Billi Silverstein
Psychotherapy

Hypervigilance is often misunderstood. It is not a universal consequence of trauma, nor is it simply anxiety or over-cautiousness. Rather, it is a finely tuned, embodied response that can develop when a child grows up in an environment where safety was unpredictable. From a psychotherapeutic perspective, hypervigilance reflects the nervous system’s remarkable adaptability. It learns to scan for danger in order to protect the self, even when the threat is no longer present.

Fear is one of the most fundamental human emotions. It serves a vital evolutionary purpose, alerting us to danger and helping to ensure our survival. Yet when fear becomes persistent or disproportionate, it ceases to be protective and instead becomes limiting. Fear often lies at the root of anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts and even compulsive or addictive behaviours. A question I am frequently asked is what is the antidote to fear.