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Heal Your Nervous System: The 5–Stage Plan to Reverse Nervous System Dysregulation
Relieve anxiety, burnout, feelings of overwhelm, and chronic physical symptoms by healing your dysregulated nervous system with this 5-stage roadmap based on the latest science.
Dr. Linnea Passaler has helped thousands globally in her digital health program address a wide range of symptoms associated with nervous system dysregulation—from mental symptoms, including anxiety, burnout, and brain fog, to physical symptoms, such as digestive issues, chronic inflammation, and fatigue. In Heal Your Nervous System, Dr. Passaler presents her 5-stage plan, developed over the last decade, to equip you with the knowledge to understand and regulate your unique nervous system.
Despite its advances, conventional medicine has often overlooked the importance of nervous system regulation in our health and quality of life. This is especially true for highly sensitive individuals, who may be more susceptible to a dysregulated nervous system. Instead of merely treating the symptoms, Dr. Passaler shows you how to make a profound shift from reactive treatment to proactive healing.
Grounded in recent scientific advances in neurobiology, chronic stress, trauma, and sensitivity, this is not a short-term or one-size-fits-all solution, but a comprehensive strategy to tackle the source of your symptoms, and restore your physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
In Heal Your Nervous System, you will
How anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress are not just “in your head,” but manifest in all areas of your healthHow to assess your current level of nervous system dysregulationWhy nervous system dysregulation can cause both mental and physical symptomsHow your individual sensitivity profile and past experiences came together to tip your nervous system into a state of dysregulationThe four most common mistakes people make in their healing journey, and how to avoid themTop essential habits that support your nervous system during your healing journeySimple practices, exercises, and routines that progressively reverse nervous system dysregulationHow to organize the most effective practices into the right order, a sequence that supports your healing without getting overwhelmed
Your nervous system and health are far more adaptable than you think. With Heal Your Nervous System as your guidebook, you can navigate a fresh path, reverse symptoms, and progressively move towards a robust mind and body.
Dr. Linnea Passaler has helped thousands globally in her digital health program address a wide range of symptoms associated with nervous system dysregulation—from mental symptoms, including anxiety, burnout, and brain fog, to physical symptoms, such as digestive issues, chronic inflammation, and fatigue. In Heal Your Nervous System, Dr. Passaler presents her 5-stage plan, developed over the last decade, to equip you with the knowledge to understand and regulate your unique nervous system.
Despite its advances, conventional medicine has often overlooked the importance of nervous system regulation in our health and quality of life. This is especially true for highly sensitive individuals, who may be more susceptible to a dysregulated nervous system. Instead of merely treating the symptoms, Dr. Passaler shows you how to make a profound shift from reactive treatment to proactive healing.
Grounded in recent scientific advances in neurobiology, chronic stress, trauma, and sensitivity, this is not a short-term or one-size-fits-all solution, but a comprehensive strategy to tackle the source of your symptoms, and restore your physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
In Heal Your Nervous System, you will
How anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress are not just “in your head,” but manifest in all areas of your healthHow to assess your current level of nervous system dysregulationWhy nervous system dysregulation can cause both mental and physical symptomsHow your individual sensitivity profile and past experiences came together to tip your nervous system into a state of dysregulationThe four most common mistakes people make in their healing journey, and how to avoid themTop essential habits that support your nervous system during your healing journeySimple practices, exercises, and routines that progressively reverse nervous system dysregulationHow to organize the most effective practices into the right order, a sequence that supports your healing without getting overwhelmed
Your nervous system and health are far more adaptable than you think. With Heal Your Nervous System as your guidebook, you can navigate a fresh path, reverse symptoms, and progressively move towards a robust mind and body.
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Published January 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 20, 2023
I have been dutifully learning about nervous system regulation practices this year. Having finally come to the realization I have a rather dysregulated nervous system for various reasons including traumatic experiences both physical and emotional.
I know I’m not alone in this as there are countless people in similar situations.
It seems there are just as many countless books on the subject of nervous system regulation practices.
There are also mountains of books you can find regarding them that it can easily get overwhelming.
While I believe it is really good to take in as much knowledge surrounding the basics it can also be extremely overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out where to begin and how to put the practices in to play in your daily life.
