How PCM + Nervous System Patterns Shape Your Reactions Under Pressure

Hi

Our recent Process Communication Model + Nervous System Regulation workshop at Mindspace with my co facilitator- Marcelina was so popular that I wanted to share one of the most powerful insights with you — especially if you still catch yourself wondering:

“Why do I become someone else under stress?”

The answer isn’t random.
It’s a mix of your nervous system and your PCM communication model.

Let’s break it down.

Quick Intro: The 6 Process Communication Model

In PCM, every person has a unique personality “structure,” but one Base type sits at the foundation of how we think, communicate, and react under pressure.

Here’s a simple, quick overview:

• Persister – values integrity, responsibility, principles

• Thinker – values logic, structure, clarity

• Harmonizer – values connection, warmth, relationships

• Imaginer – values space, reflection, internal processing

• Rebel – values fun, spontaneity, creativity

• Promoter – values action, efficiency, results

Under stress, each type goes into predictable patterns — and when you combine that with a nervous system in survival mode, your communication changes instantly.

✨ The Nervous System Under Stress

When something feels overwhelming, your body chooses one of its ancient protection strategies:

• Fight – pushing back, controlling, confronting

• Flee – avoiding, escaping, shutting down

• Freeze – feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unable to act

None of these are “bad.”
They're adaptive — they kept your ancestors alive.

And each PCM tends to lean toward certain responses more naturally.

✨ Reflection Prompt

Take a moment right now and ask yourself:

“What is my default stress response?”
Fight? Flee? Freeze?

👉 Hit reply and tell me: which one are you?

I love hearing how people map themselves — and it always sparks meaningful conversations.

✨ Micro Action of the Week

This week, take 5 minutes to document:

1. Your main stress response (Fight, Flee, Freeze)

2. The earliest signal your body gives you

3. One supportive action you’ll take next time you feel stress rising

Example:

• Stress response: Freeze

• First signal: My chest tightens

• My action: I pause and take 3 slow breaths before responding

✨ Community Action

Share your stress response with someone you trust:

• a colleague

• a peer you work closely with

• your coach

• a mentor

Let them know:
“When I’m stressed, I tend to ______.
If you notice this in me, a helpful thing would be ______.”

This one step can completely transform communication in your relationships and your work.

Until next time,
Irene
The Rizing Effect

P.S. Want a deeper dive into your PCM model + stress pattern? Message me — I love decoding these together.

P.S. If you are free this evening CET Time at 6pm spontaneously?

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