What if your reactions make sense?

What if the parts of yourself you keep trying to fix aren’t actually the best place to begin?

Maybe you overthink.

People-please.

Shut down.

Get defensive.

Pull away when you actually want connection.

Try to control every possible outcome.

Take responsibility for everyone around you.

Or have reactions that feel much bigger than the situation in front of you.

And afterward you wonder:

Why did I do that again?

I know better. Why can’t I stop?

What is wrong with me?

There may be a better question:

What if your reaction makes sense?

Many of the patterns we criticize in ourselves began as adaptations.

They helped us stay connected, avoid conflict, anticipate danger, earn approval, remain useful, prevent disappointment, or feel some sense of control when life didn’t feel particularly controllable.

Understanding that doesn’t mean every reaction is healthy.

And it doesn’t mean we’re powerless to change.

It means we can stop treating ourselves like the enemy long enough to understand what is actually happening.

And from there, we have more choice.

In this live workshop, we’ll explore:

Why certain situations activate us so quickly
The protective logic beneath common reactions
Why insight alone doesn’t always change a pattern
The difference between understanding a behavior and excusing it
How to recognize when an old strategy is being recruited for a present-day problem
How to create more space between trigger and response
What your reaction may actually be asking for

This workshop may especially resonate if you:

Overthink conversations and decisions
People-please or have difficulty saying no
Overfunction in relationships
Shut down when overwhelmed
Become defensive or reactive faster than you’d like
Struggle with uncertainty
Understand your patterns intellectually and yet keep repeating them

Are going through a transition and noticing old coping strategies showing up again

This is not about endlessly analyzing your childhood.

It isn’t about labeling yourself.

And it isn’t about telling yourself every reaction is okay.

It is about developing enough understanding that you can respond with intention instead of automatically repeating what you’ve always done.

This is an educational workshop. Participation does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

About Dr. Elika

Dr. Elika Dadsetan works at the intersection of nervous system science, somatic integration, and trauma-informed care — helping people find their way back to a grounded, connected life. More about her work .

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy is a clinical service that may include assessment and treatment of mental health concerns, trauma, emotional distress, and relational patterns. Coaching is generally focused on goals, transitions, decision-making, leadership, patterns, and moving forward. We can discuss which type of support is most appropriate for your needs.
Where can you provide therapy?

I currently provide psychotherapy to clients located in Colorado through One Starfish Counseling. Coaching, workshops, speaking, and other non-clinical services may be available more broadly.
Is coaching available outside Colorado?

Yes. Coaching is separate from psychotherapy and can generally be offered more broadly. We will clarify the nature and scope of our work before beginning.
Do you offer EMDR?

Yes. EMDR may be incorporated when clinically appropriate and when it aligns with your goals and needs.
What does trauma-informed mean?

Trauma-informed work recognizes that many behaviors, reactions, and coping strategies developed for a reason. Rather than beginning from the assumption that something is “wrong,” we explore what your mind and body may have learned to do in response to past experiences and whether those patterns are still serving you.
What is somatic therapy?

Somatic approaches include attention to what is happening in the body, not only what we think or say about an experience. This can include noticing physical sensations, nervous system responses, patterns of activation or shutdown, and developing greater capacity to stay present and respond with choice.
Do I need to have experienced major trauma to work with you?

No. People seek support for many reasons, including transitions, relationships, burnout, grief, caregiving, identity, perfectionism, emotional patterns, leadership challenges, and simply wanting to understand themselves more deeply.
Do you work with caregivers?

Yes. I have a particular interest in supporting people who spend significant parts of their lives caring for, helping, leading, or carrying responsibility for others. Caregiver support may include burnout, boundaries, identity, grief, resentment, guilt, family dynamics, and reconnecting with parts of yourself that have been set aside.
Do you work with psychedelic-assisted therapy?

My work and training are expanding in psychedelic-assisted therapy, preparation, integration, and related emerging approaches. Availability and scope depend on the service, setting, location, applicable regulations, and my professional role. Please contact me if you have questions about this area of my work.
What if I am not sure whether I need therapy or coaching?

That is completely okay. An initial consultation can help us understand what you are looking for and determine what type of support makes the most sense.

What if your reactions make sense?

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · 7:00 PM EDT · $28

Can’t join live? Register anyway and you’ll receive access to the workshop recording for 7 days after the event. Your registration also includes the Coming Home Journal.