E73: The Science of Healing | Peter Pruyn on EMDR, Trauma Therapy, and Emotional Literacy - Advocacy in Action

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of Aspire - Advocacy in Action, hosts Chessy Prout and Susan Prout are joined by graduate student intern Meghan Boudreau and trauma therapist Peter Pruyn for a thoughtful conversation about trauma recovery, healing, and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors. Peter shares how his journey into psychology and EMDR therapy was shaped by years of working alongside trauma survivors, and explains how healing begins with trust, collaboration, and empowering clients to remain in control of their own recovery. Together, they discuss why choosing the right therapist matters, how trauma therapy differs from other forms of care, and why slowing down is often an essential part of the healing process.The conversation explores practical tools that anyone can use to support healing, including a simple grounding exercise, the role of emotional literacy, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Peter introduces his "No Game," an exercise designed to help people practice saying no with confidence, prompting a broader discussion about consent, survivor empowerment, and the need for society to become more comfortable both expressing and respecting personal boundaries. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that survivors are the experts on their own experiences and that meaningful healing comes through collaboration.They close by discussing the larger cultural changes needed to prevent gender-based violence, from raising emotionally literate boys to encouraging healthy allyship and challenging systems that perpetuate inequality. Peter reflects on the power of storytelling to reduce shame, normalize conversations about trauma, and inspire change, while sharing his hope that future generations will continue creating communities where every person feels heard, respected, and empowered. It is a conversation that offers both practical guidance for survivors and a hopeful vision for building a more compassionate and trauma-informed world.To learn more about Peter Pruyn and his work, please visit www.emdrforwomenshealth.comFor resources on mental health that Peter mentions, check out: www.equimundo.orgwww.whiteribbon.cawww.coachescorner.orgwww.maineboystomen.orgwww.joinonelove.orgTo learn more about I Have The Right To's mission and programming, please visit www.havetherightto.orgSupport the showAspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com