If you've ever wondered why you can know exactly what you should do and still not do it, this episode is for you.

Dr. Laurel Mellin is a health psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and creator of Emotional Brain Training (EBT), an approach developed over 40 years at UC San Francisco. EBT helps people rewire stress patterns at the root, not just manage symptoms. Dr. Mellin has spent decades studying how stress impacts our brains, our behaviors, and our ability to follow through. And her conclusion? Willpower was never the problem. The circuits were.

In this episode:

• Why the thinking brain is not actually in charge
• The difference between extinction and reconsolidation: why building good habits on top of bad circuits leaves you vulnerable
• What a survival circuit actually is, and why you can't think your way out of one
• The Cycle Tool: the 5-minute EBT process that unlocks and rewires stress circuits at the level of the amygdala
• Why procrastination, avoidance, and emotional reactivity are the tail end of a fight-or-flight circuit and not a character flaw
• Emotional set points: what it means to be wired for stress vs. wired for joy, and how to shift it
• How EBT applies to relationship disconnection, parenting stress, addiction, and workplace reactivity
• The research finding Dr. Mellin finds most compelling: changes that persist two to six years later

Plus: the tax return example that perfectly explains why forcing behavior change almost never works, and what to do instead.

Resources mentioned:

• EBT community membership and app: ebt.org 
• The Stress Solution: A Revolutionary New Method for Emotional Resilience by Dr. Laurel Mellin, available on Amazon (commission link)



The examples and stories shared on this podcast are drawn from clinical and coaching experience. All identifying details have been changed or composited to protect client confidentiality. Any resemblance to a specific individual is coincidental. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute psychological advice, therapy, or a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please consult a licensed mental health professional.

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The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.