Not PTSD—But Close: Understanding Performance Trauma

Episodes Summary

I’m Dr. Chris Bruton, mental health therapist and founder of the Bruton Performance Lab.

In this video, I explain how trauma and high-stakes performance trigger the same biological shutdown—why your body hijacks you at the worst time, and what to do about it.

We’ll cover:

• How trauma and “the yips” follow the same nervous system patterns

• Why your body overrides logic in pressure moments

• What fight-or-flight really does to your performance

• Why talk therapy alone often isn’t enough—and what actually works

This is for high performers who feel stuck when it matters most. It's not weakness. It’s your wiring. And it can be changed.