Examine Your Hedman

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The Examine Your Hedman podcast brings you true stories of real people and the courageous paths they have taken as they fight for the lives they've desired. We dive deep into the details of their journeys. We explore love, loss, and longing, but more impo

Tara Hedman


    • Dec 13, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 48 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Examine Your Hedman

    Justice and Mercy Untethered

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 2:12


    Episode 40: Masculinity, Domestic Violence, Parenting and Healing: Part Two with Lori Wade and Peyton Wade

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 55:37


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Lori and Peyton Wade, mother and son.   Peyton shares his story of surviving domestic violence and the tremendous pain and fear of escaping an abusive cycle. He expresses the experience of coming to terms with marital abuse as a man, and the undeserved shame of cultural pressures.   Lori shares her experience as Peyton's mother and the fear she felt while supporting her son as they worked as a family to extricate him from the abusive relationship. Together they share the beauty of safe connection and deep healing after a storm of chaos and fear.     Life really can suck less, so examine your head man!     *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 39: Masculinity, Domestic Violence, Parenting and Healing: Part One with Lori Wade and Peyton Wade

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2022 53:19


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Lori and Peyton Wade, mother and son.   Peyton shares his story of surviving domestic violence and the tremendous pain and fear of escaping an abusive cycle. He expresses the experience of coming to terms with marital abuse as a man, and the undeserved shame of cultural pressures.   Lori shares her experience as Peyton's mother and the fear she felt while supporting her son as they worked as a family to extricate him from the abusive relationship. Together they share the beauty of safe connection and deep healing after a storm of chaos and fear.     Life really can suck less, so examine your head man!     *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 38: Love Addiction, Family Dynamics, and Healing: Part Two with Heidi Dike Kingston

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 52:49


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Heidi Dike Kingston.   Heidi vulnerably shares her family history of alcoholism and how her sibling's needs created a gap in her own needs getting met as a child. And the sexual abuse that transpired alongside the neglect. She shares how she discovered her need for the healthy rhythms of 12-step recovery in Love and Sex Addicts Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families. Heidi talks about the places in her life and heart that required self-care and the many paths that can take to find healing. Her voice of experience is uplifting and authentic.    Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 37: Love Addiction, Family Dynamics, and Healing: Part One with Heidi Dike Kingston

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2022 50:11


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Heidi Dike Kingston. Heidi vulnerably shares her family history of alcoholism and how her sibling's needs created a gap in her own needs getting met as a child. And the sexual abuse that transpired alongside the neglect. She shares how she discovered her need for the healthy rhythms of 12-step recovery in Love and Sex Addicts Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families. Heidi talks about the places in her life and heart that required self-care and the many paths that can take to find healing. Her voice of experience is uplifting and authentic.  Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man! *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 36: A Murdered Sister, Decades of Silence, and Healing: Part Two with Sherrerd Hartness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2022 59:37


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Sherrerd Hartness. Sherrerd shares that her sister was brutally murdered at a young age, and how the grief and isolation in the wake of this traumatic event shaped her. She shares the deep and lasting impact this had on her life, and the loneliness she has felt for decades. She walks us through her experience on the day her sister went missing. She shares how the kindnesses extended to her at the most difficult times possibly saved her life. She provides a beautiful picture of how after her family's horrific loss she has learned to use her voice of experience for others. Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 35: A Murdered Sister, Decades of Silence, and Healing: Part One with Sherrerd Hartness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2022 56:01


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Sherrerd Hartness. Sherrerd shares that her sister was brutally murdered at a young age, and how the grief and isolation in the wake of this traumatic event shaped her. She shares the deep and lasting impact this had on her life, and the loneliness she has felt for decades. She walks us through her experience on the day her sister went missing. She shares how the kindnesses extended to her at the most difficult times possibly saved her life. She provides a beautiful picture of how after her family's horrific loss she has learned to use her voice of experience for others. Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 34: Community, Christianity and Healing: Part Two with Kara Galvin-Fischer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 43:11


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Kara Galvin-Fischer. Kara shares her personal journey of discovering unhealed trauma in her life. She shares what has helped her move forward and how connecting with safe community has brought healing. She outlines how choosing to find a church that best fit her shifting belief system has turned things around for her relationally. Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 33: Community, Christianity and Healing: Part One with Kara Galvin-Fischer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 41:43


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Kara Galvin-Fischer. Kara shares her personal journey of discovering unhealed trauma in her life. She shares what has helped her move forward and how connecting with safe community has brought healing. She outlines how choosing to find a church that best fit her shifting belief system has turned things around for her relationally. Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 32: Pastoral Abuse, the Power of Love, and Healing: Part Two with Maggie Jusell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 53:44


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Maggie Jusell. Maggie shares about her personal journey through spirituality and spiritual trauma. She provides insight into taking back one's voice amidst a religious tradition that taught her she shouldn't be heard. She shares what loyalty to her pastor cost her, her marriage, and her family. And, she explores the grief and loss that followed her decision to be true to her self, and how worth it it has been.  Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 31: Pastoral Abuse, the Power of Love, and Healing: Part One with Maggie Jusell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 52:42


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Maggie Jusell. Maggie shares about her personal journey through spirituality and spiritual trauma. She provides insight into taking back one's voice amidst a religious tradition that taught her she shouldn't be heard. She shares what loyalty to her pastor cost her, her marriage, and her family. And, she explores the grief and loss that followed her decision to be true to her self, and how worth it it has been.  Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 30: Healing as a Couple, Marriage, and True Connection: Part Three with Kevin and Jenni Uzri

