Podcasts about Dissociation

In this episode of the Psychiatry Podcast, Harvard experts from McLean Hospital: Dr. Melissa Kaufman, Dr. Matthew Robinson, and cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Lauren Lebois. Join Dr. David Puder to deliver the clearest, most evidence-based explanation of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) available today. Discover how DID is a developmental post-traumatic adaptation rooted in repeated childhood maltreatment, explore the neuroscience behind hyperarousal versus shutdown states (including groundbreaking Reinders studies), debunk persistent media myths like Sybil, and navigate long-standing controversies around validity, Freud versus Janet, false memories, and DID versus BPD. Dr. Kaufman shares her own courageous personal journey from living with DID and PTSD to full integration and recovery, offering real hope that this condition is treatable. Whether you're a clinician, someone with lived experience, or simply seeking the truth about dissociation, trauma, and identity fragmentation, this conversation will transform how you understand one of the most misunderstood psychiatric disorders. Presenters' conflicts of interest: Dr. Lauren Lebois reports unpaid membership on the Scientific Committee for the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), spousal IP payments from Vanderbilt University for technology licensed to Acadia Pharmaceuticals and spousal private equity in Violet Therapeutics unrelated to the present work. Dr. Melissa Kaufman reports Member, DSM Review Committee, Internalizing Disorders (unpaid); Primary Investigator, National Institute of Mental Health; Board of Directors (unpaid), International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Dr. Matthew Robinson and Dr. David Puder do not have any conflicts to report By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to Blog  Link to YouTube video

We share about recognizing our own timeline, the support of music, and bookending with islands.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

#407 In this episode, Guy welcomed Gabi Kovalenko to discuss the evolution of consciousness, the human biofield, and humanity's choices between organic autonomy and technology dependence. Gabi described reality as entangled fields (electromagnetic, scalar, plasma) and says current solar activity, CMEs, and biophoton "plasmic" influx can dysregulate those without inner coherence, while supporting awakening, introspection, and integration for others. They contrast seeking external "false light" or comfort with using illumination to metabolize trauma and restore love-based coherence, emphasizing integrity between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Gabi warned of transhumanist "artificial code" as a potential severing from soul/morphogenetic fields, while arguing coherent living can harmonize with higher DNA potential. They touched on felt support beyond the physical, retreats, her book "Falling Up," and her sessions and women's course. About Gabi: Gabi Kovalenko is a transformational thought leader and modern philosopher with a pro-consciousness approach to personal development and mindful living. Gabi integrates principles of noetic science and positive psychology into her philosophy to shed light on the nexus of science and spirituality, revealing the power of consciousness and potentiality within all of life. Her approach revitalizes spiritual concepts by offering a refreshing take on the self-evident truth of universal order that connects people of all ages to their innate wisdom and purpose. Since an early age, she has demonstrated signs of divine wisdom speaking through her and has always been unique, original, and deeply philosophical. She perceives reality through the lens of higher consciousness, even in spite of her young age. These days, individuals like herself are often considered old souls, starseeds, or prodigies, but her humble personality doesn't like to identify with such labels. Gabi's passion lies in inspiring a fresh awareness of life by disarming limiting beliefs with self-awareness and igniting a paradigm shift towards joy, abundance, love, passion, and freedom to help an individual construct the inner world of their choosing and, in doing so, contribute to the formation of a better one for us all. Key Points Discussed:  (00:00) - The Emerging Divide in Humanity and the Return to Organic Intelligence! (00:56) - Podcast Intro and Guest (03:50) - Gen Z and Spirituality (04:10) - What Do You Do (05:37) - Origins and Upbringing (08:30) - Fields and Biofield Basics (11:39) - Solar Flares and Coherence (13:36) - Transhumanism Choice Point (16:25) - Radiation vs Magnetism Balance (20:44) - Integration Over Euphoria (22:46) - True Light vs False Light (28:41) - Mirrors and Coherence Tests (32:44) - Comfort vs Dissociation (36:17) - DNA and Coherence (38:27) - Frequencies and Disease (39:47) - Transhumanism Warning (42:29) - Organic Intelligence Choice (45:27) - Nature and God Spark (47:33) - Angelic Field Support (50:12) - Music and Sacred Sites (52:27) - Community Healing Spaces (53:51) - Quantum Faith Shifts (56:20) - Book and Offerings (59:53) - Women's Work and Sessions (01:01:52) - Final Integration and Farewell How to Contact Gabi Kovalenko:www.gabikovalenko.com   About me:My Instagram: www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en Guy's websites:www.guylawrence.com.au www.liveinflow.co

Are you struggling with a panic hangover? If you've survived a sympathetic nervous system surge, you are likely experiencing an adrenaline crash that leaves you feeling "weird," exhausted, and emotionally drained. This is post-panic recovery, and today we clear the brain fog to get your day back on track.In this episode of Calming Anxiety, we use the science-backed 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding technique to stop dissociation and anchor you in the present. We also address the physical symptoms of air hunger by balancing your carbon dioxide levels through mindful respiration.Inside this session:The 5-4-3-2-1 Reset: A sensory guide to stop the "weird" feeling and return to the room.Affirmations for Adrenal Health: Rewire your neuro-pathways to move from 'fight or flight' toward peace.The Hormonal Link: Why women aged 20–50 should track PMS and ovulation as triggers for anxiety spikes.Recovery Tips: Why electrolytes and a 20-minute grace period are essential for your prefrontal cortex after a surge.Lower your anxiety threshold today.RESOURCES:Master your panic recovery. Join the Anxiety Circuit Breaker course at:

Considering fascism is quickly taking hold more and more in the U.S. and beyond, I thought it would be a good idea to bring back my friend of the podcast, Beatriz Victoria Albina, to talk about nervous system healing and sexuality, emotional outsourcing and what sexuality has to do with fascism. From the start of the episode, Bea explains what trauma actually is in clear, everyday language without clinical jargon, and then we move into more nuanced topics. Béa is a master certified somatic life coach, UCSF-trained family nurse practitioner, and breath work meditation guide who helps humans socialized as women break free from codependency, perfectionism, and people-pleasing so they can reclaim their joy. A lot of what we cover in today's episode shows up in her brand new book End Emotional Outsourcing.  Here's what you'll hear in today's episode:  Nervous system dysregulation can show up in our sex lives through anxiety, shutdown, performance pressure, and disconnection, while a regulated state supports safety, presence, and genuine pleasure. Developmental trauma and chronic stress shape how we show up sexually, influencing our capacity for trust, intimacy, and embodiment. Fawning can show up in the bedroom when someone prioritizes their partner's needs, desires, or approval over their own authentic experience. Dissociation and emotional outsourcing can even show up during masturbation, pulling us out of presence with our own bodies and pleasure. Reclaiming sexuality often begins when we stop outsourcing our emotional safety to partners and start building that safety within ourselves. The common advice to “stop worrying about what other people think” oversimplifies the deeper nervous system and relational dynamics that shape our behavior. Emotional safety and connection in a relationship often need to be addressed alongside sexual intimacy rather than waiting for one to be “fixed” before the other. Authoritarian cultural systems can shape our relationship to sexuality by policing bodies, pleasure, and autonomy. Many of us internalize these systems in our own bodies—creating self-policing patterns around desire, pleasure, and expression—and healing involves consciously deconstructing those patterns. As a reminder, please join me on my Substack! I'm writing about topics like this, poetry, and everything in between. Resources from this episode:Get my emails so you won't miss the writing program I'm teaching with Shannon Kaiser Connect with me on my Substack, How Very Human of YouBea's previous interview on Make Some NoiseEnd Emotional Outsourcing book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We give a therapy update with some recovery support.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Send a textTrauma isn't only a story in the mind—it's also physiology, sensation, and nervous system patterning. In this final episode of the Many Faces of Trauma series, we explore how trauma can show up in the body through hyperarousal (fight/flight), hypoarousal (shutdown), stress-related symptoms over time, dissociation, and chronic tension patterns. Using a simple polyvagal-informed lens, we explain how nervous system state can shape sensations and symptoms—and why “I know I'm safe” can coexist with a body that still reacts. We share realistic body-based supports, focusing on small, repeated regulation, completing stress energy, co-regulation, and tracking 5% shifts. The episode ends with a short grounding practice and a supportive closing message to integrate the whole mini-series.In this episode, you'll learnWhy trauma affects the body, not just thoughtsCommon body patterns: hyperarousal, shutdown, stress symptoms, dissociation, tension holdingA polyvagal-informed view: state drives sensationWhat helps without overwhelm: repetition, body-language listening, movement, co-regulation, 5% shiftsA grounding practice that combines breath, stretch, and orientationA closing integration for the whole seriesGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Breath + Stretch + Name”Longer exhale than inhale (4 rounds)Gentle stretch + shoulder rollName 3 body facts (feet/hands/breath)Phrase: “My body has reasons. I can listen without panic.”Check the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.I will be back with more guest interviews starting again with Season 18. Stay tuned!Support the show

