How We Can Heal

Season 7 ends with a look back at what we built together: a collection of conversations designed to support embodied, collective trauma healing. I’m taking a summer pause, but before we step away, I want to name the themes that kept returning across the season and why they matter if you live with complex trauma, support survivors, or work in mental health.You’ll hear a quick tour of the guests and topics that shaped this run of the How We Can Heal podcast, from preventing organized and extreme abuse to disability pride, intergenerational resilience, and the ways music can become a bridge back to self. We also touch the clinical questions: how borderline personality disorder can be mistaken for complex trauma, how trauma-informed research is helping us Find Solid Ground, and what to keep in mind when offering transgender-affirming support in trauma therapy. We close with a nod to predictive processing and the Flash Technique, pointing to practical ways the brain can update and soften stuck threat responses.Then the lens widens. A reflection inspired by Artemis space travel lands on a truth that’s hard to unsee: from far enough away, Earth looks like one lifeboat. That perspective invites gratitude and a deeper sense of connection, the kind that makes healing feel less lonely and more like a shared crew effort. If this season supported you, scroll back and catch what you missed, share a favorite conversation with a friend, and stay connected for updates. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell me which guest or idea you want to hear more about next!Support the show

Today I’m joined by trauma therapist and EMDR trainer Thomas Zimmerman to talk about Flash technique, a fast-evolving approach that aims to process traumatic memories with dramatically less distress, especially for people with complex PTSD and dissociation who may struggle with the “admission cost” of standard EMDR.We unpack what Flash is, why it can work even when someone cannot tolerate long activation, and how it differs from simply “distracting” yourself. Thomas explains his predictive processing version of Flash through a clear image: instead of dumping the whole memory into awareness, we bring in one tiny “bean” of it, then shift into a strong pleasant scene to create the kind of sensory mismatch that helps the nervous system update. We also explore why dissociation can be a brilliant adaptation, how culture shapes what we think healing should look like, and why resourcing can be practical, tolerable, and even fun.We get concrete about clinical application too: the core resources Thomas teaches, why sensory grounding matters, how parts-informed consent changes the pace, and when to slow down for DID or severe amnesia. We close with where the research is headed, what Thomas is building next through trainings and a nonprofit, and why accessible trauma therapy could matter at a societal scale.If this conversation sparks something for you, subscribe, share it with someone who’d benefit, and leave a review. What’s one idea from this talk you want to try or think about more?Learn more: https://thomaszimmerman.us/https://emdrcleveland.com/Support the show

Pronouns can feel like a tiny detail until you realize they are a real-time test of safety. When someone’s identity has been questioned, policed, or punished, the smallest moments in a therapy office can signal either danger or relief. I sit down with Dr. Lou Himes, a licensed psychologist and certified specialist in transgender mental health, to get concrete about what gender-affirming care looks like when trauma, dissociation, and systemic betrayal are part of the story.We talk about how Dr. Himes found their way into working with transgender clients, why many well-intentioned clinicians still hesitate, and how a trauma-informed lens can help us understand anger and guardedness as protection rather than “resistance.” We dig into identity-affirming therapy as dignity-affirming care and self-determination, including why it can be more healing to honor a client’s self-definition early on than to rush toward certainty or a perfect clinical formulation. Dr. Himes also shares how psychodynamic psychotherapy makes room for contradiction, parts of self, and shifting truths without treating clients as deceptive.We also zoom out to the sociopolitical climate and what helps when anxiety spikes: boundaries around the news, a return from hypervigilance to inner focus, and simple co-regulation that prioritizes breath and presence. Finally, we touch the tender terrain of spirituality and religious trauma, and the idea that deep therapy is “soul work” that helps people grow back the parts of themselves they had to hide.If this conversation supports you, subscribe, share it with someone who cares about LGBTQIA+ mental health, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one idea you’re taking with you?Learn more about Dr. Himes here: https://drhimes.com/Support the show

