Light Listening is the SYMBYX Biome Podcast for people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, and healthcare providers. It focuses on practical ways to live well today, while also exploring the human side of care, connection, and identity.
In part two of this two-part series, SYMBYX CEO Dr Wayne Markman speaks with Dr Steve Wolfson from NeuroCog® about co-regulation. Co-regulation describes how nervous systems influence each other in close relationships. In other words, your state affects mine, and mine affects yours. Because Parkinson’s can change regulation and stress load, these dynamics can become stronger at home and in care settings.
This episode explores what happens when emotions spread through tone, timing, and body language. However, it also shows how to interrupt escalation without blame. Therefore, you can build steadier interactions, even when symptoms and uncertainty create pressure.
What you will learn
- What co-regulation is and why it matters
- How stress spreads between people, especially in close care roles
- Why tension can rise quickly when regulation feels harder
- How to reduce escalation and improve repair
- Simple steps for care partners and clinicians to support steadiness
Try this after listening
First, identify one shared trigger, such as mornings, appointments, or sudden changes in plans. Next, agree on one reset signal. It can be a word, a gesture, or a short pause. Then pair it with one action that reduces load, like stepping into another room for 60 seconds or slowing the pace of speech.
After that, practise the reset even on good days. Because rehearsal builds access, the tool works better when stress rises.
Keep going
Learn more about SYMBYX Biome: SYMBYX Biome.
Build daily practice with Neury®: Explore Neury®.
If you want guided support through Psychotherapy, supported by our Psychology Clinic, book here: Book an appointment.