Why do we cling to the behaviors that hurt us most? In this episode, Kati Morton, LMFT, dives into the physiological and emotional complexities of eating disorder recovery, trauma responses, and the "why" behind our most difficult survival mechanisms. We explore the "safety" found in cycles like bulimia or anorexia when living in neglectful environments, and Kati provides actionable tools for those navigating C-PTSD, DID, and intimacy after divorce. The "Freeze" Response: Understanding "bed-locking" and C-PTSD. Complicated Grief: Why you might feel numb when an abuser passes away. The Feelings Wheel: Practical tools for naming emotions when you feel disconnected. Dissociation & DID: Managing treatment while living in an unsafe home. Shopping with our sponsors helps support Ask Kati Anything. Please check out this week's special offers: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code KATI oneskin.co/KATI Zocdoc: find and book top-rated doctors, therapists, or mental health providers near you in minutes zocdoc.com/kati Remi: protect your teeth from grinding with a custom-fit night guard. Go to shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 50% off Hers: visit forhers.com/kati to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you 00:00 – Intro: Mind-body responses 00:43 – ED cycles in abusive homes & Mandated Reporting 07:02 – Grieving an abuser: Understanding emotional numbness 12:41 – Why we "enjoy" or miss our eating disorders 25:01 – Tools for naming emotions (The Feelings Wheel) 32:27 – Navigating DID treatment in unsafe environments 39:09 – Is "bed-locking" a normal C-PTSD response? 47:09 – Shame and intimacy after divorce 53:03 – When your therapist challenges your recovery YouTube: youtube.com/@Katimorton Books: Why Do I Keep Doing This?, Traumatized, and Are u ok? Online Therapy: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/kati Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does chronic pain return even after months of physical therapy and exercise? Today I sit down with chronic joint and back pain specialist Bonnie Ryckova to uncover the missing link in injury recovery.Bonnie shares her powerful journey from childhood trauma and multiple accidents to discovering the "layers of compensation" the body builds over decades. Learn why traditional strengthening exercises often fail when the body is stuck in a fight-or-flight response and how nervous system regulation can finally break the cycle of painful flare-ups. This conversation offers a roadmap to move from "fixing" your body to partnering with it for lasting relief.Key Highlights & Timestamps03:09 The "Dissociation" of Injury: Bonnie describes the psychological impact of her first childhood injury, explaining how a plaster cast led to a feeling of disconnection from her own limb, a common side effect of physical trauma.05:17 The Hidden Impact of Childhood Accidents: A detailed look at how a "minor" accident at age 10 created a "rotational" compensation in Bonnie's pelvis that stayed with her for decades, despite X-rays showing nothing was broken.14:26 Trauma Processing vs. Physical Fixing: Following a car accident in her 30s, Bonnie explains the pivotal moment she realized that physical exercise alone couldn't heal her because the emotional trauma of the impact hadn't been processed.20:05 The "Layers of Compensation": A breakdown of how the body adapts over time. Bonnie explains that the demands we put on our bodies (career changes, travel, stress) add "layers" to old injuries, making standard physical therapy less effective over time.22:34 Nervous System "Fight or Flight" in Fitness: Bonnie discusses the irony of the fitness industry, where high-intensity "hustle" can actually prevent healing by keeping the nervous system in a constant state of threat.31:18 Learning to Listen to "Body Guidance": Bonnie shares her method of lying on the floor and allowing the body to lead the movement (rocking, pelvic tilts) rather than following a rigid exercise protocol.41:09 The "Silent" Rib Cage Breath: A step-by-step tutorial on the specific breathing technique Bonnie uses to expand the thoracic spine, relax the jaw, and signal safety to the brain to stop a pain flare-up.Bonnie's Bio Bonnie is a Chronic Joint and Back Pain Specialist who works with people whose pain keeps returning despite physiotherapy and exercise. Her work focuses on understanding how the body has adapted over time and where load is no longer shared evenly.Her background includes biomechanics, clinical Pilates and postural therapy, alongside lived experience of chronic pain, hypermobility, and injury recovery. This informs a way of working that is structured, body-led, and realistic, prioritising clarity before action.Her work has been featured in Forbes (2024), 30 Day Health Magazine (2025), and The I-Paper (2026). Connect with Bonnie https://bonnieryckova.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnieryckovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnieryckovaWho am I?Sarah Dawkins is a passionate Holistic Health and Healing Coach, international speaker and author of Heal Yourself. She's also a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the award-winning host of the uplifting podcast Mind Body Medicine for Self Healers with Sarah Dawkins.With over 20 years' experience as a Registered Nurse, Sarah combines her deep understanding of conventional medicine with her own powerful self-healing journey to create a truly integrative approach. Having overcome multiple chronic health challenges herself, she now supports others in uncovering and addressing the root causes of their symptoms, helping them restore balance, reclaim their energy and create lasting, vibrant wellness.www.sarahdawkins.com#healingpain #chronicpainsolutions #chronicpainrecovery #chronicpainhelp #chronicpainrelief #chronicpainawareness #emotionalpain #traumarecovery #traumahealing

Send a textDissociation is often misunderstood, but for many people it's a protective nervous-system strategy—a way the mind and body reduce overwhelm when something feels too much to stay present for. In this intro-level episode, we explore dissociation as a spectrum: from spacing out and going blank to numbness, unreality, time loss, and feeling detached from the body or emotions. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we connect dissociation to shutdown protection, discuss common triggers (conflict, overwhelm, feeling trapped, sensory load), and outline what helps—especially gentle, body-first ways to return without shame. We close with a grounding practice using texture and temperature cues to support a soft “coming back.”In this episode, you'll learnA clear definition of dissociation and how it differs from ordinary distractionWhy dissociation is a protection strategy (not a character flaw)A polyvagal lens on dissociation as shutdown/freeze protectionCommon triggers: conflict, overwhelm, feeling trapped, sensory load, exhaustionHow dissociation can impact memory, relationships, and self-trust over timeWhat helps: gentle return, reduced stimulation, body-first orientation, naming without shame, building safetyA grounding practice designed specifically for dissociationGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Texture + Temperature Return”Touch a textured object (fabric, chair, sleeve)Name 3 qualities (smooth/rough/cool/warm)Notice one temperature cuePress feet into the floor (twice)Phrase: “I'm here now. I'm coming back gently.”Check the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What's next: How Trauma Can Affect the BodySupport the show

