Embodied Dialogues for Healing Trauma and Addiction

Dissociation is often misunderstood and heavily stigmatized. Yet from a nervous system perspective, it may be one of the most extraordinary ways the mind adapts to survive overwhelming experience. In this episode of Embodied Dialogues, Jan Winhall, creator of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, welcomes psychotherapist and author Sally Maslansky for a powerful conversation about Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D., formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder), attachment trauma, and the possibility of healing. In her thirties, Sally was diagnosed with DID and began therapy with renowned psychiatrist Dan Siegel, whose work in attachment and interpersonal neurobiology helped shape her path toward integration and recovery. Today, Sally is a therapist herself and the author of A Brilliant Adaptation, sharing her remarkable journey from fragmentation to wholeness. Jan’s Felt Sense Polyvagal Model draws, in part, on Dan Siegel’s attachment research, making this conversation a unique opportunity to explore how attachment, nervous system regulation, and dissociation intersect in trauma and addiction healing. Together, Jan and Sally explore: Dissociation as an intelligent survival strategy The role of attachment in fragmentation and healing What recovery and integration can truly look like How therapists can better understand and support dissociative experiences Through lived experience and clinical insight, this dialogue offers a compassionate reframe of one of the most misunderstood trauma adaptations. Join us for a conversation about the mind’s brilliance, the power of the therapeutic relationship, and the possibility of coming back into connection with oneself. Learn more about Sally at sallymaslansky.com. Join the next Embodied Dialogues live podcast recording at www.fspminstitute.com!

In this episode of the Embodied Dialogues podcast, Jan Winhall is joined by trauma therapist and author Dr. Frank Anderson for a rich conversation about healing in relationships. Together they explore how the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM) and Frank’s emerging PATH model (Parts Approach to Trauma Healing) can help couples understand the deeper nervous system dynamics that shape conflict, connection, and repair. Through an experiential lens, Jan begins with a short embodiment practice inviting listeners to notice how safety, activation, and co-regulation show up in their own relationships. From there, the dialogue unfolds into a thoughtful exploration of how trauma, attachment wounds, and survival strategies play out between partners. Frank shares how his PATH model integrates parts work, neuroscience, and relational healing to help people reconnect with what he calls “calm power” - an inner space of wisdom, strength, and intuition that supports trauma recovery. Together, Jan and Frank discuss: Why couples often get stuck in repeating nervous system patterns (such as one partner escalating while the other shuts down) How therapists can help partners slow down and track their internal reactions, body sensations, and beliefs during conflict The role of personal healing work in being able to hold the complexity of relationships Why healing requires both internal repair and relational repair -The importance of safety and pacing, especially when working with betrayal or infidelity How attraction can be rooted in shared wounds and the unconscious hope for healing Throughout the conversation, Jan and Frank emphasize that trauma symptoms are not pathologies to fix, but adaptive survival strategies shaped by the nervous system’s attempt to stay safe. With warmth, humor, and vulnerability, they also reflect on their own healing journeys and the importance of therapists doing their own embodied work. This episode offers insights for therapists, coaches, and anyone interested in trauma-informed relationship healing, nervous system awareness, and somatic approaches to growth.

Join host Jan Winhall with guest Mathilde (Mattie) Shisko, an acclaimed voice and performance coach whose work helps people access the voice as a powerful pathway to regulation, connection, and truth. Through the lens of Jan’s work with trauma, addiction, and nervous system healing, this episode explores how voice is not just something we use to communicate, but something we can rely on as a profound resource. In the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, healing happens through embodied awareness, relational safety, and learning to listen inward. Voice becomes part of that listening. It can help us reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with the parts of us shaped by survival. Mattie brings a unique blend of artistry, science, mindfulness, and play to her work, supporting people to move beyond habitual patterns of silence, tension, or performance into vocal expression that is grounded, alive, and authentic. She has coached everyone from public speakers to everyday humans longing to feel more confident, connected, and at home in their own voice. In this episode, Jan and Mattie explore: The voice as a resource — what it means to truly listen with your voice and speak from a place of embodied truth. Stories of resilience and connection, including how voice becomes a resource when walking alongside a loved one whose life has been shaped by addiction. How nervous system awareness and vocal expression offer tools not just for public speaking, but for inner regulation, confidence, and reclaiming agency in life’s most challenging chapters. Practical reflections for therapists, coaches, and individuals on the healing journey. Whether you are a clinician supporting others, someone curious about the physiology of voice, someone in recovery, or simply longing to heal your nervous system and reconnect with your authentic self, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: Your voice is not just something you produce. It is something you can return to. See you there for a conversation that will help you find, deepen, and amplify your voice in the world. ABOUT MATHILDE: Learn more at https://myvoicecoach.org/about

