Podcast appearances and mentions of Bruce Perry

The Cost of Judgment: Seeing Ourselves and Others Through Compassion Summary: In this episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis explore the nature of judgment—how we judge ourselves, others, and the world around us. They unpack how the brain's natural tendency to predict and protect can lead us to make judgments based on incomplete stories or past experiences. Through real-life examples, including therapy sessions and group work, they illustrate how judgment can distort perception, breed resentment, and disconnect us from others. Dr. Skinner and MaryAnn emphasize that judgment often arises when we lack understanding of a person's story. By shifting from judgment to curiosity—asking “What happened to you?” instead of “What's wrong with you?”—we open space for empathy and healing. They also explore how self-judgment impacts individuals, especially betrayed partners who internalize blame, and how learning to suspend judgment fosters emotional freedom and connection. The discussion integrates insights from Byron Katie's “The Work” and Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey's “What Happened to You?”, encouraging listeners to question their assumptions and replace self-condemnation with self-compassion. The episode closes with a reflective invitation: identify a situation or person you've judged, and ask, “What's the story behind this thought, emotion, or behavior?” Resources Mentioned: The Work by Byron Katie — Four powerful questions to challenge judgments and distorted beliefs. What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Dr. Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey — Exploring how understanding personal stories transforms compassion and connection. The Betrayal Bond by Dr. Patrick Carnes — Understanding trauma bonds and how early experiences shape adult patterns and self-judgment. Compassionate Accountability: A Field Guide to Building Connection and Trust by Dr. Nate Regier — For learning how to balance accountability with empathy. HumanIntimacy.com — Explore upcoming courses and events, including Rise: Hope and Healing from Sexual Betrayal, Reclaim: Healing from Pornography and Rebuilding Your Life, and the Human Intimacy Conference (March 13–14, 2026).

EVEN MORE about this episode!What if music held the power to call your soul back from the edge between life and death? In this unforgettable episode, near-death experiencer and board-certified music therapist Ellen Wier shares her remarkable journey of healing through sound. From her miraculous recovery after a head injury to her encounters with ascended masters, Ellen reveals how vibration, frequency, and music can serve as divine bridges between worlds—awakening higher consciousness and restoring the body, mind, and spirit.Together, we explore how sound healing, through methods like Guided Imagery and Music, solfeggio frequencies, and singing bowls, opens portals to deep spiritual wisdom. Ellen recounts the astonishing moment her father's intuitive choice of Disney's Sleeping Beauty soundtrack became the frequency that pulled her back to life—proof of music's sacred capacity to reconnect us with the Source.We also discuss the growing scientific validation of sound as medicine, drawing on the work of experts like Dr. Bruce Perry and Dr. Mitchell Gaynor. Discover how creativity, rhythm, and vibration can elevate human consciousness, ease emotional pain, and help us remember who we truly are. This conversation will forever change how you hear the world—and how you understand the healing power of sound.Guest Biography:Ellen Wier is a Near-Death Experiencer, lightworker, and board-certified music therapist specializing in transpersonal healing. After a near-death experience at age 12, Ellen received profound spiritual insights that inspired her lifelong mission to heal through music and vibration. She blends classical music, crystal singing bowls, chanting, and guided imagery to help others access higher states of consciousness, connect with their higher selves, and awaken to their true potential. With a Master's in Transpersonal Counseling and Music Therapy from Naropa University, Ellen bridges science and spirituality—offering transformative experiences that guide individuals toward healing, self-discovery, and harmony.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Healing and Spirituality Through Sound Frequencies(0:13:21) - Bridging Science and Spirituality With Sound(0:26:12) - Unlocking Spiritual Wisdom Through Sound(0:35:13) - The Power of Sound Healing(0:39:31) - Soul Frequency and Healing Wisdom(0:49:50) - Spiritual Healing Through Music and Love➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube✏️Ask Julie a Question!