Laura Brown shares with our study group about her book Not the Price of Admission.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Why are these books in the Bible—and why aren't others?What do we mean by “biblical canon,” and who actually chose it?Were books ever removed, or simply not included?Support this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donateGrab your free gift: the top 10 most misunderstood Biblical verses: https://info.bibspeak.com/10-verses-clarifiedJoin the newsletter (I only send 2 emails a week): https://www.bibspeak.com/#newsletterShop Dwell L'abel 15% off using the discount code BIBSPEAK15 https://go.dwell-label.com/bibspeakDownload Logos Bible Software for your own personal study: http://logos.com/biblicallyspeakingSign up for Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig...Use Manychat to automate a quick DM! It's great for sending links fast.https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/nd14879vojabStan.Store—way better than Linktree! It lets me share links, grow my email list, and host all my podcast stuff in one place.https://join.stan.store/biblicallyspeakingSupport this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donate Dr. Anna Kitko originally a British-trained Cambridge graduate, Anna's clinical work focuses in the realm of Cults and New Religions by weaving together an eclectic background in Theology, World Religion, Christian Apologetics, and modern Psychology for a therapeutic experience that is spiritually focused and mindful of the boundaries of Holy Scripture.She carries two undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida in Philosophy and Religion as well as a Master of Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. On top of this, Anna is a current Research Associate with the University of Salford, Manchester UK, carrying a Master of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control and having authored the first psychometric in the world measuring spiritual abuse in demonic deliverance settings. Respectively, she is a member and regular lecturer for the International Cultic Studies Association and the Director of Theological Integrity for Ratio Christi: Campus Apologetics Alliance; an international Christian Apologetics network. Locally, Anna is Theological Director of Integrated Wellness Tennessee, a non-profit mission providing clinical mental health care to those in the community who otherwise could not afford care financially.Her expertise focuses on cases of spiritual abuse, cultic and coercive control, brainwashing, domestic violence, human trafficking, terrorism, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Dissociation, and spiritual pathologies such as Prelest. She is an unabashed Christian and the center of her therapeutic interventions is housed in an office modeled after a 12 th century monastic cloister.Anna possesses a knowledge of a vast array of historic therapeutic interventions from Mesopotamian exorcism protocols, to meridian work, and all the way to modern interventions such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR. She also is well versed in the healing of popular and fraudulent mental health interventions such as SOZO and Apostolic Demonic Deliverance.Recommended reading inspired by this episode:

Episode E443 | Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan In this episode of Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan Zeine sits down with nationally recognized traumatic grief expert Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT, to explore the complex realities of traumatic grief, sudden loss, and unexpected death. Sudden death can shatter our assumptive world, dysregulate the nervous system, and create symptoms that go far beyond natural grief. Together, they unpack the critical difference between grief and traumatic grief, how shock impacts the brain and body, and why stabilization must happen before deeper grief processing can begin. As founder of Traumatic Grief Solutions and one of fewer than 300 professionals credentialed as a Fellow in Thanatology, Dr. Levin provides crisis response consulting, grief leadership training, and trauma-informed coaching for executives and HR leaders. She explains how sudden workplace loss affects productivity, morale, and long-term retention — and why most bereavement policies fail grieving employees. You'll also learn how anger, guilt, regret, and loss of control show up after traumatic loss, how collective trauma differs from personal grief, and what truly helps someone heal after unexpected death. Midway through the conversation, Dr. Levin shares practical tools from her new book, The Traumatic Loss Workbook: Powerful Skills for Navigating the Grief Caused by a Sudden or Unexpected Death, offering actionable strategies for coping with grief, regulating the nervous system, and rebuilding meaning after tragedy. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to Traumatic Grief & Sudden Loss 2:03 – Meet Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT 6:00 – Grief vs. Traumatic Grief: Key Differences 8:44 – How Sudden Death Affects the Brain & Nervous System 10:53 – Real-Life Cases of Shock & Dissociation 13:51 – Safety, Stabilization & Trauma Recovery 17:17 – Collective Trauma vs. Individual Loss 20:34 – Anger, Rage, Guilt & Loss of Control 25:07 – Bereavement Leave & Workplace Grief Culture 28:23 – The Financial & Emotional Cost of Grief at Work 30:28 – Trauma-Informed Leadership & HR Strategies 36:20 – How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving 41:56 – Facing Mortality & Talking About Death 45:03 – The Traumatic Loss Workbook & Resources This episode is essential for anyone coping with personal loss, supporting a grieving loved one, leading a team after a workplace tragedy, or seeking trauma-informed strategies for healing after sudden death. Whether you are a therapist, executive, HR professional, or someone navigating grief recovery, this conversation offers compassionate insight, evidence-based tools, and practical guidance to foster resilience and long-term healing. Learn more: TraumaticGriefSolutions.com TherapyHeals.com

Send a textComplex trauma forms through repeated or prolonged exposure to threat or chronic stress—often in contexts where escape isn't possible and where relationships or systems meant to provide safety are also part of the problem. In this intro-level episode, we clarify the difference between single-incident PTSD patterns and complex trauma, and we outline how C-PTSD discussions often include PTSD symptoms plus broader impacts on emotion regulation, self-concept, relationships, and agency. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we explore what it means when protection becomes the nervous system's default—and why that's an adaptation, not a character trait. We end with a short practice that helps you name your state and offer one small supportive need.In this episode, you'll learnWhat complex trauma is (repeated exposure + limited escape + often relational/systemic)How complex trauma differs from single-incident trauma patternsCommon C-PTSD pattern areas (intro-level): regulation, self-concept, relationships, meaning/agencyA polyvagal lens on “sticky” protection states and relational sensitivityWhy phases of healing matter: stabilisation, integration, reconnectionPractical first steps that reduce shame and build agencyA grounding practice to identify the state and offer a needGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Name the State, Offer a Need”Orient to one neutral objectName your state (activated/shutdown/in-between)Ask: “What would help 5%?” and choose one needPhrase: “This is a protective state. I can support it.”Longer exhaleCheck the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What's next: Dissociation: The Mind's Emergency Exit (Intro-Level)Support the show

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm honored to introduce you to: Brilliant and renowned American stand-up comedian, Emmy Award and Peabody Award Winner, podcast host and co-host, content creator, writer, wearer and finder of hilarious costumes, former GATE kid, loving husband to a dolphin, whistleblower to whistleblowers, survivor advocate, and someone I'm honored to call a friend: Kurt Metzger A comedian who turned personal rebellion into a beacon of unfiltered truth, Kurt's early life was anything but ordinary. Born in Ohio, he was raised in the Jehovah's Witness faith where he was ordained as a minister at age 17. Diving headfirst into stand-up, Kurt honed his craft in the gritty clubs of Philadelphia and New York, where his sharp wit and no-holds-barred style quickly set him apart in the industry. Kurt doesn't just write; he performs - showcasing his mastery of observational comedy laced with dark humor, tackling everything from politics to human folly. In addition to doing stand-up he also hosts his own podcast on YouTube and co-hosts with Jimmy Dore on The Jimmy Dore Show. A couple years ago, I crossed paths with Kurt on social media and learned that Kurt wasn't merely a fan of survivor testimonies - he was devouring them, using every raw testimony to finally piece together the puzzle of his own upbringing and defect from the Jehovah's Witness cult that had shaped (and scarred) his childhood. Those same accounts also helped paint a bigger picture of why the JW's may have the largest settlement in history against them for covering up sexual abuse crimes.  On his most recent appearance on Joe Rogan, Kurt even arrived dressed as the infamous MK ULTRA scumbag John C. Lilly - the dolphin-obsessed "scientist" survivors like J.R. Sweet have named as a programmer and abuser, talked about MONARCH and mind control on the show, brought and showed JR Sweet's incredible memoir, “Mormon Monarch” on the podcast, and left a signed copy of JR's book for Rogan after the podcast. What I love about Kurt is that he chooses advocacy over approval, values justice more than likes, and truth more than comfort. He delivers the hardest realities wrapped in his signature blend: razor-sharp comedy, biting sarcasm, gut-punch honesty - and laughter that disarms just enough for the truth to sink deep, refusing to fade when the jokes end. Today, Kurt has become a force of nature, a towering voice for survivors. He befriends them, amplifies their testimonies, shares their work, and fights publicly in ways few have the guts to match. In an era where even seasoned journalists and hosts hesitate to utter "MK ULTRA" or "crimes against humanity," Kurt sprinted toward the fire the instant he understood its scale - and that it's still burning.CONNECT WITH KURP: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kurtmetzgercomedyIG: https://www.instagram.com/kurtmetzgercomedy/X: https://x.com/kurtmetzgerCONNECT WITH EMMA:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationpodcastofficialRumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheImaginationPodcastEMAIL: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.com OR standbysurvivors@protonmail.comMy Substack: https://emmakatherine.substack.com/BUY ME A COFFEE: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theimaginationVENMO: @emmaSupport the show