This book was great in that it gives you an actual plan! It is very straightforward. The way it is written is accessible but not necessarily over simplified or filled with car salesmen like guarantees I’ve unfortunately seen other people use when discussing nervous system regulation.
The author is also refreshingly authentic and candid with you.
You are told from the get go that nervous system regulation work and healing is not a quick fix and can take a long time.
There are some quizzes in the beginning if you’re unsure if you’re dysregulated and then the meat of the book is the actual program broken down in to five parts.
You are to take it slowly and build up over time.
I am definitely buying a copy of this as soon as it comes out because I believe it is absolutely worth it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Fair Winds and the author - Dr. Linnea Passaler for an ARC of this book.
December 16, 2024
Comprehensive, well-researched and explained, BUT pretty heavy on advertising her program, repetitive, and nothing revelatory. Felt like a long presentation that did not sell me.
November 20, 2024
I’d like to thank Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a mental health practitioner who has been working in the realm of neurodivergence and trauma for a number of years, I will be purchasing this resource to use in my professional career. Linnea Passaler does an excellent job explaining concepts without gatekeeping knowledge or practical tools that can be used by those who wish to work towards healthy nervous system regulation.
That being said, I believe this book is not for beginners as an introduction to the topic, and instead is building upon knowledge gained through working with a therapist or self-study about mental health conditions and how they impact the body.
If you're looking for an extension of knowledge once you understand the basics, or wish to help clients achieve a healthy outcome as a mental health practitioner and would like some fresh new tips — I could not recommend this book more.
As a mental health practitioner who has been working in the realm of neurodivergence and trauma for a number of years, I will be purchasing this resource to use in my professional career. Linnea Passaler does an excellent job explaining concepts without gatekeeping knowledge or practical tools that can be used by those who wish to work towards healthy nervous system regulation.
That being said, I believe this book is not for beginners as an introduction to the topic, and instead is building upon knowledge gained through working with a therapist or self-study about mental health conditions and how they impact the body.
If you're looking for an extension of knowledge once you understand the basics, or wish to help clients achieve a healthy outcome as a mental health practitioner and would like some fresh new tips — I could not recommend this book more.
January 9, 2024
A great guide with easy-to-read steps for healing one's nervous system. Includes up-to-date science and a gentle touch that readers will find incredibly helpful. Definitely buying this for my personal library!
December 14, 2023
Heal your nervous system starts with giving a brief account of what exactly it means when we say dysregulated nervous system. In order to figure out whether or not you are having dysregulated nervous system, author gives a list of about 21 symptoms which you experience and scoring it from 1-10,
1 being - it does not affect your life,
5 meaning it affects your life moderately &
10 meaning it affects your life great deal.
Dr. Passler comes up with a 5 Stage plan to regulate your nervous system
- Awareness
- Regulation
- Restoration
- Connection
- Expansion
Everything that comes across in this book is well researched and documented accordingly. But every account feels impersonal. I would have preferred some examples or some accounts of people whether real or imaginery so that it would have made the experience more palatable. To be honest, this book overwhelmed me at times. This reminded me of my graduation days when I used to read all the enormous medical books and used to feel - "I need to take notes". I felt the same need whole time I was reading this book.
Last few chapters introduces us to Dr Pessler's own experiences but I feel that should have worked better in the start rather than in the end. I would have loved it this book had summary at the end of chapter so as to make things easy because this book is supposed to be read by people with already dysregulated minds and it will be definitely a decluttered experience to read it while being already overwhelmed.
Overall a good, well researched and almost over consuming book. Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds, Fair Winds Press for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
1 being - it does not affect your life,
5 meaning it affects your life moderately &
10 meaning it affects your life great deal.
Dr. Passler comes up with a 5 Stage plan to regulate your nervous system
- Awareness
- Regulation
- Restoration
- Connection
- Expansion
Everything that comes across in this book is well researched and documented accordingly. But every account feels impersonal. I would have preferred some examples or some accounts of people whether real or imaginery so that it would have made the experience more palatable. To be honest, this book overwhelmed me at times. This reminded me of my graduation days when I used to read all the enormous medical books and used to feel - "I need to take notes". I felt the same need whole time I was reading this book.
Last few chapters introduces us to Dr Pessler's own experiences but I feel that should have worked better in the start rather than in the end. I would have loved it this book had summary at the end of chapter so as to make things easy because this book is supposed to be read by people with already dysregulated minds and it will be definitely a decluttered experience to read it while being already overwhelmed.