In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith talks with Utah Foster Care clinical support specialist and LCSW Les Harris about blocked care: why it happens, how it impacts foster parents, and practical steps to restore connection. Les explains how chronic stress can suppress the parenting response system, making it difficult to feel joy or affection toward a child, even when we deeply care. They discuss what blocked care looks like, why it's different from burnout, how small “doses” of positive interaction can rebuild connection, and why acceptance, playfulness, curiosity, and empathy are powerful tools for healing relationships. Resources mentioned in this episode Brain-Based Parenting by Daniel Hughes & Jonathan Baylin What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey Utah Foster Care Clinical Support Services Transcript: Amy: On today’s episode, we’re talking to Les Harris, a Utah foster care clinical support specialist, and LCSW about blocked care and how it affects foster parents. Welcome to Fostering Conversations. I’m your host, Amy Smith. Today we have Les Harris who works for Utah Foster Care as the clinical support specialist, and also is an LCSW. Welcome Les. Les: Thank you. Happy to be here. Amy: Today we’re excited to be talking about blocked care. Blocked care really affects foster parents, but it affects all parents. So will you give us the dumb down version of what blocked care is? Les: It’s one of those terms that’s relatively recent in the trauma informed literature, even though we know it’s been around forever. So it’s often used in, as you said, in foster care, adoptive care and in parenting in general. It’s a, it’s refers to the chronic stress that often comes with working with children with difficult emotions and behaviors, and forces the parent then to shut down emotionally and almost stop caring about the child. It’s and in other words, they no longer find joy in parenting, and that’s one of the most common outcomes where. Foster and adoptive parents, when they get pushed emotionally, their own parenting response system starts to shut down, and the next thing they know, they don’t even want to be around the child anymore. And so that’s the basic definition but there’s so much more to it in the context of why does that happen? What do I do about it when it happens? And so on and so forth. So we’ll probably get into to more of that as we go. Amy: Yeah, I know that when I started fostering, I had never heard that term. It was very interesting to me to learn about it from you and from different classes and things that I went to as a foster parent to, to understand that. So maybe we can just start, by talking about what are some of the reasons why a parent might be facing blocked care? Les: Yes. I think that’s important because once we have a bit of awareness about the underlying causes and why it’s happening, then it gives me at least some information I could use to, to change some things about my approach to parenting, some of the most difficult children that will ever encounter. So, Let me go back. I’m gonna get back to basics. Talk a little bit about. The idea that all humans, are born with an instinct, as we get older, particularly, and you can even see this in young children, but particularly as we start to get a certain age, we start to, that nurturing instinct starts to kick in. You can still see it with young children, but by the time you’re mid adolescents and going into adult, I’m driven to care for, or nurture, if you will. The young, and so I use as my most common example, when anyone goes to the grocery store and there’s a toddler or infant in the cart in front of them, we are drawn to , engage with that infant. We, we try to make them smile. We play peek-a-boo. We try to engage them in some nurturing interaction, and so that instinct is pretty strong in all of us. And so if you look at that idea that we have this instinct to nurture our young, which I call the parenting response system, that by the time we become parents is so strong, we actually love being around kids, and let’s all agree that kids drive us crazy from time to time, even under the healthiest and most happy of circumstances, right? We understand that. That there are challenges to parenting. There are challenges to caring for children in foster care and adoptive care. We’re going to agree on that, but that doesn’t change the fact that internal drive to nurture our young isn’t powerful. And in the end, after the turmoil and some of the challenges diminish. We kinda feel joy about being a parent. We love being around our kids and we have, we almost default back to the goodness of being a parent and the goodness of our children. So that parenting instinct, that parent response system gets suppressed when we have chronic stress, exposure to trauma over and over again without relief. And all of a sudden you start to shut down emotionally towards that child. And when I say you lose the joy of parenting that’s suppression, that suppression of the parent response system. And that’s why over the years I’ve been doing this 36 years. I can tell you that comments such as, I hate this child, or I don’t want to be around this child anymore. I don’t like this child. And even parents who will report, I purposely stay away from the home longer than necessary to avoid being around the child. That tells me there is blocked care happening. So that’s, the underlying. Foundation of why blocked care happens and how it continues, unless we, of course, learn ways to mitigate that. Amy: And I think from my experience, I’ve absolutely experienced block care. I didn’t know what it was like I said, until I. Became educated as a foster parent, but I’ve experienced it towards biological and adoptive children. And so I think it’s interesting. Blocked care is specific to a child, right? It’s not just you shut down as a parent, I can’t parent any of them. It’s no one out of my 20 children, I can’t parent currently, but the other 19, I’m just fine with. Les: And it, yes, it can be child specific and yes, it can happen to children who are born into the home. It doesn’t matter how the child gets there, if they are pushing those emotional buttons and overwhelming you emotionally, it starts to. Your parenting response system. So yes, absolutely true and often that’s one of the things that I guess the byproducts of block care is not only am I have, I lost the pleasure of being around a child or maybe multiple children, I. And start to feel guilty about it. What’s wrong with me? I start to shame myself. I’m a bad person. I’m a bad parent because I’m experiencing these thoughts and feelings in association with a particular child. Amy: Yeah. So how would a parent, if they’re listening or had heard of this before, how do you know it’s blocked care versus I don’t actually know what the alternative would be. Depression maybe, or other things like how do you know it’s actually blocked care? Or does it matter? Les: I can tell you that the progression of learning for and helping foster parents kinda get through some of these difficulties was we had terminology such as foster care, burnout and things like that in the past. And we would have training sessions how to prevent. Foster parent burnout. Now, burnout is clearly something that happens, or one of the things that happens because of blocked care. So blocked care is more universal, meaning it becomes more biologically based because it actually changes the way my genetic material is transmitting information to my system. I don’t wanna get too technical, but it’s very. Very brain-based. Once my brain goes into a protective mode, which is essentially what it is, the whole concept is my brain is trying to protect me from something that I think is either threatening or overwhelming or stressful. And that’s different than burnout, which is I’m just exhausted for doing, from doing so much by spending so much time and energy on something, I get burned out. But this is actual suppression of that, that, Amy: I didn’t realize that. Les: yeah. And so th that becomes, I think, probably more, I don’t wanna say dangerous, but certainly more chronic Amy: And probably harder to resolve. Les: And so we talk about it and we, over the years we’ve talked about foster parents self-care, do your exercise, read books, go relax, take vacations and all the things that, that help with burnout. But the truth is how do you restore That instinct, right? How do you get back to. parenting response system to being active enough where I love to be around my child again. That’s a hard, that’s a harder issue. Amy: So how would somebody know if that if they’re like, yeah, this is actual burnout and I need to do something, or I just need to go have a break and I’ll be fine again. Les: So the typical burnout or o foster care, the caring for the caregiver was another title we used, meaning if you do those strategies where I go. And let’s say I just have a friend and I go buy a Coke from Swig every once a week with them and it helps me take a break, and that seems to be. Amy: Enough. Les: Enough,and it seems to restore my confidence and I’m able to kinda be, feel rejuvenated enough to get through the week until I have those opportunities. And maybe you’re doing other things like relaxation, reading good books, listening to some soothing music in between. But the truth is, if that’s sustaining you, then typically it’s Not Amy: quite blocked care. Les: So it’s a deeper seated brain-based response to caring for challenging children. Amy: you essentially can’t just snap out of it or go grab a drink to to relieve yourself, Les: Yeah. Yeah. Amy: not an alcoholic drink. But okay. Perfect. Let’s focus on the blocked care. What would be your first suggestions to somebody if they are feeling like, you know what I might be experiencing blocked care? What would be the first thing that you would recommend somebody to do? Les: Okay, so in, at the risk of saying, let’s go back to self-care, and I’m telling you, I’ve changed my attitude about self-care because that’s just another thing you have to do. And all of a sudden, I’m gonna add it to the list of the demands that I’m already experiencing and by itself then has a detrimental rather than beneficial effect. So I’m not a fan of saying schedule in a daily routine and schedule in this and exercise and diet and all that. All though we will say definitively, those are all good for people. All of those things help. But if I think that’s gonna be my. Cure, if you will, for what I’m experiencing, that it’s just another thing, and now I’ve become more overwhelmed sometimes. So having said that, we gotta go back to how do I connect with this child or children? How do I feel the joy with this child again? So we were actually trying to reactivate that parenting response system, Amy: Which is probably the last thing you wanna do if you’re experiencing blocked Les: it. See, and that’s why it becomes harder to manage blocked care because the very thing I need to do is what I’m avoiding, the person involved in that relationship is the one that’s really activating my stress response system. So but it still doesn’t take away from how critical it is to find ways to reconnect in joyful ways with the child. Now, the in, and I’m going to refer to the book or one of the books that really is cutting edge in terms of. Blocked care, and it’s called Brain-Based Parenting. It’s by Dr. Daniel Hughes. And Jonathan Bayless. And essentially they talk about not only the components of blocked care and how it happens, but they talk about a systemic approach. To helping you restore some of those connections with the child. And the acronym they use is pace, which stands for playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and Empathy. But the truth is those four things, those four words are. Our ways to connect with the child. So let’s just start off by playfulness. Let’s just start there. And I think the danger is we think, oh man, I’ve got a, I’ve got a single out a child. I have to look for opportunities to engage in those joyful exchanges. And that’s gonna last for 15 minutes, a half an hour. And what if it’s just not pleasant? What if it’s just not going well? So I, I try to break it down into very simple concepts. And if, and I know many of our listeners have likely , read Dr. Perry’s book, what happened to you? Amy: Oh yeah. Les: With Oprah Winfrey and one of the stories he talks about a boy that had a trauma and he was at a checkout counter and he, he just said something to the checker. That he needed to release in that moment. And there was empathy exchanged. And unfortunately the dad thought, oh, now he’s starting to open up about this trauma. And so he kept pushing him and the, and that was just overwhelming for the child. And I think he was five or six at the time. What I learned from that and from other experiences is we had these short windows of opportunity with children, and when they’re ready for a positive experience, a joyful exchange with the parent, that’s when I move in and maybe it lasts 30 seconds that they are open and receptive to that, and then they’re done. You move out, but you look for those, Dr. Perry, called them doses. I would look for the doses as well, that, oh, it looks like the child is available. Looks like they’re engaged in a way that would allow me to maybe have a positive experience, play a quick game, tell a funny story, do something that ex you express that connection with that positive. So there’s your dose. You get in and then you can almost say, I know parents are good at this. You almost know when the child is done. Like they disengage and so you stay available just in case. But and don’t, you just don’t walk away. But you certainly be, become available. See where the child’s gonna go if they just run off and wanna go play, you’re done with that dose. Amy: Yeah. Les: Look for another dose later in the day. Amy: yeah, I think one of the trickiest things for me, at least as a parent, is every kid is so different and there’s, I have kids that I vibe really well with, and we have the same type of playful activity or banter and then other kids where it’s okay, we don’t play the same way and this is tricky and. So I think as a parent we have to be very sensitive, which is hard, especially for opinionated people like me to do it their way and do what they find playful, not what we find playful. Les: Exactly. And I think that’s part of the acceptance piece. So you have a playfulness is the first one. Acceptance, meaning I have to accept that what I may think or believe is going to be helpful. Isn’t, and that maybe the child is bringing something that I need to pay attention to, that I can then expand on. Don’t enter relationship with the child as though here’s what I expect you to do, or how I expect you to respond to these interactions. Accept that the child is gonna offer themselves in a way that may not always match and be okay with that. Amy: And that’s where people that have that personality are really blessed because I don’t have that personality. Les: Yeah. And that’s one of the hard parts is, and I remember three of my four children were really quite affectionate. They liked to give you hugs at night, and I had one daughter that didn’t. Now, I could personalize that, of course, and say you don’t love me because you’re not hugging me in the same way that your siblings But if I turn that around and accept that. That’s who she is, and why would I force her to do things that were not part of her nature? I accepted her for who she is And then just celebrated the things that the other ones, perhaps the characteristics the others didn’t have And made it work really well for her. And so I think that’s the acceptance part is probably one of the harder. Realities of parenting is sometimes I have a notion in my head about how I want this child to respond, how I want them to act, how the thoughts and behaviors that they should be producing in any given circumstance, but then they don’t, and then I want to correct that. Les: But anyway so if you start with the idea, and I think that this really is critical to understanding the process here. It’s not about making changes quickly because that’s. Unrealistic. It’s about small incremental changes over time that can make a difference because children in our world right now particularly do not get enough positive interactions with their parents. They don’t, but they get tons of negative interactions so we can walk around our house all day long and point out all the things they’re doing wrong. Or that we don’t like, but when are we gonna get around to acknowledging there’s some good things? And so if a child’s sitting quietly on a couch reading a book, maybe I ought to spend time with the child and ask them questions about the book and engage them and connect with them during those positive interactions. Instead of every time they, I walk by the room and say, stop hitting your sister. Quit writing on the wall. We a hundred percent of the time. We’re pointing that stuff out. We walk by the good stuff all day long, Amy: Yeah. Les: And so when I say to connect with them in those playful positive ways, it’s I’m trying to force parents to pay attention to the fact this child is ready for me to engage them in those things. And they need me to engage ’em in those moments. And if we can laugh and have fun, and as I said, even for just a brief period of time and we do that consistently over time, that’s reinforcing the connection in a more positive way. Amy: Yeah. Is, I don’t know if you would know, but are there statistics showing that blocked care has become more problematic as in this generation versus previous generations? I wonder if there’s. Stats on that or not? I don’t know. It’s just, it would Les: Yeah, I don’t know. of any research or statistics around that. However, because of my experience, and this is anecdotal of course, but over my career, I’ve start, started in child welfare 36 years ago. This stuff was present from the very beginning and with our foster parents. We just didn’t have the name for it. We didn’t understand it like we do today. And as we started and it the progression was we started to really figure out the effects of trauma on children and their brain function and how that impacts their social, emotional, cognitive, physical development. But. Based on what we learned about the effects of trauma on children, it was a natural leap to say, wait a second. Isn’t that same thing happening to the caregivers because of the difficulties and the, almost the trauma that you experience as caregivers for when your caring for difficult children. Amy: Yeah. it just would be interesting just ’cause you mentioned, kids don’t get as much positive reinforcement and I just wonder if just from. The advances in technology and all of the things that we have going on now, it’s like I almost always have a TV on in my house or, the teenagers have phones or I’m on a phone or my, it’s just, there’s so much distraction now that, you look up from your phone because they’re fighting, but when they’re quiet you’re like, oh, good, I can be busy. So it’s just, I think it is harder to notice the good and good things that kids are doing. Les: And again, without, I make a blanket statement like that without necessarily saying there’s research to back it up. I am just use base it on observation and just the sense that it almost n. Anywhere I go, I see parents who are on devices and kids on devices. I don’t see the interactions, but boy, if that child is doing something negative, the phone gets put down and I’m all over that child, right? I see that play out over and over again. And so the same concept exists that man, if we’re only giving them negative interactions. Then the I, the way I get your attention is by producing more negative interactions. Amy: For sure. And I know for myself, if I’m on a phone and I get alerted to something annoying, I am zero to a hundred. It’s not, oh, what happened? It’s immediate Les: Yep. Yep. Amy: chaos. Something I would love to chat about is the shame or the. The guilt that can come along to parents that maybe are experiencing blocked care, foster parenting is difficult. It’s, I read a beautiful post today by someone that talked about, yeah, people claim I’m just a babysitter. It’s no, I’m not a babysitter. I just jumped head in to a stranger’s kid that I’m taking care of. I’m loving them, feeding them, providing for them, trying to get their mental health in order. Like the things that foster parents do, I think are truly unbelievable. And I just, I fear and I. I assume that if foster parents or traditional, any types of parents are experiencing blocked care, it can be very shameful or very guilt-ridden. I think you said at the beginning. Would you just touch on that maybe a little bit? Les: And it, again, just from a very simple understanding, any parent who messes up with a child and feels shame and guilt for doing so, is a standard operating procedure for most parents, right? I, oh, I said something wrong. I did something wrong, and I feel guilty and shameful for that. And most parents will experience that in their lifetime under the normal most. Amy: day. Les: Yeah, just an every everyday kind of thing. Oh, I said something wrong. I did something wrong. I wasn’t as attentive as I needed to be. And we are our own worst enemies. And so the one concept that I try to reinforce, and I say try because it’s so difficult to not blame yourself, right? It is. It is almost seemingly impossible to depersonalize the behavior from yourself. Meaning if I understand, if I truly understand trauma and the effects that has had on this child that’s been placed in my home, and to some extent even the diff most difficult children that were born into your home, the truth is that’s not about me. It really is not about me. And how do I separate that concept? This child is just like me, allowing their brain to do the job of protection for them, right? So when they feel threatened, when they feel stress, when they feel overwhelmed, when they have slight changes in routines, you name it. That protective response produces emotions that therefore produce behaviors. And what they’ve learned some from the earliest of moments is that’s what helped me feel safe. It worked for me because it did help me feel safe by producing these behaviors that felt protective to me. Okay. And so now they come into a new home that by itself is overwhelming and they’re producing the very behaviors that have worked for them. Long before they came to your house, and now you are saying, stop doing that, and they don’t Amy: Yeah. Les: because it doesn’t work anymore outside the context of that adversity, it doesn’t work. And so here they are in your home producing these behaviors, pushing you to get into your protective response. And now you are doing something wrong. No, your brain’s doing exactly the same thing as the child’s protecting you, there’s nothing wrong with you that you shouldn’t feel shameful or guilty about that. It’s your brain doing its job, Amy: Yeah. So. Les: In a sense it can be in a, in the context of basic safety and protection. Absolutely. But because our parenting instinct needs to remain intact, for us to be good. Parents, I use that term, subjectively because it but the truth is, in order us to be, for us to be effective parents, we still need that parent response system to be very active. And so the behavior of a child is something that is. Causing you to become protective yourself. That’s not about you. It’s not about who you are as a person. Amy: which is really hard to accept as a parent, I Les: and that is, I think if we look at it the way I’m trying to describe, and I can’t underemphasize this is you are, is powerless at least to change the behavior immediately. Amy: Yeah. Les: It’s. And so that powerlessness makes you feel weak, makes you feel like you’re not effective. It makes you doubt yourself. When in reality what it means is the child is engaging in those protective responses. Your job is to say, okay, that’s what you’re doing. I know what you’re doing. I need to continue to parent you. Connect you in ways that will help you feel more safe in the future. So that you no longer have to produce these protective responses and that, so it’s not about you. I can’t say that enough. Amy: I know it comes back to that acceptance, which is so hard, at least for me and probably for a lot of parents. Les: And I will say that if there’s anything that I’ve said that it makes it sound like this is an easy process, then I apologize. The truth is, I believe the hardest thing parents can do when they’re caring for difficult children is not to blame themselves, not to get into blocked care. It’s hard. Absolutely. One of the most difficult things is because you’re fighting against your own brain in a sense to try to restore, that parenting response system. So yes, it is hard work and that’s why earlier I said, you gotta break it down into small doses. You got to look for those windows of opportunity. You gotta get in, you gotta get out, get in, get out, do that consistently over time. Learn to love the child again, which you can because it’s not as though that goes away. That parenting res response system does not disappear. It just gets to suppress. So if you can learn to lift the weight off that suppression and learn to love the child again, which you can, that’s what I’m talking about. But it takes time. Amy: Yeah, I could honestly talk about this for a long time, I think. ’cause I feel very connected to it. I’m like, yes. I am a very feisty parent and acceptance is hard for me. And I have five very different personalities in my house. And so I could probably talk about this for a really long time. But unfortunately it’s already time for us to wrap up. I, what I would think. I would think one really important thing would be if people are experiencing blocked care or even burnout seeking therapy would be a beautiful way to work through and to specifically share the exact concerns and struggles they’re having. What type of therapists would be best for people to reach out to? Les: Okay. So a couple of things. I will say the motivation for forming. The clinical program at Utah Foster Care is for this purpose, meaning you have clinicians in all five regions that can act in that role as a therapist to help families who are going through the block care and other issues that they need to address. So I would offer to any foster and even adoptive parent to seek out the therapist in your region. Set up appointments and rely on that support because we can get you through this. And that’s most often what I recommend because that’s what we’re we do now, which is different than it was five years ago. We didn’t offer this. So that, I will say block care was one of the reasons why we wanted to make sure that our foster parents had the opportunity to have somebody to talk to in a clinical way. Amy: which is an amazing resource. Les: Yes. So use the resource is what I would say. Amy: And then if there are families that are listening that aren’t part of Utah foster care, outside of the state or just a traditional non foster family, what type of therapists could they reach out to that would be most effective Les: And generally speaking there’s so many modalities. I don’t want to get complicated here. However, I would find somebody that does specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy. It’s proven time and again to be. Some of the most effective therapy for individuals. So you go in and it essentially helps you make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and how that leads to my, the behavioral outcomes. And so you start to make those connections that I think are consistent with recognizing that block care is a suppression of that response system. And because it causes certain emotions, I act out on those in certain ways. So if you can get somebody that’s good at helping you figure that out, that would be the best. Amy: Okay. I love that. I think this is a amazing topic that so many foster parents can relate to, and all parents in general. So thank you so much for joining us today, Les sharing all your knowledge. Les: Happy to do it anytime. Amy: Thank you for listening to Fostering Conversations. I’m your host, Amy Smith. We’ll see you next time.

This is the concluding episode of David Wood's horrific story and search for answers to his life-long confusion and turmoil. David is an Australian journalist and copywriter now based in Darwin, Northern Territory. He reached out to me by email after listening to several SASS episodes and recognizing his own story in the voices of others. I was immediately captivated by David's email…which turned into several emails through our ongoing efforts to make this episode happen. The bumps in the road as we struggled to put this together were well worth it for me. And I think you'll also find it well worth it to listen to David's episodes.  I won't spend a lot of time here describing this episode…it's something so powerful and so impactful, you'll just have to listen to it to absorb its phenomenal importance.  There is a previous SASS episode that I mentioned this week regarding Katie Stewart…if you're interested in learning more about Katie and the interesting connections between her story and David's, it is Episode 35.  I also mentioned two books during this episode; one by Dr. Bruce Perry, and the other by concert pianist, James Rhodes. You'll find the links to where you can purchase these books listed below.  If you're a survivor, a loved one, or a professional in the field of investigating or prosecuting sexual assault cases, this conversation is a reminder to keep looking until the story you're told matches the truth you feel. I love how David's through-line is simple and powerful: if the explanations you've been given don't make sense, don't stop. Keep asking better questions. Keep seeking better care. And keep choosing the kind of community that believes you, and  stands with you. An important side note: if you're finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here's my email address:   Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already; and, if you're interested in guesting on the show, please mention that in your email or text, and provide me with a phone number where I can reach you. Please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so!—Thank you!! (Instrumental: A Memoir of Madness, Medication, and Music by James Rhodes, Amazon.com) (The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, by Dr. Bruce Perry, Amazon.com)   (Kennedy Alley: A 100 Mile Journey; GoFundMe link)     (Amazon link to I, Sean/a) (SASS Episode 35, on Spotify)   My email address: As mentioned and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

In this critical episode, "We Go First - Emotional Regulation, Leadership, and the Trauma-Informed Brain" we dive deep into the science that explains why optimal learning and functioning are impossible when stress or isolation are present. I am honoured to be joined by Karol Cabaj-Martin, whose extensive expertise includes a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on trauma and resilience in an educational setting. As a mother of four, a seasoned educator, former principal, and current Director in her school division, Karol offers a unique blend of academic insight and practical experience. Together, we unpack the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bruce Perry and his Neurosequential Model, which illuminates the brain's reliance on sequential development, demonstrating how early life experiences literally form the structural blueprint of our nervous system. A central theme of our discussion is that emotional safety is not a soft skill, but the crucial, non-negotiable prerequisite for a regulated nervous system. When individuals don't feel safe, their brains are stuck in survival mode, making higher-level functions like learning and complex problem-solving inaccessible—a fundamental truth we explore: we cannot learn until we feel safe and connected. We discuss the profound implications of this knowledge for both educators and parents, detailing actionable, simple shifts that can be made to cultivate environments where children and adults feel truly seen, calm, and ready to engage. Furthermore, we examine the vital, biological importance of connection, highlighting how simple acts like consistent eye contact and fostering a strong sense of community are essential developmental nutrients for building healthier, more resilient people. This episode is a powerful call to action, arming listeners with the neuroscientific understanding needed to transform their approach to education and parenting by prioritizing connection and safety above all else.