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 43:09


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Kevin and Jenni Uzri. Kevin and Jenni are married (to each other) and are both Licensed Professional Counselors. They have been generous enough to share their stories with remarkable vulnerability in this three part series. They share how their personal healing journeys paved the way for a marriage with both challenges and true connection. They share what they've learned about intimacy, family, and continuing to choose to love each other while also loving and caring for their true selves. No small feat! Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 29: Healing as a Couple, Marriage, and True Connection: Part Two with Kevin and Jenni Uzri

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 48:35


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Kevin and Jenni Uzri. Kevin and Jenni are married (to each other) and are both Licensed Professional Counselors. They have been generous enough to share their stories with remarkable vulnerability in this three part series. They share how their personal healing journeys paved the way for a marriage with both challenges and true connection. They share what they've learned about intimacy, family, and continuing to choose to love each other while also loving and caring for their true selves. No small feat! Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 28: Healing as a Couple, Marriage, and True Connection: Part One with Kevin and Jenni Uzri

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 48:27


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Kevin and Jenni Uzri. Kevin and Jenni are married (to each other) and are both Licensed Professional Counselors. They have been generous enough to share their stories with remarkable vulnerability in this three part series. They share how their personal healing journeys paved the way for a marriage with both challenges and true connection. They share what they've learned about intimacy, family, and continuing to choose to love each other while also loving and caring for their true selves. No small feat! Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 27: Spiritual Trauma, Telling the Truth, and Healing: Part Two with Christopher Harrell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 55:53


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Christopher Harrell. Christopher shares about his personal journey and struggle through the complexities of spirituality, religion and relationships over time. He shares about the essential need for deep self discovery and how he's overcoming years of spiritual abuse and what his renewed life looks like now. Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 26: Spiritual Trauma, Telling the Truth, and Healing: Part One with Christopher Harrell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 61:11


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Christopher Harrell. Christopher shares about his personal journey and struggle through the complexities of spirituality, religion and relationships over time. He shares about the essential need for deep self discovery and how he's overcoming years of spiritual abuse and what his renewed life looks like now. Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 25: Codependency, Leaps of Faith, and Healing: Part Two with Shirl Lee Huscher

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 61:01


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Shirl Lee Huscher. Shirl Lee shares about her struggle with codependency and the toxic environment of alcoholism and abuse, and the expectation that it was her duty to stay. Shirl Lee also shares about her healing journey that led to hope and self love.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 24: Codependency, Leaps of Faith, and Healing: Part One with Shirl Lee Huscher

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2022 51:31


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Shirl Lee Huscher. Shirl Lee shares about her struggle with codependency and the toxic environment of alcoholism and abuse, and the expectation that it was her duty to stay. Shirl Lee also shares about her healing journey that led to hope and self love.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    A Family of Helpers, Hollywood and Healing: Episode 23: Part Two with Jen Kleiner

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 63:37


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome Jen Kleiner to today's episode of the Examine Your Hedman Podcast. Jen shares the beauty and challenges of growing up with therapists as parents, working in Hollywood, and the struggle to live in one's authentic Self in the face of a world that rejects the essence of clarity, compassion, and openness. She shares her journey of discovery and healing with Internal Family Systems and how she shares that with others on their own road of healing. Don't miss it.   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    A Family of Helpers, Hollywood, and Healing: Episode 22: Part One with Jen Kleiner

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 63:45


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome Jen Kleiner to today's episode of the Examine Your Hedman Podcast. Jen shares the beauty and challenges of growing up with therapists as parents, working in Hollywood, and the struggle to live in one's authentic Self in the face of a world that rejects the essence of clarity, compassion, and openness. She shares her journey of discovery and healing with Internal Family Systems and how she shares that with others on their own road of healing. Don't miss it.   *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 21: The Gift in Healing: Part Two with Lalena Fischer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 49:51


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Lalena Fischer. In part 2, Lalena shares openly about her story of horrific childhood trauma, her experience in foster care, and finding true connection, healing, and forgiveness. She shares vulnerably about how her own healing helps her to bring hope and freedom to others. *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Episode 20: The Gift in Healing: Part One with Lalena Fischer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 58:28


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Lalena Fischer. In part I, Lalena shares openly about her story of horrific childhood trauma, her experience in foster care, and finding true connection, healing, and forgiveness. She shares vulnerably about how her own healing helps her to bring hope and freedom to others. *This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.*

    Season 2 Opener

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 1:21


    Season 1 Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 1:48


    Episode 19: Childhood Abuse, Addiction and Healing: Part 2 with Jennifer Crosby

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 54:57


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Jennifer Crosby. In this second part of the conversation, Jennifer shares the role of addictive behaviors in her life and how they ‘saved her life' until they stopped working. Jennifer also shares her therapeutic journey and how the relationship with her children was transformed in the process. Love always wins!   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:27] Tara shares her experience at The Meadows. [5:15] How did addictive behaviors serve Jennifer? [6:40] What did it look like when Jennifer's addictive behaviors stopped working? [8:45] Jennifer started to have flashbacks that included some people that were very close to her family. [11:15] Working on her sexual trauma made her feel like it just happened, it brought it back in real-time. [14:20] Tara explains the difference between blame and taking responsibility in the healing process. [16:15] What did Jennifer's therapeutic journey look like? [20:04] Jennifer shares how her recovery started. [24:15] Pick a mentor! [26:43] Jennifer talks about her role as a parent and her relationship with her children. [31:05] Tara talks about the trauma of not being believed. [35:58] Jennifer refused to keep being crucified for her past actions. [38:15] How can you forgive when the offense continues?  [40:19] Jennifer discovers she can have boundaries. [42:42] We were built to heal and get better. [43:30] What does spirituality or religion look like for Jennifer today? [48:27] Love always wins.    Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Contact Jennifer at 719-291-3168 Learn more about Jennifer's business: Springs Home Finders Find Jennifer on Facebook and LinkedIn   The Meadows   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 18: Childhood Abuse, Addiction and Healing: Part 1 with Jennifer Crosby

