Your Brain, Your Voice, and the Power of Expression
Have you ever felt like your voice gets stuck in your throat just when you need it most? Or that speaking up—whether in conversation, singing, or even expressing your own needs—feels harder than it should?
This isn’t just a personal quirk; it’s how our nervous system operates. Understanding this connection is key to unlocking a voice that feels free, expressive, and aligned with who you are.
One of the most powerful tools for understanding this is the hand model of the brain, introduced by Dr. Dan Siegel. In simple terms, this model helps us visualize how different parts of our brain interact—especially when we experience stress, fear, or a sense of safety.
The wrist represents the brainstem, our survival center, controlling automatic functions like breath and heartbeat.
The thumb represents the limbic system, where emotions and memories live.
The fingers represent the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for regulation, decision-making, and social engagement.
When we feel safe, all parts of the brain work together. Our prefrontal cortex stays online, allowing us to communicate clearly and express ourselves with ease. But when stress, fear, or old patterns arise, we “flip our lid”—the prefrontal cortex goes offline, and we react from our survival instincts.
This is why our voice can shake, disappear, or feel stuck when we’re under pressure. The body literally prepares to protect us instead of express us.
The good news? Breath, sound, and vocal practice can bring us back into regulation. By engaging in gentle somatic vocal work, we can rewire our nervous system’s response, making voice and expression feel more natural and embodied.
This is exactly what we explore in our Oh, There I Am! sessions—a space to reconnect with your voice, your breath, and your body in a supportive, guided way. Join us to experience how sound can be a gateway to safety, connection, and freedom.
For more information from Dr. Dan Siegel himself, click here.