Dr Bruce Perry is back! Every time I chat with him, I end up walking away with my head spinning (in the best possible way). This time we’re unpacking why everyone feels so bloody fried right now... and well, how doom scrolling, violent content on our feeds, and the pressure to be 'resilient' 24/7 sure isn't helping. Bruce explains why our brains literally can’t function properly when we’re overloaded, and why the 'do hard shit' version of resilience is rubbish. Real resilience is built like strength training - small doses, spaced out, with recovery in between. We also get into dissociation and how it can save your life in trauma but also be a creative superpower... plus why so many of us are stuck in relational poverty even though we’re more 'connected' than ever. This chat will change the way you think about toughness, trauma, and how you look after yourself in a world that just won’t slow down. SPONSORED BY TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au TIFFANEE COOK Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/ Website: tiffcook.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/ Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/ Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/ Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandcoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there something from childhood you still carry? How do you think it still affects you today? In this special compilation episode of On Purpose, Jay revisits some of the most transformative conversations on trauma, healing, and resilience. Featuring insights from Dr. Gabor Maté, John Legend, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Bruce Perry, and Anita, Jay uncovers how unaddressed wounds can quietly shape the way we live, and more importantly, how we can begin the journey toward understanding, growth, and true healing. From Dr. Gabor Maté’s wisdom on the unseen toll of suppressing our authentic selves, to John Legend’s candid reflections on grief and loss, each conversation uncovers a unique layer of what it means to hold pain and still pursue growth. Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry invite us to shift the question from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What happened to me?”—a powerful reframe that transforms shame into compassion. Anita’s story of releasing inherited fears reminds us that even generational wounds can heal when we bring them into the light. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Recognize Hidden Trauma How to Grieve Without Losing Connection How to Reframe “What’s Wrong” Into “What Happened” How to Understand the Impact of Childhood Neglect How to Transform Inherited Fears Into Strength How to Begin Healing Through Awareness Healing is never a straight line, but every step you take toward understanding yourself is a step toward freedom. When you give yourself permission to feel, reflect, and release, you begin to transform what once held you back into a source of strength to move forward. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty. Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:45 Choosing the Pain That Frees You 05:55 Free Yourself from Outside Opinions 08:15 Trauma Is an Unhealed Wound 10:28 Learning to Carry Grief with Love 15:05 How Childhood Neglect Shapes Adulthood 18:29 Building a Grounded, Centered Self 20:40 The Power of Asking “What Happened to You?” 25:15 The Hidden Impact of Spanking Children 30:38 Maternal Stress Can Transfer to Children 35:47 Choosing to Break Generational TraumaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever had a reaction that felt bigger than the situation? Maybe your partner forgot something small, and suddenly you felt worthless. These moments often have roots in our past.In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Tamera Broughton to talk about how our unmet childhood needs show up in adult life, relationships, and emotional reactions. We explore how trauma is more than big, obvious events, it can also be the quiet absence of attunement, delight, or safety when we need it most.Together, we unpack how to recognise when old wounds are being triggered, what healing can look like through therapies like EMDR, and why making the “invisible visible” is key to moving forward.Key Takeaways:Trauma isn't just what happened to you, it's also what was missing.Disproportionate reactions often signal old pain, not just present triggers.Unmet emotional needs can create shaky “scaffolding” that affects self-worth and relationships.Healing involves strengthening internal resources as well as processing past pain.EMDR therapy can help shift old beliefs (“I'm not enough”) into healthier, adaptive ones.Noticing patterns and reactions is the first step toward change.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or loved one who's curious about the impact of childhood experiences on adult life.Resources:Tamera's website: https://centreself.com.au/clinicians-item/tamera-broughton-n/ What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah WinfreyThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkWhat My Bones Know by Stephanie FooConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

What if the very ways we structure childhood are quietly cutting off our kids' potential? In this powerful conversation, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Perry joins Ginny to unpack why real learning requires movement, play, and space to reflect—not endless worksheets, long lectures, and overscheduled days. He explains how the brain wires itself through short bursts of novelty followed by rest, why REM sleep cements learning, and how overscheduling, lack of recess, and early mornings are some of the most inefficient ways we could possibly teach kids. Dr. Perry also reveals why challenges from stress or adversity are rarely irreversible, and how resilience is built through rhythm, repetition, and safe relationships. Together they explore the everyday practices that either foster growth—or unintentionally snip it off before it begins. You'll learn why play is the real work of childhood, why empathy is forged in mixed-age groups, and how freedom outdoors provides the risk-taking and mastery kids need to thrive. This episode will challenge parents, educators, and caregivers to rethink what matters most for development and offers practical ways to restore the rhythms kids need. Explore Dr. Perry's work at the ChildTrauma Academy: childtrauma.org, and his books The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (link), What Happened to You? (link), and Born for Love (link). If this conversation helps your parenting or teaches you something new, please share it with a friend and leave a quick review. Together we can help more families protect, not snip off, the potential in their children. ❤️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textParents, this one is big.Today we're breaking down punishment vs discipline, what science says, how it impacts your child's brain, and why so many of us feel stuck in the cycle of punishing even when we don't want to.If you've ever thought, “I don't want to yell, spank, or threaten…but it just slips out when I'm overwhelmed,” you are not alone.Here's what you'll learn today:What studies reveal about how spanking and harsh discipline change the way your child's brain processes fear, mistakes, and emotions.Why your nervous system is the most powerful discipline tool you have.A simple framework from Dr. Lori Desautels' book Connections Over Compliance that helps you “connect before you correct.”And if you're ready to go deeper, join us inside The Reflective Parent Club. That's where we take this science and make it real in our daily lives, with support, tools, and a community of parents walking this same journey.Because when you regulate, connect, and guide, you're not just shaping behaviour. You're shaping the brain.Articles:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33835477/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36152947/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34197808/Read blog post:https://curiousneuron.com/2025/09/20/science-of-punishment-vs-discipline-how-parenting-shapes-your-childs-brain/Podcast episode with Dr. Bruce Perry:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reflective-parenting-by-curious-neuron/id1440533170?i=1000596000285Support the showRecord your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Learn how to become a Reflective Parent! A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join the next FREE webinar about stress management and parenting: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn't: A Parent's Guide to Triggers and Emotions Email: info@curiousneuron.com

Skeptical or Cynical. It's sure been a week in America. I don't even have to date stamp this - just go back and check out any news source and you'll have an idea of what I'm talking about. Wherever you turn, you can find someone or something to be upset about, and lots of good reasons to feel that way. Does that mean that all the things that were good yesterday went away? Or is it the world we live in now? I don't pretend to know everything. But there are some things I know, and I know I know them. But is it safe to share knowingness these days?  Today I talk about what I'm observing and experiencing from social media and in conversations, both virtual and in person.  I mention the book "What Happened to You?" by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey.

Welcome back! Today, we have renowned guest Dr. Bruce Perry, one of the world's most influential child psychiatrists, to talk to us about his approach to trauma. We will go over Dr. Perry's Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which integrates neuroscience with child development. Dr. Perry is also a respected author, co-writing books like The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog, Born for Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered, as well as What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing.Dr. Perry's Website: https://www.bdperry.com/Dr. Perry's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Bruce-Perry/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABruce%2BPerryDr. Perry's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@infonmn326

Dr. Arielle Schwartz is a licensed psychologist and leading voice in the healing of trauma. She is an internationally sought-out teacher and author of eight books including The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma, and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers a mind-body approach to therapy for trauma and informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart. In This Episodehttps://drarielleschwartz.com/www.resilienceinformedtherapy.com/https://www.facebook.com/drarielleschwartz/https://www.instagram.com/arielleschwartzboulder/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LUxnXbReV7I5cEzvb46sQYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8z---Thank you to our sponsor Jane App - Practice Management Software for Health & Wellness Practitioners.Use code GUY1MO at check out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSa———If you'd like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.

The Sisters Kavanagh, Joyce, June and Paula, are three sisters born into a large family of ten children in the late 1950s and early 1960s, raised in a disadvantaged area of Dublin. From the age of three or four and throughout their teenage years, they endured daily sexual abuse at the hands of their father. In 1989, they made the courageous decision to bring charges against him. The following year, the Irish State successfully prosecuted their father, resulting in a conviction and a seven-year prison sentence, of which he served five.The Grip of Childhood Sexual Abuse' is a 10 hour – non-fiction audio book in which they share openly and honestly all the knowledge, insights and understanding derived from over thirty years' experience in recovery work as a direct result of being sexually abused as children.In This EpisodeThe Sisters Kavanagh website You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSa———If you'd like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.

Christina Kantzavelos is a neurodivergent, and first-generation (third culture) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), life coach, writer and chronic illness warrior.  She received both her BA and MSW from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and her MLIS from San Jose State University (SJSU). Charmaine Husum RCAT, RTC, CT, DKATI, ​runs a private Art Therapy and Counselling practice (Centre of the Heart) on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut'ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and the Métis people of Calgary Alberta, Canada, seeing clients in person and online both regionally and internationally.  She is also an Artist, Kundalini Yoga teacher and trained in the somatic approach of Integrative Body Psychotherapy and Reiki. In This EpisodeChristina's websitehttps://www.centreoftheheart.com/about.html You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Christina Kantzavelos is a neurodivergent, and first-generation (third culture) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), life coach, writer and chronic illness warrior.  She received both her BA and MSW from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and her MLIS from San Jose State University (SJSU). Caitlan Siegenthaler loves helping people unlock the brightest, most authentic version of themselves—a passion that led her to earn a Master's Degree and train as an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist.With over 10 years of experience in the therapy industry, Caitlan has reimagined her work to combine IFS Therapy and Human Design strategies, supporting entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.In This EpisodeChristina's website You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

In this episode of the Celeste Therapist Podcast, Celeste, a therapist from Boston, continues her five-part series on healing the inner child. If you haven't listened to Episode 1, "Healing the Inner Child," it's suggested to start there for context and continuity. The series aims to help listeners understand themselves better by examining how childhood experiences shape their adult lives. Celeste discusses the importance of reflecting on your past, with a particular focus on how early life experiences influence current behaviors and feelings. She references the book "What Happened to You" by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry, which explores the profound impact of childhood events on adult psychology. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the provided homework assignments, such as journaling or visualization exercises, to deepen their self-awareness. Celeste emphasizes that this journey is ongoing and that it's okay to take breaks if the material feels heavy. Join us as we delve into the complexities of childhood and its lasting effects, and continue to work towards better understanding and healing our inner selves. Homework: Complete the journaling prompt or visualization exercise from Episode 1, if you haven't already. Resources Mentioned: Book: "What Happened to You" by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry Listen to the Previous Episode: Episode 1: Healing the Inner Child Stay tuned for the next episode in this insightful series!