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 54:04


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Jennifer Crosby. Jennifer shares openly in today's episode about the struggles of being raised in a home where Mormonism and Atheism coexisted, where she struggled to feel loved and accepted, and how she found drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms early in life. Jennifer is now 12 years in recovery and sobriety after gaining an understanding of how sexual, spiritual and religious abuse impacted her life.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [7:29] Tara talks about who Jennifer is. [10:02] Jennifer is called the “boss lady”. [13:27] Jennifer talks about her family of origin. [16:26] Jennifer talks about the horrifying feeling of being forced to follow certain religious beliefs in order to be accepted. [19:50] Jennifer felt more accepted between her peers than at home [20:30] Jennifer talks about her recovery journey after 12 years of being clean. [21:45] Jennifer became anti-religious. [29:06] Jennifer describes what it was like to live in a home where Mormonism and atheism coexisted. [31:32] Jennifer was convinced she was adopted. [33:48] What is “The Meadows”? [37:15] Jennifer was told by a psychologist that she was not bipolar. [40:29] Jennifer dives deep into the particularities of the relationship with her mother.  [43:52] Jennifer talks with her mother about being sexually abused. [45:17] Jennifer's father heard her, apologized and acknowledged how his lack of affectionate communication impacted her as a child. [47:44] Jennifer shares the most helpful part of her experience at The Meadows. [52:14] Jennifer talks about discovering she was sexually abused and the beginning of her true healing.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Contact Jennifer at 719-291-3168 Learn more about Jennifer's business: Springs Home Finders Find Jennifer on Facebook and LinkedIn   The Meadows   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 17: Spiritual Abuse, Codependency, and the Power of Healing: Part 2 with Christina Conrad

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 69:07


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome Christina Conrad to today's episode for the second part of an insightful conversation. Christina shares more of her story of spiritual trauma, the power differential that contributes to abuse, and the healing that came after. She shares about discovering an authentic spirituality after a heart-wrenching faith deconstruction. She shares the details of her hope after freeing herself from the history of codependency and pain.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:33] Christina became super close to her pastor. [1:56] Christina talks about a new friendship. [3:15] Christina talks about not knowing to listen to her intuition or how to set physical boundaries. [4:12] Christina talks about her view of homosexuality growing up in church and how she sees it different now. [10:44] Christina shares how she didn't feel supported, seen, or heard. [13:35] Christina talks more about her relationship with the pastor and how he called her his “spiritual daughter.” [22:07] Christina struggles with confusion about her feelings towards the pastor. [25:46] Christina confronts the pastor and is honest about her feelings. [30:51] Christina couldn't act as if everything was ok. [33:32] Christina realized she needed help and decided to start seeing a therapist. [37:01] Tara talks about the consequences of the purity culture. [38:10] Christina talks about the benefits of therapy for her. [39:37] Christina and Tara talk about love addiction. [41:51] What did Christina find in group counseling that was helpful to her? [45:43] What does it mean for Christina today to know what she needs? [49:06] Christina talks about feeling distant from God and why. [50:33] How does Christina see faith now? [52:50] Christina tells how she met her husband and went through a major identity shift. [54:37] Christina is still figuring out what she believes in. [55:59] What does a “healthy” life look like to Christina? [59:35] What were the things Christina found in her healing journey that were not helpful to her? [1:00:42] Does Christina think her therapists pushed her away from church? [1:04:30] How did becoming a mother shift Chistina's perspective?   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Facing Love Addiction: Giving Yourself the Power to Change the Way You Love, Pia Mellody Facing Codependency: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives, Pia Mellody   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 16: Spiritual Abuse, Codependency, and the Power of Healing: Part 1 with Christina Conrad

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 57:53


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome Christina Conrad to today's episode. Christina shares her story of spiritual abuse, finding safety, the process of deconstruction and healing. She shares about taking responsibility, finding value in her truest self, developing healthy boundaries, and her shifting relationship with spirituality and faith.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [3:26] Christina shares about what life looks like today. [5:27] Christina talks about her family structure and her early connection to the church. [8:15] As a girl Christina felt lonely and confused. [9:30] In her parents' eyes Christina was “ok.” [11:02] Christina shares about codependency in her family. [15:06] What did codependency look like for Christina growing up? [18:43] Christina talks about religion growing up. [20:10] How leaving home impacted her mother. [26:26] Christina talks about the internship she did. [30:53] Christina shares about an inappropriate situation with someone she babysat for. [33:45] Christina shares about her discomfort/struggle confronting him with 2 of her pastors. [38:22] Christina shares about a dating relationship she had in church. [41:13] When boundaries are violated but you haven't learned it's ok to say ‘no'.  [47:44] Christina shares about her dating experience and the time she dissociated and felt used. [51:31] Christina shares about feeling like God would require her to marry him. [53:29] Christina shares about a mission trip she co-led with him and the struggles she had.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Facing Love Addiction: Giving Yourself the Power to Change the Way You Love, Pia Mellody Facing Codependency: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives, Pia Mellody   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 15: Expecting a Child with a Disability and How Hearts Grow in Love and Healing: Part 2 with Kim Coe

