Why You React Before You Think: The Hidden Power of Your Amygdala and Vagus Nerve

Ever gotten angry or scared and had no idea why you reacted that way? You’re not alone — there’s actually a lot happening behind the scenes in your brain when emotions take over.

The cognitive part of your brain takes longer to process than the emotional part.

The amygdala (crucial for processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure, as well as forming emotional memories) reacts before the cortex (responsible for higher-level functions like thinking, memory, and consciousness) can. 

Where the Amygdala is located in your brain - the emotional part connected to the vagus nerve

Prefrontal cortex - responsible for executive functioning, decision making,

The Vagus nerve is connected to the amygdala.  

In fact the Vagus nerve and amygdala are sending messages back and forth before the cortex (cognitive) can higher level process.

This is why the focus is often on emotions in therapy because they can shape our long-term well-being, while cognitive tools can also be useful tools, they commonly are influenced by our more instinctive emotional patterns and so may not work for every situation.

"Feelings are not facts, but they are information" Unknown quote

Counselling is more than just talking: Debunking the myth

The Common Misconception:

Counselling is just talking right? No, its much more than that. There is a bit of a myth out there that counselling is just talking. You may have heard people say you just talk about problems — it's just a casual conversation or "venting." This is oversimplifying what therapy truly involves. And indeed how powerful it can be at creating change in your life.

Is counselling just talking? No, its more than that.

The reality of counselling:

Counselling is a complex, structured, and skilful process that integrates psychological theories, evidence-based techniques, and interpersonal skills. It is tailored to each individual’s needs and aims for meaningful change.

What counselling entails:

Assessment and goal setting: Understanding someone's background and establishing a clear plan/goal for the therapy.

Use of evidence-based techniques: Employing approaches like Person-centred, Existential, Cognitive, Somatic approaches, Psychodynamic therapy, and Mindfulness, all of which require specialised training. Even this only covers a few approaches, there are many.

Skill development: Teaching practical coping strategies, emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Processing and insight: Deep emotional work to uncover root causes and promote personal understanding and development.

Behavioural and emotional change: Implementing new habits, challenging negative thoughts, and sometimes including active interventions such as homework or role-playing. Again there are many options available depending on your counsellors training - which is often extensive.

Why recognising this matters: Understanding that counselling is a structured and skilful process encourages individuals to seek qualified professionals and appreciate the transformative potential of therapy.

Conclusion: Counselling is far more than just talking; it is a professional, evidence-based process aimed at fostering emotional healing, behavioural change, and personal growth. And lets not forget a key part of that is also the relationship with your counsellor. And lets not forget that the relationship with your counsellor is also a crucial component in the healing process.

How to ensure your counsellor has the right credentials for your needs

To ensure your counsellor has the right qualifications, start by checking their educational background and certifications from reputable institutions. Any professional will be happy to share these with you, its ok to ask. Ask about insurance, professionals cannot practice without it. It’s also helpful to research their experience and areas of expertise to ensure they align with your needs. Many counsellors don't ask their clients for reviews to maintain client confidentiality but you may know someone who could offer a personal recommendation, you might find that helpful.

Verifying these details helps you choose a qualified counsellor who can provide the support and guidance you need.

Whomever you decide to work with - check them out, its ok to ask questions, this also shows an active participation needs and healing.

Embrace lasting change: How active counselling empowers you to build a resilient and fulfilling life

Counselling is not something that is done to you; it is a journey you actively participate in. It’s not about quick fixes or rushing toward success, but about building a solid foundation for a happier, healthier life—one that lasts.

As we work together in your sessions, I will guide you to discover and access the strengths already within you. The tools for growth and change come from your own inner resources, and my role is to facilitate that process—not to tell you what to do. You are the expert on your own life, and together, we can uncover the strategies that truly resonate with you, offering lasting benefits.

Returning to Counselling is uncommon, but it does happen occasionally

And that’s ok! If you do come across a new challenge after your counselling has ended and it does feel too overwhelming at that time to cope alone know that I am still here for you to return and we can work together to reconnect with your inner resilience, often bringing clarity and strength back to the surface.

The tree may have lost its leaves from above, but growth occurs below and through the right nurturing by the sun, earth, and skies. It has built resilience and continues to thrive—differently, but still growing again

During my many years of counselling, I’ve seen almost everyone finds their way through even the toughest times without needing to return, but there is no shame in returning.

Counselling process and life parallel

In a way the Counselling process parallels life, where satisfaction is found in being present not racing to the finish line, this is fine if you are in a race of course but I ask you to ask yourself is your life a race to the finish line?

Or do you want to live in it, embrace and enjoy the experience, face the challenges and overcome them? We are after all human beings not human doings.

I’m not saying that uncomfortable feelings won’t crop up with counselling but you can learn to feel those feelings, let go where they are not serving you and learn from those that are. I can’t feel for you but I can feel with you and those who invest themselves in their counselling – looking within instead of looking outside for answers – often find exactly what they need in themselves, and in my extensive experience, find a longer benefit than that of a quick fix may give.

Active counselling empowers you to build a resilient and fulfilling life for longer.