Julie Legg speaks with psychotherapist and author Brian DesRoches (Living a Trigger-Free Life), whose work focuses on the neuroscience of emotional learning and a process called memory reconsolidation. Brian explains why so many people struggle with recurring triggers, self-sabotage, and emotional patterns even after years of insight or therapy.

Rather than simply managing reactions or trying to “think positive,” Brian describes how the brain actually stores emotional learning and how those memories can be updated and rewired through a process that allows the brain to recognise when past threats are no longer true.

The conversation explores internal conflict, self-criticism, and the protective mechanisms behind behaviours many ADHDers experience and offers a hopeful perspective: that lasting emotional change isn’t about trying harder, it’s about helping the brain learn something new.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Emotional memories vs explicit memories
• What memory reconsolidation actually means
• Why insight alone rarely changes behaviour
• The brain’s constant threat prediction system
• Internal conflict: one foot on the gas, one on the brake
• Why willpower and discipline often fail
• Self-sabotage as a protective mechanism
• Updating emotional memories through new experiences
• Reframing ADHD self-criticism and identity
• Why emotional learning may represent an evolutionary shift

Links:

• WEBSITE: https://www.briandesroches.com/
• LIVING A TRIGGER-FREE LIFE: https://a.co/d/bDgsLtC
• LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-desroches-12313731a/ 

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening. 

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more tools for beautifully different brains. 

🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  

📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast 

▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference

🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More