Overall a good, well researched and almost over consuming book. Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds, Fair Winds Press for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
February 25, 2026
A great resource if you are looking into better understanding and healing your nervous system. Very practical !
November 8, 2023
I’ve read numerous books claiming to have the answer for regulating your nervous system. Most had one exercise that I enjoyed, but generally led to frustration and anxiety that I still seemed to be stuck.
This new book by Linnea Passaler is actually different. She clearly explains steps to take in an order that supports thriving. I learned that much of the frustration I’ve felt wasn’t because I was doing anything wrong. I simply was trying to do it all at once, instead of slowly laying down the foundation for success. She makes a lot of practical sense. I feel lucky and grateful to have stumbled across this helpful and soothing book. I’m already noticing an ease that I haven’t felt…maybe ever.
Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group-Fair Winds, and the author for granting access to an ARC for review.
This new book by Linnea Passaler is actually different. She clearly explains steps to take in an order that supports thriving. I learned that much of the frustration I’ve felt wasn’t because I was doing anything wrong. I simply was trying to do it all at once, instead of slowly laying down the foundation for success. She makes a lot of practical sense. I feel lucky and grateful to have stumbled across this helpful and soothing book. I’m already noticing an ease that I haven’t felt…maybe ever.
Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group-Fair Winds, and the author for granting access to an ARC for review.
December 10, 2023
Heal Your Nervous System by Dr. Linnea Passaler is a book about working towards healing a chronically dysregulated nervous system. I’ve spent the last 2-3 years doing heavy research on this topic and thus far have not found one resource to look to, so I was very interested when I saw this book how the subject would be tackled. I was even more interested in how she would distill a mountain into a five step plan for healing.
The information was all there and moreover, her plan for healing makes sense; that being said, generally, this book gave me a sense of overwhelm if I were just being exposed to this topic for the first time. Dr Passaler’s personal experience with healing of the nervous system and what led her to nervous system work, the myriad of benefits, and how she continues to work on her own regulation flexibility was located in the last two chapters, and honestly, I think that might have been better served in the front of the book. There was no shortage of examples of nervous system dysregulation examples scattered throughout, but they were largely impersonal and I am not convinced the books arrangement would have led me to believe I needed to work on my nervous system had I not come to the book already passionate about it. Reading Dr. Passaler’s personal experience up front sets the stage for the work and why and how the work is beneficial.
Finally, another thing I struggled with was, were I new to this, how do you know when it’s okay to move on to the next stage of healing? The book is very clear that slow and steady wins the race, but it might have been helpful to have the steps sectioned off where there is an “awareness” step at the end to help the reader determine whether they have progressed enough to advance to the next step- like signs your nervous system is healing (including the parts that seem like setbacks but are actually indications of healing). Nervous system rewiring is so unique to every individual that you can’t simply write “do this for 3 months and move on,” and in her defense, she does not prescribe timelines in that way. But I would never know when it was okay to move on based on this book alone. I would also love it if there was a section on a sample schedule to show a person what each step might look like practically worked into daily practice. Carving out ten minutes a day to focus on awareness seems much less overwhelming to me than laying it on you and saying “here do this.” This is just my take on it, this book is a solid resource and the first of its kind (that I’ve seen), that looks at nervous system healing holistically. I appreciated knowing more about Dr. Passaler’s story and her work.
I’d like to thank Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The information was all there and moreover, her plan for healing makes sense; that being said, generally, this book gave me a sense of overwhelm if I were just being exposed to this topic for the first time. Dr Passaler’s personal experience with healing of the nervous system and what led her to nervous system work, the myriad of benefits, and how she continues to work on her own regulation flexibility was located in the last two chapters, and honestly, I think that might have been better served in the front of the book. There was no shortage of examples of nervous system dysregulation examples scattered throughout, but they were largely impersonal and I am not convinced the books arrangement would have led me to believe I needed to work on my nervous system had I not come to the book already passionate about it. Reading Dr. Passaler’s personal experience up front sets the stage for the work and why and how the work is beneficial.