In this moving episode of Embodied Dialogues, Jan Winhall is joined by renowned trauma and addiction pioneer Tian Dayton for a deeply relational conversation on the embodied roots of addiction, attachment wounds, and healing through community. They speak about how relational trauma—whether from addiction, emotional neglect, or untreated complex PTSD—impacts the nervous system in similar ways. Together, they explore how early experiences are held in the nervous system, why addiction and trauma are deeply intertwined, and how recovery requires more than insight alone. They share their personal reflections from growing up in families impacted by addiction, how they healed, and how their stories created who they are today. They talk about healing practices from their books can help and Tian explains the power behind her group-based “floor checks” that invite people through movement, emotion, and connection. This episode is a rich exploration of co-regulation, limbic resonance, and the ways safe relationships and supportive communities become essential medicine for trauma recovery and resilience. A powerful thread throughout the episode is Tian’s personal experience as an adult child of an alcoholic father. She describes the “ghost-like” confusion and chaos of loving someone who was both charismatic and deeply lost in addiction, and how that relational trauma shaped her lifelong work. Her upcoming book "Growing Up with Addiction" is presented as both a professional offering and a deeply personal “song” she is bringing into the world. Together, they explore how early attachment wounds shape the nervous system, why recovery must include the body, and how group connection becomes a vital source of co-regulation and resilience. A rich dialogue on trauma, repair, and the deep human capacity to heal in relationship. Join our Embodied Dialogues live audience at www.fspminstitute.com

In this powerful episode of Embodied Dialogues, Jan Winhall sits down with clinical psychologist, applied neuroscientist, author, and creator of groundbreaking neuroplasticity-based healing practices, Dr. Kate Truitt. Focuing on healing trauma through brain science & embodied practice, together they explore the meeting place of trauma, the nervous system, the amygdala (“Amy”), and the deep human longing for connection. Dr. Truitt shares her personal story of surviving a devastating loss, tragic accident, living as a “shaky being” and how vulnerability, embodiment, and science intertwine in real healing. She introduces a research-supported micro-practice that helps rewire the brain toward resilience, safety, and self-compassion. Jan highlights the profound overlap with Eugene Gendlin’s Felt Sense work and polyvagal-informed somatic processing, showing just how deeply our bodies hold wise, adaptive intelligence. This episode includes: How the amygdala learns survival patterns and how to teach it new ones Why shame dissolves when we understand the nervous system and find curiosity The neuroscience of resilience, empowerment, and belonging • A guided practice to build new neural pathways toward courage, joy, and safety The role of micro-practices in trauma recovery, addiction healing, eating disorders, dissociation, and chronic stress A gentle conversation about being human, messy, vulnerable... and still deeply capable of growth How brain science and polyvagal-informed somatics beautifully support one another Whether you’re a therapist, coach, healer, or someone on your own recovery journey, this episode offers a unique blend of science, compassion, and embodied wisdom you won’t want to miss. Listen in to learn practical tools you can start using today - and to feel the co-regulating, heartfelt presence between two leaders in the field of trauma-informed healing.

Jeff Warren joins Jan Winhall for a candid conversation about meditation, trauma, and the wisdom of the body. Jeff shares how living with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and deep shame led him to seek support, and how working with Jan through focusing and felt sense practices helped him stabilize and heal. He explains how meditation builds concentration, clarity, and equanimity, while felt sensing allows a more direct relationship with the body and unresolved emotional material. They discuss the risks of spiritual bypassing, the importance of relational support in trauma healing, and how “fresh frozen” trauma can surface during mindfulness practices. Jan brings in polyvagal theory to reframe shame and shutdown as protective, adaptive responses rather than personal failures. Jeff also offers practical examples of regulating his nervous system in real time, especially in challenging parenting moments. The conversation highlights the value of compassion, curiosity, and embodied presence as foundations for lasting healing and genuine connection.