We read and respond to chapter 7 of Not the Price of Admission by Laura Brown.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What happens when the life you built… disappears overnight?In this deeply honest and moving conversation, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with author Patti Sauer to talk about the kind of grief we don't often name—the loss of identity that comes with chronic illness.After nearly two decades as a middle school teacher, Patti was forced to step away from the career she loved due to Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—a rare and debilitating neurological condition known as one of the most painful diseases in the world. What followed was not just physical suffering, but a profound identity crisis. Who are you when the titles fall away? Through therapy, journaling, and unexpected encouragement, Patti rediscovered a long-buried part of herself: the writer. Her poetry collection, Brave Bird, was born from grief—but grew into something much bigger.This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, career loss, depression, identity shifts, or the quiet grief of becoming someone new.

Joining us today is Crispin Thorold - a British-Canadian international communications specialist and former BBC foreign correspondent who has spent the past 25 years specialising mainly on conflicts, post-conflict situations and crisis areas. He has worked in more than 40 countries, including six war zones and multiple post-conflict regions. As a BBC correspondent Crispin was based in Northern Ireland, India, Afghanistan and the Middle East. As a comms leader he has worked closely with survivors of terrorism, torture and war. Now retraining as a psychotherapist and psychologist, he plans to build on his previous experience, to work with men who have been affected by conflict. His interest areas include trauma and addictions.   keywords journalism, crisis reporting, mental health, trauma, psychotherapy, conflict, emotional toll, news consumption, storytelling, human experience  summary Crispin Thorold, a former foreign correspondent now training as a psychotherapist, talks about his progress through crisis reporting, the emotional toll it takes, and the transition to understanding trauma from a psychological perspective. He discusses the challenges of reporting in conflict zones, the responsibility felt towards the affected populations, and the importance of mental health awareness in journalism. The conversation also touches on the impact of news consumption on society and the need for a more thoughtful approach to engaging with current events.  takeaways Crispin's journey into journalism was not planned but evolved from his interests. His background in history and international relations shaped his career. The emotional connection to the places and people he reported on was profound. Journalists often feel a responsibility to tell the stories of those suffering. The cycle of reporting can be mentally exhausting and challenging. Crispin highlights the long-lasting mental scars from war reporting. He emphasizes the importance of self-care for journalists. Transitioning to psychotherapy has allowed him to explore trauma more deeply. There is a growing awareness of mental health issues in journalism. Crispin advocates for a more thoughtful approach to news consumption.    sound bites "You feel a real responsibility." "The mental scars that it can leave on you." "I think there's a lot more awareness now." Chapters (timings approx.) 00:00 Introduction to Crispin Thorold's Journey 02:32 The Path to Foreign Correspondence 05:23 Understanding Conflict Through Personal History 08:03 The Responsibility of Reporting 11:25 Challenges in War Reporting 15:52 The Emotional Toll of Conflict Reporting 19:50 The Human Element in Journalism 23:59 Trauma and Dissociation in Journalists 25:28 Experiencing Trauma in War Zones 27:40 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Healing 30:23 Transitioning from Journalism to Advocacy 33:11 The Impact of Trauma on Journalistic Work 35:35 Organizational Support for Journalists 38:59 The Need for Accessible Mental Health Resources 40:51 Rethinking News Consumption 48:25 Concluding Thoughts on Trauma and Healing 49:16 Ten second outro video.

Joining us today is Crispin Thorold - a British-Canadian international communications specialist and former BBC foreign correspondent who has spent the past 25 years specialising mainly on conflicts, post-conflict situations and crisis areas. He has worked in more than 40 countries, including six war zones and multiple post-conflict regions. As a BBC correspondent Crispin was based in Northern Ireland, India, Afghanistan and the Middle East. As a communications leader he has worked closely with survivors of terrorism, torture and war. Now retraining as a psychotherapist and psychologist, he plans to build on his previous experience, to work with men who have been affected by conflict. His interest areas include trauma and addictions.   keywords journalism, crisis reporting, mental health, trauma, psychotherapy, conflict, emotional toll, news consumption, storytelling, human experience  summary Crispin Thorold, a former foreign correspondent now training as a psychotherapist, talks about his progress through crisis reporting, the emotional toll it takes, and the transition to understanding trauma from a psychological perspective. He discusses the challenges of reporting in conflict zones, the responsibility felt towards the affected populations, and the importance of mental health awareness in journalism. The conversation also touches on the impact of news consumption on society and the need for a more thoughtful approach to engaging with current events.  takeaways Crispin's journey into journalism was not planned but evolved from his interests. His background in history and international relations shaped his career. The emotional connection to the places and people he reported on was profound. Journalists often feel a responsibility to tell the stories of those suffering. The cycle of reporting can be mentally exhausting and challenging. Crispin highlights the long-lasting mental scars from war reporting. He emphasizes the importance of self-care for journalists. Transitioning to psychotherapy has allowed him to explore trauma more deeply. There is a growing awareness of mental health issues in journalism. Crispin advocates for a more thoughtful approach to news consumption.   sound bites "You feel a real responsibility." "The mental scars that it can leave on you." "I think there's a lot more awareness now." Chapters (timings approx.) 00:00 Introduction to Crispin Thorold's Journey 02:32 The Path to Foreign Correspondence 05:23 Understanding Conflict Through Personal History 08:03 The Responsibility of Reporting 11:25 Challenges in War Reporting 15:52 The Emotional Toll of Conflict Reporting 19:50 The Human Element in Journalism 23:59 Trauma and Dissociation in Journalists 25:28 Experiencing Trauma in War Zones 27:40 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Healing 30:23 Transitioning from Journalism to Advocacy 33:11 The Impact of Trauma on Journalistic Work 35:35 Organizational Support for Journalists 38:59 The Need for Accessible Mental Health Resources 40:51 Rethinking News Consumption 48:25 Concluding Thoughts on Trauma and Healing 49:16 Ten second outro video.