Finally, another thing I struggled with was, were I new to this, how do you know when it’s okay to move on to the next stage of healing? The book is very clear that slow and steady wins the race, but it might have been helpful to have the steps sectioned off where there is an “awareness” step at the end to help the reader determine whether they have progressed enough to advance to the next step- like signs your nervous system is healing (including the parts that seem like setbacks but are actually indications of healing). Nervous system rewiring is so unique to every individual that you can’t simply write “do this for 3 months and move on,” and in her defense, she does not prescribe timelines in that way. But I would never know when it was okay to move on based on this book alone. I would also love it if there was a section on a sample schedule to show a person what each step might look like practically worked into daily practice. Carving out ten minutes a day to focus on awareness seems much less overwhelming to me than laying it on you and saying “here do this.” This is just my take on it, this book is a solid resource and the first of its kind (that I’ve seen), that looks at nervous system healing holistically. I appreciated knowing more about Dr. Passaler’s story and her work.
I’d like to thank Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 9, 2024
Years ago I had read a book called "The highly sensitive person," and since then I've been wondering if perhaps, after so many years (it's a 1996 book) we can talk about people on the autism spectrum, partly because the symptoms seem to me to be quite similar in some ways. There is also the possibility that we finally delve into the "autistic but extroverted" person as well, which seems an almost impossible condition, but I would say quite present, based on my experience as a psychologist also.
Anyway, this book is well written, provides self-diagnosis tools and several "survival" strategies as it were. I just wouldn't sell it as new idea.
Anni fa avevo letto un libro che si chiamava "The highly sensitive person" ed é da allora che mi chiedo se forse, dopo tanti anni (é un libro del 1996) si possa parlare di persone sullo spettro autistico, anche perché i sintomi mi sembrano parecchio simili per certi versi. C'é anche la possibilitá che si approfondisca finalmente anche la persona "autistica ma estroversa" che sembra una condizione quasi impossibile, ma direi piuttosto presente, basandomi sulla mia esperienza di psicologa.
Comunque questo libro é scritto bene, fornisce strumenti di autodiagnosi e parecchie strategie "di sopravvivenza" come dire. Solo che non lo venderei come una novitá.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Anyway, this book is well written, provides self-diagnosis tools and several "survival" strategies as it were. I just wouldn't sell it as new idea.
Anni fa avevo letto un libro che si chiamava "The highly sensitive person" ed é da allora che mi chiedo se forse, dopo tanti anni (é un libro del 1996) si possa parlare di persone sullo spettro autistico, anche perché i sintomi mi sembrano parecchio simili per certi versi. C'é anche la possibilitá che si approfondisca finalmente anche la persona "autistica ma estroversa" che sembra una condizione quasi impossibile, ma direi piuttosto presente, basandomi sulla mia esperienza di psicologa.
Comunque questo libro é scritto bene, fornisce strumenti di autodiagnosi e parecchie strategie "di sopravvivenza" come dire. Solo che non lo venderei come una novitá.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
January 12, 2024
5 stars
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Thanks NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds for a great copy of the book!
This book is easily a 5-star rating for me! I have never taken so many notes reading a book in my life although I have read quite many non-fiction books already. It explains a complicated topic systematically and comprehensively with an appropriate amount of information. The book is structured very nicely making it easier for the reader to understand with good summaries at the beginning of the book and every chapter.
Target audience:
- People who have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, always low energy, and don't understand why
- The ones who are disappointed at our modern healthcare system, how ignorant they are of your suffering, how hard it is, and how long it takes them to help you
- You want to learn more about how our mind and body are connected, how your dysregulated brain can affect you physically in a way that you don't expect
I have never thought our mind and body are connected and intertwined very tightly. I had many "ah-ha" moments and revelations while reading it because it explained very clearly the issues that I have but I don't know how to explain why and how to fix them. The author provides valid arguments for the question of why we need to learn how to heal ourselves and not rely only on the modern healthcare system. The book is non-judgmental, open-minded, and provides an objective scientific view. Although it is a scientific book, it's not super heavy. I appreciate that the author provides an appropriate amount of her spiritual view as well. The spiritual aspect is sometimes as important as the scientific one in my opinion.
There are just a few small drawbacks that I can think of. Chapter 12 should be somewhere at the beginning of the book from my point of view because it would provide more information for the readers to understand why they need to read this book. The chapter would motivate the readers more as well. Moreover, some chapters are a bit longer than expected and a bit repetitive.
All in all, I totally recommend this book!
