3 Hidden Signs of the Fawn Trauma Response (and How Therapy in New York Can Help)

Many people think of trauma responses as fight, flight, or freeze. But there’s another pattern that often goes unrecognized: the fawn response. This response develops when our nervous system learns that keeping others happy feels like the only way to stay safe. Over time, it can quietly shape how we relate to others, handle stress, and show up in daily life.

1. Chronic Self-Doubt

Do you constantly question your decisions or seek reassurance from others? This often comes from a deep fear of making mistakes or being judged. Over time, it can create a cycle of self-criticism and dependence on external validation. Self-doubt isn’t inherent. It’s a learned survival strategy rooted in past trauma or neglect.

2. Fear of Being Perceived Negatively

Many people go to great lengths to avoid conflict or disapproval. This is especially common among women, who are often socialized to be agreeable. Constantly worrying about what others think can lead to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and feeling disconnected from your authentic self.

3. Prioritizing Others’ Needs Over Your Own

If love or acceptance once felt conditional, you may have learned to keep the peace by putting others first. While this may have helped you feel safe in the past, over time it can lead to burnout, resentment, and a diminished sense of identity.

How Therapy Can Help

The good news? These patterns can shift. Through psychodynamic therapy and attachment-based therapy in New York, you can begin to understand your learned behaviors, reconnect with yourself, and develop healthier relationships. Therapy can also support you in recovering from breakups, relational challenges, and patterns of people-pleasing, helping you move from surviving to thriving.

Ready to start healing? Click here to learn how therapy can help you reclaim your sense of self and build more secure, fulfilling connections.