We read and respond to chapter 7 of Not the Price of Admission by Laura Brown.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We explore about “Limerence” as a trauma response.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

After my conversation with Janina Fisher about dissociative parts, my inbox exploded with questions about dissociation. So today, I'm answering the three that kept showed up a few timesIn this episode, we're covering:Why you might dissociate MORE in therapy than anywhere else (and why that doesn't mean therapy isn't working)How to tell the difference between zoning out and actual dissociationWhy you can tell your trauma story without feeling anything, and what that really meansIf you've ever driven home from therapy wondering why your brain keeps checking out, or if you've told your story a hundred times but can't seem to access the feelings, this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:Early warning signs of dissociation in your body (before it fully takes over)How to use orienting to stay present when things get heavyThe difference between depersonalization and derealizationWhy emotional numbness is protection, not proof that nothing happenedThree concrete ways to start rebuilding the bridge between your story and your bodyMentioned in This Episode:Episode with Janina Fisher on dissociative parts (listen first if you haven't yet)Window of toleranceState-dependent memoryDorsal vagal shutdown responseThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast! Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

We explore about “Limerence” as a trauma response.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We explore “Limerence” as a trauma response.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Send a textMedical and birth trauma can happen when care meant to help also involves fear, helplessness, loss of control, or violations of consent and dignity. In this episode, we explore why “routine” experiences can still leave lasting nervous system imprints, especially when a person feels rushed, unheard, exposed, or powerless. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we look at fight/flight and shutdown responses in medical settings, common aftereffects like avoidance of care or panic in clinics, and practical ways to reclaim choice. We close with a grounding practice that emphasises resourcing and choice—two key ingredients for nervous system safety.In this episode, you'll learnWhat medical and birth trauma is (beyond outcomes)Why consent, choice, and dignity are central nervous-system needsPolyvagal-informed patterns: mobilised protection vs shutdown in medical contextsCommon signs (non-diagnostic): avoidance of care, panic in clinics, distrust, shame, disconnectionWhat helps: reclaiming small choices, support scripts, debriefing, gentle body reconnection, trauma-informed supportA short grounding practice focused on resourcing and choiceGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Resourced Breath + Choice Point”Bring to mind a neutral-to-good resource imageChoose one breathing option (choice matters)Say: “Right now, I have choices” + name one small supportive choiceHand-on-body support: “Thank you, body, for protecting me.”Check the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What's next: When the Environment Is the Threat: Chronic Stress Without an ExitSupport the show

We share therapy updates about discovering “rage”.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We share therapy updates about showing up for myself/ves, that it is only me who can, and what that means about partsiness as a system.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of The Lectern, John Vervaeke and host Ethan Hsieh explore what Ethan calls the "Underground Man" problem. How we can get trapped in endless abstraction, lose contact with lived meaning, and oscillate between inflation and collapse. They unpack the reflectiveness gap (hyper-reflection that disconnects us from motivation), how the imaginal bridges the abstract and the embodied, and why the cultural severing of transcendence and finitude fuels cycles of nihilism, indecision, and irresponsible action. The conversation also dives into the cognitive science of dissociation including volitional vs. pathological forms. Showing how disruptive strategies can support transformation when followed by reintegration. The Q&A then turns toward prayer and ritual: how they can go wrong as "vicious abstraction," and how they can go right as re-centering a dialogical practice that reconnects us to reality, responsibility, and compassion. This episode also includes an important announcement: this will be John's last Lectern Q&A for a while. Over the next few months, Mark Miller will host Lectern Q&As while his course runs on the platform. Sign up for Lectern (Teachable) and explore current courses: https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lectern-lounge Timecodes: 00:00 Welcome + Lectern Live Q&A begins 01:00 Format: pre-submitted questions + YouTube chat + call-in option 02:20 Announcement: John stepping back; Mark Miller hosting upcoming Q&As 03:05 Who Mark Miller is + why his course matters 06:00 The "Underground Man" problem + the reflectiveness gap 09:40 Phenomenology: inflation, collapse, depression, nihilism, atrophy of agency 17:35 Culture-level pattern: severing transcendence and finitude 19:50 Why "more abstraction" doesn't fix it 20:40 Non-duality, recentering, and the return to the lived 25:35 Dissociation + predictive processing + relevance realization 27:20 Dialogical self ("I-positions") + narrative binding across agency/selfhood/personhood 31:00 Self-organizing criticality + pivotal mental states 33:25 Volitional vs. pathological dissociation; reintegration vs. fragmentation 36:45 Being/non-being interwoven; mortality and transformation 38:45 Prayer/ritual: vicious vs. virtuous abstraction 44:45 A concrete example of re-centering prayer 51:55 Primordial vs. ultimate; intuition/insight/inspiration and the sacred 01:06:10 YouTube chat: sports/flow as an ecology of practices + sportsmanship 01:08:05 YouTube chat: how John re-centers (Søren / orientation-level flow) 01:13:05 YouTube chat: "Underground woman" problem + caregiving inflation/collapse 01:20:05 Closing + next Q&A with Mark Miller (date mentioned in episode) John Vervaeke is a professor, philosopher, and cognitive scientist whose work focuses on the meaning crisis, relevance realization, and the cognitive science of wisdom. His research bridges cognitive science, philosophy, and contemplative traditions to explore how humans cultivate insight, agency, and deep transformation. Ethan Hsieh is a facilitator, educator, and philosophical practitioner working at the intersection of performance, cognition, and transformative pedagogy. He is the creator of TIAMAT, a three-tier developmental framework integrating cognitive science, dialogical philosophy, and embodied practice. Through immersive learning environments and collaborative inquiry, Ethan helps individuals cultivate virtuosity as a way of life—emphasizing participatory sense-making, metacognitive mapping, and shared agency. John Vervaeke: Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/DrJohnVervaeke YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke/videos Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke 

In this episode of the Harvest Series, Rose Claverie speaks with Chloé Macintosh about courage, intimacy, and the intelligence of the heart. Recorded by the sea during Harvest, the conversation explores pleasure as a healing force and the role of embodied practice in emotional wellbeing.Chloé Macintosh shares how trauma shapes attachment, why we fear vulnerability, and how healing happens through relationship rather than isolation. A powerful invitation to reconnect with life through the body and the heart.PS : Chloe is kindly offering a 50% discount on her app, Kama. Follow the linkChapters00:00 – Welcome to Harvest00:29 – Shame, disconnection, and intimacy01:08 – Courage and authenticity02:18 – Pleasure as a pathway to wellbeing03:00 – Why pleasure feels blocked03:40 – Trauma, numbness, and the senses04:03 – Courage as an open heart05:12 – Why we don't practice with the heart06:00 – Heart intelligence and coherence06:52 – The heart before the mind07:35 – Emotional signals and awareness08:12 – Why the heart is hard to access09:14 – Awareness as embodied intelligence10:09 – The heart beyond symbols11:02 – Fear, pain, and emotional avoidance12:02 – Healing wounds through practice13:14 – Childhood heartbreak and attachment14:29 – Separation and emotional safety15:34 – Repeating patterns in relationships16:00 – Healing in relationship, not isolation17:01 – Communication, triggers, and transparency18:32 – Vulnerability and desire19:06 – Intimacy, miscommunication, and distance20:29 – Pleasure, thoughts, and the body21:47 – From pleasure to heart work22:27 – Depression and aliveness23:10 – Sexual energy and embodiment24:36 – Dissociation and numbness25:15 – Re-centering and grounding26:10 – Layering pleasure and heart work27:05 – Creating practical methods28:33 – Trauma, trust, and safety30:13 – Receptivity as self-love31:05 – Practice as devotion32:11 – Everyday rituals and awareness33:27 – Intention, water, and presence34:06 – Intimacy with life35:08 – Personal breakthrough with the heart36:31 – Trauma, shutdown, and safety37:00 – Reopening the heart through service38:55 – Healing others through relationship40:13 – Closing reflectionsYou can follow us on Instagram at @HarvestSeries or @rose.claverie for updates.Watch our podcast episodes and speaker sessions on YouTube: Harvest Series.Credits:Sound editing by: @lesbellesfrequencesTechnician in Kaplankaya: Joel MoriasiMusic by: ChambordHarvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and Capital PartnersHarvest Series Founders: Burak Öymen and Roman Carel