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2021 59:04


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson are joined today by Kim Coe for the second part of an insightful conversation about life as a mother of five, including two beautiful girls with Down Syndrome. One little girl from Kim's last pregnancy, and another little girl who was adopted. Kim shares how raising them has presented different challenges, healing she didn't expect, beautiful experiences, and also the unmeasurable joys of celebrating their achievements, growth, and progress.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:20] Kim shares about her adopted daughter now that she is four years old. [5:12] Kim talks about the financial aspect of being an adoptive parent. [9:05] What do adoption fees cover? [10:31] Kim shares how she feels in regards to the academic gap that her daughters sometimes experience. [14:14] Kim talks about her fears as a mother. [16:05] What level of knowledge do her children with Down Syndrome have that are different from their siblings? [16:23] Teaching her daughters about Down Syndrome. [19:30] Diane shares her experience with her daughter Myah. [25:01] Diane addresses the limitations of the educational system. [28:11] What has been the hardest thing for Kim as her daughters get older at a community level? [31:11] What are the perceived losses for Kim? [35:07] What would Kim like listeners to know about having a child with Down Syndrome? [38:23] It is ok to be awkward, ask questions, and get closer to parents with children with disabilities. [42:25] How does Kim take care of herself? [45:04] What was a surprise in the process of adoption? [47:24] Can you really love an adoptive child like your own? [48:22] Kim talks about the right terms to use when talking about children with disabilities. [53:17] People want to be asked what is appropriate to them.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman     Email Kim at kim1coe@yahoo.com   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 14: Expecting a Child with a Disability and How Hearts Grow in Love and Healing: Part 1 with Kim Coe

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 67:29


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. In today's episode, they are joined by Kim Coe, a friend of Tara's since Junior High.   Kim shares her journey as a mother of five beautiful children, two with disabilities, and the challenges and beauty of adoption.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:10] Tara and Diane give an update about their current lives. [13:10] Tara introduces Kim. [15:05] Kim talks about her process with one of her pregnancies and receiving news that her baby was at high risk of having Down Syndrome. [22:30] Kim shares about the options her doctor gave her. [25:35] Kim remembers sharing the news with her husband and how he responded with, “She is our daughter, we are going to love her.” [26:55] Kim tells Tara she just found out her baby has Down Syndrome. [28:20] Kim shares about her process and finding out the diagnosis was certain. [31:06] Kim talks about the information and help that's available now and the changes needed in the medical field. [33:07] Kim talks about her process from finding out the diagnosis and the moment her daughter was born. [34:55] Kim shares what her grief looked like. [38:14] Kim discusses the difficulties and grace in sharing the news with friends and family. [41:45] What was the hardest part for Kim in the first year after her daughter was born? [43:37] Kim recognizes her daughter first, before her diagnosis. [44:25] Kim shares her advice to parents who are expecting a child with Down Syndrome. [47:43] Kim shares how she and her husband decided to adopt another child with Down Syndrome. [52:10] Kim gets news they were chosen for adoption. [53:42] Kim shares about stereotypes.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman   Email Kim at kim1coe@yahoo.com  Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters, Brian Skotko   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 13: Learning to Inhabit Your Own Body Part 2 with Laurel Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 50:30


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson are welcoming Laurel Justice to today's episode. Laurel is an artist, a psychotherapist, and a retreat curator, today, she shares her story and healing journey. Laurel dives deep into her upbringing and how those years impacted her emotionally. Laurel also talks about her role as a wife and mother of three, and how she combined her healing journey with her passion for the arts and her love for helping others achieve their higher selves.   In this second part of the conversation with Laurel, she expresses how, as a trauma survivor, she processed the anger and fear with her own therapist. At 13 years old, a friend was kidnapped and murdered. Laurel shares the repercussions of this in her life throughout the years.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:31] Laurel recalls how she found out about her friend who was murdered and how she learned about the details of the crime through friends, since her parents wanted to protect her from the horror of the event. [6:20] Many years later Laurel works in therapy in her role as a trauma survivor. [7:28] Many years later Laurel reads the court transcript about the case of her murdered friend, and lets herself feel for the first time what she should have felt when she was 13 years old. [10:26] Laurel got in touch with her deceased friend's sister and found out they have a lot in common. [13:44] Laurel and Tara talk about the journey for people who have lost one of their siblings. [18:41] What were the most helpful tools Laurel used? [21: 58] Laurel shares an example of self-care. [24:50] Laurel talks about the benefits of journaling and other practices that have been helpful for her healing process. [28:11] What group therapy can do for you in terms of validation is unparalleled. [29:50] Laurel talks about how retreats are a great part of her self-care. [31:10] Laurel shares the benefits of following the 12 Step program. [35:10] Laurel explains all the different ways to participate in a 12 Step program. [40:03] How art looks today in Laurel's life. [42:15] Laurel talks about “Stranger Moments”, a social project she conducted. [44:45] It is never too late for healing.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Learn more about Laurel Justice Check Laurel's retreats Visit Laurel's website Here is the workshop Laurel is co-hosting Connect with Laurel on Instagram Learn more about Laurel's retreats on Instagram Learn more about the following groups: 12-Step Programs Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families Underearners Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous Overeaters Anonymous   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 12: Learning to Inhabit Your Own Body Part 1 with Laurel Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2021 59:12


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson are welcoming Laurel Justice to today's episode. Laurel is an artist, a psychotherapist, and a retreat curator, today, she shares her story and healing journey. Laurel dives deep into her upbringing and how those years impacted her emotionally. Laurel also talks about her role as a wife and mother of three, and how she combined her healing journey with her passion for the arts and her love for helping others achieve their higher selves.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [3:45] Laurel talks about her upbringing. [7:00] Laurel started to care about “fitting in” at a very young age. [10:08] Laurel talks about the time in her life where she was anxious and depressed. [11:27] What brought along Laurel's rage? [13:04] Laurel shares her journaling experience. [15:55] Does Laurel see pieces of her “old self” in her children? [18:36] What were the things that used to make Laurel angry? [23:11] Laurel talks about her marriage. [25:36] What were the biggest shifts Laurel made? [28:30] Laurel talks about how dance is therapeutic. [31:35] Tara talks about a workshop many years ago where Laurel made a huge impression on her. [36:30] Was dance always a passion for Laurel? [40:53] What took Laurel to counselling?  [41:45] Laurel talks about her parents. [43:22] Laurel felt shame for being who she was. [45:20] Laurel talks of her trauma related to the fear of being rejected for being who she was. [47:43] Laurel's parents' perspective in regards to parenting was to mold a child to be acceptable for society. [49:25] Laurel remembers not agreeing with the established set of rules when she was a child. [50:07] Laurel shares about her spiritual awakening in junior high. [51:57] Laurel shares a horrifyingly traumatic event that happened when she was 13 years old. [54:57] Laurel talks about the fear of men she experienced during her adolescence. [56:35] Laurel talks about her friend who, at 13 years old, was kidnapped, raped, and killed.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Learn more about Laurel Justice Check Laurel's retreats Visit Laurel's website Here is the workshop Laurel is co-hosting Connect with Laurel on Instagram Learn more about Laurel's retreats on Instagram   The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 11: Part 2: Grieving a Sibling and Healing with Brian Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021 48:44