This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals---The people most harmed by trauma are often the ones research quietly leaves out: clients dealing with severe dissociation, chronic self-harm risk, suicidal crises, and symptoms that don’t fit neatly into a study design. That’s why this conversation with clinical psychologist and trauma researcher Dr. Bethany Brand lands so hard and so hopefully. We talk about Finding Solid Ground (FSG), a structured stabilization program created specifically for complex trauma, complex PTSD, and dissociative disorders, and why its step-by-step approach can help both survivors and the therapists supporting them. We unpack how the program was built over 15 years with a “dream team” of experts plus direct feedback from people with lived experience with dissociation. Bethany explains the logic behind the sequencing across modules: grounding as the true foundation, separating past from present to reduce flooding from traumatic intrusions, then moving into safety planning and emotional work only after clients have enough internal resources to tolerate it. We also explore the unique role of brief teaching videos and workbook practice, including why the videos can feel relational while still staying safely under the client’s control. Then we dig into the research. Bethany walks through results from a randomized controlled trial showing Finding Solid Ground adds measurable benefit beyond individual therapy alone, along with individual-level findings like reliable change and reduced deterioration. We also touch on what clinicians report learning and how the program can strengthen the therapy relationship, build self-compassion, and expand adaptive capacities in ways people don’t always expect from “stage one” trauma treatment. If you’re looking for evidence-based trauma stabilization tools, grounded coping skills, and a clearer map for dissociation treatment, press play. If the conversation helps, subscribe, share it with someone who needs a steadier path, and leave a review so more people can find this work.Learn more about FSG here: https://www.findingsolidground.info/Support the show

What if trauma healing is less about excavating one awful moment and more about learning how to move through life again with skill, support, and a steadier nervous system? I’m joined by Dr. Rochelle Sharpe Lohrasbe, a clinical counselor, educator, and supervisor with four decades of experience in complex trauma, dissociation, EMDR-informed work, and deeply somatic approaches to resilience. We talk about the philosophy behind her upcoming book, Trauma and Somatic Healing: Wayfinding and the Intelligence of Experience in Therapeutic Practice, and why “wayfinding” can be a kinder, more realistic framework than trying to conquer trauma head-on. We explore how trauma therapy can become too reductive, focusing on pieces without enough time or space for integration. Rochelle shares why resourcing matters, how “state becomes trait” can turn adaptive survival responses into identity, and why shifting the conditions around a person can be just as important as what happens inside them. We also dig into how language shapes healing, how clients and therapists can get stuck making trauma feel too big, and how building capacity through smaller steps can restore movement and hope. One of my favorite parts is Rochelle’s use of nature metaphors: the self as a landscape, emotions as weather, and learning to surf internal waves instead of becoming the tsunami that wipes everything out. We end with a grounded conversation about contentment, authenticity, and the kinds of relationships and daily moments that quietly rebuild a life after trauma. If you’re looking for trauma-informed, body-based insights on complex PTSD, dissociation, somatic healing, and resilience, this one is for you. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. What’s one idea from this conversation you want to try this week?Support the show

This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals-----What if the most misunderstood diagnosis in mental health is actually a trauma story told in code? We sit down with Janina Fisher to unpack why many “borderline” symptoms are survival adaptations and how Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) helps people find steady ground without getting lost in overwhelm. This is a conversation about dignity, clarity, and the profound relief that comes when symptoms are seen as protective parts doing their best to keep us safe.Janina walks us through the core moves of TIST: recognizing structural dissociation, naming parts linked to fight, flight, freeze, submit, or attach, and using mindful awareness to “notice the part, then notice you noticing.” That simple shift creates a compassionate observing self that calms intensity and restores choice. We talk about reframing suicidality as a mercy offer from a protector, and understanding the inner critic as a rule-enforcer shaped by dangerous homes rather than a permanent enemy. Along the way, Janina shares how stabilization grows when curiosity replaces control, and why skills only work when tied to what is actually happening in the room.We also get practical. You’ll hear how to spot feeling memories when the past feels painfully present, how to ground in ways that are responsive rather than prescriptive, and how therapists can avoid old traps like trying to “make” clients connect with emotions. For those seeking help, Janina offers questions to ask when vetting clinicians and points to training pathways and her new workbook, Embracing Our Fragmented Selves, designed for survivors and therapists alike.If you’re ready to see borderline dynamics through a trauma lens, this episode offers a map filled with compassion and usable steps. Subscribe, share with a colleague or friend who needs this reframe, and leave a review to tell us which insight shifted your practice or your healing journey.Learn more about Dr. Fisher here: https://janinafisher.com/about/Support the show

