In this episode of the Slow Down Podcast, Sonia Fregoso and Cynthia Magana explore the significance of Dia de Muertos, the importance of rituals and remembrance, and the process of decolonizing therapy. They discuss how to connect with ancestral wisdom, the role of altar building in honoring loved ones, and how to explain death to children in a gentle way. The conversation emphasizes the sacredness of these practices and the importance of integrating spirituality into therapeutic work.

Guest Bio & Links:

Cynthia “Cyn” Magaña, LCSW, is a queer intuitive and Chicana therapist, yoga teacher, and sound practitioner. She blends IFS, AEDP, and ancestral practices to support queer and trans communities, Latine cultura, and people of the global majority in healing through presence, belonging, and liberation.

@thechicanatherapist

cynmagaña.com

To connect with Sonia Fregoso follow @lasoniafregoso or visit obsidianwoman.com

In this episode of the Slow Down Podcast, Sonia Fregoso and Mary Mosier delve into the themes of compassion, grief awareness, and the challenges of living with chronic illness. They explore the importance of self-compassion, the impact of boundaries, and the necessity of discussing grief in a society that often shies away from it. Mary shares her personal experiences with chronic illness and how it shapes her perspective on life, while Sonia emphasizes the significance of being present and patient with oneself. Together, they highlight the healing power of nature, the journey of unlearning societal expectations, and the importance of naming and acknowledging feelings as part of the healing process.

You can find Sonia & Mary on Instagram:

@lasoniafregoso

@iammarymosier

In this episode of the Slow Down Podcast, Sonia Fregoso and Lupita engage in a deep and authentic conversation about healing, the impact of alcohol on mental health, and the complexities of grief. They share personal experiences with alcohol, discussing how it has affected their lives and mental well-being. The conversation flows into the importance of mindfulness, emotional awareness, and the role of community in the grieving process. They reflect on their journeys as therapists, the beauty of holding space for clients, and the significance of authenticity in therapeutic relationships. The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the complexities of emotions and the importance of witnessing grief together.

You can find Sonia & Lupita on Instagram:

@therapyofthesun

@lasoniafregoso

Keywords

triggers, healing, nervous system, emotional responses, self-awareness, coping, trauma, physical sensations, safety, transformation

Summary

In this episode, Sonia delves into the concept of triggers, explaining how they are automatic responses from our nervous system that indicate a lack of safety. She emphasizes that triggers can arise from various stimuli, not just people, and that they provide opportunities for self-discovery. Sonia discusses the importance of recognizing the physical sensations associated with triggers and creating space between the trigger and our reactions. By doing so, individuals can learn to respond rather than react, ultimately transforming their emotional responses and fostering a sense of safety.

If you’re seeking to move beyond short-term coping and into long-term healing, Unlock Your Inner Healer – Live Edition offers a 10-month guided journey that helps you reconnect with your body, regulate your nervous system, and feel supported in community. Enrollment opens April 7th—join us before live sessions begin this fall.

🌿 Join Unlock Your Inner Healer – Live Edition: https://obsidianwoman.com/unlock-your-inner-healer-live-edition

Takeaways

1. Triggers are automatic responses from the nervous system.

2. They indicate a lack of safety, not a mindset failure.

3. Everything can be a trigger, not just people.

4. Getting curious about triggers helps in self-discovery.

5. Triggers are connected to physical sensations in the body.

6. Creating space between triggers and reactions is essential.

7. It's important to discern perceived threats from actual threats.

8. Talking to your body can help in understanding triggers.

9. Transforming emotional responses requires awareness and practice.

10. Healing involves repatterning the nervous system.

About Sonia

I’m Sonia Fregoso, a Xicana licensed therapist and intuitive healer. With 15 years of experience in healing trauma—religious, generational, sexual, and systemic—I guide others on their journeys to emotional well-being and spiritual alignment.

Stay connected:

🌿 Website: https://obsidianwoman.com/

🌿 Instagram: @lasoniafregoso