When a son discovers that the man who raised him is capable of unimaginable harm, he is forced to become a whistleblower against his own father, risking his family, his identity, and everything he once believed to be true. Today's episode featured Kai Zen Bickle. To find out more about the legislation drafted with Child USA to close jurisdictional loopholes, specifically to ensure that evidence of sexual crimes committed against children on foreign soil can be brought back and used in U.S. courts, preventing perpetrators from escaping accountability by abusing international boundaries, please visit: https://childusa.org/law/ Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock Content/Trigger Warnings: Child sexual abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Statutory rape, Grooming, Drug-facilitated sexual assault, Incest (sexual exploitation by a parent), Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Psychological manipulation, Sexual exploitation, Coercion, Trauma, Dissociation, Moral injury, Whistleblower retaliation, Family betrayal, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: Music To Air (MTA) - Houses ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk with our guest, Dr. Frank Putnam about his new book, Old Before Their Time(Routledge, December 2025).Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We share words in response to what happened last weekend.CLICK HERE to see the names of known people who died in 2025.I would add the name of Roxsana Hernandez, a trans woman from Honduras who died by medical neglect in custody in 2018.Song is a compilation of songs learned in my tribal experiences, originals by Carliza and Jesse. Duet sung with Kim Skeesick.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE.  Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine.  We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes.  Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Join Jay Gunkelman (500,000+ brain scans analyzed), clinicians Joy Lunt (RN, BCN; Past President ISNR; hundreds of autism cases), Dr. Mari Swingle (author of i-Minds), John Mekrut (The Balanced Brain), Joshua Moore (MA, LMHC, BCN; Alternative Behavioral Therapy), Anthony Ramos, and host Pete Jansons for a full live Q&A on neurofeedback's impact on autism spectrum disorder—from severe non-verbal kids to life-altering changes, plus broader insights on epilepsy, sensory issues, dissociation, and more.✅ Topic 1 Explained: Neurofeedback often transforms autism symptoms (behavior, communication, family life)—~95% of Joy's cases see major gains, like one child whose school forgot his diagnosis.✅ Topic 2 Deep Dive: Not too young—even 5-year-olds benefit with careful protocols; early work prevents years of struggle by gently guiding brain development.✅ Topic 3 Insights: Intake via detailed interviews > rigid QEEG; adjust real-time based on behavior—avoid disrupting compensations for best results.✅ Additional Topics:

Send us a textPreverbal trauma can be hard to name because it often isn't stored as a clear story. In this episode, we explore how early experiences, which occur before language development, can shape the nervous system through implicit memory and felt sense. You'll learn why people can say “nothing happened” and still carry intense body reactions, relationship patterns, or shame responses that feel bigger than the moment. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we'll look at how early safety is wired through connection, and what helps when the body remembers what the mind cannot. The episode ends with a varied, trauma-neutral grounding practice using senses and gentle movement.In this episode, you'll learnWhat preverbal trauma is (and what it isn't)How early experiences are stored as implicit memory and felt sense rather than narrativeWhy reactions can feel “irrational” when the origin happened before wordsA simple polyvagal lens on early wiring: safety & connection vs mobilised protection vs shutdownCommon adult patterns linked to early nervous system adaptation (non-diagnostic)Practical, gentle starting points: micro-doses of safety, co-regulation, body-first tools, repair over perfectionA varied grounding practice designed to be supportive for preverbal materialGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Senses + Support”Notice one point of contact (feet, back, hands)Name two soundsRest your eyes on one neutral colourGentle shoulder roll or press feet into the floorA soft phrase: “In this moment, I'm here” (or “safe enough” if it fits)Check the website for free resources available to both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What's next? The Wound in the Bond: Attachment & Relational TraumaSupport the show

Dissociation can happen to people who grew up in chaotic, abusive, or passive-aggressive homes and is common in CPTSD. In this throwback episode, we revisit an earlier recording where I explain why many children who have experienced trauma while growing up escape into fantasy or daydreaming, as a way to cope with their unsafe or uncomfortable realities.MENTIONED IN PODCAST:

We go back to the DMV.  Twice.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, David speaks with Tina Taylor, a Syzygy trainer, IFS Institute assistant trainer, and contributor to IFS Informed EMDR. Together, they explore the intersection of IFS, EMDR, pain, dissociation, and safety in trauma healing. Tina shares how EMDR was instrumental in addressing her social anxiety, and how IFS later helped her heal legacy burdens connected to that anxiety. This layered healing highlights how different models can work together to address both symptoms and deeper roots. Tina offers a powerful theme when working with pain:  “Pain is communication.” Rather than something to eliminate or override, pain can be understood as a message from parts of the system. Some parts may amplify pain to be heard, while others attempt to suppress or escape it. IFS allows us to slow down and listen to what pain is asking for. The conversation also explores dissociation and Dissociative Identity Disorder. Tina reflects on how IFS can look different when working with highly dissociative systems and why goals and pacing matter deeply in this work. While there are clinicians integrating IFS with dissociation, there is currently no dedicated IFS Institute training focused specifically on DID, beyond the Level 2 trauma track. David and Tina discuss how dissociation itself can be understood as a meaningful communication from the system. The work begins not with pushing toward exiles, but with safety, stability, and strengthening managers so the system can regulate more evenly. A key takeaway is the importance of cultivating Self energy as a form of resourcing. Tina notes that the amount of Self needed, the “critical mass of Self,” is relative to the intensity of the burden being held. Protectors often know what the system is ready for, and IFS invites us to trust them. As Tina emphasizes, IFS gives us a simple but profound instruction: “Just ask.”

Today I welcome David Politi, Bruce Hersey, and Joanne Twombly on the podcast to talk about their new book, IFS-Informed EMDR: Creative and Collaborative Appraoches. We talk about why this book is needed, what it took to bring together more than 20 contributors, and why integrating these models can create more options, more flexibility, and more hope for clients.  We talk about: Bringing together 21 contributors and creating a true community project Why integration can help when clients get stuck in one modality The idea that there is a natural, underlying healing process beyond any single model  Coping skills, resourcing, and the diverging views on when and how to use them  Joanne's "fire drill" and using IFS to work with therapist countertransference  Why strong foundational training in both IFS and EMDR matters before integrating them  The belief that there is no "perfect model," and that relationship and Self Energy matter most  There's a lot of heart here, a lot of theory, and a lot of love for clients, the field, and each other. I'm excited for you to listen, and be sure to catch my extended interview with them over on Substack. About the Guests Bruce Hersey, LCSW is widely recognized for his work integrating EMDR and IFS. Together with Michelle Richardson, he created the Syzygy Institute, which offers training and certification in IIE. Bruce is an Approved Consultant in EMDR and an IFS Approved Clinical Consultant, providing individual and group IFS and IIE consultation. He has led numerous IFS workshops and presented at the IFS International Conference, as well as EMDRIA and international EMDR conferences.  www.syzygyinstitute.com, www.brucehersey.com, and www.emdrifs.com. David Polidi, LICSW, M.Ed. is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Certified EMDR Consultant in Training, and has also been trained in IFS. He has worked with children and families since 2000 and has been in private practice for the past five years. David developed and facilitates the online couples workshop Deepen the Conversation, and hosts the podcast Empowered Through Compassion, where he speaks with innovators in psychology about integrating EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-healing approaches. www.empoweredthroughcompassion.com. Joanne H. Twombly, LICSW is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years of experience working with Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. She is a Certified EMDR Consultant and an IFS Certified Therapist. Joanne is a Trauma and Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program Facilitator and a Clinical Hypnosis Consultant. She is the past president of the New England Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and has received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, where she is also an ISSTD Fellow. Joanne recently published Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems: How to Successfully Treat Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. www.joannetwombly.net. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