This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals-----What if healing trauma started with a wider lens—one that includes history, culture, policy, and the daily negotiations of belonging? We sit down with clinical psychologist and researcher Usha Timolinarra to examine how immigration, racism, and collective memory shape individual symptoms, family dynamics, and community resilience. The conversation moves from the shift in care from “what’s wrong” to “what happened, to the include social, economic and political contexts, among others. Context matters, across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.Usha unpacks dissociation as more than detachment, describing a dual sense of self that many immigrants and their children develop to survive competing expectations. We explore the costs and strengths of compartmentalization, the normalization of silence around sexual violence among Indian American and Mexican American families, and why breaking that silence can threaten belonging even as it opens space to heal. Listeners hear how survivors bridge Western psychotherapy with community-rooted and indigenous practices, building bicultural healing that honors both science and tradition.For therapists, we dive into staying steady in a volatile sociopolitical climate: tending to our own stress, practicing lifelong cultural learning, and inviting specificity around shame, guilt, and identity. Usha illustrates how psychoanalytic concepts—defense, transference, countertransference—become more powerful when joined with a social lens that recognizes racism, colorism, and policy as active forces in the room. We track practical routes from therapy to impact: mentoring students, briefings on the Hill during the DREAM Act era, and using media to translate data with empathy and urgency.We also tackle the debate on racial trauma as a diagnosis, the lived effects of chronic racism, and Usha’s current research on early-career psychologists of color and the intergenerational legacy of colorism. The throughline is hope with a backbone: speak truth, remember history, and keep widening the range of possible futures for our clients, our communities, and ourselves. If this resonates, follow the show, share with a colleague, and leave a review so more listeners can find these conversations.-----Learn more about Dr. Tummala-Narra here: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/lynch-school/faculty-research/faculty-directory/Usha-Tummala-Narra.htmlSupport the show

When the world feels heavy and full of noise, how do we make space for breath, truth, and light? We invited mezzo soprano Molly Mahoney to share how singing— anything from opera to jazz to cabaret—became both her art and her way of meeting hard days with honest hope. Molly’s new recording of Over the Rainbow with Grammy-winning pianist John Wilson anchors our conversation: not as a sugar-coated escape, but as a grounded arc from jumble and rain to a place beyond the rainbow. We talk about why this timeless song still resonates, how long exhales settle the body, and what happens when a melody lets you feel before you have to explain.Together, we unpack the somatic side of voice: simple alignment resets, shhhh exhales, and micro-moments against a wall or on the floor that open the ribs and low back. Molly shares stories from her voice studio, where adult beginners—many told to “just mouth the words”—discover that singing is learnable, gentle, and deeply human. With breath support, vowel shape, and kind feedback, pitch becomes a skill and expression feels safe again. We explore live performance as co-creation, the quiet magic of audience attunement, and the way small imperfections turn into fresh choices on stage.Parenting threads through our talk too: prenatal lullabies, toddlers who light up when a song returns, and the rituals that bind families and friends in kitchens and living rooms. Music becomes a practice for everyday resilience, a place to set burdens down without denying them. If you’ve ever thought “I can’t sing,” this is your invitation to try—one inhale, one long note, one truthful lyric at a time. Press play to learn breath tools you can use today, hear the story behind Over the Rainbow, and remember why your unique voice matters.If this conversation moves you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs some light, and leave a quick review so more people can find these tools and stories. Your voice matters, and it helps our healing community grow.---Listen on Spotify and Apple Music:https://linktr.ee/mollymarymahoneyLearn more about Molly:www.mollymarymahoney.com"Over the Rainbow" by Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg"Meadowlark" from The Baker's Wife by Stephen SchwartzMolly Mahoney, voiceJohn Wilson, pianoCory Todd, recording engineer and masteringrecorded December 2025 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music on a Steinway pianoPhoto credit (sky with clouds): Veronique KherianSupport the show

This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals-----What happens when compassion meets competence—and lived experience leads the way? We invited Anne Nicely and Lexi M., co-founders of Beauty After Bruises, to share how a homegrown effort to help one survivor of dissociative identity disorder expanded into a nationwide bridge for people living with complex trauma and dissociation. From funding care to educating clinicians, their mission is simple and urgent: make healing possible, practical, and grounded in research.We unpack the real differences between trauma informed and trauma competent care, why the best therapists’ rosters are often full, and how short trainings can’t substitute for years of learning with complex PTSD and DID. Lexi explains why she chooses anonymity for safety and modeling boundaries, while offering rich, accessible psychoeducation through articles, symptom management guides, and hope-centered resources. Together, we explore the daily practices that prevent burnout—tight boundaries, humor, brief news windows, playful resets, and a “hope folder” of wins—so survivors, families, and helpers can keep going.The conversation gets specific about consent and communication. Families often want to help but can overreach; meta-questions like “Would it help if I asked about this?” and “Is this helping or hurting?” return agency to survivors and protect pacing. We highlight practical stabilization: check basics first (sleep, food, water, movement), ask “What do I need right now?” and, if stuck, reverse engineer by testing a few supports. Anne and Lexi also share what scale could look like with serious funding: year-long therapy grants and more robust therapy boxes for those without local clinicians, ensuring continuity and real foundations for healing.If you care about complex trauma, dissociation, and the path from buzzwords to better care, this episode offers clarity, candor, and grounded hope. Listen, share with a colleague or loved one, and tell us your biggest takeaway. If it resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it along to someone who needs honest encouragement today.Support the show