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. Today, they are joined by Brian Nelson for the second part of this insightful conversation.   In this episode, Brian shares about his parents' decision to adopt four children after Beau passed away, his grieving journey through the years, and how his perspective about the loss of his little brother continues to change as he faces the different phases of life. Brian talks in-depth about what has helped (and what didn't) in his healing process, and how others might support someone transiting the hard path of grief.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:20] Brian talks about his parents deciding to adopt a year after Beau passed away. [4:41] What was the biggest scar for Brian? [5:31] Brian shares how the grief still shows up today. [7:25] Brian talks about how his loss has helped him empathize with others who've also gone through the loss of a loved one. [9:10] Brian talks about how he likes to remember his brother. [10:02] Brian speaks to parents who have lost a child about how to support their living children. [14:45] Brian shares how he sees things differently now, being a parent himself. [17:51] Brian shares ways in which people can show up for those who have experienced a serious loss. [19:04] Brian talks about their first Thanksgiving without Beau. [22:32] Grief is inconsistent. [23:42] Brian shares a conversation with Beau's teacher many years after he passed away. [25:14] What helped Brian the most at the hardest times of his grieving curve? [29:07] Tara shares about Diane's house burning down two years ago. [33:10] Tara, Diane and Brian talk about where the real trauma lies. [38:00] They talk about how no one really knows about the suffering you are going through, every person struggles in their own way and under unique circumstances. [40:34] Tara talks about how grieving without shame and fear is difficult in this country. [41:38] Brian shares how it feels for him to talk about the loss of his brother. [45:19] Brian shares the healing moment when he realized that it was ok for him to keep on living his life.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman   Compassionate Friends Contact Brian Nelson at: bnels73@sbcglobal.net   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 010: Part 1: Grieving a Sibling and Healing with Brian Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 40:32


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. Today, they are joined by Brian Nelson who has known Tara from Junior High, even before she met Diane.   Brian shares in this episode about losing his 10-year-old brother, Beau, when he was 19 and how that impacted his entire family. Brian openly shares what was helpful for his healing process and what grief and loss looked like for him facing one of the most difficult times of his life.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [12:37] What was life like for Brian prior to the loss of his brother? [15:56] How did they lose Beau? [19:13] What was it like for Brian to say goodbye to his little brother? [21:33] What is life like for Brian now? [22:07] Anniversaries carry a visceral sensation that we don't always understand cognitively. [24:12] What was life like for Brian after Beau passed away? [27:30] Brian talks about a football coach who was especially supportive and took him by surprise. [29:14] Brian talks about his years in College. [31:17] Beau's room stayed the same way he left it for over a year, becoming a sanctuary of grief. [32:14] What was it like for Brian to see his parents' grief? [33:23] Brian's parents started attending a group called Compassionate Friends, where grieving parents met. [35:05] Brian talks about the relationship with his parents over the years up until today. [35:34] Brian's mother went to the cemetery every day for a year. [38:25] Brian shares how his parents told him they wanted to adopt two boys. And then two girls.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman   Compassionate Friends Contact Brian Nelson at: bnels73@sbcglobal.net   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 009: Part 2 Unspeakable Losses, Grief and Healing with Stacy Hladek, LPC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 70:31


     Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome Stacy Hladek, LPC, to today's episode. Stacy lost both of her parents to a drunk driver 20 years ago. Ten years later, her daughter also passed away in a car accident, and in today's episode (the second of two), she dives deep into the details of this terrible incident that changed her life forever as well as the lives of her husband and son. Stacy talks about shock, trauma, grief, and loss.    Through her remarkable story, Stacy discloses her tremendous pain, grief, and healing. Stacy is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado Springs specializing in children and trauma. She is direct and warm, a powerful and rare combination.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:34] Stacy shares how her daughter passed away and how she found out about it. [5:20] Stacy shares not remembering what happened once she found out the news.  [8:12] What is dissociation?  [12:17] Stacy shares how children experience dissociation differently than adults do. [13:01] Stacy remembers what the day her daughter passed away was like. [16:33] What was going on in Stacy's mind and heart when her daughter's friends started showing up at her door? [17:45] Grief can be very contradictory. [21:25] What was it like “being a mess?” [25:30] Stacy and Tara talk about the connection between memory and smell. [30:08] Stacy explains how exhausting it is to grieve. [36:12]  Stacy shares the blessings that came after her daughter passed away. [39:10] There's crucial importance in continuing to talk about those who have passed away. [42:30] Stacy shares how the relationship with her husband was impacted by the loss of her parents and their daughter. [48:10] Stacy talks about the most and least helpful tools she got from counseling. [49:39] It is better to say the wrong thing than not say anything at all. [51:53] Stacy shares how she helped her son through his grieving process. [55:26] What is the biggest difference in Stacy today compared to herself before her losses? [57:40] Stacy extends her advice to people who are grieving. [59:41] What does Stacy know now that she wishes she had known then? [1:02:55] What was helpful from counseling? [1:04:05] Stacy gives a brief synopsis of EMDR. [1:07:56] Adult grief can look very different from a child's grief.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Room of Marvels, James Bryan Smith A Grief Observed, C. S. Lewis  Internal Family Systems Lifespan Integration EMDR Therapy   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 008: Part 1, Unspeakable Losses, Grief and Healing with Stacy Hladek, LPC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 53:19