Roberto Diaz Herrera Jr. was born into the rigid confines of macho Latin American culture, where strength, sex, and violence were the defining traits of manhood. Raised in Panama under the shadow of his father—Colonel Roberto Diaz Herrera, the former Chief of Staff and close ally to dictator Manuel Noriega—he was expected to embody the same ideals of dominance and aggression. In a world where compassion and vulnerability were seen as weakness, he was constantly reminded, “You are the son of a tiger.” For him, Noriega wasn't just a political figure—he was Uncle Tony. You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Jenny Hughes, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and PTSD. She supports helpers and healers through the common experience of vicarious trauma as the founder of  The BRAVE Trauma Therapist Collective. Jenny helps trauma therapists be human again as they learn how to manage vicarious trauma and enhance vicarious resilience together. As a clinician, she practices Brainspotting, EMDR, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Jenny is the author of The PTSD Recovery Workbook and Triggers to Glimmers: A Vicarious Resilience Journal and Workbook.Dr. Michael Gomez is a licensed clinical psychologist in Texas and Rhode Island who specializes in trauma across diverse contexts, including child abuse, disaster response, sexual trafficking, immigration, secondary trauma, and systemic racism. He's served on clinical faculty at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School and has directed trauma-focused clinics like the Adversity and Resilience Community Center in West Texas. Dr. Gomez is also a co-founder of the NCTSN's Trauma and IDD Workgroup and part of the film team at the University of Connecticut's Center for the Treatment of Complex/Developmental Trauma Disorders. He currently sees clients through PCS Counseling in Lubbock, Texas.In This EpisodeOn Instagram, @braveprovidersOn Facebook, in The Vicarious Trauma Community with Jenny HughesAnd on TikTok, @braveprovidersYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Dr. Nick Brüss, EdD, LMFT, is a leading expert in psychedelic-assisted therapy and a licensed therapist. He serves as a clinical researcher and supervisor on the FDA phase III MAPS trial using MDMA for PTSD and is the lead therapist on Compass Pathways' psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression. A specialist in Internal Family Systems therapy, Dr. Brüss has shared his work at UCLA and Yale. He's also a certified mindfulness facilitator and Compassion Cultivation teacher, blending science, compassion, and innovation in healing. In This EpisodeNick's websiteYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Susanne Babbel, originally from Germany, moved to the U.S. nearly 20 years ago. Known for her deep listening and insight, she was drawn to psychology through her own journey of personal growth. Her interest in the mind-body connection led her to study somatic psychology, earning master's degrees from John F. Kennedy University and Santa Barbara Graduate Institute.Maggie Kline, LMFT, has decades of experience as a school psychologist, family therapist, and Somatic Experiencing® faculty member. She's co-authored Trauma Through a Child's Eyes and Trauma-Proofing Your Kids with Peter Levine, and written extensively on trauma-informed care for children. In This Episodehttps://www.instagram.com/drbabbel/https://www.facebook.com/DrBabbelhttps://x.com/DrBabbelYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Christina Kantzavelos is a neurodivergent, and first-generation (third culture) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), life coach, writer and chronic illness warrior.  She received both her BA and MSW from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and her MLIS from San Jose State University (SJSU). Tyler Orr, LPC/MHSP (TN), LCMHC (NC), NCC, is the creator of Constructed Awareness (CA) and President of the Constructed Awareness Institute. He offers an interactive, here-and now approach to counseling, consulting, and teaching that integrates mindfulness, nonviolence, and process-oriented approaches. If you'd like to learn more about CA, visit www.constructedawareness.com or email Tyler directly at info@constructedawareness.com.In This Episodeconstructedawareness.comhttps://www.instagram.com/constructedawareness/https://www.youtube.com/@constructedawarenessChristina's websiteNeural Retraining informationConstructed AwarenessYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Veronique Mead, MD, MA is a former Dartmouth-affiliated assistant professor of family medicine and obstetrics. She retrained with a Master's degree in somatic psychotherapy from Naropa University and specialty training in pre and perinatal and other forms of trauma. For the past 25 years she has explored the scientific literature on how effects of trauma from the prenatal and other periods in a person's life can influence risk for autoimmune and other chronic illnesses. She shares the research on her blog Chronic Illness Trauma Studies.Euphrasia (Efu) Nyaki was born and raised in Tanzania where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree, trained as a science teacher, and later was trained as a healer using holistic methods. Efu is a Faculty Member of Somatic Experiencing®, a method founded by Dr Peter Levine, and a Professor of Family Constellation System Therapy by Hellinger Institute. In the last 31 years Efu has been living in Brazil facilitating trainings and Holistic therapy for trauma healing using Somatic Experiencing® and Family Constellation System Therapy. While living in Brazil, Efu has also been traveling in different countries such as India, Egypt, South Korea, China, Bolivia, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, Tanzania, Philippines, Sweden, Portugal, Spain  and Hong Kong facilitating trainings and workshops. After the pandemic situation, Efu has been giving international trainings, workshops, summits, webinars, podcasts, conferences, and individual therapy sessions and case consults through online. Efu is a co- founder of AFYA: Holistic Healing Center located in the northeast of Brazil. Afya supports many people from the local community as well as national and international individuals that approaches the center to receive support and healing.  Efu is a writer of the book titled: Trauma healing using Family Constellation System Therapy and Somatic Experiencing®.In This EpisodeVeronique:https://chronicillnesstraumastudies.com/https://lnk.bio/veroniquemeadFACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/chronicillnesstraumastudies/LINKED IN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/veroniquemeadillnessblog/YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh-ng96Ji8rJSIJdXjCpCqA/videosPINTEREST - https://www.pinterest.com/chrillog/_created/INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/veroniquemead/Euphrasia:https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0BYXYGQ1Vhttps://linktr.ee/efunyaki?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8eaad01c-d2dd-4e12-a35e-3b250748f25fYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Joined by returning guest, Leslie Vigor, Director of Social Emotional Learning a the Regional Office of Education, Chad and Nikki learn about Dr. Bruce Perry's theories related to the brain, stress, trauma, and emotions and how these ideas can help parents and educators better respond to children.

Do you feel like you're constantly on high alert, waiting for the next shoe to drop? Like your body is braced for impact even when there's no real danger around you? You're exhausted, on edge, and maybe you find yourself reaching for something—anything—to make it stop. A drink, a pill, a behavior that gives you just a moment of peace.If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not broken.⁠DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET⁠In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Ostlund reveals the hidden connection between past trauma and present-day addiction. Drawing from groundbreaking research by experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Bruce Perry, Duane explains how trauma literally rewires our brains, keeping us stuck in survival mode long after the danger has passed.You'll discover why your brain's alarm system (the amygdala) won't shut off, how chronic stress floods your body with harmful hormones, and why substances become a desperate attempt at self-medication rather than a moral failing. This isn't about willpower—it's about biology.But here's the hope: there's a way out. Duane shares the surprising antidote to this cycle—and it's not what you might expect. Instead of running from uncomfortable feelings, the path to healing involves gently turning inward and learning to embrace your nervous system.Through practical techniques like body scanning and interoception (awareness of your body's internal signals), you can begin to retrain your brain. You'll learn to shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What happened to me?"—a simple question that changes everything.This episode offers both scientific understanding and practical hope for anyone who feels trapped in cycles of addiction, chronic stress, or emotional numbness. Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, you'll gain valuable insights into the body-mind connection and discover that healing truly is possible.⁠DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET⁠If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Stark is a former science teacher, now certified Energy Practitioner who bridges the divide between science and spirit.She channels her extraordinary abilities to demonstrate the unseen, and shares the wisdom and knowledge she's cultivated over the past two decades helping people to heal their mind, body, and spirit.As the host of The Stark Transformation Show, she has shared her message of hope, healing and transformation with a global audience, catalyzing transformations worldwide.David Bayer is a distinguished entrepreneur, researcher, and author renowned for his expertise in human evolution, entrepreneurship, high performance, and emotional intelligence.  His innovative approach, rooted in first principles thinking and combining neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and business strategy, helps individuals and organizations identify and eliminate the underlying root cause resistances preventing success, so they can control the levers responsible for more growth in their businesses, joy in their lives, and impact in the world.Bayer's podcast, “A Changed Mind,” quickly rose to over 1 million monthly listeners, his book, “A Changed Mind: Go Beyond Self Awareness, Rewire Your Brain & Reengineer Your Reality,” became an Amazon Bestseller and remains in the Top 100 Personal Development category, and his Powerful Living Experience LIVE event was named “A Top 3 Must-Attend Personal Development Event For Entrepreneurs” by Inc.David's clear, direct, and compassionate communication style, unique blend of academic and real-life experience that challenge conventional thinking, and his pioneering frameworks bridge the gap between science and personal growth provide actionable strategies that enable leaders and high achievers to break free from limiting beliefs, take control of their success, and make creating real change achievable and inevitable.In This EpisodeYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Summary Dr. Amy Vertrees, the host, introduces the episode focusing on the prolonged stress cycle, a topic relevant to many, especially female surgeons, given the various stressors in medicine and the world . She notes that this topic arose from discussions within the female boss surgeons group, emphasizing its importance and broad applicability . The group, which meets weekly and twice monthly on Sundays, covers topics not typically addressed in residency but crucial for career and mental health . Dr. Vertrees shares her background as a general surgeon and certified coach, highlighting her experiences in military and civilian settings, as well as private practice, which led her to create the Boss Business and Surgery series . She details the program's structure, including three-month modules on dealing with difficult colleagues and managing the impact of complications . The discussion emphasizes the pervasive nature of stress, exacerbated by global events and the demands of being a surgeon . The prolonged stress cycle often begins in training, with experiences that may have been hostile or malignant, impacting future stress responses . Dr. Vertrees references the book "What Happened to You?" by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, explaining how prolonged stress can dysregulate the nervous system, hindering rational thinking . She differentiates between regulated stress, which builds resilience, and dysregulated stress, which results from extreme, prolonged, and unpredictable situations . Dr. Vertrees explains the stress cycle, involving a trigger, a stress response (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn), and a physiological reaction . Recognizing one's physiological stress response is crucial, as it serves as a red flag indicating excessive stress . She provides an example of a stressful surgical scenario, emphasizing that recognizing a stress response is a sign of awareness, not a personal failing . Finding a colleague in such situations can provide stability and prevent potentially harmful actions . The discussion covers the importance of emotional regulation, especially for new attendings, and the impact of decision fatigue . Impaired coping mechanisms, such as doom scrolling or overeating, can worsen the stress cycle . Confidence is defined as the ability to manage any emotion, including fear and uncertainty, while still acting effectively . Practical techniques to interrupt the stress cycle include deep breathing exercises, focusing on the next best step, and box breathing . Dr.Vertrees stresses that emotional and physiological regulation is crucial for surgeons, who are leaders of their teams and responsible for their patients . She advises on communicating with families during stressful events, emphasizing the importance of reassuring them that their loved one is okay . The value of having a second set of skilled eyes, such as residents, is highlighted, as they can prevent potentially devastating mistakes . Strategies to manage the stress cycle include awareness and tracking, physiological regulation, emotional processing, cognitive reframing, and setting boundaries . Purpose and value alignment, along with gratitude, are also important . Dr. Vertings recommends finding a challenge network, a group of supportive individuals who can be relied upon during difficult times . She concludes by promoting the Boss Female Surgeons Group Coaching Program and other resources available at bosssurgery.com . Chapter Introduction to Prolonged Stress Cycle Dr. AmyVertrees introduces the episode's focus on the prolonged stress cycle, a topic of significant relevance, particularly for female surgeons, given the multitude of stressors present in both medicine and the broader world. She highlights that this subject emerged from discussions within the female boss surgeons group, underscoring its importance and widespread applicability. The Female Boss Surgeons Group Dr. V describes the group of female surgeons who meet weekly, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Central, and twice a month on Sundays, to discuss topics often overlooked in residency but essential for career advancement and mental well-being. Dr. Vertings' Background and the Boss Business and Surgery Series Dr. V shares her background as a general surgeon and certified coach, emphasizing her experiences in military and civilian settings, as well as in private practice, which inspired her to create the Boss Business and Surgery series. She notes that the business was reinvigorated in 2020 to address new challenges faced by surgeons. Program Structure: Difficult Colleagues and Complications Dr. V details the program's structure, which includes three-month modules dedicated to addressing difficult colleagues and managing the impact of complications. She emphasizes that the program teaches strategies to improve relationships and positively influence workplace dynamics. Pervasive Nature of Stress The discussion emphasizes the pervasive nature of stress, which is exacerbated by global events and the inherent demands of being a surgeon. Dr. V mentions theories suggesting that the high level of stress in the world may be intentional, designed to keep people off balance and disengaged. Stress Cycle in Training and Early Career The prolonged stress cycle often begins during training, with experiences that may have been hostile or malignant, significantly impacting future stress responses. Dr. V reflects on her own training, initially downplaying its hostility but later recognizing its challenging aspects. "What Happened to You?" and Dysregulated Nervous System Dr. V references the book "What Happened to You?" by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, explaining how prolonged stress can dysregulate the nervous system, hindering rational thinking. She explains that stress can overwhelm the primitive brain, preventing signals from reaching the smart part of the brain. Regulated vs. Dysregulated Stress Dr. V differentiates between regulated stress, which builds tolerance and resilience, and dysregulated stress, which results from extreme, prolonged, and unpredictable situations. She notes that predictable, moderate, and controllable stress can lead to productive stress responses. The Stress Cycle: Trigger, Response, and Physiological Reaction Dr. V explains the stress cycle, which involves a trigger, a stress response (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn), and a physiological reaction. She emphasizes that recognizing these responses is crucial for managing stress effectively. Recognizing Physiological Stress Response Recognizing one's physiological stress response is crucial, as it serves as a red flag indicating excessive stress. Dr. V provides examples such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and poor sleep. Surgical Scenario and Stress Response Dr. V provides an example of a stressful surgical scenario, emphasizing that recognizing a stress response is a sign of awareness, not a personal failing. She notes that in high-stress situations, the primitive brain can take over, hindering clear thinking. Finding a Colleague for Stability Finding a colleague in stressful situations can provide stability and prevent potentially harmful actions. Dr. V likens this to grabbing onto a stable object during a tornado. Emotional Regulation and Decision Fatigue The discussion covers the importance of emotional regulation, especially for new attendings, and the impact of decision fatigue. Dr. Vertings notes that making numerous decisions can impair one's ability to make further decisions effectively. Impaired Coping Mechanisms Impaired coping mechanisms, such as doom scrolling or overeating, can worsen the stress cycle. Dr. V explains that these behaviors are often attempts to avoid negative feelings but ultimately lead to increased vulnerability. Confidence as Emotional Regulation Confidence is defined as the ability to manage any emotion, including fear and uncertainty, while still acting effectively. Dr. V emphasizes that courage is acting despite feeling fear. Techniques to Interrupt the Stress Cycle Practical techniques to interrupt the stress cycle include deep breathing exercises, focusing on the next best step, and box breathing. Dr. V mentions Dr. Robin Tiger's advice on using deep breathing for both surgeons and patients. Importance of Emotional and Physiological Regulation Dr. V stresses that emotional and physiological regulation is crucial for surgeons, who are leaders of their teams and responsible for their patients. She notes that a calm leader can help the team remain calm and effective. Communicating with Families During Stressful Events Dr. V advises on communicating with families during stressful events, emphasizing the importance of reassuring them that their loved one is okay. She suggests leading with the assurance that the patient is fine before explaining the details. Value of a Second Set of Skilled Eyes The value of having a second set of skilled eyes, such as residents, is highlighted, as they can prevent potentially devastating mistakes. Dr. Vertings shares a personal experience where a resident prevented her from making a significant error. Strategies to Manage the Stress Cycle Strategies to manage the stress cycle include awareness and tracking, physiological regulation, emotional processing, cognitive reframing, and setting boundaries. Dr. V emphasizes the importance of naming and owning feelings. Purpose, Value Alignment, and Gratitude Purpose and value alignment, along with gratitude, are also important. Dr. V suggests reflecting on past experiences to identify one's values and aligning actions with those values. Finding a Challenge Network Dr. V recommends finding a challenge network, a group of supportive individuals who can be relied upon during difficult times. She credits Dr. Jill Clark for this concept. Promotion of Boss Female Surgeons Group Coaching Program Dr. V concludes by promoting the Boss Female Surgeons Group Coaching Program and other resources available at bosssurgery.com. She mentions upcoming topics such as power and negotiating, as well as strategies for managing clinic and developing a CEO self-concept.