This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals---What if therapy could feel creative, embodied, and joyful—and still deliver precise, measurable change? We sit down with David Archer—anti-racist psychotherapist, EMDRIA-approved trainer, and developer of Rhythm and Processing—to rethink how healing happens for complex PTSD, racial trauma, and dissociation. David lays out a clear, accessible path from predictive processing and memory reconsolidation to practical tools you can use right away: client-led actions, music and imagery, community rituals, and therapeutic “surprise” that helps the brain update old patterns without forcing catharsis.Across the conversation, we explore how EMDR grows stronger through an anti-oppressive lens that welcomes culture, faith, and art into the room. David shares real-world examples of using visualization, pets, numbers, and rhythm to create disconfirming experiences that soften hyper-vigilance and despair. We also talk frankly about therapist burnout and vicarious trauma, and why protecting helpers is non-negotiable if we want sustainable care. Boundaries and action alongside recovery and rest offer ways to organize both clinical work and daily life.We widen the lens to institutional betrayal, misdiagnosis tied to racial bias, and the urgent need for trauma-informed systems that value courage over comfort. Instead of fitting clients into rigid methods, David urges us to let clients generate the method—an approach that supports neurodiversity, scales to groups, and keeps humanity at the center of mental health. If you’re curious about predictive processing, memory reconsolidation, EMDR, or culturally responsive care, this is a grounded, hopeful roadmap for change.If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague or friend, and leave a review on your favorite app. Your words help others find the tools—and the courage—to heal.---Connect with David here!Meeting Groups:https://calendly.com/archertherapy/Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/rhythmandprocessingAnti-Ractist Psychotherpy:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1777450438Racial Trauma Recovery:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1777450470Trainings:https://archertherapy.com/Support the show

Are you a therapist looking to organize your business? Try SimplePractice! Start with a seven-day free trial, then get 50% off your first three months. Just go to https://www.simplepractice.com/ to claim the offer!---Curiosity heals faster than control. That’s the thread we follow with Lynette Danylchuk, PhD—trailblazing psychologist, past ISSTD president, and coauthor of Treating Complex Trauma and Dissociation. We talk about why the field has exploded with research and lived-experience leadership, and how the best therapy now balances sturdy containers with deep listening. Tools matter, but timing, consent, and relationship matter more. When we lead with humility, the psyche reveals its own map.We get honest about clinician burnout and how to refill the well with beauty, community, and expressive arts. Long exhale singing, a moonlit walk, laughter with a trusted friend—these aren’t luxuries; they’re nervous system care. Lynette reframes dissociation as creativity under pressure, showing how fierce protectors once patterned after harm can be reclaimed in service of dignity. Integration becomes alignment: every self-state moving with the values the person chooses, not the rules of past abuse.We also zoom out to collective trauma. React or respond? That choice shapes movements and mental health alike. Using anger as fuel for care keeps the frontal cortex online and harm in check. We talk intergenerational resilience, asking about ancestors to find the strengths that carried families through. For those seeking help, we share practical routes—referrals, skill-building programs, and the persistence it takes to find a good fit. And for a culture that long blamed victims, we name the shift underway: more empathy, more protection for children, and more voices rising to end the silence.If this conversation gives you a spark—share it with someone who needs language for what they’re feeling, subscribe for more grounded healing talks, and leave a review so others can find us. Tell us: what practice helps you respond, not react, this week?Support the show

Are you a therapist looking to organize your business? Try SimplePractice! Start with a seven-day free trial, then get 50% off your first three months. Just go to https://www.simplepractice.com/ to claim the offer!---What happens when accessibility stops being an afterthought and becomes the starting line? That question drives our conversation with journalist, podcast host, and disability rights advocate Laszlo Jacksai, whose work blends reporting, storytelling, and community care to challenge the subtle and not-so-subtle ways ableism shows up in daily life.We trace Laszlo’s path from launching Friends With Wheels to writing Disabled and Proud, and hear how authenticity—over algorithms—shaped his creative voice. He breaks down the difference between support and spectacle, explains why “you’re an inspiration” can land as a burden, and shares candid stories about accommodations that exist on paper but fail in practice. From IEPs and speech-to-text to seating at a crowded restaurant, he shows how small design choices add up to either friction or freedom.Laszlo also maps the power of community, highlighting the DO-IT Program at the University of Washington and the value of peer networks that turn isolation into belonging. We talk practical allyship—ask before helping, learn the language of disability justice, build feedback loops at school and work—and we look at simple tools that rebuild energy and confidence, like guided meditations and self-hypnosis apps. His view of resilience is refreshingly human: not a quick bounce-back, but a steady commitment to keep showing up, try new strategies, and trust yourself through the next curveball.If you care about disability advocacy, accessibility, inclusive education, and mental health, this conversation offers clear steps and real stories you can act on today. Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who’s designing a space, leading a classroom, or rethinking how they offer help. If the show resonates, follow, rate, and leave a review—then tell us: what’s one accessibility change you’ll champion this week?Listen to Friends with Wheels here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-with-wheels/id1623717823Support the show