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson welcome Stacy Hladek, LPC, to today's episode. Stacy lost both of her parents to a drunk driver 20 years ago. Ten years later, her daughter also passed away in a car accident. Today is the first of two episodes, where Stacy openly shares her experience of shock, trauma, grief, and loss. She also speaks on how she supports her clients grieving in their own way.   Through her remarkable story, Stacy discloses her tremendous pain, grief, and healing. Stacy is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado Springs specializing in children and trauma. She is direct and warm, a powerful and rare combination.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [8:21] Stacy's parents were killed in a car accident 20 years ago. [9:24] How does Stacy talk about grief with her clients? [17:09] Stacy shares about when she got the news her parents were killed in a car accident. [23:15] Stacy shares what came after hearing the most terrible news of her life at that time. [25:50] Stacy shares the difference it made to find out her parents were killed by a drunk driver. [29:54] Stacy shares how her family's Christian faith helped them walk through the grieving process. [32:04] Stacy talks about the hardest emotional aspect to face during the first months after her parents passed away. [34:40] How did Stacy's husband and children deal with the loss? [35:40] What was it like seeing the woman who was the drunk driver? [38:57] The drunk driver never apologized, Stacy worked hard to let go of her anger and forgive her regardless. [41:45] Stacy shares how she benefited from writing letters to the drunk driver; letters she never sent, and how they helped her process her feelings. [45:35] Stacy talks about the bond she has with her brothers and how it only became stronger after their parents passed away. [49:10] What is the hardest part for Stacy now? [51:35] Stacy talks about the importance of finding humor in all things.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Room of Marvels, James Bryan Smith A Grief Observed, C. S. Lewis  Internal Family Systems Lifespan Integration EMDR Therapy   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 007: Sex Addiction, Getting Needs Met and Healing, Part 2 with Kevin Uzri, LPC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2021 65:01


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman. They are accompanied today by Kevin Uzri, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), who specializes in sex and love addiction, he owns his own practice, Sojourn Counseling Center in Monument, CO as well as a software development company for Neurofeedback, he is a husband and a dad, and overall a good human being.   In this second episode, Kevin talks more about his story and past trauma. He dives deep into the difference between guilt and shame, how the recovery journey begins and what healing really looks like. Kevin talks about his healing journey, how it transformed his perspective on who he really is, and the change from seeing himself like a monster to someone who can learn and love. He continues to learn his true value and realize that his addiction revealed a deeper gift.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:31] After 18 years of recovery, Kevin shares what it is like for him to meet someone who is at the front end of exposure and disclosure. [3:22] Being a counselor is not being the expert but being with the person. [4:15] Kevin and Tara talk about dyslexia. [6:22] What was most helpful for Kevin when he started seeking help? [7:34] Kevin talks about what was not helpful in his healing journey. [9:17] The beginning of recovery often comes from being forced, however, you have to figure out why you want to be clean. What is it you want?. [12:10] Tara shares a part of the book Eating in the Light of the Moon. [17:56] Kevin talks about the difference between guilt and shame. [19:07] How to turn your addiction into a gift. [21.30] Tara explains what replacing an addiction really looks like. [23:48] The reward in addiction is instantaneous, that is why recovery is a rough journey. [29:48] It is hard to allow yourself to feel connected. [30:26] What was the connection piece like for Kevin meeting his partner Jenny? [32:43] How can a son or daughter come out to their parents about their addiction? Find a safe place. [38:14] You can have your feelings and opinions; you don't have to hold them back. [40:52] A good counseling session needs to feel like a safe place where you are accepted. [41:52] Kevin talks about his role as a parent. [43:50] Kevin shares his therapeutic journey. [47:33] Kevin speaks on the different therapeutic approaches for recovery available. [49:08] What is the biggest difference between Kevin's internal world 20 years ago vs. now? [51:00] Where does the “monster” message come from? [55:14] Kevin shares the role families play in shaping how children look at themselves and the world around them. [1:00:13] Kevin talks about the benefits and possibilities with Neurofeedback.   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman   Dyslexie font Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling, Anita A. Johnston Ph.D. Johann Hari's Ted Talk: “Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong” The Me You Can't See, Oprah Winfrey, Harry Windsor Sojourn Counseling Center Synapse Data   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 006: Sex Addiction, Getting Needs Met and Healing, Part 1 with Kevin Uzri