Do you feel like you're constantly on high alert, waiting for the next shoe to drop? Like your body is braced for impact even when there's no real danger around you? You're exhausted, on edge, and maybe you find yourself reaching for something—anything—to make it stop. A drink, a pill, a behavior that gives you just a moment of peace. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not broken. DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Ostlund reveals the hidden connection between past trauma and present-day addiction. Drawing from groundbreaking research by experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Bruce Perry, Duane explains how trauma literally rewires our brains, keeping us stuck in survival mode long after the danger has passed. You'll discover why your brain's alarm system (the amygdala) won't shut off, how chronic stress floods your body with harmful hormones, and why substances become a desperate attempt at self-medication rather than a moral failing. This isn't about willpower—it's about biology. But here's the hope: there's a way out. Duane shares the surprising antidote to this cycle—and it's not what you might expect. Instead of running from uncomfortable feelings, the path to healing involves gently turning inward and learning to embrace your nervous system. Through practical techniques like body scanning and interoception (awareness of your body's internal signals), you can begin to retrain your brain. You'll learn to shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What happened to me?"—a simple question that changes everything. This episode offers both scientific understanding and practical hope for anyone who feels trapped in cycles of addiction, chronic stress, or emotional numbness. Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, you'll gain valuable insights into the body-mind connection and discover that healing truly is possible. DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you feel like you're constantly on high alert, waiting for the next shoe to drop? Like your body is braced for impact even when there's no real danger around you? You're exhausted, on edge, and maybe you find yourself reaching for something—anything—to make it stop. A drink, a pill, a behavior that gives you just a moment of peace. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not broken. DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Ostlund reveals the hidden connection between past trauma and present-day addiction. Drawing from groundbreaking research by experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Bruce Perry, Duane explains how trauma literally rewires our brains, keeping us stuck in survival mode long after the danger has passed. You'll discover why your brain's alarm system (the amygdala) won't shut off, how chronic stress floods your body with harmful hormones, and why substances become a desperate attempt at self-medication rather than a moral failing. This isn't about willpower—it's about biology. But here's the hope: there's a way out. Duane shares the surprising antidote to this cycle—and it's not what you might expect. Instead of running from uncomfortable feelings, the path to healing involves gently turning inward and learning to embrace your nervous system. Through practical techniques like body scanning and interoception (awareness of your body's internal signals), you can begin to retrain your brain. You'll learn to shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What happened to me?"—a simple question that changes everything. This episode offers both scientific understanding and practical hope for anyone who feels trapped in cycles of addiction, chronic stress, or emotional numbness. Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, you'll gain valuable insights into the body-mind connection and discover that healing truly is possible. DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Esther Goldstein LCSW is a psychotherapist and trauma specialist with a private practice in Cedarhurst, in Long Island NY. Esther specializes in treating anxiety, trauma, complex ptsd, and dissociative disorders. Esther provides trauma informed consultation to therapists committed to improving their trauma-informed practice and attachment focused EMDR consultation to therapists attaining hours towards EMDRIA certification.               Elisa is an Emmy Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience working with Anderson Cooper 360 and Good Morning America. Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of survivors share their stories with renowned journalists including Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, and Anderson Cooper. Deeply committed to trauma healing, Elisa now offers media consulting with a focus on advancing trauma-informed journalism and guiding survivors as they navigate media exposure. In This EpisodeEsther's site:  https://integrativepsych.co/Elisa's: https://www.elisatoha.com You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Dr. Hillary McBride is a registered psychologist, a researcher and podcastor, with expertise that includes working with trauma and trauma therapies, and embodiment, at the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Her recent book Holy Hurt: understanding and healing from spiritual trauma, came out in April 2025. Her podcast, Other People's Problems is incredible. Normally, therapy sessions are totally confidential — but this podcast opens the doors.This season offers an unprecedented look at psychedelic psychotherapy, breaking new ground in the podcast space and demystifying this often misunderstood practice as a powerful tool in trauma recovery.Hillary leads her clients through drug-assisted therapy, guiding them to new heights on their healing journeys. Experience these real, unscripted sessions firsthand as they unfold in each episode.She has been recognized by the American Psychological Association, and the Canadian Psychological Association for her research and clinical work. In addition to being a teaching faculty at the University of British Columbia, she is an ambassador for Sanctuary Mental Health, and the host of CBC's award winning podcast Other People's Problems- season 5 launched May 5 . Hillary can often be found with a cup of chai in hand, or by the ocean. She makes her home in the pacific northwest in British Columbia, Canada.In This EpisodeHillary's websiteOPP Podcast You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

What if we began asking patients “what happened to you?” instead of “what's wrong with you?” This mindset shift exemplifies the principles behind trauma-informed care. DCFEMS Behavioral Health Coordinator Ronit Reguer once again joins hosts Maia Dorsett, Hilary Gates and Rob Lawrence for a powerful, practical conversation on trauma-informed care.  They discuss how this approach can improve both patient outcomes and provider wellness. Drawing on clinical experiences, EMS education, and real-world applications, you'll hear a deep dive into how trauma affects patient behavior, the importance of recognizing individual agency during care, and how to build trauma-informed principles into EMS training.  Whether you're an EMS educator, clinician, or student, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to care—and inspire meaningful change. Mentioned in the episode: SAMHSA's Trauma-informed Approach: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-approaches-programs The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey https://a.co/d/72CItzf Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com  Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

In this episode of Shared Humanity: The humans behind the headlines, host Nelba Márquez-Greene, LMFT, Yale School of Public Health Community Scholar, is joined by Dr. Bruce Perry, MD, PhD, Principal of the Neurosequential Network.   Dr. Perry's work on the impact of abuse, neglect, and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs, and policy across the world. His most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing, co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, has been translated into 26 languages and has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 100 weeks.   He is also a primary responder to many communities that have been impacted by gun violence.   Márquez-Greene and Perry discuss shifting mental health work to a public health model, the impact of early childhood experience on long-term wellness, and healing trauma.   Links from this episode: www.neurosequential.com    Learn more about Shared Humanity: sph.yale.edu/sharedhumanity 

Christina Kantzavelos is a neurodivergent, and first-generation (third culture) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), life coach, writer and chronic illness warrior.  She received both her BA and MSW from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and her MLIS from San Jose State University (SJSU). She specializes in treating clients with chronic health conditions  (aka spoonies and medical refugees) and trauma (including medical trauma). Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana and his Master's thesis on a survey of oncologists about smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients.His undergraduate thesis at New College of Florida was a 25-year follow-up to the classic Good Friday Experiment, which evaluated the potential of psychedelic drugs to catalyze religious experiences. He also conducted a thirty-four year follow-up study to Timothy Leary's Concord Prison Experiment. Rick studied with Dr. Stanislav Grof and was among the first to be certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner.His professional goal is to help develop legal contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana, primarily as prescription medicines but also for personal growth for otherwise healthy people, and eventually to become a legally licensed psychedelic therapist. He founded MAPS in 1986, and currently resides in Boston with his wife and puppy, with three empty rooms from his children who have all graduated college and begun their life journeys. Learn more about Rick by listening to his Origin Story, watching his TED Talk, and watching his SSDP talk about lessons for political activism from a series of his psychedelic experiences. In This EpisodeChristina's websiteNeural Retraining informationConstructed AwarenessRick's InstagramMAPS WebsiteYou can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSaThe Trauma Therapist Podcast:  I interview thought-leaders in the fields of trauma, mindfulness, addiction and yoga such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel van der Kolk and Bruce Perry. https://bit.ly/3VRNy8zBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

The Agony Aunties delve into the complexities of preverbal trauma, explaining why it is difficult to process such trauma and how it affects the body and brain. Through a detailed example of a young child who suffered early neglect, the discussion highlights how trauma manifests and persists beyond early childhood. They give their insights on therapeutic approaches like EMDR, sensory regulation, and the importance of co-regulation. Additional resources from experts like Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, Bruce Perry, and the concept of the polyvagal system are recommended for deeper understanding. The episode underscores the importance of patience, self-compassion, and the development of a sensory toolbox for trauma survivors. Additional Resources: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – A groundbreaking book on how trauma is stored in the body and how we can begin to heal. Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine – Learn more about Peter Levine's body-based approach to resolving trauma. What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey – A compassionate, neuroscience-based look at childhood trauma and healing. Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do kids sometimes - or a lot of the time! - suddenly act much younger…or sneakier?! In this episode, we use Dr. Bruce Perry's concept of state-dependent functioning to reframe some of the baffling behaviors as signs of stress, not signs of defiance.If you want to dive deeper into this topic, join us over in The Club. In June 2025, we're having a masterclass all about behaviors and state dependent functioning- complete with a brand-new illustrated resource. If you're hearing this episode in the future, the masterclass is stored in our on-demand video library and can still be accessed!In this episode, you'll learn:Why regression and baby talk are symptoms of a nervous system in distress How lying and stealing are driven by survival statesWhat it means when your child's sense of time collapses and they can't think about future consequencesResources mentioned in this podcast:All Behavior Makes Sense DownloadThe Club!Read the full transcript at:  RobynGobbel.com/babytalk::::HUGE announcement! The Baffling Behavior Training Institute's {NEW!} is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Professional Training Program (formerly Being With). In 2026 we will have a second cohort that meets in the evening, eastern time- which is the morning in Asia and Australia!You must be on the waiting list to apply! RobynGobbel.com/Immersion Join me for Presence in Practice- an experiential retreat style workshop for professionals into the neurobiology of how change happens. July 14-16 in Rockford, MI (just north of Grand Rapids) RobynGobbel.com/PresenceinPracticeSave $50 if you register by June 20!::: :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute's (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Steve, Ben, Yolanda and Olli. Ben Papapietro and his wife Yolanda join Steve Jaxon on California Wine Country. Dan Berger is away today, visiting the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, which we talked about on this episode two weeks ago. Ben is a co-founder of the Papapietr0-Perry winery. This is Ben and Yolanda's first time on CWC. Ben Papapietro started in his basement in San Francisco as a home winemaker. He had a friend, Bruce Perry, who worked with Ben in the delivery of the San Francisco Chronicle. They wanted to make Pinot but there was hardly any fruit at that time. Another friend, Burt Williams, also helped him get some Pinot fruit. But they made a lot of Cabernet Franc blends and Zinfandel. In 1990 he got a really good source of Pinot fruit. Then his partner talked him into opening a professional winery in 1997. Early in his winemaking career, Ben did some harvests with Burt Williams, the co-founder of Williams-Selyem, who was a mentor to Ben. He was one of the local winemakers who started producing Pinot Noir in Sonoma County. California Wine Country is brought to you by Rodney Strong Vineyards and Davis Bynum Wines. Goldridge Soil Again They are tasting a 2023 Pinot Noir, a vineyard designate from Peter's Vineyard. It is in the high southern hills with the famous Goldridge soil that makes the region famous. Melissa Galliani joins us in the studio today. Her t-shirt says “near perfect” and it has a story. Ben's partner made the t-shirt that reproduces the comments of wine reviewers who liked their wine. Bruce Perry was Ben's partner and very close friend. He passed away a couple of years ago. Papapietro-Perry is participating in the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience this weekend. But he and his wife are taking 80 people on a cruise up the Douro River in Portugal. They have organized several other cruises with as many as 140 people with them. They visit a lot of wineries and taste a lot of wine. Ben grew up in the Mission district of San Francisco and visited Italy several times to see relatives on both sides of his family. The Papapietro-Perry Light & Bright Club Papapietro-Perry has a “Light and Bright” club, which is for Rosé and Chardonnay. On June 14th there is an event called “Wine, Cheese and Chocolate.” Even during Covid they did a once-a-week live show that kept people involved. And in July there is the Papapietro-Perry Lobster and Chardonnay Festival. Next they taste a Chardonnay which is a lighter style, fruit forward with a nice spicy finish that lingers. Ben also brought a Pinot Noir, made from the 777 clone grown in four different vineyards with different growing conditions.