Are you a therapist looking to organize your business? Try SimplePractice! Start with a seven-day free trial, then get 50% off your first three months. Go to https://www.simplepractice.com/ to claim the offer!---What happens when we stop treating child sexual abuse as isolated “bad apples” and start seeing it as organized crime shaped by networks, money flows, and technology? We sit down with Dr. Michael Salter—criminologist, author, and global leader in child protection—to map the hidden systems that enable abuse and the practical steps that can disrupt it without re‑traumatizing survivors.Michael shares how internet evidence shattered old myths and revealed collaborative, often sadistic offender networks operating on encrypted platforms. He explains why public awareness has surged while policy and policing lag behind, and how offender demographics—more educated, higher income, well‑networked—complicate investigations. We unpack the stark difference between high conviction rates for online offenses and the uphill battle of prosecuting intrafamilial abuse without corroborating evidence, then dive into how banks and payment rails have become crucial terrain for detection and disruption.From the therapy room to the courtroom, we explore what it takes to support survivors of organized and extreme abuse. Michael offers grounded guidance for clinicians on pacing, reality testing, and building strong supervision so we can hold hope instead of collapsing into vicarious despair. We examine DARVO, the self‑protective reflexes of institutions, and how to prepare clients for the realities of reporting. Most importantly, we highlight shame‑sensitive, dignity‑affirming design—small details that signal worth at every step—and learn from Australia’s Royal Commission, which turned logistics into healing by treating survivors like they truly matter.This conversation is candid, compassionate, and actionable. If you’re a therapist, advocate, policymaker, or concerned listener, you’ll leave with a clearer map of the problem and a blueprint for change: integrate therapy, law enforcement, finance, and tech; design for dignity; and keep public attention focused even when headlines shift. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help bring more light—and more accountability—to this work.Learn more about Michael's work at: https://www.organisedabuse.com/Support the show

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A quiet shift in one enzyme may be steering how we age—and how strong we stay. Dr. Helen Blau, trailblazing Stanford scientist and 2025 National Medal of Science honoree, joins us to unpack a breakthrough decades in the making: prostaglandin E2 is essential for muscle stem cell repair, yet a degrading enzyme creeps up with age, draining that signal and eroding strength. Her team calls it a “gerozyme,” and blocking it with a targeted small molecule restored muscle size, power, and endurance in aged mice. The first human safety trial is complete, and a Phase 2 study in sarcopenia is on deck.We dig into the practical takeaways for athletes and anyone over 50: why the inflammatory wave after training is needed for rebuilding, how common NSAIDs can blunt the very gains you’re chasing, and where a future therapy might help overcome anabolic resistance after illness, injury, or bedrest. Dr. Blau connects the dots across regenerative medicine—tissue‑specific stem cells, iPSCs, and organoids—to show how disease can be modeled in a dish and how patient‑matched cells are speeding smarter drug discovery. We also touch on her early work proving cellular plasticity, new insights on telomeres shortening in heart cells without division, and what “quality” muscle means for safe aging.Beyond the lab, we talk truth about unproven stem cell clinics, the progress and remaining gaps for women founders in biotech, and the urgent threat of research defunding that stalls clinical trials and drains the talent pipeline. There’s a clear throughline: if we want longer, stronger years—true health span—we need rigorous science, sustained support, and smart training habits that work with our biology, not against it.If this conversation sparked a shift in how you think about aging and recovery, tap follow, share with a friend who lifts or runs, and leave a review. Your support helps bring evidence‑based breakthroughs to more people—and speeds the path from lab bench to everyday life.---This BONUS EPISODE is our holiday gift for you! If you're looking for somewhere to offer a holiday or year end gift, please consider directly supporting scientists like Dr. Blau & their labs. Donations keep projects alive while funding is disrupted.Dr. Blau: https://profiles.stanford.edu/helen-blau?tab=bioThe Lab: https://med.stanford.edu/blau-lab.htmlThe Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stem-Cells-Rescue-Helen-Blau/dp/1621825280Support the show

