If a therapist ever explained this stuff in that way to anyone in my system, I am unaware of it, so I can't really speak on that. But I'd probably say something about how everyone has stuff going on in their heads under the surface... like if you are having a really bad day and maybe stressing bills or a breakup or whatever, you shove that crap down and slap on a smile when you do stuff like go to work. Just because you can do your job and not be a sobbing wreck, it does not mean all is fine and dandy on the inside. Most people can play okay for a given amount of time... then they go home and fall apart, cry and eat ice cream or whatever.

When it comes to explaining to people why things set me off, I generally just say that x y or z is just setting off bells and whistles in my head because it reminds me of some rotten thing I lived through one time and I still get kind of punchy about that. It has been my experience most people have some not so great memory in life and they can relate somewhat.

As for mindfulness and meditation, I like that stuff. It tends to help keep me more grounded and centered not only in my skin but in the present. But that's just me. I should say though, that sometimes meditation fails me miserably because I am prone to random bouts of really loud internal chatter. Times like those it is impossible for me to get calm, quiet, down time. Those times it is the opposite of helpful. *shrugs*

-Veda