1 on 1

A clear, compassionate coaching guide for responses to trauma

Also see:  playthegameofcompassion 

For the coaching site of Coach Stijn Gabeler.eu  — an introduction, practical explanations, and a step-by-step coaching plan to help people who face personal issues, trauma, drama and conflict.

The "Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, and Flop" theory 

describes the body's automatic survival responses

 to perceived threats, 

as regulated by the autonomic nervous system. 

Fight involves aggression, 

Flight is running away, 

Freeze is immobility, 

Fawn is placating or people-pleasing to avoid conflict, 

Flop is a physical or mental collapse, sometimes including fainting.

These responses are involuntary reactions to danger and stress, with the brain's fear center, the amygdala, playing a key role. 

Quick overview

When people experience danger or feel unsafe, the nervous system activates survival strategies. These commonly present as 

Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn — and sometimes Flop 

(a shutdown/surrender response related to severe overwhelm). 

These are natural reactions, not moral failures. 

Understanding them helps clients recognise patterns, 

restore safety, 

and begin healing.