Part 2: when grief won't leave your body, what to do| Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kiem, Helen Bass

hey girlies! This episode is part 2 of "why women of color carry stress differently". We talk about "how to get better" after discussing nervous system healing from part 1 = nervous system + healing + community vibes 💭Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kim, and Helen Bass break down Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal Theory) in real life—especially for women of color.They talk morning routines, ancestral roots, and how grief/loss hits your body, not just your mind.Big themes:* healing isn’t solo—it’s community + family* grief stays, but you can still stay connected* therapy isn’t just “fixing problems,” it’s understanding your storyThey also get into:* generational trauma + ancestral wisdom* why healing takes time (no quick fixes fr)* trust, safety, and nervous system awareness in therapy* co-regulation = healing through real human connectionBasically: slow healing, deep roots, and learning your nervous system is key🔑Links/Books Mentioned:Dr. Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/Deb Dana Website: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/aboutDr. Niloufer Merchant: https://www.nmmerchant.com/Gina Kiem: https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/Helen Bass Website: https://www.sincerepractice.com/Meaning of Your Life Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427Chapters00:00 Introduction and Morning Reflections03:03 Polyvagal Theory in Daily Life06:01 Honoring Our Ancestors08:45 The Importance of Family and Ancestral Connections11:53 Understanding Loss and Its Impact on the Nervous System14:58 Navigating Grief and Connection18:09 The Role of Community in Healing29:52 Navigating Loss and Connection36:04 The Role of Nervous System in Therapy49:16 Problem Solving in Therapy54:14 Healing from Family Trauma57:28 Understanding the Nervous System and Individual Profiles58:20 The Slow Process of Healing and Understanding Trauma01:00:13 Intergenerational Trauma and Its Impact01:02:11 The Importance of Relationship in Therapy01:04:52 Navigating Client Relationships and Trust01:06:12 The Role of Patience in Therapy01:09:36 Co-Regulation and Therapist's Own Nervous System This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sincerepractice.substack.com