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 58:13


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman. They are accompanied today by Kevin Uzri, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), who specializes in sex and love addiction, he owns his own practice, Sojourn Counseling Center in Monument, CO as well as a software development company for Neurofeedback, he is a husband and a dad, and overall a good human being.   In this episode (the first of two), Kevin shares how he first sought help due to pornography addiction, how it related to his spirituality and the beginning of his career as a counselor.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [14:22] Kevin joins Tara and Diane for a thoughtful conversation. [17:28] Kevin shares about his life today. [19:40] Kevin talks about his parents. [20:09] What brought Kevin to seek assistance? [21:55] Kevin talks about pornography and religion. [24:45] What does pornography addiction look like for Kevin? [25:56] Kevin was known as “the rock” for his friends and family. [26:44] Kevin talks about his relationship with his sibling. [28:17] What was it like for Kevin to start assisting sex addiction groups? [29:40] The beginning of an addiction. [30:01] Kevin talks about his relationship with food. [31:08] How did the addiction process escalate? [32:22] Kevin shares the shame cycle he was trapped in as a result of his porn addiction. [32:58] Kevin talks about his experience with clients going through porn addiction. [34:28] Addiction is about trauma.  [39:05] Recovery and dating. [40:35] Kevin shares how he met his wife. [41:09] What is the difference between porn addiction and someone who just likes porn? [44:00] Kevin shares how before he was sober, he lived in a fantasy world and how he had to learn to live in the real world once in sobriety. [45:21] What kind of a counselor is Kevin? [47:10] Tara shares her experience being Kevin's client and dealing with her rage against men. [49:50] Kevin talks about secrecy being the backbone of addiction.  [52:06] Tara talks about the concept of a “thousand hoops.”   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman     The Meadows The Emotional Incest Syndrome: What to do When a Parent's Love Rules Your Life, by Dr. Patricia Love. Sojourn Counseling Center    This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 005: Buried Wounds and Healing at Any Age, Part 2 with Janyne McConnaughey Ph.D.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 58:43


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Janyne McConnaughey, Ph.D., nationally known trauma-informed author & advocate. She is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tabor College (Masters in Education: Neuroscience & Trauma) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN). Janyne builds on her forty-year career in teaching, teacher education, and an expertise in early childhood development to help educators, caregivers, and church ministry workers understand and apply trauma-informed practices.   This episode is the second part of an amazing conversation with Janyne where she shares how life is for her today as a trauma survivor, someone who learned to set boundaries while defining her sense of self. In today's episode, Janyne also dives deep into the meaning of spiritual abuse and how she redefined her relationship with God as a crucial part of her healing journey. It is never too late to heal, and it is always worth it.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:15] What life is like for Janyne now. [2.16] Janyne defines rumbling. [4:15] Janyne talks about the transformative experience of learning to set a boundary. [4:53] Building a sense of self. [6:20] It's hard to set boundaries when you don't believe you deserve to be your own person. [7:17] How do you define boundaries? [12:23] Janyne talks about spiritual abuse. [19:52] The lack of understanding when it comes to the effects of trauma. [21:55] Tara talks about her first experience in therapy. [25:33] Tara and Janyne talk about leadership and abuse. [27:30] Janyne talks about how understanding God's role in her suffering was crucial in her healing journey. [28:15] Janyne shares why she didn't include the term spiritual trauma in her third book. [34:53] Everyone has the right to grow up, transform, and change. [36:53] Janyne realized there was a part of her that was so much like her mother. [38:40] What does Janyne's therapy journey look like today? [44:12] Being a model of vulnerability in the process of healing has great value for others around you. [47:24] Janyne talks about finally feeling safe in her own skin. [51:48] Walking into a therapist's office might be the bravest thing you will ever do. Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Learn more about Janyne McConnaughey   Brave: A Personal Story of Healing Childhood Trauma, Janyne McConnaughey Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology and How You Can Heal, Donna Jackson Nakazawa  The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, Jeff Van Vonderen God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils, Thomas Jay Oord   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 004: Buried Wounds and Healing at Any Age, Part 1 with Janyne McConnaughey Ph.D.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 60:55


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome you to another episode of Examine Your Hedman Podcast. They are joined today by Janyne McConnaughey, Ph.D., nationally known trauma-informed author & advocate. She is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tabor College (Masters in Education: Neuroscience & Trauma) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN). Janyne builds on her forty-year career in teaching, teacher education, and an expertise in early childhood development to help educators, caregivers, and church ministry workers understand and apply trauma-informed practices.   This episode is the first part of two, where Janyne openly shares the therapeutic progress she went through to heal from the consequences of the trauma she suffered at a very early age. She dives deep into how she struggled to heal when she was expected to be ok for others, the coping mechanisms she was used to implementing, and how she found that it is never too late to face the trauma that was hidden for years and thrive for the life she deserved.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [3:59] Diane shares what grief means to her. [9:42] Janyne shares what her life looks like today. [11:50] How Tara and Janyne first met. [13:48] Janyne shares about the beginning of her recovery process. [17:55] Janyne talks about EMDR therapy and how it helped in her process. [19:44] Janyne shares about the first big trauma in her life, being sexually abused at 3 years old in a daycare situation and how that affected her. [20:18] Janyne shares about the most difficult part of her process in intensive therapy. [21:16] Janyne talks about what processing means to her. [25:18] Tara talks about how sometimes counseling looks like the problem. [26:46] Janyne talks about the hardship of talking about her trauma, even when she was around counselors. [29:38] Janyne talks about her three parts. [34:50] Janyne shares about losing time. [36:13] Janyne talks about the difficulty for her friends and family during her recovery process. [41:03] In regards to trauma, the slower you go, the faster you heal. [42:35] Tara talks about her own therapeutic process. [47:12] Janyne shares more about her childhood. [51:43] Janyne talks about dissociation as a coping mechanism. [54:02] Janyne shares about having suicidal ideation and how she didn't want to die, she just wanted the pain to end. [56:33] How did the memories come back to Janyne?   Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast  Visit Examine Your Hedman    Brave: A Personal Story of Healing Childhood Trauma, Janyne McConnaughey Learn more about Janyne McConnaughey   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 003: Grief and Healing, Part 2 with Barb Torgerson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2021 46:30