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Thanks NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds for a great copy of the book!
This book is easily a 5-star rating for me! I have never taken so many notes reading a book in my life although I have read quite many non-fiction books already. It explains a complicated topic systematically and comprehensively with an appropriate amount of information. The book is structured very nicely making it easier for the reader to understand with good summaries at the beginning of the book and every chapter.
Target audience:
- People who have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, always low energy, and don't understand why
- The ones who are disappointed at our modern healthcare system, how ignorant they are of your suffering, how hard it is, and how long it takes them to help you
- You want to learn more about how our mind and body are connected, how your dysregulated brain can affect you physically in a way that you don't expect
I have never thought our mind and body are connected and intertwined very tightly. I had many "ah-ha" moments and revelations while reading it because it explained very clearly the issues that I have but I don't know how to explain why and how to fix them. The author provides valid arguments for the question of why we need to learn how to heal ourselves and not rely only on the modern healthcare system. The book is non-judgmental, open-minded, and provides an objective scientific view. Although it is a scientific book, it's not super heavy. I appreciate that the author provides an appropriate amount of her spiritual view as well. The spiritual aspect is sometimes as important as the scientific one in my opinion.
There are just a few small drawbacks that I can think of. Chapter 12 should be somewhere at the beginning of the book from my point of view because it would provide more information for the readers to understand why they need to read this book. The chapter would motivate the readers more as well. Moreover, some chapters are a bit longer than expected and a bit repetitive.
All in all, I totally recommend this book!
November 30, 2024
What a book! It took me a couple of months to read and work through it, but it definitely has changed my life. It'll be a constant work to keep an eye on my nervous system health as a highly sensitive person. But with all the practical exercises that have been explained so well, I feel supported and ready to take on the challenge. It's a book to regularly go back to whenever I feel I need it. It's become a lot easier for me to recognize when my nervous system is getting out of control and what I can do about it at that time. Still a long way forward, but with all the knowledge I gained in this book, I'm very confident it'll help me in time of need. Thank you for putting in all the work for people like me to learn that we're special and very much needed for the interconnectedness of the human world.
May 4, 2024
Ok, so she yammers for 3 hours before she says I’ll show you how to regulate. Then, she just blabbers like a salesman about what she’ll do. I’m not sure there’s an answer here. She just further disregulated my nervous system by pissing me off. Geez! I’ll Google ideas. DNF 30%, skimmed to 45%
February 27, 2025
my red flag is reading to avoid going to therapy
Want to read
May 11, 2025This isn't something I'd normally buy, but something compelled me. I suppose it's worth a try.
January 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
4.75⭐
This book directly addresses some issues that many of us, including myself, seem to struggle with in this fast-paced world. The presented visuals, comparisons and exercises are very useful in order to better understand and work on these problems, so it’s a good idea to look into them regularly. I also like that the book has a whole community and additional online resources built around it.
Overall, an easy-to-read material about an important topic, including a lot of relevant information. The book is also written in a gentle voice, making it almost soothing to read and apply. Some key parts that I liked:
- discussing spirituality through relevant stories
- discussing the current medical system and its issues
- healing the mind is not enough, as emotions are also related to the body
- how society usually sees sensitivity negatively vs. the actual advantages of being sensitive
- how stress is also important for a regulated nervous system
There is just one main thing that does not let me give a perfect score to this book. I feel that some of the passages were rather repetitive and some ideas could have been written in a more condensed style. Also, the last two chapters containing also the author’s story might have made more sense if placed in the beginning of the book or included in a longer epilogue. I enjoyed hearing a bit about the journey that led to healing, though.
4.75⭐
This book directly addresses some issues that many of us, including myself, seem to struggle with in this fast-paced world. The presented visuals, comparisons and exercises are very useful in order to better understand and work on these problems, so it’s a good idea to look into them regularly. I also like that the book has a whole community and additional online resources built around it.
Overall, an easy-to-read material about an important topic, including a lot of relevant information. The book is also written in a gentle voice, making it almost soothing to read and apply. Some key parts that I liked:
- discussing spirituality through relevant stories
- discussing the current medical system and its issues
- healing the mind is not enough, as emotions are also related to the body
- how society usually sees sensitivity negatively vs. the actual advantages of being sensitive
- how stress is also important for a regulated nervous system
There is just one main thing that does not let me give a perfect score to this book. I feel that some of the passages were rather repetitive and some ideas could have been written in a more condensed style. Also, the last two chapters containing also the author’s story might have made more sense if placed in the beginning of the book or included in a longer epilogue. I enjoyed hearing a bit about the journey that led to healing, though.