What if the presence you practice in mindfulness is the same wiring that makes secure attachment possible? That question drives our conversation with clinician, author, and teacher Christine Forner, who introduces Securefulness—a relational state where an attuned nervous system helps another human co‑regulate. Christine explains why care isn’t sentimental; it’s a biologically essential force that organizes safety, regulation, and health. When true care arrives, dissociated pain often surfaces, which can feel like getting worse. She reframes this as healing beginning and uses a powerful “care isn’t the bucket” story, plus a re-feeding analogy, to show how to pace nourishment without overwhelming the system.We get practical about what Securefulness looks like in the room: noticing micro‑signals like a shoulder hitch or a shift in breath, naming danger qualities, and adding immediate protections—hoodies, pillows, sunglasses, softened gaze—to reduce social threat and restore choice. Christine shares how therapeutic nurturing has helped clients reduce suicidal ideation within weeks by leveraging presence, titration, and interoception. She also digs into primal isolation threat, how shame language takes root in early deprivation, and we talk about why the inner critic is better replaced by an “inner celebrant” that collaborates with the body’s needs.Zooming out, we challenge the idea that violence is human nature. Christine defines misogyny as disdain for Homo sapien nurturing and argues that many systems are fight‑state adaptations, not destiny. We explore evolutionary roots of co‑regulation, theory of mind as soothing, and why humans likely evolved in stable, alloparenting communities where care was central. There are signs of change: expanding parental leave, trauma‑informed practice, and evidence that stable resources like universal basic income lower addiction and crime while improving health and learning. If we organize society around care—as infrastructure, not charity—healing gets hard but possible, and repeatable.If this conversation sparks something in you, share it with a friend, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review wherever you listen. Your reflections help shape what we explore next—what stood out most to you?Support the show

What does it really take to endure when the air thins, the quads burn, and doubt gets loud? We sit down with ultrarunner Katharina Hartmuth—Hardrock and UTMB podium finisher and winner of the 330 km Tor des Géants—to unpack the mental game of mountain ultras and the deeper work that fuels lasting resilience. From long stretches above 12,000 feet to the rare quiet of a small, devoted race community, Katharina explains why Hardrock feels both brutal and beautiful—and why she keeps coming back.Katharina is candid about the lows: altitude-driven vision issues, bonks that won’t quit, and the storm-lashed nights where every step is a question. Her toolkit blends practical strategy and inner steadiness—separating pain from harm, checking ego at the door, and letting joy lead and metrics follow. We go further into healing, where she draws a firm line: running is therapeutic, but it isn’t therapy. Years of psychotherapy widened her window of tolerance, rebuilt trust, and turned setbacks into learning. We explore stigma, access, and the biology of stress, showing why mental health care deserves the same respect as injury rehab.Injuries have tested her in recent years: a car accident, knee surgery, a last-minute bone bruise, and a nagging foot issue. Instead of spiraling, Katharina has learned to reframe recovery as training for patience, leaned on cross-training and strength, and practiced self-kindness that maintains her sense of worth and identity. She also shares how she’s reshaping life for sustainability—creating more rest, more nature, and taking a bold step to focus on running full-time.If you’re curious about the psychology of endurance, the Hardrock culture, or how therapy and trail running can work together to heal, this conversation is your map. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs encouragement today, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. What hard thing you’re ready to try next?Support the show

When slowing down feels dangerous, your body might be living in Global High-Intensity Activation(GHIA): always on, always braced, always moving. Today we sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist and Somatic Experiencing faculty member Mahshid Hager to name that pattern, trace where it comes from, and chart a humane path back to rhythm. Mahshid explains why a body wired for survival often resists rest, and how to work with that reality using micro-rests that your system will actually allow. We unpack the gas-and-brake reciprocity between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, the difference between hyperarousal and global high, and how swings between overdrive and full collapse can fuel chronic pain, inflammation, and exhaustion. Along the way, curiosity shows up as the quiet superpower ~ because genuine curiosity cannot coexist with threat.Mahshid shares a story about her relationship with the mountains over the years, and how the same thing that triggers panic can become a source of awe years later - not with forced exposure, but with care for the body.  We also reflect on capitalism’s applause for burnout and the 24/7 news cycle that delivers shock without local action. You’ll hear smart, doable suggestions for managing news & technology in a way that keeps you engaged , but not overwhelmed.If you’re always in GO mode, running on fumes, or trying to support clients through trauma, this conversation offers language, tools, and hope. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a break, and leave a review to help more listeners find their way back to rhythm.Support the show

