964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.106964 Carr, L., Iacoboni, M., Dubeau, M.-C., Mazziotta, J. C., & Lenzi, G. L. (2003). Neural Mechanisms of Empathy in Humans: A Relay from Neural Systems for Imitation to Limbic Areas. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS, 100(9), 5497–5502. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0935845100 [https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0935845100] Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Your emotions are contagious. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/emotional-contagion Glazier, E., & Ko, E., (2025). Mirror neurons critical to development of empathy. UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/mirror-neurons-critical-development-empathy [https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/mirror-neurons-critical-development-empathy] Jackson, P. L., Meltzoff, A. N., & Decety, J. (2005). How do we perceive the pain of others? A window into the neural processes involved in empathy. NeuroImage, 24(3), 771–779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2004.09.006 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2004.09.006] Seitz, R. J. (2024). Beliefs in Pain and Suffering: A Cognitive Neuroscience Approach. Scientia et Fides, 12(1), 51–71. https://doi.org/10.12775/SetF.2024.003 Empathy Riess, H. (2017). The Science of Empathy. Journal of Patient Experience, 4(2), 74–77. https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373517699267 Riess, H., & Neporent, L. (2018). The empathy effect. Sounds True Trauma Stewardship Lipsky, L. van D. The Trauma Stewardship Institute. https://traumastewardship.com/ [https://traumastewardship.com/] Lipsky, L. van D., Burk, C. (2010). Trauma stewardship : an everyday guide to caring for self while caring for others (First edition.). Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Trauma-Informed SAMHSA. (2026). Interagency task force on trauma-informed care. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-care

4. Cyclic Sighing as a Regulatory Strategy

In this episode, we discuss a specific breathwork strategy to support regulating our nervous systems called cyclic sighing, including the rationale for using it, ways to consider enhancing this practice, and how to fit it into your nursing practice. SHOW NOTES Breathwork Fincham, G. W., Strauss, C., Montero-Marin, J., & Cavanagh, K. (2023). Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 432–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y] Cyclic Sighing Legget, H. (2023). ‘Cyclic sighing’ can help breathe away anxiety. Stanford Medicine. https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2023/02/cyclic-sighing-can-help-breathe-away-anxiety.html [https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2023/02/cyclic-sighing-can-help-breathe-away-anxiety.html] Balban, M. Y., Neri, E., Kogon, M. M., Weed, L., Nouriani, B., Jo, B., Holl, G., Zeitzer, J. M., Spiegel, D., & Huberman, A. D. (2023). Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Reports Medicine, 4(1), 100895–100895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100895 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100895] Huberman, A. [Host]. (). How to breathe for optimal health, mood, learning, & performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4m_PdFbu-s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4m_PdFbu-s]   Oxytocin and Self-Touch von Au S, Marsh N, Jeske V, Hurlemann R, Lausberg H. Effects of self-touch and social-touch on peripheral oxytocin concentrations: A study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physiol Behav. 2025 Nov 1;301:115061. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2025.115061. Epub 2025 Aug 12. PMID: 40812607. Uvnäs-Moberg K, Handlin L, Petersson M. Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation. Front Psychol. 2015 Jan 12;5:1529. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529. PMID: 25628581; PMCID: PMC4290532. Takayanagi Y, Onaka T. Roles of Oxytocin in Stress Responses, Allostasis and Resilience. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Dec 23;23(1):150. doi: 10.3390/ijms23010150. PMID: 35008574; PMCID: PMC8745417. Self Compassion  Kristin D. Neff. 2023. Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention. Annual Review Psychology. 74:193-218. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047 [https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047] Barlow, M. R., Goldsmith Turow, R. E., & Gerhart, J. (2017). Trauma appraisals, emotion regulation difficulties, and self-compassion predict posttraumatic stress symptoms following childhood abuse. Child Abuse & Neglect, 65, 37–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.01. 006  López-Castro, T., Saraiya, T., Zumberg-Smith, K., & Dambreville, N. (2019). Association between shame and posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(4), 484–495. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22411  Internal Family Systems Schwartz, R. (2021). No bad parts: Healing trauma and restoring wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Sounds True.  Schwartz, R. (2024). The Internal Family Systems workbook: A guide to discover your self and heal your parts. Sounds True.  Anderson, F. G., Sweezy, M., & Schwartz, R. C. (2017). Internal family systems skills training manual: Trauma-informed treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD & substance abuse. PESI publishing & media. Hodgdon, H. B., Anderson, F. G., Southwell, E., Hrubec, W., & Schwartz, R. (2022). Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors of multiple childhood trauma: A pilot effectiveness study. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 31(1), 22–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2021.2013375 [https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1080/10926771.2021.2013375]