January 14, 2024
Ever since having Covid almost 2 years ago, I’ve been struggling with Nervous System Dysregulation. I’ve been following Dr. Linnea Passaler on social media for the last year+ and was so excited when I saw that she was publishing a book! I was even more excited when I got approved for an ARC!
Dr. Passaler has some amazing programs for those struggling with nervous system issues and Dysregulation. But if you can’t afford them, I truly feel that this book could be a great option! Though it does kind of read like an encyclopedia at times (no dumbing down in here!) I think that’s a good thing because the nervous system is very complex and it would be really difficult to convey this is a simplistic way.
This book is such a wealth of information. It explains how the nervous system works, gives clear reasons and examples of sensitivity and Dysregulation, and gives actual solutions. It might take some time to get through, but if you’re dealing with anxiety, ptsd, chronic cortisol issues, and especially if you’ve been diagnosed with any Dysregulation and/or Dysautonomia’s, I would highly recommend reading this book! It will truly help you so much, as working on regulating the nervous system takes knowledge and time.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Fair Winds Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This has helped me so much!
Dr. Passaler has some amazing programs for those struggling with nervous system issues and Dysregulation. But if you can’t afford them, I truly feel that this book could be a great option! Though it does kind of read like an encyclopedia at times (no dumbing down in here!) I think that’s a good thing because the nervous system is very complex and it would be really difficult to convey this is a simplistic way.
This book is such a wealth of information. It explains how the nervous system works, gives clear reasons and examples of sensitivity and Dysregulation, and gives actual solutions. It might take some time to get through, but if you’re dealing with anxiety, ptsd, chronic cortisol issues, and especially if you’ve been diagnosed with any Dysregulation and/or Dysautonomia’s, I would highly recommend reading this book! It will truly help you so much, as working on regulating the nervous system takes knowledge and time.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Fair Winds Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This has helped me so much!
October 30, 2023
I love how this book approaches the very sensitive topic of mental health and holistic treatments — sensitive, slow, gentle. The way it should be, in my opinion. The author’s take on sensitivity made me feel validated, to be honest. It is quite hard to feel things more strongly than others, to see looks of confusion or even be told to “just deal with it, it’s not that hard” because I struggle with bright lights and strong smells, or I get intensely anxious over seemingly small things.
Acceptance and gentle sensory stimulation as an initial step sounds amazing to me.
The author also manages to explain a variety of topics in a way that is both detailed and simple.
All in all, I found this book very comprehensive, interesting and useful, and have begun to apply some of the initial exercises, following the advice to take it easy and not introduce too many at once.
I would recommend this to anyone who is neurodivergent / highly sensitive and wants some tips on how to make things more manageable, and to people suffering from health issues that are hard to treat or find the cause of, such as chronic pain or inflammation.
Acceptance and gentle sensory stimulation as an initial step sounds amazing to me.
The author also manages to explain a variety of topics in a way that is both detailed and simple.
All in all, I found this book very comprehensive, interesting and useful, and have begun to apply some of the initial exercises, following the advice to take it easy and not introduce too many at once.
I would recommend this to anyone who is neurodivergent / highly sensitive and wants some tips on how to make things more manageable, and to people suffering from health issues that are hard to treat or find the cause of, such as chronic pain or inflammation.
May 27, 2024
I wasn’t expecting miracles with this book, but
I was expecting more than what I got. Everything I’ve spent 3 years of therapy working on is in this book and guess what - my nervous system is still shit.
I feel like I spent 95% of my reading time being told I’m about to learn something and then…there’s just one single paragraph dedicated to “learning” it. And by “learning”, I mean I was given a hand wave with “steps” that you’d just as easily find on Google if you did a quick search for “how to fix your nervous system”.
Not only that, this book is unbelievably repetitive. Not sure if that’s because English isn’t the author’s native language or what but I swear I read the same four facts 197463920 times.
Some people might get something out of this book. I’m not one of those people.
TL;DR: 1 star and a complete waste of time. Reads like a book from a snake oil salesman.