We look at trying to see ourselves accurately using step four from recovery.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of The Light inside, The discussion centered on Jeffrey Besecker's extensive experiences and insights related to trauma recovery, identity, and therapeutic practices. Besecker highlighted the importance of safety and coherence in the recovery process, noting that individuals often struggle with feelings of threat that can hinder their progress. He introduced the concept of double loop learning as a framework for adapting to experiences and emphasized the significance of pacing and sequencing in therapeutic interventions. The conversation aimed to explore how community support and individual experiences can enhance the healing journey.Mike Cuevas shared his personal journey with dissociative identity disorder (DID), detailing the impact of misdiagnosis and the challenges he faced in understanding his identity. He recounted how silence became a coping mechanism during his formative years, leading to feelings of shame. The discussion underscored the need for a coherent approach to integrating insights about DID with the body's capacity to process those insights, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe therapeutic space for effective healing.The conversation also delved into the role of the practitioner's state of mind and co-regulation in therapy. A conference room participant shared personal experiences and the development of mental exercises to manage emotional triggers, introducing the BAR technique as a tool for emotional regulation. Besecker and Mike explored the significance of recognizing bodily sensations in differentiating identity states, which can lead to greater clarity and peace. They discussed the transformative power of empathy in processing past traumas and the importance of adaptive containment in therapeutic relationships.Mike reflected on how his personal development has influenced his parenting, particularly in managing stressful situations with his children. He shared an incident where he maintained calmness during a confrontation, demonstrating the value of mindfulness and emotional regulation. The discussion concluded with Besecker expressing gratitude for Mike's insights and the potential for future collaborations, highlighting the unique and revelatory nature of their conversation.Time Stamps00:00:00 - Introduction to Coherence and DID00:01:13 - Sponsor Message: Mint Mobile00:02:27 - Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder00:03:10 - Mike Cuevas Joins the Conversation00:04:11 - Early Signs of Dissociation00:05:26 - Insight vs. Capacity00:06:38 - Adaptive Coping Patterns00:07:43 - Shame and Guilt in Misdiagnosis.00:09:09 - Therapeutic Journey Begins00:10:24 - Boxing as a Therapeutic Outlet00:12:03 - Stigmatization and Adaptive Survival00:13:07 - Pacing and Sequencing in Therapy00:14:38 - Visceral Trauma and Sensory Overload00:16:47 - Connecting Boxing to Somatic Responses00:18:46 - Learning to Feel Safe00:20:19 - Somatic Attunement and Sensory Perception00:22:05 - The B.A.R. Technique00:24:45 - Double Loop Learning00:26:11 - Identifying Distinct Identity Stateslf.00:28:20 - Chaos as Opportunity00:30:11 - Empathy vs. Sympathy00:32:49 - Claiming Sovereignty00:35:04 - Adaptive Containment00:39:10 - Presence and Capacity00:41:05 - Body Assigns Meaning00:50:34 - The Role of Pause in ProcessingCreditsHost: Jeffrey BeseckerGuest: Mike CuevasExecutive Program Director: Anna GetzProduction Team: Aloft Media GroupMusic: Courtesy of Aloft Media GroupConnect with host Jeffrey Besecker on LinkedIn.

Behind the Mic is where we slow the conversation down.In this premium episode, we speak candidly about dissociation during and after divorce—not in clinical terms, and not from a distance, but from inside our own lived experience.This is a quieter, more intimate conversation about the ways women cope when life becomes overwhelming… and how easy it is to miss what's really happening while you're busy surviving.We talk about:The moment you realize something has been operating under the surfaceWhy certain habits, patterns, and “coping strategies” feel hard to changeThe difference between functioning and actually being presentHow the body protects us long before the mind understands what's happeningThis episode isn't about fixing anything or tying it up neatly.It's about noticing.Getting curious.And letting yourself hear something you may not have had words for yet.If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things after divorce but still feel oddly disconnected… If you've ever wondered why certain patterns keep repeating… If you sense there's more happening beneath the surface than you've been able to name…This conversation is for you.As always, Behind the Mic is raw, personal, and meant to be experienced—not skimmed.

Send us a textWelcome to the first episode of my new series “The Many Faces of Trauma.” In this opening episode, I share why I'm creating this series and how I'll guide you through different trauma types in a way that's clear, gentle, and not overwhelming. I introduce the “trauma map” I'll be using across two seasons, explain what I mean by “trauma types” (as pathways, not labels), and offer a simple, polyvagal-informed way to understand what your nervous system may be doing.In this episode, I coverWhy I'm creating a trauma-types series—and how naming can reduce shameWhat I mean by “trauma type” (a pathway, not a box you live in)This series is structured across two seasons, so you can go at your own paceThe five big pathways:FoundationsEarly imprint traumaEvent-based traumaSociety-shaped & environment-based traumaWhat trauma can become (including how trauma can affect the body)My simple, plain-language polyvagal map of nervous system states:Safety & connection - ventral Mobilised protection (fight/flight) - sympatheticShutdown protection (numb/freeze/collapse) - dorsalHow to listen in a way that supports your system Gentle content noteIn this episode, I talk about trauma in general terms with no graphic detail. You're always welcome to pause, step away, or come back later.Grounding practiceI guide you through a brief practice that's safe for most people, including:Orienting (noticing a few neutral objects around you)Longer-exhale breathingContact + choice (feeling support in your body and naming one small next step)How I recommend you use this seriesYou don't have to listen in order; start where you feel steady or curiousYou may relate to more than one episode (that's common)This series is not a diagnosis tool; it's a map for understanding and supportI invite you to check my website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.Coming next: When the BodySupport the show

Marie-Christiane Baudoux est psychothérapeute, elle a 80 ans et nous allons parler d'un sujet très particulier puisqu'elle va me raconter ses propres angles mort sur les violences sexuelles sur sa fille de 15 ans à l'époque.Dans cet épisode, nous parlons de ce qui dérange, de ce qui fait mal, de ce qui reste habituellement caché sous le tapis : la parole des proches quand un enfant est victime de violence sexuelle.J'ai questionné Marie-Christiane sur ce que très peu de mères osent formuler publiquement : ne pas avoir su être là, ne pas avoir su protéger, ne pas avoir su réagir.Ce qui m'a bouleversé dans cet échange, ce n'est pas seulement le sujet. C'est la lucidité avec laquelle elle revient, à 80 ans, sur ses propres mécanismes d'aveuglement. Elle raconte comment l'histoire transgénérationnelle de sa famille, faite de secrets, de non-dits et de dissociation émotionnelle, a façonné sa manière d'être mère… et ses limites.Son livre, Nos angles morts, co-écrit avec sa fille, n'est pas un livre d'accusation. C'est un livre de responsabilité. Un texte rare, d'une honnêteté presque inconfortable, qui explore la loyauté, la honte, la sidération, la spiritualité toxique, mais aussi le chemin lent et fragile de la réparation.Dans cet épisode, nous parlons de transgénérationnel, de mémoire du corps, de silence familial, d'abus dans un contexte spirituel, de pardon, d'excuses, de réconciliation. Nous parlons surtout d'une chose essentielle : la capacité humaine à évoluer, même très tard dans la vie, dès lors qu'on accepte de regarder ses propres zones d'ombre.Citations marquantes« Une victime non soutenue, c'est une double agression. »« J'ai compris que j'avais choisi de ne pas choisir. »« Ce livre, ma fille m'a dit qu'il l'avait réparée. »« Les secrets de famille ont façonné ma sidération. »« Nous avons un devoir d'évolution en tant qu'êtres humains. »Idées centrales discutées1. Le silence des proches est un angle mort du débat publicJe réalise à quel point on parle (un peu plus qu'avant) des victimes, mais presque jamais des parents, des proches, de ceux qui n'ont pas su voir ou pas su agir. Pourtant, comprendre ces mécanismes est essentiel si on veut éviter leur reproduction.

How do we stay grounded while trying to change the world? In this episode, Nkem Ndefo shares how trauma-informed principles can reshape leadership, activism, and systems of care - helping us move from burnout to sustainability, and from reactivity to regulation. We talk about what it means to stay grounded while advocating for justice, and how nervous system awareness can guide us toward compassion-based, sustainable change.✨ Because when we learn to heal ourselves, we create space for everyone to heal right along with us.