Holly Lowery-Davis joins host Jan Winhall and the FSPM Institute on Embodied Dialogues for a grounded, practical conversation about building the sturdy foundation needed to heal trauma and attachment wounds. Deep, body-level healing begins with feeling safe enough to stay with our embodied experience - and that sense of felt safety is something we can actively learn to create. Holly, a certified body-oriented coach, somatic practitioner, group facilitator, and mental-health educator, shares why a well-stocked resource kit matters and how to build one by meeting and matching your nervous system while tending to the different needs of your parts. Learn immediately usable ideas to support every domain of experience: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, energetic, and relational. Together Jan and Holly explore the power of deep felt sense work, rooted in Gene Gendlin's Focusing and Felt Sensing methodology. They discuss why healing attachment, addiction, and trauma isn’t something we think our way through; it’s something we restore in the body. For that to happen we must learn to intentionally and reliably resource ourselves to build the felt safety needed to do the deep work of healing. Reach Holly at hollylowery.com or on insta: @hollylowerydavis. Get her free somatic toolkit at https://www.somacoachholly.com/feelings-toolkit. Get free resources and learn more about the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model at https://www.FSPMinstitute.com

Research now shows seemingly unrelated factors like food, sensory input, digestive health, lack of exercise, and diminished parental availability can influence children’s brain development both in function AND form. BG Mancini, is a Neurodevelopmental Specialist, Advanced Certified in Functional Medicine, licensed since 2013 as an Acupuncture Physician and Primary Care Provider. She is the founder of The Brain & Gut Institute and creator of The Family Nervous System® that helps families understand that healing is never just one person in the living organism we call a family and requires connection to self and each other. She talks with Jan Winhall about how we can help heal a child's gut using the microbiome mashup, air purifiers, and nervous system education. And that this will improve the overall mental and physical health of the entire family. Knowing what contributes to the early developmental signs of inflammation and what these truly look like in the body and brain can make everyone (including parents and clinicians) an aide for a child and family to find the right resources, and majorly alter outcomes. About BG BG Mancini, is a Neurodevelopmental Specialist, Advanced Certified in Functional Medicine, and AP/PCP. She is the founder of The Brain Gut Institute and creator of The Family Nervous System®. With 27 years of practice, she works with children & families to unlock their unique potential through biomedical, nervous system & neurodevelopmental practices. Through educating therapists and clinicians about the underlying factors driving children’s behavior, she advocates for holistic support, emphasizing the impact of internal and external microtraumas on physiology, and its impact on behavior. She highlights the importance of including Interoception, Proprioception, Neuroception, Sensory Processing, Interhemispheric Movement, and Nutrition in any conversation about children’s mental health. Visit: https://braingutinstitute.com/ 

Katy Dickson, Author of "The Tree & Me, A Polyvagal Poem" (a finalist in the 2025 National Indie Excellence Awards, Children's inspirational/motivational) joins Jan Winhall on July 24, 2025 on the live, interactive Embodied Dialogues Podcast. After a short grounding practice from Jan, Katy shares both professional and lived experience insights and reflections as an Occupational Therapist, deeply rooted embodied, trauma-informed practice. Conversation flows into her personal healing journey and how it reconnected her with a long-held love of language, wordsmithery and poetry, which gave life to "The Tree and Me: A Polyvagal Poem". Katy shares how that piece moved from a seed of an idea to publication, and the beautiful web of connection, support and synchronicity that followed. Katy gives a reading of the poem with one of the talented illustrators behind "The Tree & Me," Regan Desautels, and reflect on what’s next—dreams, hopes, and where this path may continue to lead. Formerly the founder of Attune, her own private practice supporting nervous system regulation through embodied approaches, Katy currently works as Principal OT at a private interdisciplinary Pediatric company, Words First Ltd., which places therapists in schools across London and beyond. Part of this role is to lead on a trauma-informed strategy in educational settings. Katy is also an Associate at Hemispheres, where she guides children and young people through Dr. Stephen Porges’ Safe & Sound Protocol. Beyond her professional roles, Katy lives in South East London, is a mother, and someone who carries trauma in her own system. Learn more about Katy at https://www.instagram.com/thetreeandme_/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-dickson-5629022b/