Marg has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to education, both locally and internationally. She consults with public and private sector businesses and organisations to enhance workplace relationships and manage high-level conflict and inappropriate behaviour. She is committed to improving the way people relate to each other in schools, workplaces, and other community groups by providing processes that allow deeply negative feelings to be gradually transformed into cooperation. She strongly suggests that as relationships are restored, job satisfaction, morale, and productivity can improve. This commitment to healthy relationships can also be found in her extensive work with schools to improve the way they work with young people in responding to wrongdoing, creating healthier and safer communities. Joe Brummer has been dedicated to Trauma-Informed Restorative Practices/Justice since 2008, during which he has facilitated hundreds of circles, mediations, and community conferences. Over the past 17 years, he has trained thousands of individuals in these transformative practices, including educators, parents, workplace professionals, diversion staff and volunteers, and community members. Joe is the author of the best-selling book *Building A Trauma-Informed Restorative School: Skills and Approaches to Improve Culture and Behavior* (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2020), and is also the co-author, alongside RJ pioneer Margaret Thorsborne, of *Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator: Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behavior* (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024). Joe is a member of the adjunct faculty at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, where he teaches the course *Peacebuilding Skills: Dialogue, Trauma & Restorative Justice*. He has appeared on dozens of podcasts and webinars and has presented at national and international conferences. Joe has completed the certification course in Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model in Education and is a member of the Attachment and Trauma Network's Training Collaborative.

Send us a textWe've all had those moments when we behave in ways that seem completely out of character—slapping someone in public, wanting to jump out of a moving car, or putting a hole in the wall. When betrayal trauma hijacks your nervous system, your body reacts before your rational mind can process what's happening. Drawing from Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry's groundbreaking book "What Happened to You?", I explore how understanding trauma responses can transform shame into self-compassion. The simple shift from asking "what's wrong with me?" to "what happened to me?" opens the door to profound healing.Your betrayal response isn't evidence of weakness or instability—it's your nervous system doing exactly what it evolved to do: protect you from perceived threats. The fight, flight, or freeze reactions aren't conscious choices, which explains why you can't simply think your way out of betrayal trauma.Most post-betrayal behaviors make perfect sense when viewed through this lens. Drinking too much, emotional eating, excessive shopping or scrolling—these aren't character flaws but attempts to regulate an overwhelmed nervous system. And as Dr. Perry explains, "The most powerful form of reward is relational." Connection with supportive people provides what no substance or behavior can.I share my personal journey of understanding my nervous system, from believing I had chronic anxiety (when actually I was living with chronic betrayal) to discovering simple regulation techniques that bring me back to balance. Finding what regulates your unique system—whether it's a heated blanket, walking with friends, or doing puzzles—builds your resilience zone and reduces triggers.The path forward includes practicing "rupture and repair" in relationships, creating safe spaces where honest feelings can be expressed without judgment. This vulnerability leads to deeper connection than trying to maintain a façade of perfection.Ready to transform your betrayal story through understanding the science of trauma? Discover how your nervous system holds the keys to moving from merely surviving to truly thriving after betrayal.Please follow me on instagram and facebook @happilyevenaftercoach and if you want to see what coaching is all about I offer a free 45 min. clarity call via zoom. Email me: hello@lifecoachjen.com for any comments or questions. Thanks for listening, please like and review as well as share with your family and friends. My website is www.lifecoachjen.com

Let us hear from you!Watch this episode on Youtube:  https://youtu.be/qRtXCKc3qOIAre you struggling to connect with your child during emotional meltdowns?Feel like nothing you say helps them calm down or understand what went wrong?In this video, we break down the powerful 4 Rs method — Regulate, Relate, Reason, Restore — based on the work of Dr. Bruce Perry (3 Rs) and trauma-informed parenting techniques. This simple, science-backed approach helps you de-escalate emotional outbursts and guide your child with empathy, connection, and calm.✨ What You'll Learn:How to stay calm when your child is dysregulatedWhy connection must come before correctionHow to build trust even after conflictThe exact steps to create a safe, emotionally supportive environment for your child.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction00:42 Regulate03:23 Relate05:55 Reason07:31 Restore

Martin Ali Simms is a leading expert in the intersection of neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and athletic performance. As the founder of the DOPE Coach Academy, he helps coaches, student-athletes, and parents integrate neuroscience and nervous system regulation into sports to optimize mental wellness and peak performance. Martin was trained by Dr. Bruce Perry, creator of The Neurosequential Model, and developed the DOPE Framework—Develop, Organize, Process, Engage—to make neuroscience accessible and actionable for students-athletes from all backgrounds. Through his work as a Sports Coach & Neurosequential Sports Specialist and host of the upcoming “Your Brain on D.O.P.E.” podcast, Martin is on a mission to equip student-athletes and coaches with cutting-edge strategies for resilience, self-regulation, and high performance. He is a sought-after speaker and consultant for school districts, sports organizations, and trauma-informed initiatives, bringing a fresh perspective on how athletics can be a vehicle for healing and transformation.