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome Barb Torgerson to today's show for the second part of a moving and insightful conversation.   In today's episode, Barb shares her experience going to college and realizing her family was not normal, that her childhood and adolescence were not like what most other people encountered in their upbringings. Barb went through a deep time of crisis, that led her to the beginning of her healing journey. Barb struggled with depression, she shares her most valuable experiences in her own counseling, and how she decided to become a therapist to help others in their healing journeys.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:20] Barb shares how she experienced being away from her family when she went to college. [2:27] Barb starts to realize her family was not “normal”. [4:53] The first time in Barb's life that she didn't have to take care of anyone but herself. [7:01] Barb seeks her vocation and career path. [8:25] Barb shares how she transitioned from learning to experience joy, to healing. [9:01] Barb started to see a therapist at senior year of college and that was the beginning of her healing journey. [11:33] Having children was healing for Barb, even when she thought she didn't want any. [12:21] When did Barb decide to become a therapist? [13:40] Barb shares the tools she got from counseling. [18:20] Barb talks about how she reconciled with her inner child. [20:05] Barb extends her advice to others struggling to find their inner child. [22:05] What is different now for Barb as a result of learning to care for her inner child? [23:28] Barb explains the meaning of dissociation. [25:12] Barb talks about the current relationship with her siblings. [26:14] Barb remembers the breaking point in the relationship with her siblings. [27:55] What were the things outside of therapy that benefited Barb's healing journey? [31:50] What was the hardest part of Barb's healing journey? [34:21] Barb shares her words to someone struggling and wondering if it is worth it to get help. [36:12] What does Barb's life look like today? [39:04] What does Barb's community look like?    Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Internal Family Systems Learn more about Barb Torgerson   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 002: Grief and Healing, Part 1 with Barb Torgerson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 44:51


    Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, are welcoming Barb Torgerson to today's show. Tara met Barb 3 years ago on a training course where they immediately clicked and became great friends. Barb's honesty and straightforward approach make her unique. Barb is a therapist who works in her own practice and consults with people from different areas.   Today, Barb openly shares her story, the hardships she faced during childhood, her path through grieving, trauma, and later healing.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [5:07] Barb talks about the death of her father when she was 13 years old and the breakdown that her mother suffered as a consequence. [7:08] Barb became the one in charge of her younger siblings. [8:35] Barb shares how her father attempted to kill her mother on two different occasions. [11:34] At 14 years old, Barb helped her siblings grieve their father's death. [14:02] As a teenager, Barb felt exhausted all the time, but since it was her role, she didn't question it. [16:04] Barb shares a specific memory from her teenage years when her brother was completely out of control and her mother was in the hospital. [24:15] Barb loved school but no one seemed to notice the suffering and terrible burden she was carrying. [28:33] When did Barb realize that things should have been different? [30:05] Barb shares how she planned her way to university. [31:44] Barb talks about the time they moved to Wichita when she was 8 years old. [32:55] Barb's mother refused to help Barb if she wanted to study outside of Kansas, but she really wanted to go to Boston. [35:53] Becoming a parental figure at a young age gave Barb strength while she was also sad, angry, and scared… all of it simultaneously. [38:41] How did it feel for Barb to finally be free? [39:45] Barb explains how there was no space for her own grief when she was growing up. [41:40] Was there a time when it was easier for Barb to connect with herself emotionally? [43:38] Barb confesses feeling so much relief after her father passed away.   Mentioned in this episode:  Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast Visit Examine Your Hedman    Learn more about Barb Torgerson   This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional

    Episode 001: Real People, Real Stories, Real Healing with Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 48:44


    Welcome to the first episode of Examine your Hedman Podcast, where you will find some courageous folks sharing the truth about their messy lives, diving deep into their stories of pain, loss, love, fear, and more importantly, healing. Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson are sharing in today's episode who they are, a bit about their stories and struggles, what they do, why they do it,  and what the plan is for this podcast for the future.   Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!   Key Takeaways: [1:55] Diane and Tara have been friends since their teenage years. [3:10] Tara shares about the beginning of her own healing journey. [5:03] Diane shares about herself. [7:51] Diane talks about an aspect of herself that most people don't know. [11:33] Tara shares a bit about her story and her work as the owner of Hedman Wellness. [15:41] The core of this podcast is authenticity. [18:16] This is a podcast for hope, a podcast that will let you see real people's stories and paths because there are so many ways to heal. [19:17] Moving to a place where there is no fear of pain and joy. [20:03] Tara talks about her dog and the vet that saved his life who will be one of the guests of this show. [20:49] Tara also shares about her assistant who will also be part of this show. [22:19] Diane talks about an aspect of Tara that the audience should know. [24:17] Tara shares a particular characteristic about Diane that makes her unique. [25:30] Why are Tara and Diane doing a podcast like this? [26:18] Diane talks about her childhood. [28:23] Diane shares how inspiring her friendship with Tara is to her. [30:36] Tara shares how at 27 years old she began to have flashbacks and didn't share with anyone for 2 years. [31:30] Tara opens up about how she felt when realizing her parents didn't really have her back. [33:30] Tara talks about her favorite people on this planet. [36:03] Tara decided to see a therapist for the first time and that changed her life completely. [38:36] Tara talks about the therapeutic process that has helped her and continues to help her in her process for many years.  [39:30] Tara talks about her experience with long-term treatment at The Meadows. [40:45] Tara shares how she discovered she was born to be a therapist and coach.  [43:30] There is power in really understanding codependency. [45:06] Tara shares why now she can love people. [46:02] Tara shares how she found peace and healing in learning to say ‘no'. Mentioned in this episode: Hedman Wellness Examine Your Hedman Podcast

    About Examine Your Hedman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 2:50


    The Examine Your Hedman podcast brings you true stories of real people and the courageous paths they have taken as they fight for the lives they've desired. We dive deep into the details of their journeys. We explore love, loss, and longing, but more importantly...healing, and the many paths taken to find it. Tara Hedman, owner of Hedman Wellness and Hedman Counseling Center, is your host. Come explore stories of healing with us.

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