What if the most powerful medicine starts with warmth, rhythm, and trust in your own body? Today we sit down  down with licensed acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, and yoga teacher Tara Tonini to trace how trauma-informed Chinese medicine can steady the nervous system, smooth cycles, and support conception, pregnancy, birth prep, and postpartum in a way that fits into real life. From liver qi and kidney jing to the heart-mind connection, Tara translates complex ideas into simple choices you can make today.We dig into why many people are “acu-curious” yet needle-averse, and how energy work, qigong, and gentle touch can move qi without needles. Tara breaks down yin and yang as a practical parenting tool—intensity peaks, ease returns—and shows how seasonal eating, warm foods, and cozy rituals rebuild blood, improve sleep, and calm anxiety. She shares why chronic heat practices can dry you out, how cold plunges may impact kidney qi, and how warmth is medicine for conception and early postpartum recovery. You’ll hear concrete tips like herbal foot soaks for insomnia, body tapping along meridians to relieve pain, and using familiar yoga postures as targeted meridian stretches for better flow.We also explore postpartum care through the lens of “sitting the moon,” with nourishing herbs, digestible meals, and home scents that signal safety. Tara’s trauma-informed clinical approach centers consent, pacing, and patient agency. If you’re navigating fertility, preparing for birth, or rebuilding after, this conversation offers grounded tools and a kinder way to meet your body where it is.If this resonates, follow and share the episode, leave a review on your favorite app, and tell us the practice you’ll try today. Your story might spark someone else’s healing.Support the show

Mothers are asked to offer the critical early childhood care that shapes people and impacts communities, while systems fail to offer them the basic care they need to thrive. We invited Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, health psychologist and IBCLC, to map the real drivers of maternal mental health and the surprisingly simple supports that change everything: responsive care, consistent follow‑through after screening, and communities designed to include mothers instead of isolating them.We trace the chain from attachment to lifelong outcomes—why secure bonds in the first thousand days predict resilience, school success, and adult health—and why rising ACEs signal a collective failure, not individual weakness. Kathleen challenges outdated hormone‑only narratives and explains how stress systems, trauma history, and cultural fit shape postpartum depression. She shares practical shifts any hospital or community can adopt today: walking groups that blend sunlight and peers, Baby Cafés that normalize feeding and connection, and staff who can spot a painful latch and intervene before a spiral begins. We also dig into sleep: red night lights, keeping baby close, and the counterintuitive finding that exclusive breastfeeding moms often sleep more overall because resettling is faster.For families and friends asking “how can I help?”, we lay out concrete steps: protect a lying‑in period, offer hands‑on care, screen out unhelpful voices, and create an emergency four‑hour sleep window when she’s hanging by a thread. We look squarely at high‑risk groups, especially military mothers, where depression rates soar—then expand the toolkit with options beyond medication when needed: CBT, acupuncture, omega‑3s, vitamin D. We discuss innovations like rTMS, as well as emerging research on the careful use of ketamine with severe suicidal depression. Cultural trust matters; offering choices increases access and honors lived experience. We close with resources you can use now, from community programs to free postpartum art that normalizes breastfeeding and early parenting.If this conversation moved you, share it with someone who supports new parents, subscribe for more, and leave a quick review—your words help more families find the care and connection they deserve.Learn more at: https://praeclaruspress.com/Support the show

What if the moment you stop trying to fix yourself is the moment real relief begins? That’s the surprising turn in our conversation with meditation teacher and parent Cara Lai—authorized in the Theravada lineage (IMS, Spirit Rock) and known for an approach that’s honest, funny, and deeply humane. Cara traces her path from art school and a “soul-sucking” office to early retreats that opened a brighter world, then a year-long retreat that didn’t go to plan. Living with Lyme disease, she discovered that discipline without tenderness can harden into harm, and that the path must be larger than the cushion.We dig into collective pain, intuition, and the limits of control—how Western culture overvalues productivity while dismissing the “soft” skills that stabilize families and communities. Parenting reframes practice: interruptions became invitations, metta becomes embodied, and desire connect us with life-giving intuition. Cara shares how micro-mindfulness moments—feeling joy fully, pausing in a trigger, relaxing the urge to fix—can change a day. She offers practical on-ramps: start with 8 minutes, consider a short retreat if appropriate, and let nature, humor, and community widen your capacity.This is a story about the middle way reimagined for modern life: less about perfect posture, more about real presence; less about control, more about trust. If you’ve ever tried to meditate your pain away, if parenting has blown up your schedule, or if softness feels “inefficient,” this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and tools you can use today.If this resonates, follow and share the show, leave a quick review, and tell us: what will you soften around this week?Support the show