We orient ourselves to the new year through recovery readings.Our website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of the Spirit and Soul Podcast, Tiffany discusses the transformative power of calm in a fast-paced world. She emphasizes that calm is not a passive state but a powerful response to life that allows for clarity, productivity, and inner peace. By embracing calm, individuals can break free from the hustle mentality, make clearer decisions, and manifest their desires more effectively. Tiffany encourages listeners to seek out calm amidst chaos and to recognize their inner power, which can be accessed through a state of relaxation and self-awareness. Takeaways Calm is the new power in a fast-paced world. Flowing into the new year is more beneficial than rushing. Slowing down can lead to greater productivity. Calm may feel unfamiliar but is essential for growth. Choosing calm allows for clearer decision-making. Calm is a response, not a passive state. Dissociation is not the same as calm; calm keeps you present. Finding calm can help manifest desires more effectively. Your inner magnet can be accessed through calm. Breaking free from societal pressures leads to true fulfillment. Chapters 00:00 Calm as the New Power 08:45 Reprogramming the Nervous System 17:54 The Power of Calm in Decision Making 27:40 Finding Inner Peace and Power  

Dr Kirk answers patron emails. January 9, 2026 This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month.Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRtHtpP2H48S7iiw/joinBecome a patron: https://www.patreon.com/PsychologyInSeattleEmail: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/contactWebsite: https://www.psychologyinseattle.comMerch: https://psychologyinseattle-shop.fourthwall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologyinseattle/Facebook Official Page: https://www.facebook.com/PsychologyInSeattle/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirk.hondaThe Psychology In Seattle Podcast ®Trigger Warning: This episode may include topics such as assault, trauma, and discrimination. If necessary, listeners are encouraged to refrain from listening and care for their safety and well-being.Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, therapy, diagnosis, or creates a counselor-client relationship. Topics discussed may generate differing points of view. If you participate (by being a guest, submitting a question, or commenting) you must do so with the knowledge that we cannot control reactions or responses from others, which may not agree with you or feel unfair. Your participation on this site is at your own risk, accepting full responsibility for any liability or harm that may result. Anything you write here may be used for discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Opinions and views expressed by the host and guest hosts are personal views. Although, we take precautions and fact check, they should not be considered facts and the opinions may change. Opinions posted by participants (such as comments) are not those of the hosts. Readers should not rely on any information found here and should perform due diligence before taking any action. For a more extensive description of factors for you to consider, please see www.psychologyinseattle.com(By The Daily Telegraph. Copyright holders of the image of Madeleine at three are Kate and Gerry McCann. The age-progressed image was commissioned by Scotland Yard from forensic artist Teri Blythe for release to the public. Both images have been widely disseminated by the copyright holders, and have been the subject of significant commentary., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39861556)

Host: Jeffrey BeseckerGuest: D' Layne Benson, Registered Nurse and Therapeutic Breathwork FacilitatorIn this episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the concept of "false calm" and its implications for emotional regulation and mental health. Our guest, D' Layne Benson, shares her insights on how over-resourcing and cognitive control can mute adaptive feedback signals, leading to short-term quiet but long-term signal loss.We explore how containment and pacing can build capacity, reduce rupture, and allow coherence to emerge without interpretive intrusion. D' Layne explains that true regulation isn't about feeling better but about staying present with what's activated. We discuss how false calm can keep individuals disconnected and how to recognize it in real-time.D' Layne shares her experiences as a registered nurse and how they led her to explore the role of overfunctioning in high-stress careers like healthcare. She highlights the common trend among caregivers who often neglect their own emotional regulation while focusing on others.We also touch on the concept of functional freeze, where individuals appear composed on the outside but are in a state of internal shutdown. D' Layne provides practical advice on how to notice and address these states, both in oneself and in clients.Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of relational attunement, the impact of early childhood neural imprints on our perception of safety and threat, and the role of cognitive override in burnout. D' Layne emphasizes the need for scheduling rest and reflection, especially for high-performing individuals who use productivity as a defense against emotional discomfort.Finally, we explore the nuances of breathwork as a tool for emotional regulation and how it can help individuals reconnect with their bodies in a safe and controlled manner. D' Layne shares her personal journey and how breathwork played a crucial role in her own healing process.Join us as we unpack these complex topics and provide actionable insights for better emotional regulation and mental well-being.Timestamps[00:03:48] False calm and emotional bypassing.[00:04:36] False calm in caregiving.[00:09:12] Observing emotional dysregulation patterns.[00:11:25] Nervous system and safety perception.[00:15:07] Autonomic nervous system dynamics.[00:22:11] Busyness as emotional shield.[00:26:00] Scheduling time for reflection.[00:27:25] Building authentic self-worth.[00:30:31] Safety and internal narratives.[00:35:04] Doxaxic reasoning and bias.[00:39:31] Curiosity about personal biases.[00:42:43] Caregiving and self-neglect.[00:45:51] Breath as a diagnostic tool.[00:51:45] Self-healing and awareness.[00:52:13] Rhythmic breathing's healing power.[00:56:20] Sustainable change through repetition.[01:00:20] Value and meaning in care.CreditsHost: Jeffrey BeseckerGuest: D' Layne BensonExecutive Program Director: Anna GetzProduction Team: Aloft Media GroupMusic: Courtesy of Aloft Media GroupConnect with host Jeffrey Besecker on LinkedIn.

Dr Kirk and Dr Michael Drane answer patron emails. January 2, 2026This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month.Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRtHtpP2H48S7iiw/joinBecome a patron: https://www.patreon.com/PsychologyInSeattleEmail: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/contactWebsite: https://www.psychologyinseattle.comMerch: https://psychologyinseattle-shop.fourthwall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologyinseattle/Facebook Official Page: https://www.facebook.com/PsychologyInSeattle/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirk.hondaThe Psychology In Seattle Podcast ®Trigger Warning: This episode may include topics such as assault, trauma, and discrimination. If necessary, listeners are encouraged to refrain from listening and care for their safety and well-being.Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, therapy, diagnosis, or creates a counselor-client relationship. Topics discussed may generate differing points of view. If you participate (by being a guest, submitting a question, or commenting) you must do so with the knowledge that we cannot control reactions or responses from others, which may not agree with you or feel unfair. Your participation on this site is at your own risk, accepting full responsibility for any liability or harm that may result. Anything you write here may be used for discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Opinions and views expressed by the host and guest hosts are personal views. Although, we take precautions and fact check, they should not be considered facts and the opinions may change. Opinions posted by participants (such as comments) are not those of the hosts. Readers should not rely on any information found here and should perform due diligence before taking any action. For a more extensive description of factors for you to consider, please see www.psychologyinseattle.com(By The Daily Telegraph. Copyright holders of the image of Madeleine at three are Kate and Gerry McCann. The age-progressed image was commissioned by Scotland Yard from forensic artist Teri Blythe for release to the public. Both images have been widely disseminated by the copyright holders, and have been the subject of significant commentary., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39861556)

We read emails from listeners, including one about us being doxed again.Link to BOOKS — System SpeakNOTE:  We also talked in the community about how the year of the horse does not start until later in the winter due to following the lunar calendar.  For me/us, that coincides with my "new year" (birthday, actual, not when celebrated) as well as our "new year" from when we moved last time (which brought the celebration back to actual). That led to a greater discussion about other cultures that also follow the lunar calendar, including both indigenous and Jewish calendars (with a new year in the fall instead of winter).  We talked about how sometimes “jumping calendars” can be helpful when dealing with hard days or anniversaries.Article about Hebrew calendar: Hebrew calendar - WikipediaArticle about Indigenous calendar: Samish 13 MoonsOur website is HERE:  System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general.  Content descriptors are generally given in each episode.  Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse.  Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience.  Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity.  While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice.  Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you.  Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency.  This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★