I was expecting more than what I got. Everything I’ve spent 3 years of therapy working on is in this book and guess what - my nervous system is still shit.
I feel like I spent 95% of my reading time being told I’m about to learn something and then…there’s just one single paragraph dedicated to “learning” it. And by “learning”, I mean I was given a hand wave with “steps” that you’d just as easily find on Google if you did a quick search for “how to fix your nervous system”.
Not only that, this book is unbelievably repetitive. Not sure if that’s because English isn’t the author’s native language or what but I swear I read the same four facts 197463920 times.
Some people might get something out of this book. I’m not one of those people.
TL;DR: 1 star and a complete waste of time. Reads like a book from a snake oil salesman.
January 4, 2024
You definitely need to take your time and work through this book. I read it quickly in order to review it but now I’m going back and starting from the beginning because wow does this author really know what they are talking about. I was taking notes and really surprised at the step by step guide the author details. Great way to ACTUALLY heal and not just survive.
February 3, 2024
I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was very simply, and plainly delivered with specific and interesting information. All facts and steps to regulation are presented in a clear way with good rationale. Will be a book I highly recommend 🫶🏼
November 13, 2023
A really interesting read, very helpful and I intend to start putting the advice into practice.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
November 3, 2024
This was a fairly solid review of nervous system regulation for people who are new to the topic. It does not go deep, but it does provide some helpful strategies.
November 25, 2024
Yeah, that was an advertisement for a cult 😂
January 18, 2025
Going to be thinking and talking about this for a long time. Validating, practical, and at times, revolutionary.
January 13, 2026
2.5⭐️
I ultimately don't think I can endorse this book, due to the serious detachment from a biblical worldview.
I had seen this book recommended frequently in many of the chronic illness and infertility communities I am in. I decided to give it a shot! Although I expected to weed through secular ideology, I was actually shocked at how incompatible this book is with my faith. I absolutely believe that healing our nervous systems is important for overall healing. I did take a few helpful strategies from the book. However, it ultimately falls short because it is saturated in a worldview of self-centeredness and paganism.
I learned something about myself while reading this book, which has made me teeter between 2 and 3 stars in my overall rating. I think that Passaler accurately described the characteristics, weaknesses, and strengths of a "highly sensitive person." Not sensitive in the typical sense that we use the word, as merely emotionally fragile. But sensing, feeling, empathizing, and experiencing life in a deep way can bring both pros and cons. It opened up some conversations for me that I hadn't considered before. This is something I need to look into more and pray about.
The most helpful advice Passaler gives is to imagine a stressful scenario improving, even slightly, to see how it impacts you in your thought life. I considered this and I actually think it works well and causes me to relax when I am otherwise spiraling about a difficult situation. The Bible teaches us to "Take captive every thought." All truth is God's truth, therefore any truth in this book testifies to God's perfect design and will for us.
I ultimately don't think I can endorse this book, due to the serious detachment from a biblical worldview.
I had seen this book recommended frequently in many of the chronic illness and infertility communities I am in. I decided to give it a shot! Although I expected to weed through secular ideology, I was actually shocked at how incompatible this book is with my faith. I absolutely believe that healing our nervous systems is important for overall healing. I did take a few helpful strategies from the book. However, it ultimately falls short because it is saturated in a worldview of self-centeredness and paganism.
I learned something about myself while reading this book, which has made me teeter between 2 and 3 stars in my overall rating. I think that Passaler accurately described the characteristics, weaknesses, and strengths of a "highly sensitive person." Not sensitive in the typical sense that we use the word, as merely emotionally fragile. But sensing, feeling, empathizing, and experiencing life in a deep way can bring both pros and cons. It opened up some conversations for me that I hadn't considered before. This is something I need to look into more and pray about.
The most helpful advice Passaler gives is to imagine a stressful scenario improving, even slightly, to see how it impacts you in your thought life. I considered this and I actually think it works well and causes me to relax when I am otherwise spiraling about a difficult situation. The Bible teaches us to "Take captive every thought." All truth is God's truth, therefore any truth in this book testifies to God's perfect design and will for us.
November 20, 2023
As someone in the early stages of learning about this topic, this book is excellent! It’s broken up into easily digestible sections and includes graphs. There’s a great outline at the beginning that lists out all 5 stages and what the reader can expect from each section of the book. Additionally, Part 1 includes interactive pages to write in -- to self assess and get an idea of how the book can help, by knowing which areas to focus your attention on.