Welcome to a 1-hour exclusive Embodied Dialogue in 2025 with Dr. Stephen Porges, the esteemed creator of the Polyvagal Theory. One of the many qualities I admire about Dr. Porges is his unwavering commitment to accessibility. As I become busier with a public lifestyle, I find myself challenged by the desire to reach out and the need to contain. Steve’s ability to stay connected, respond to emails, listen deeply, and maintain a safe presence amidst his growing popularity is truly inspiring. Steve starts with opening up about his personal musings on cats and the unique ways they co-regulate with humans, offering insights that might just change the way you view your feline friends. We dive deep into the profound concepts of safety in the body and the transformative nature of feeling truly secure. Among many other things we touch upon the significance of feedback loops in therapy and life, and how interoception—the awareness of our bodily states—plays a crucial role in healing trauma and addiction.  It's a dialogue brimming with warmth, insight, and a little humor, inviting you to pause, reflect, and embrace the wisdom shared. Through Steve’s stories and reflections, I hope your understanding of polyvagal theory and its practical applications expands. Chapter Overview 00:00 Nonverbal Communication in Music 03:30 Cat's Early Morning Routine 08:53 Understanding Embodiment Through Interoception 11:13 "Evaluating Reactions Mindfully" 13:32 Polyvagal Theory and Emotions 18:29 Reflecting on Bold Paradigm Shifts 23:22 "Balancing Accessibility and Self-Time" 26:47 Evolving Academic Models Post-Pandemic 29:14 Impact of ACEs on Individuals 31:28 "Integrating Neuroscience and Subconscious Therapy" 37:03 Academic Crisis: Research Structure Doomed 40:32 Innovative Music Experience for Neurodivergent 43:07 Developing Scalable Health Products 46:06 Trust and Motivation in Leadership 49:47 Neglected Behavioral Solutions in Autism 53:04 Critique of Autism Research Focus 56:13 Autism Diagnosis and Hope This session is particularly special as we celebrate the release of three groundbreaking Polyvagal books this winter: * Twenty Embodied Practices for Healing Trauma and Addiction by Jan Winhall https://janwinhall.com/20-embodied-practices/ * Somatic-Oriented Therapies https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324052722?promo=SOT20 * Polyvagal Perspectives: Interventions, Practices, and Strategies https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324053408

Nightmares are robustly linked with trauma and many other forms of psychological injury, including a 4x greater risk of suicide. Yet they are vastly under-treated — which is a shame because nightmare treatment is simple, effective and evidence based. Guest Dr. Leslie Ellis shares: how polyvagal theory helps us to understand why we or our clients have nightmares how the body holds nightmares in the nervous system how to use nightmares to diagnose and track clinical progress how to help those who suffer from disturbed dreaming Dr. Ellis is a leading expert in the use of experiential and somatic approaches in psychotherapy, in particular for working with dreams, nightmares and the effects of trauma. She is the author of A Clinician’s Guide to Dream Therapy. As adjunct faculty at Adler University, she taught clinical skills and trauma treatment. She is a Certifying Coordinator and past president of The International Focusing Institute, and former vice president of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. Website: https://drleslieellis.com/ Request her article she mentioned during the show here: https://drleslieellis.com/pre-pub-solving-the-nightmare-mystery/

Jan Winhall with Patrick McA, Elizabeth Moitoza, Robert Ragucci, Ann Dowsett Johnston Join us in this special 2-hour edition of the Embodied Dialogue Series for an enlightening exploration of how Polyvagal Theory and Twelve-step Programs can intersect to enhance addiction treatment. Since the 1930s, Twelve-step Programs have been a cornerstone in helping millions overcome addictive behaviors through accessible, global support groups rooted in the concept of a ‘higher power.’ Founded by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, these programs view addiction as a brain disease and emphasize community and spiritual connection. Polyvagal Theory, introduced by neuroscientist Stephen Porges in 1994, offers a fresh perspective by framing addictions as adaptive survival strategies linked to the autonomic nervous system’s regulation of emotional states. This approach highlights how trauma influences our nervous system responses, providing new insights into why individuals might engage in addictive behaviors. In this event, we will discuss how these differing views can inform one another. What can the Twelve Steps learn from Polyvagal Theory’s focus on physiological triggers and trauma? How can Polyvagal-informed approaches benefit from the long-standing community and spiritual support of Twelve-step Programs? Join us as we delve into these questions and work together to reshape the conversation around addiction treatment, emphasizing safety and emotional regulation in recovery. https://janwinhall.com

Polyvagal Theorist Dr. Stephen Porges joins Jan Winhall in February 2022 with a live audience to address questions about how the nervous system interprets safety and threat and how it's felt in the body.

Guest Julianne Del Cano Kennard and host Jan Winhall explore the spiritual alchemy of trauma, the process by which pain, when consciously met, becomes a catalyst for transformation. Julianne will share about her upcoming book and the Wholality® framework to explain how the patterns and blocks within our human experience are not problems to fix, but signals pointing toward what wants to be healed and harmonized.

Jan Winhall hosts guest Sean Inderbitzen, author of Autism in Polyvagal Terms, for a rich dialogue on the intersection of polyvagal theory and neurodiversity, especially autism. They share a neural-exercise framework with practical tips to deepen connection, ease “stuckness,” and enhance quality of life by activating the ventral vagal system for greater safety, flexibility, and meaningful relationships.