Welcome to Part 2 of our in-depth review of Grant Bosnick's 'Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership.' In this episode, we delve into the significance of hydration for brain health, discovering 'aha' moments through creative insights, and the influential power of expectations on our well-being and success. We also explore the neuroscience behind staying mentally strong and regulate emotions effectively through improved sleep patterns. Join us as we unravel these fascinating research-backed strategies to enhance your self-leadership skills. Welcome back to SEASON 13 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren't taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I'm Andrea Samadi, an author, and an educator with a passion for learning and launched this podcast 6 years ago with the goal of bringing ALL the leading experts together (in one place) to help us to APPLY this research in our daily lives. And we will now resume PART 2 of our 4-PART review, to sum up last year, 2024, and our entire year studying one book, Grant Bosnick's “Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership: A Bite Size Approach Using Psychology and Neuroscience” that we first dove into with our interview on EP #321[i] the end of January 2024. The goal was that each week, we focused on learning something new, (from Grant's book) tied to the most current neuroscience research, that builds off the prior week, to help take us to greater heights this year. It honestly shocked me that this series took the entire year.  Last week, we began with PART 1[ii] and the first 5 chapters of the book. Today we will review chapters 6-9 of Grant Bosnick's Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership. ((On today's EPISODE #356 PART 2 of our review of Grant Bosnick's Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, we will cover)): ✔ EP 327 Chapter 6[iii] “The Hydrated Brain” ✔ EP 330 Chapter 7[iv]“Aha Moments, Creative Insights/the Brain” ✔ EP 333 Chapter 8[v] “Exploring the Power of Expectations” ✔ EP 335 Chapter 9[vi] “The Neuroscience Behind Staying Strong and Clear-Headed” If you have not yet taken the leadership self-assessment, or if you would like to re-take it to see if the results are different for you than last year, you can click the link here to find the quick test.   Self-Assessment Results 2024 vs 2025 I re-took the assessment for 2025, and did notice some similarities and some differences. See what you notice about yourself. I noticed that pathways 2 and 3 are my high areas of focus this year, and that I can drop pathway 6 from my focus. What about you? If you have a few minutes to spare, take this leadership self-assessment again, and see if you notice any changes in yourself for 2025. Did any of your pathways of focus shift since last year? REMEMBER: We are either moving forward into growth, or backwards to safety. (Abraham Maslow). EP 327 Chapter 6 “The Hydrated Brain”   For this episode, I remember wondering how on the earth can we narrow the focus of this topic of health and wellness that Bosnick covers thoroughly in Chapter 6? Dr. Peter Attia[vii], a Canadian-American physician, known for his medical practice that focuses on the science of longevity, says that “exercise might be the most potent “drug” we have for extending the quality and perhaps quantity of our years of life.” He created a rule that he thought would help narrow this focus and it was called “Attia's Rule”[viii] where he suggests that can't even talk about this topic, unless you have reached a certain level of health yourself. I agree, as this is one area we have been focused on this podcast, and I notice that as I strengthen one area, I lose sight of another. It's an ongoing quest for balance, and I wouldn't say I've mastered the balance yet. We dove deep into Attia's Rule on our EP back in October 2022, “Using Neuroscience to Improve Fitness, Longevity and Overall Health.”[ix] Dr. Attia says that nutrition and health arguments are a waste of your time until you've completed a certain set of criteria. He says don't bother defending this topic unless you can: Dead hang for a minute (try this! I honestly thought I was going to die when I did this 2 years ago). I'm not sure I could do it today with the signs of osteoporosis showing up in my fingers (and noticeable when I type). Wall sit for two minutes. (This wasn't difficult for me the fact that I regularly hit the hiking trails). Have a VO2 max of at least 75th percentile for your age group. (Mine is showing 37 right now which was the same as it was in 2022. Interesting that I'm hiking less these days, but have kept the same VO2 max). I think it's important to notice just how vast this topic of health and wellness really is. We mentioned the Top 6 Health Staples[x] on our last episode, that we created back in 2020 when our podcast took a turn towards mental and physical health and wellness, (that we just can't escape) and I wasn't surprised to see Stanford Professor Dr. Andrew Huberman post on Twitter/X that he would like to see a Superbowl Commercial promoting healthy habits. The time for mental and physical health is here, and we cannot deny the connection between the two. We met Dr. Bruce Perry on EP 168[xi] where we dove into his famous book What Happened to You, that he co-authored with Oprah, and the last Kindle book I purchased was Gabor Mate's When the Body Says No: The Hidden Costs of Stress[xii] When I look back at why I chose to highlight “The Hydrated Brain” I honestly think it was because this topic is so vast. Hydration is something that might be emphasized with athletes, but it wasn't something anyone had emphasized with me (unless they were connected to the sports world). To narrow this topic of health and wellness down a bit, did YOU know that keeping our brain hydrated helps us with: Improving concentration and cognition Helping to balance our mood and emotions Maintaining a good memory Boosting our brain's reaction time Increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain Preventing and relieving headaches Reducing stress Grant Bosnick shared with us in this chapter: “That our brain is 75% water and when our brain is functioning on a full reserve of water, we will be able to think faster, be more focused and experience greater clarity and creativity?” (Chapter 6, Bosnick). Grant reminds us that “everyone is unique and needs different amounts of water per day (but suggests) an adequate intake for men is roughly around 3 liters (100 fluid ounces) a day, (and) for women it's about 2.2 liters (74 fluid ounces) a day. What do you think? Could you improve your water intake? Just by thinking about ways to improve our brain health, we will over time begin to move the needle in the direction of physical health and wellness, which was the concept that Grant wanted us to uncover in Chapter 6. This is just one small idea, (in this HUGE topic) but if we can tackle one idea at a time, we will move in the direction of health and wellness. REVISIT THIS EPISODE TO REVIEW THIS CONCEPT IN DEPTH EP 330 Chapter 7 “Aha Moments, Creative Insights/the Brain” This pathway #3 came out as MEDIUM importance (orange score) for me, alongside mindfulness and flow last year, but this year, this is my second highest pathway of focus. Look to see where pathway 3 showed up for you last  year, and if it's different for you this year. What I loved about Grant Bosnick's book is that he opens up chapter 7 with a story of how insight was used by an organization to help solve the problem with the high number of babies that were dying within a month of their birth, specifically in developing countries.  This organization he wrote about, solved this specific problem using a thought process that took insight using “materials and human resources that could be used to address this issue” (Chapter 7, Bosnick) by building incubators made out of Toyota cars that were readily available in these developing areas. Instead of using their analytical mind and thinking “how do we get more incubators to these areas” someone on their team used insight and creativity to come up with the best solution to use the resources they had readily available to them, locally. So how do we think up these creative ideas? Grant asks us to ponder where we have our best ideas. In the shower? While exercising? At your desk while doing work? Just before falling asleep or waking up? While walking or hiking? While taking with a friend? Grant suggests that few people will come back with “at their desk while working” since this type of creativity involves breaking away from the analytical, thinking mind, and tapping into our “nonconscious” (Chapter 7, Bosnick) part of our brain. It was here I had to look deeper into how this type of thinking happens, and I found the fascinating book, The Eureka Factor: AHA Moments, Creative Insight and the Brain by John Kounios and Mark Beeman. If you want to dive deeper into the science behind insight and creativity, I highly suggest reading this book. I wanted to know HOW to create these “AHA” Moments at will, not by chance and this is what these two cognitive neuroscientists who wrote this book, set out to do. Their goal of writing this book was to “explain how these Eureka experiences happen—and how to have more of them to enrich our lives and empower personal and professional success.” (The Eureka Factor). In the very beginning pages of The Eureka Factor, we learn that “insight is creative” (Page 9, The Eureka Factor, Kounios and Beeman) and when the authors went on to define “what creativity is” they suggest to not define it (yet) since “everyone intuitively recognizes creativity when he or she sees it” (Page 9, The Eureka Factor, Kounios and Beeman). I thought back to when we covered “Improving Creativity” on PART 4 of The Silva Method[xiii] on ((“Improving Creativity and Innovation in our Schools, Sports and Modern Workplaces”)) and we tapped into Dr. Andrew Huberman's research on creativity here. Dr. Huberman explains that “when we see something that's truly creative, it reveals something to us about the natural world and about how our brains work….It must reveal something that surprises us” for it to be truly creative. So, going back to The Eureka Factor, John Kounios suggests that “creative insight is not an exotic type of thought reserved for the few. In fact, (he says) it's one of the few abilities that define our species….most humans—have insights. It's a basic human ability.” (Page 11, The Eureka Factor, Kounios and Beeman). While reading further into The Eureka Factor, I came across an image that helped to explain this idea so we can ALL improve our ability to generate new and creative insights that will empower our personal and professional lives. IMAGE CREDIT: The Eureka Factor (Kounios, Beeman) Page 24 If someone were to ask me “Where do I begin to improve my ability to create NEW insights in my life?” I would say, start here: STEP 1: Go somewhere quiet and think.  We've mentioned a few times on this podcast that “Every man has the natural and inherent power to think what he wants to think, but it requires more effort to do so”[xiv] (Wallace D. Wattles). I recently heard Professor Hod Lipson[xv] from Columbia University, speaking about the future with AI, and while his whole presentation was forward-thinking, eye opening and brilliant, what caught my attention the most was when he mentioned that while working with students with AI and robotics, the hardest part for them was to come up with a name for their robot, because he said “it takes a lot of effort to be creative.” Take the time needed for this process. STEP 2: You might think you are stuck, and like the image suggests in the show notes, you might see a brick wall in front of you, metaphorically speaking, but know that there is always a solution to every problem. You just haven't figured it out yet. It's here that I share ways I've moved past where I'm stuck, and that's by using The Silva Method. I'm reminded daily that many of our current listeners found us from the first episode we did with this 4-part series that ended with an episode on “How to Be More Creative and Innovative”. When you feel stuck, take a break. STEP 3: Keeping your mood positive, break away from where you feel stuck, and do something that makes you happy. It could be going for a walk, or a hike, or playing tennis like the image from The Eureka Factor. Just break away and divert your attention away from the problem. If you are in a meditative state, just be sure to have positive, elevated emotions flowing through you. Looking at the image in the show notes from The Eureka Factor, we see a person playing tennis. You can use whatever method you want here (The Silva Method of Meditation, your own mindfulness practice, going for a walk) or whatever it is for YOU where you access those feelings of calmness and peace. STEP 4: Be open to new ideas that might pop into your head. Be prepared for ideas that might be completely opposite to how you were originally thinking of solving the problem. We are all different here. Think back to the beginning of this episode, when Grant Bosnick asked us to consider where our creative ideas flow into our minds. Mine come in that time just before I go to sleep, or just as I'm waking up. Others might come in the shower, or while exercising. Be open to NEW ideas coming into your mind, and be ready to write them down. STEP 5: Know that there is much work going on from your unconscious mind. You'll will become more self-aware in this process. Grant Bosnick lists a few inventions that were developed this way, in chapter 7 on Insight, and I found an article that lists “Great Eureka Moments in History: From Issac Netwon to Sir Paul McCartney, (where) inspiration arrived suddenly”[xvi] to help these inventors move forward with their famous AHA Moments. I personally think it's amazing how we acquire wisdom. When we suddenly “see” something that escaped us for so long. I can only imagine the room from Grant Bosnick's opening story when that one person said “why don't we make incubators out of Toyota cars?” completely shifting what EVERYONE was thinking. We ended this EP with one of my favorite poems from Stewart Edward White who explains how AHA Moments of Learning can change us forever. He writes: “Curious how we acquire wisdom! Over and over again, the same truth is thrust under our very noses. We encounter it in action; we are admonished of it; we read it in the written word. We suffer the experience; we gradually assent to the advice; we approve, intellectually, the written word. But nothing happens inside us. Then, one day, some trivial experience or word or encounter stops us short. A gleam of illumination penetrates the depth of our consciousness. We see! Usually it is but a glimpse; but on rare occasions a brilliant flash reveals truth fully formed. And we marvel that this understanding has escaped us so long.” REVISIT THIS EPISODE TO REVIEW THIS CONCEPT IN DEPTH EP 333 Chapter 8 “Exploring the Power of Expectations” where we will dive into a topic that I mark as high importance in my life, right up with breathing. When I took my self-assessment last year, the topic of expectations showed up as low priority for me to focus. Not because it's not important to me, but because I've already made this topic of high importance. Expectations came out for me in the RED category, with a low score of 8% (last year) along with goals and time management, that I also put high importance with on a daily basis.  This year, pathway 1 came out as an area of MEDIUM focus for me, and I can tell right now, that the area I need to work on is “time management.” If you've taken the self-assessment, look to see if Expectations (in pathway 1) are of a low, medium or high priority for you to focus on this year. Before looking at Grant Bosnick's thoughts about the topic of expectations, where he begins chapter 8 by asking us “what did you expect?” I had to do some research first, to see what is already out in the world, and there was a lot out there, on the science behind expectations. DID YOU KNOW: That when our expectations are met or exceeded, this “increases our dopamine levels, which leads to increased happiness and well-being, which helps maximize our performance by setting up the conditions of flow and insight, which leads to more productivity and increased confidence?” (Chapter 8, Grant Bosnick) Conversely, did you know that “if our expectations are not met, that it dramatically decreases our dopamine levels, we feel disappointment and stress, resulting in poor performance and decreased confidence?” (Chapter 8, Grant Bosnick, Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, Page 84/85). On the EP we went deep into the Science of Expectation, and we looked at a book by David Robson called The Expectation Effect where this author showed us how “our beliefs, in themselves, shape your health and well-being in profound ways, and that learning to reset our expectations (about these issues) can have truly remarkable effects on our health, happiness and productivity.” (David Robson) SOME TIPS ON HOW TO USE THE NEUROSCIENCE OF EXPECTATIONS IN OUR DAILY LIFE: KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I'M EXPECTING (of myself and others): Understanding the science, helps me to keep my expectations tied to myself, and not others, to avoid disappointment and stress.  I expect to achieve my goals, (by putting in the necessary work) keep myself in good health (physical and mental) and will not just THINK about these expectations, but will do the hard work, take the action necessary to achieve them. This way, I'm not just “thinking” of what I expect to occur, I'm actually doing something with those thoughts. If I'm ever feeling “disappointed” with something in my life, a good question to ask is “what did you expect?” and see if I can backtrack to my thoughts. Was I using the science to flood my brain with dopamine, (with something within my control-that I could take action towards) or not. USE POSITIVE EXPECTATION TO BUILD RESILIENCE FOR A HEALTHIER VERSION OF MYSELF: Understanding the science behind our expectations, and especially David Robson's work, where we learned that “people with a more positive attitude towards their later years are less likely to develop (certain age-related diseases)” (David Robson, The Expectation Effect) making a strong case for expecting exceptional mental and physical health in the future. Again, it goes without saying that we can't just “think” ourselves into good health. We need to do the work here in order to expect results to occur. CONTINUE TO EXPECT GOOD THINGS (for myself and others) Knowing that “expectations and beliefs can influence—indeed are already influencing your life in many other surprising and powerful ways. (David Robson, The Expectation Effect) makes me believe in some of the rituals I've heard of over the years, like lucky charms. I learned from David Robson's The Expectation Effect, that “superstitions and rituals can boost perseverance and performance across a whole range of cognitive tasks, and (that) the advantages are often considerable.” (Page 198, The Expectation Effect). Whether you are a professional athlete, singer, public speaker, or someone like me who just wants improved results, there is a science to having a lucky charm, or something that brings you the promise of success, to help you to create a feeling of control during those high stress times we all face. Don't dismiss the power of a lucky rock with a goal written on it, or whatever it is that holds significance to you with your future goals, or something that has meaning to you, that you expect to occur in your future. REVISIT THIS EPISODE TO REVIEW THIS CONCEPT IN DEPTH EP 335 Chapter 9 “The Neuroscience Behind Staying Strong and Clear-Headed” Chapter 9, covering “The Neuroscience of Emotion Regulation” which showed up on my leadership self-assessment (in pathway 4 last year AND again this year) as a low, RED score, of 20%. This is not because it's not something I don't need to pay attention to, this is something I pay attention to daily, right up there with physical health that's also listed in Pathway Four of Grant's Self-Leadership Map. Look to see if Emotion Regulation (pathway 4) is of a low, medium or high priority for you to focus on this year. EMOTION REGULATION AND SLEEP: In a world where we are hit daily by external stimuli, how on the earth can we be proactive to stay mentally strong and clear-headed so we have improved executive control to manage our emotions and regulate them? This took me straight to the work of Dr. Andrew Huberman, and Dr. Matthew Walker who recorded an episode called “Improve Sleep to Boost Mood and Emotion Regulation.”[xvii] It was here where I learned just how important sleep is for keeping a strong, clear mind, so we can use this strength to acknowledge and regulate our emotions, like Bosnick suggested in chapter 9 of his book. Dr. Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and the host of The Matt Walker Podcast, gave example after example that proved that when you've NOT had a good night's sleep, things that wouldn't bother you (when you've slept well), begin to aggravate, or grate on you more. Here's what I found to be remarkable on this topic, something I had not ever heard before. DID YOU KNOW THAT “the greater amount of REM sleep you are getting, (where our dreams occur) the greater amount of emotional detox you will get the next day.” Matt Walker and Dr. Andrew Huberman. Dr. Walker went on to explain that “the brain chemical noradrenaline (that's responsible for our stress reaction) completely shuts off during REM sleep, and serotonin (that plays a role with our mood) decreases, while acetyl choline (that carries messages from our brain to our body through nerve cells) increases by up to 30% in some parts of the brain (and can be even more active than when we were awake).  Dr. Walker concluded that the decrease of stress related brain chemicals is what makes “REM sleep was the perfect condition for overnight therapy.” If we want to improve our emotion regulation, the science is pointing directly to improving our sleep. On this episode, we dove deep into the 4 stages of sleep and suggestions to improve our sleep is something I've been working on for the past 5 years. There is a lot to this, and I'm still working on improving ALL the macroingredients of a good sleep (suggested by Dr. Walker), that include QQRT, or knowing the quantity (amount of sleep), quality (fragmented vs continuous), regularity (sleeping/waking around the same time) and timing (sleeping in alignment with my chronotype).  Dr. Walker explains these areas with Dr. Huberman, and if you do wonder where you can improve, I highly suggest their 6-part series on sleep. TIPS FOR IMPROVING EMOTION REGULATION BY IMPROVING OUR SLEEP: Here are three tips that I took away from the neuroscience of self-regulation, that I've been working on, to see if improving my sleep in these areas, could possibly improve emotion regulation. 1. KNOW HOW MUCH DEEP RESTORATIVE SLEEP WE ARE GETTING EACH NIGHT:  We all know the importance of knowing how much sleep we are getting to be well-rested the next day, (how many hours or the quantity) but it's also important to keep an eye on the QUALITY or amount of DEEP RESTORATIVE sleep we are getting each night. When I looked at the graphic I included when I wrote this EP back in June 2024, using the WHOOP wearable tracker, I can tell you that with focus and effort in this area, I've been able to improve the number of hours of restorative sleep I was getting last year, to this year, by 14%, hitting most nights with sufficient restorative sleep. Do you know how many hours of restorative sleep you are getting each night? 2. KNOW HOW MUCH REM SLEEP WE ARE GETTING: Keeping an eye on how much REM sleep we getting, is my next tip, since we know it's important for consolidating new memories, learning and motor skills. We also just learned that the more REM sleep we are getting, we can say we are getting some good overnight therapy, restoring ourselves mentally. You can find sleep trackers that can help you to measure and track these important ingredients of a good sleep for yourself, and see how much REM sleep you are getting each night, while keeping in mind that “the greater amount of REM sleep you are getting, the greater amount of emotional detox you will get the next day.” (Dr. Walker) Remember, we are working on ways to help with our emotion regulation, and it seems to me, that an easy way to do this, would be to see how we can improve our REM sleep.   3. APPLY THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP TO IMPROVE EMOTION REGULATION: Since “during REM sleep the stress chemicals are turned off” helping us to “strip away the emotion from the memory” we can take this understanding a step further, and see if we are able to solve any of our problems during sleep. Dr. Huberman and Dr. Walker went into great detail about this concept[xviii] that I've actually witnessed first-hand. They described what happens in REM sleep to be like “Behavior-Desensitization” and I had the opportunity to see the stages of this process, done by someone skilled and trained in trauma and the brain, working with someone I know well, who has experiences significant trauma in their life, starting at an early age. Using a series of techniques, the trained therapist took the client safely from talking about a traumatic memory from their childhood, (with extreme emotion attached) to where they could say out loud that the memory had lost its emotional load and no longer gave them an emotional reaction. This is exactly what happens to our brain during REM sleep and why it's mentally restorative. Putting these tips all together, and knowing that improving the quality, and quantity of sleep is linked to improving emotion regulation, I'm working hard to improve restorative sleep and REM sleep, each month.  It's all just a balancing act, though, and working on one part of our health at a time. REVISIT THIS EPISODE TO REVIEW THIS CONCEPT IN DEPTH REVIEW and CONCLUSION: To review and conclude this week's episode #356 on PART 2 of our review of Grant Bosnick's Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, we covered a review of the strategies that can help us to implement each concept, from chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9. ✔ EP 327 Chapter 6[xix] “The Hydrated Brain” ✔ EP 330 Chapter 7[xx]“Aha Moments, Creative Insights/the Brain” ✔ EP 333 Chapter 8[xxi] “Exploring the Power of Expectations” ✔ EP 335 Chapter 9[xxii] “The Neuroscience Behind Staying Strong and Clear-Headed” While listening to each episode can be a helpful review, so can revisiting your leadership self-assessment to see what might have changed for you this year from last. I hope this review of chapters 6-9 of Grant Bosnick's Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership have helped you to think of NEW ways of thinking and taking the necessary action, that will drive you towards whatever it is that you are working on this year. With that thought, I do want to thank you for tuning in, and we will see you next time, with a review of the next 4 chapters. See you next time. REFERENCES: [i] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #321 with Grant ‘Upbeat' Bosnick  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/insights-from-grant-upbeat-bosnick/   [ii]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #355 Mastering Self-Leadership REVIEW PART 1 (Grant Bosnick) https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/mastering-self-leadership-with-neuroscience/   [iii]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #327 “The Hydrated Brain” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/neuroscience-meets-social-and-emotional-learning-podcast-episode-327-recap/   [iv] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #330 “AHA Moments, Creative Insights and the Brain”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/understanding-self-leadership-and-the-neuroscience-of-goals/   [v] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #333 “Exploring the Power of Expectations” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/exploring-the-power-of-expectations-in-episode-333/   [vi]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #335 “The Neuroscience Behind Being Strong and Clear Headed” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/mastering-emotion-regulation-the-neuroscience-behind-staying-strong-and-clear-headed/   [vii] Peter Attia https://peterattiamd.com/   [viii] Attia's Rule https://miloandthecalf.com/2023/02/08/the-attia-rule-some-tests-of-strength-for-longevity/#:~:text=Awhile%20back%20longevity%20expert%20Peter,a%20person%20fit%20for%20longevity.   [ix]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast “Using Neuroscience to Improve Fitness, Longevity and Overall Health.”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/brain-fact-friday-on-using-neuroscience-to-improve-fitness-longevity-and-overall-health/   [x] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast BONUS EPISODE Recorded for Podbean's Wellness Week “The Top 5 Health Staples” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/bonus-episode-a-deep-dive-into-the-top-5-health-staples-and-review-of-seasons-1-4/   [xi]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EP 168 “Dr. Bruce Perry and Steve Graner: What Happened to You?”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/dr-bruce-perry-and-steve-graner-from-the-neurosequential-network-on-what-we-should-all-know-about-what-happened-to-you/   [xii] Gabor Mate When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection Published https://www.amazon.com/When-Body-Says-No-Hidden/dp/178504222X   [xiii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 264 “The Neuroscience Behind The Silva Method: Improving Creativity and Innovation in our Schools, Sports and Modern Workplaces”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/the-neuroscience-behind-the-silva-method-improving-creativity-and-innovation-in-our-schools-sports-and-modern-workplaces/   [xiv] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 315 “Thinking and Acting in This Certain Way PART 2 Review of Wallace D. Wattles The Science of Getting Rich book https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/part-2-review-of-wallace-d-wattles-the-science-of-getting-rich-on-chapter-4-thinking-and-acting-in-a-certain-way/   [xv] https://www.me.columbia.edu/faculty/hod-lipson   [xvi] “Great Eureka Moments in History: From Issac Netwon to Sir Paul McCartney, inspiration arrived suddenly” by Dan Falk, Published September 2, 2005 https://magazine.utoronto.ca/research-ideas/culture-society/great-eureka-moments-in-history-famous-inspirational-moments/   [xvii] Dr. Matt Walker: Improve Sleep to Boost Mood & Emotional Regulation | Huberman Lab Guest Series  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_SrHS8FvMM   [xviii] Dr. Matt Walker: Improve Sleep to Boost Mood & Emotional Regulation | Huberman Lab Guest Series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_SrHS8FvMM   [xix]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #327 “The Hydrated Brain” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/neuroscience-meets-social-and-emotional-learning-podcast-episode-327-recap/   [xx] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #330 “AHA Moments, Creative Insights and the Brain”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/understanding-self-leadership-and-the-neuroscience-of-goals/   [xxi] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #333 “Exploring the Power of Expectations” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/exploring-the-power-of-expectations-in-episode-333/   [xxii]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #335 “The Neuroscience Behind Being Strong and Clear Headed” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/mastering-emotion-regulation-the-neuroscience-behind-staying-strong-and-clear-headed/  