It can be tough to find reputable books on these types of topics, even harder to find them written by women. This book did a great job of leaning on the science behind the nervous system. While I wouldn’t take any one book as the cure for anything, taking the knowledge from this with a grain of salt has been very helpful.
This quote from the introduction really made me take a step back and reflect:
“Instead of trying to eliminate my demons, I started stepping toward them and saying, “Eat me, if you wish.” This change in perspective, this act of courage and acceptance, was the first step I took toward healing my dysregulated nervous system.” (Intro)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced ebook copy!
It can be tough to find reputable books on these types of topics, even harder to find them written by women. This book did a great job of leaning on the science behind the nervous system. While I wouldn’t take any one book as the cure for anything, taking the knowledge from this with a grain of salt has been very helpful.
This quote from the introduction really made me take a step back and reflect:
“Instead of trying to eliminate my demons, I started stepping toward them and saying, “Eat me, if you wish.” This change in perspective, this act of courage and acceptance, was the first step I took toward healing my dysregulated nervous system.” (Intro)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced ebook copy!
January 14, 2024
Heal Your Nervous System is honestly the best kind of January book to read. I went through a pretty big trauma and life shake up a couple of years ago, and I’m still re-learning regulation and working to heal my nervous system and thought patterns. And for most people, Covid didn’t help ease anxiety either. So I’ve been reading about the nervous system a lot over the last couple of years, and I really appreciated the tactile practical advice and steps in this book. It’s a book that acknowledges how hard change is. It’s not selling an easy fix, but it also didn’t feel daunting, and I have appreciated the steps I’ve already implemented in my life and all the education and research summarized. There’s fantastic little quizzes that help you breakdown how regulated or dis-regulated you are too which I also found helpful.
I took my time reading it, because I really wanted to absorb it all. And it’s the kind of book I want on my bookshelf and will likely end up buying a copy of so I can keep refreshing or reading specific reminders.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group and Linnea Passaler for the arc to read. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
I took my time reading it, because I really wanted to absorb it all. And it’s the kind of book I want on my bookshelf and will likely end up buying a copy of so I can keep refreshing or reading specific reminders.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group and Linnea Passaler for the arc to read. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
December 26, 2023
It is said you can only help others as far as you yourself have travelled. Although written by a Dr. the book was born out of her own lived experience, and a community of thousands of individuals on the same journey, hence the term “Field Guide” at the beginning of the book. This book provides answers, solutions, and support for what can be a long, lonely, confusing, and challenging journey through modern medical systems, and what is ultimately a journey within yourself. If you are chronically stressed, anxious, exhausted, overwhelmed, and/or burnt out, this book can help you become more calm, confident, energetic, and resilient, and feeling better physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, by restoring balance to your nervous system, and its responsiveness to stressors, both negative and positive. Steeped in research and evidence-based, the multi-practitioner solutions provide a holistic, whole-person approach to healing that is missing from modern medicine, yet is easily integrated with it, and provides an individualized, customizable approach that addresses individual differences, such as highly sensitive people. This is the kind of book you use and refer to frequently. Like the commercials say – This one’s a winner!! Let the Collective, Positively Connected Regulation Begin…
January 3, 2024
While reading HEAL YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM by Linnea Passaler, I caught myself grinning, gasping, having a full-body encounter with intelligent, well-written, incredibly compassionate guidance from a person who has learned how to face demons and prevail. Using a five-step approach of Awareness, Regulation, Restoration, Connection, and Expansion, Passaler clearly and convincingly offers a way out of hyper vigilance, worry, and frenetic busy. I deeply enjoyed her way of writing and will recommend this book far and wide. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
January 1, 2024
When talking about trauma, anxiety, mental health, etc - the nervous system has been sadly neglected from almost all of the conversations. As someone who struggles with a variety of mental as well as physical health challenges, the title and description of this book instantly struck me. I was surprised how much information is on here and how many new ideas I haven’t heard of in healing trauma this offered. I didn’t realize how much the nervous system plays a role! This book was very enlightening. I am definitely going to be purchasing a physical copy once it is released so I can use this as a handbook to implement in my own life,
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