3. Exteroceptive and Interoceptive Input

In this episode, we discuss sources of exteroceptive and interoceptive input. We practice bringing awareness to these sources of input and connecting with our bodies.  SHOW NOTES Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Processing Model Perry, B. D., Winfrey, O. (2021). What happened to you? : conversations on trauma, resilience, and healing. Flatiron Books. https://www.bdperry.com/clincal-work [https://www.bdperry.com/clincal-work] NTDC Classroom Trauma-Related Behaviors – State Dependent Functioning (audio description) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npWmLeznI9A&t=4s] Dr. Hillary McBride’s Staircase Model of the Stress Response McBride, Ph. D. (2021). The Wisdom of Your Body. Baker Publishing Group. https://hillarylmcbride.com/ [https://hillarylmcbride.com/] Interoception Gibson, J. (2019). Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body: A Contemporary Perspective. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2012–2012. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02012 [https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02012] Khoury, N. M., Lutz, J., & Schuman-Olivier, Z. (2018). Interoception in Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of  Randomized, Controlled Trials with Interoception-Based Interventions. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 26(5), 250–263. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000170 [https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000170] Ueno, D., Ohira, H., & Narumoto, J. (2023). Interoception and the autonomic nervous system: Investigating affect, decision-making, and mental health. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.1130324 [https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.1130324]   This season is brought to you by the HRSA ANE-SANE workforce development grant (T96HP42062). Re LAB [https://relab.umn.edu/] provides workforce training focused on leadership development, mentorship, and support for health care professionals.

2. Neurobiology of the Stress Response and Experiences of Trauma

In this episode we discuss trauma and trauma-informed care definitions, and learn about Dr. Bruce Perry's Model of Neurosequential Processing and Dr. Hillary McBride's Staircase Model of the Stress Response. We talk about the short- and long-term impacts of trauma.  SHOW NOTES Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2014). SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4884.pdf [https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4884.pdf] Stanford Early Life Stress and Resilience Program; Dr. Victor Carrión [https://med.stanford.edu/elspap.html] Huberman, A. (Host). (September 23, 2024). Dr Victor Carrión: How to Heal From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RFEkGKKhdE&t=3s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RFEkGKKhdE&t=3s] Bremner, J. D., Southwick, S. M., Johnson, D. R., Yehuda, R., & Charney, D. S. (1993). Childhood physical abuse and combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 150(2), 235–239. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.150.2.235 [https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.150.2.235] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). About adverse childhood experiences. https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html] Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Processing Model Perry, B. D., Winfrey, O. (2021). What happened to you? : conversations on trauma, resilience, and healing. Flatiron Books. https://www.bdperry.com/clincal-work [https://www.bdperry.com/clincal-work] NTDC Classroom Trauma-Related Behaviors – State Dependent Functioning (audio description) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npWmLeznI9A&t=4s] Dr. Hillary McBride’s Staircase Model of the Stress Response McBride, H. (2021). The Wisdom of Your Body. Baker Publishing Group. https://hillarylmcbride.com/ [https://hillarylmcbride.com/] Understanding the Stress Response Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-hpa-axis [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-hpa-axis] Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Cortisol.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol] Gecaite-Stonciene, J., Hughes, B. M., Kazukauskiene, N., Bunevicius, A., Burkauskas, J., Neverauskas, J., Bellani, M., & Mickuviene, N. (2022). Cortisol response to psychosocial stress, mental distress, fatigue and quality of life in coronary artery disease patients. Scientific reports, 12(1), 19373. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-23712-w [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-23712-w] Huberman, A. (Host). (2025, August 4). How to control your cortisol & overcome burnout. [Audio Podcast Episode]. In Huberman Lab. https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/how-to-control-your-cortisol-overcome-burnout [https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/how-to-control-your-cortisol-overcome-burnout]   This season is brought to you by the HRSA ANE-SANE workforce development grant (T96HP42062). Re LAB [https://relab.umn.edu/] provides workforce training focused on leadership development, mentorship, and support for health care professionals.

1. Why Trauma-Informed Care of Self?

In this episode, we explore the need for trauma-informed care of self, discuss the cumulative impacts of trauma, and talk about the added vulnerability for trauma exposure and impact in forensic nursing. Show Notes * What is Nurse Burnout? How to Prevent It [https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/workplace/what-is-nurse-burnout-how-to-prevent-it/] (ANA, 2024) * Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2014). SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4884.pdf [https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4884.pdf]/ * United States Government Accountability Office [GAO]. (2018).Sexual assault: Information on the availability of forensic examiners (Report No. GAO-19-259T). https://www.gao.gov /products/gao-19-259t  [https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-259t] * Huberman, A. (Host). (September 23, 2024). Dr Victor Carrión: How to Heal From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RFEkGKKhdE&t=3s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RFEkGKKhdE&t=3s] * Kletter H, Matlow R, Tanovic S, Carrion V. Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms. Curr Treat Options Psychiatry. 2021;8(3):125-140. doi: 10.1007/s40501-021-00241-3 [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8054844/]. Epub 2021 Apr 19. PMID: 33898161; PMCID: PMC8054844.   This season is brought to you by the HRSA ANE-SANE workforce development grant (T96HP42062). Re LAB [https://relab.umn.edu/] provides workforce training focused on leadership development, mentorship, and support for health care professionals.