This episode of Restoring Us is a roundtable conversation led by Mel and Kevin with Jen Hutchings and Krystal LaCoy. The group explores how to tell gut instinct apart from anxiety or trauma responses, why body awareness matters, and how values, patterns, and community input can help people make better decisions.

Episode Chapters

01:20 - First prompt: when did your gut instinct save you?

09:27 - What is gut instinct?

16:48 - How therapists help clients distinguish intuition from trauma responses

26:33 - Values as a key tool for understanding trusted action

32:28 - The relational tension between selfhood and outside influence

39:35 - Raising kids to trust their instincts and bodily autonomy

48:45 - Final takeaway framework

Recommended Resources

• The Gift of Fear (Gavin de Becker)
• No Bad Parts (Richard Schwartz)
• Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies (Alison Cook PhD. & Kimberly Miller MTh LMFT)

Note: Books mentioned in this episode contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org. Purchases made through these links support the podcast and independent bookstores!

Learn more about us at www.restoretherapycollective.com

Follow us on Instagram: @restoretherapycollective

Connect with the Hosts

• Melanie Freeland - Website | Psychology Today
• Kevin Dykstra - Website | Psychology Today
• Jen Hutchings - Website | Psychology Today
• Krystal LaCoy - Website | Psychology Today

Restoring Us is a space to slow down, take a breath, and explore topics related to mental health, therapy, and self-care. In each episode, therapists with Restore Therapy Collective in Grand Rapids, Michigan, explore ways to restore yourself and your relationships. Whether you're navigating a tough chapter, looking to understand how you function in the world, or just need a reminder that you're not alone - you are welcome here.

Please follow us here as well as on our Instagram @restoretherapycollective. You can find out more about our practice at www.restoretherapycollective.com.

Music Attribution: 2.22.2026 - 3 guitars, uplifting buildup by RhysTemple54 -- https://freesound.org/s/846011/ -- License: Creative Commons 0