Functional freeze is one of the body’s natural responses to stress or trauma, alongside fight, flight, and fawn. It often occurs when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, leaving a person feeling paralyzed but outwardly functioning. This state may feel like numbness, disconnection, or a sense of being “stuck”.

Signs of Functional Freeze:

• Feeling emotionally numb or detached from your surroundings

• Difficulty making decisions or taking action, even on small tasks

• A sense of overwhelm, as though everything is “too much”

• Persistent fatigue or lack of motivation, despite appearing outwardly functional

• Avoiding emotions, conversations, or situations that feel too challenging

Functional freeze often stems from unresolved stress or trauma, but it can occur during periods of prolonged uncertainty or change.

How We Support You

We provide a safe and supportive space to hellp you gently reconnect with yourself and move beyond the freeze response. Using trauma-informed care and evidence-based approaches, we will guide you through practices that foster safety, self-awareness, and empowerment. Together we will:

• Help you recognize and understand your freeze response

• Explore grounding techniques to reconnect with the present moment

• Build emotional resilience and tools for managing overwhelming feelings

• Support you in rediscovering your voice, agency, and ability to take meaningful steps forward

You’re Not Alone

Healing from functional freeze is a process, and we’ll walk with you every step of the way. There are times when functional freeze can make you feel trapped and powerless, but you are not broken. We are here to help you reconnect with your inherent strength and find the tools you need to thrive. We will work together to create safety, movement, and hope so you can reclaim your ability to fully engage with life.