High-Functioning Fawners and Hidden Costs

Have you ever felt like your nervous system is pressing the gas pedal and the brake at the same time? In the first solo episode of Season Two, Jay explores the often-overlooked "Fawn" stress response, a survival strategy that prioritizes connection over authenticity. If you find yourself shape-shifting to please others or losing touch with your own needs to keep the peace, this episode will help you understand that it isn't a personality flaw; it's your nervous system trying to keep you safe.

Jay Moon Fields is a somatic coach, author, and the host of Hey Wait. She works with people who struggle to stay connected to themselves while connecting with others, bringing deep insight into nervous system regulation, embodiment, and "unfawning."

► The "Hey, Wait" Tool: Using two simple words as a reset button to interrupt default patterns and reorient to your own needs. ► Defining the Fawn Response: Understanding the fourth stress response (alongside fight, flight, and freeze) as "responding to a threat by becoming more appealing to the threat." ► The High-Functioning Fawner: Why fawning often hides in plain sight, looking like competence, empathy, and success on the outside while feeling like numbness and resentment on the inside. ► A Personal Confession: Jay shares a vulnerable (and slightly ridiculous) story about fawning at the airport with her husband. ► The Path to "Unfawning": An introduction to the steps required to heal, including nervous system regulation, reparenting, and parts work.

If you're interested in learning more about Jay's signature online program, Yours Truly, that teaches you the steps to heal fawning, visit https://jaymoonfields.com/yours-truly. Use the code heywait-100 at checkout to receive $100 off your registration.

If you loved this episode, please help get it to others by subscribing, rating the show, or sharing it with a friend! You can learn more about how to support Jay's work and the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/jaymoonfields

► Website: https://jaymoonfields.com► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heywaitwithjay/ ► Books: https://www.amazon.com/less-lost-finding-yourself-ordinary/dp/B0FSDSG63B ► 1:1 Coaching: https://jaymoonfields.com/coaching ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymoonfields/

Have a question for the podcast? Send it in — it may be featured in a future episode.

This podcast was produced by Viv – First Click VA. For collaboration or podcast support, contact: viv@firstclickva.com

Original Music produced by Dalton Grant