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are joined by the dynamic Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston. Deborah shares her inspiring journey through adversity, reflecting on personal growth, resilience, and leadership. Together, they explore the role of anxiety in shaping our responses to challenges, discuss the importance of embracing failure, and reveal how we can turn life's obstacles into opportunities for growth. Key Points:- [0:40] - Introducing Deborah Duncan Deborah recounts her career journey, including her time as a news anchor and talk show host, and how life's challenges shaped her path.- [6:02] - Anxious Moments and Public Life A hilarious and poignant start: Deborah's Halloween mishap and a reflective discussion on managing anxiety in public roles.- [10:50] - The Power of Failure and Resilience How childhood struggles with math and an empathetic teacher taught Deborah the importance of persistence and asking for help.- [20:30] - Navigating Workplace Challenges Deborah opens up about workplace adversities, the lessons they taught her, and how they prepared her for greater opportunities.- [30:45] - The Cost of Overprotection A candid conversation about how shielding younger generations from adversity can hinder growth and resilience.- [40:20] - Leadership and Constructive Feedback Deborah shares her approach to coaching employees, balancing humor, compassion, and accountability to foster growth.- [48:12] - Failure as a Stepping Stone Insights into reframing failure as a natural part of growth, and how to use it to propel you toward success. Quotable Moments:[10:55] "Failure isn't the end—it's the clearing for what's next." - Deborah Duncan [30:47] "We've done a disservice by shielding people from adversity; it's the struggle that builds strength." - Cali Werner [48:15] "The alligator eats the most! It's about finding the way you learn best." - Deborah Duncan Links Mentioned:Great Day Houston: https://www.greatdayhouston.comWhat Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey: https://a.co/d/7hxRLskThe Anxiety Society Podcast: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comDeborah Duncan's story is a testament to the power of resilience and perspective. By embracing adversity and reframing failure, we can all grow stronger. Don't forget to subscribe, share the episode with friends, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Dr. Bruce Perry is a global leader in understanding how trauma impacts the developing brain. He is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network and has spent over 30 years as a clinician, researcher, and educator in children's mental health and neuroscience. Dr. Perry co-authored several influential books, including "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog" and "What Happened to You?" with Oprah Winfrey, a bestseller translated into 26 languages. His Neurosequential Model (NMT) offers a brain-based framework for trauma-informed care and has been adopted by organizations across the globe, impacting millions. Dr. Perry has published over 500 scientific articles, appeared on 60 Minutes and NPR, and received numerous awards, including the 2024 NAMI Scientific Research Award.   In today's episode, host Shay Beider speaks with Dr. Bruce Perry about childhood traumas and the neurosequential model he developed in order to provide a tool for clinicians to better understand how an individual functions. Shay and Dr. Perry discuss how trauma can affect the brain and the importance of understanding sequencing, spacing and dosing to promote healing. Shay and Dr. Perry discuss their experience using somatosensory approaches like dance, movement and music to support brain regulation and healing. In discussing ideas from his book "What Happened to You?", co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Perry explains how trauma impacts early brain organization and ways that society can better support individuals by creating sensitive support systems that are community oriented and relationship based.   Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing    Show Notes: Check out Bruce Perry's website Read “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog” here Read “What Happened to You” co-authored with Oprah Winfrey Learn more about the Neurosequential Network here Check out Cormac Russell's work that Dr. Perry mentioned here   This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.  Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org  

Send us a textThe episode highlights the vital role of self-regulation in parenting, especially in navigating holiday gatherings and family dynamics. Dr. Bruce Perry discusses the importance of understanding brain development and the processes involved in engaging with children emotionally. • The significance of regulating oneself before helping children • Strategies for approaching holiday gatherings with realistic expectations • The role of community support and resources in parenting • Understanding brain development through the hierarchy of functions • Importance of rupture and repair in parent-child relationships • Fostering resilience through connectedness and shared experiences • Overcoming the stigma of parenting struggles and being proactive Leave a rating and review for the podcast. Rate the podcast, leave a review and just send me an email. Let me know that you did it and I will send you Meltdown Mountain, which is a printable that you can put right up on your fridge and have the language to talk to your child about emotional awareness and what it feels like to be dysregulated.Get your FREE 40-page workbook called Becoming a Reflective Parent: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/reflectiveparentingworkbookJoin our membership, The Reflective Parent Club to learn how to manage your emotions and model this for your child. https://curiousneuron.com/join-our-club/Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at info@curiousneuron.com and I will send you our most popular guide called Meltdown Mountain.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links belowThank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation. BetterHelp is the world's largest therapy service, and it's 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron

Discovering the Blueprint for Inner Peace with Jonathan Labman   One of the leading spiritual awakening experts in the world, Jonathan Labman, has helped thousands of people overcome the constant hustle, anxiety, and exhaustion of “success” to live a life of purpose, peace, and fulfillment like he has learned to do.   Growing up being traumatized at home and bullied at school, Jon lived in uncomprehending misery for years.   Seeking guidance and acceptance, Jon wound up with only deeper trauma, anxiety, and self-doubt as he went in and out of extreme religious cults.   Bound and determined to feel better, Jonathan would experience numerous ‘false starts' before finding a ‘true start'.   Then, at the age of 30, Jonathan set out on an active spiritual path, which took him into different religions and mystical awakening traditions and eventually led him to discover what brought him joy and purpose – working with others and learning about their life stories.   Returning to school to earn a Master's in Counseling Psychology, and earning two trauma treatment certifications from the world-famous specialists Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Bruce Perry, Jon would begin teaching meditation and spiritual awakening.   Now the author of “An Ordinary Being” and “Simply Awake,” Jon continues to help people move away from a tortured existence and towards a life of peace and contentment, focusing on the CORE of who they really are.   Listen in as Jon and I sit down to discuss how he turned a life of deep trauma and misery into a life of pure joy and awakening, his mission to help others do the same, and how he eventually found his own path to FEARLESS HAPPYNESS!

Ahhh, the holiday season—a time for merriment, magical memories, and togetherness! Unfortunately, for some of us, it's a time full of intense mental and emotional gymnastics… what fills us with dread, you ask? Complex (read: traumatizing) family dynamics.  In this episode, Caitlin Liz Fisher shares their personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom on how to survive (and even thrive) when your family just isn't the Hallmark version.  Whether you're choosing to step back from toxic relationships or figuring out how to set boundaries, this episode is your permission slip to protect your peace.  You Will Learn: Why it's okay to say “no” to family traditions that don't serve you How to navigate the emotional complexities of estrangement Mental health book recommendations  Practical tools to regulate your nervous system during high-stress holiday situations The importance of finding your chosen family and building supportive communities Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Scroll down for all links mentioned in today's show!For the longest time, I denied having any trauma, but through therapy and a ton of research, I've come to realize its significant impact on my life and my ADHD.In today's episode, I discuss what trauma is and provide definitions and resources, especially focusing on Complex PTSD and its links to ADHD. One of the key takeaways is understanding how our experiences and the way we handle them can shape our mental health. For example, proper support and validation can prevent traumatic outcomes, as highlighted by trauma expert Peter Levine.I also delve into various types of trauma and the importance of creating safe environments. This is particularly crucial for neurodivergent individuals like us, as unhealed emotional wounds can have profound effects on how we show up in the world. I even share a personal story about my son to illustrate how validation, support, and protection can prevent lasting trauma.A significant part of our conversation revolves around the ongoing debate about whether ADHD is caused by trauma or genetics. While unaddressed trauma can mimic ADHD symptoms, it's crucial to differentiate and understand both. We explore Complex PTSD and how emotional flashbacks can resemble the ADHD trait of emotional dysregulation. I also talk about the trauma responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and share my personal experiences, including how I've often suppressed my true self for safety.Finally, I recommend some fantastic resources such as books by Dr. Bruce Perry and Pete Walker, and even suggest trauma assessments. I can't emphasize enough the importance of seeking therapy with a trauma-informed therapist. Addressing our past wounds is essential for personal growth and overall well-being.This episode is a deep dive into a subject that's both personal and universal. Recognizing and addressing trauma can be a pivotal step in our journey with ADHD. Thank you for joining me in this exploration. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support systems available to help you through this. What Happened to YouComplex PTSD From Surviving to ThrivingThis book is also free with a Spotify subscription Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire Multidimensional ADHD Symptom ProfilesToxic Family Test 

The radical shift in perspective that can come when we change our question from “what's wrong with you” to “what happened to you?”Dr. Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network and a Professor (Adjunct) at the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia. Over the last thirty years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children's mental health and the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the world. Dr. Perry is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. Dr. Perry's most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, has been translated into 26 languages and has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 100 weeks after becoming #1 on the list in April of 2021.Related Episodes:The Art and Science of the World's Gooiest Cliche | Barbara FredricksonHow to Live with the Worst Things That Ever Happened to You | Stephanie FooAn Ace Therapist Gives Dan A Run For His Money | Dr. Jacob HamDeep Genealogy | Spring WashamDeep, Provocative Success Strategies From the “Yoda of Silicon Valley” | Jerry ColonnaSign up for Dan's weekly newsletter hereFollow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTokTen Percent Happier online bookstoreSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelOur favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular EpisodesFull Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/drbruceperryAdditional Resources:Download the Ten Percent Happier app today: https://10percenthappier.app.link/installSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.