Yoga doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful. That's the refreshing message from Melanie Salvatore August, who brings her background as a classically trained actor, writer, and veteran yoga teacher into a conversation that strips away pretense and gets to the heart of what makes practice sustainable.Melanie's journey began with meditation books discovered as a preteen and evolved through her years in New York and Los Angeles before motherhood completely transformed her approach. With disarming honesty, she shares how having three children forced her to reimagine what yoga could look like - leading to her book "Kitchen Yoga" and a philosophy of "microhabits within opportunities." These practical strategies include putting self-care tools where you'll actually use them (like a toothbrush in the kitchen drawer) and finding moments for stretching, breathing, or gratitude practice throughout ordinary activities.The conversation explores her concept of "fierce kindness" - the gentle but firm redirection of ourselves from fear-based patterns toward love and connection. Melanie offers wisdom about pausing before reacting, using awareness of death to prioritize what truly matters, and finding community to support your practice. Her evolution as a teacher reveals how yoga itself has changed, becoming more inclusive and adaptable while still honoring its transformative potential.Whether you're struggling to start a practice, finding ways to maintain connection through different life seasons, or seeking to deepen your existing relationship with yoga, Melanie's practical wisdom serves as both permission slip and invitation. As she puts it: "Even bad yoga is good yoga" - a reminder that showing up imperfectly is infinitely better than waiting for perfect conditions that rarely arrive. Ready to discover how simple shifts might transform your everyday experience? This conversation shows the way.Support the show

What if the key to living more fully isn’t thinking harder, but reconnecting with your body? In this week’s episode of How We Can Heal, Lisa sits down with actor and teacher Josh Pais to explore what it really means to “lose your mind” and why that might be the best thing you can do.Josh shares how his father's work as a theoretical physicist alongside Einstein sparked a profound insight: emotions are simply atomic vibrations. This perspective forms the foundation of his groundbreaking approach to acting and authentic living. Rather than labeling sensations as "good" or "bad," Josh invites us to experience them fully as energy moving through our bodies—a practice that can transform anxiety into aliveness, fear into fuel for creativity.The conversation explores how suppressing sensations disconnects us from our bodies, triggering what Josh calls "the mind"—that abusive internal voice telling us we're not enough. This disconnection doesn't just limit our creative expression; it affects our ability to form genuine connections with others. Whether you're an actor preparing for an audition, an entrepreneur making a presentation, or anyone navigating daily interactions, this pattern of suppression creates barriers between you and authentic engagement.Josh introduces fascinating concepts like "kinespheres"—energetic patterns extending beyond our physical bodies—and offers practical tools for playing with these energies to transform how we show up in the world. He guides us through understanding impulses as our purest form of self-expression, challenging the cultural conditioning that teaches us to second-guess our natural responses.Ready to increase your tolerance for the full spectrum of human experience? Josh's approach offers a path to greater aliveness, creativity, and connection—not by changing your thoughts, but by stepping out of them entirely and into the vibrant reality of embodied presence.Support the show

Ever feel like polarization makes meaningful conversation nearly impossible? Dr. Donna Hicks returns with transformative insights on navigating our divided world through dignity consciousness. At Harvard's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Hicks witnesses dignity violations daily yet remains steadfastly committed to her groundbreaking work. She reveals why these violations feel so viscerally painful – our brains process them identically to physical wounds – and offers practical tools for interrupting our instinctive reactions. Forget counting to ten; taking ten deep breaths actually changes your neurochemistry, creating space for thoughtful response rather than reflexive reaction.The conversation explores what Hicks calls our "relentless ambivalence" as humans – we simultaneously crave safety through self-preservation and connection through dignity recognition. This tension leaves us constantly choosing which impulse will guide our interactions. When approaching difficult conversations, Hicks recommends genuine curiosity: "I'm really curious about how you arrived at your conclusions." This simple yet profound shift creates safety and honors the other person's inherent worth.Most powerfully, Hicks shares her vision for a dignity-conscious society built on education and practice. From elementary schools to boardrooms to political chambers, she's witnessing growing receptivity to dignity-based approaches. Her nephew, recently appointed President of Ecuador's National Assembly, explicitly leads with dignity principles – proving these concepts can transform even the most contentious political environments.For those struggling to connect with their own dignity, Hicks offers this bridge: recognize that unworthiness stems not from personal deficiency but from dignity violations experienced. "I'm worthy, no matter what" becomes possible when we understand "something bad happened to me" rather than "something is wrong with me."Ready to transform your approach to conflict? Listen now to discover how dignity consciousness can heal our divided world – one conversation at a time.Support the show

Lucy Bartholomew brings Australian sunshine to this captivating conversation about finding purpose on mountain trails and wisdom in difficult moments. When Lucy was just 15, she discovered her passion for ultra running alongside her father, embarking on a journey that would take her from weekend camping trips to world championship podiums.What began as quality time with her dad evolved into a career marked by remarkable achievements—winning Ultra Trail Cape Town 100K, placing third at Western States, and becoming one of only two women to complete both UTMB and the Ironman World Championships in a single year. Yet through her success, Lucy maintains a refreshing perspective that prioritizes joy, connection, and process over outcomes.The conversation takes a profound turn as Lucy reflects on her father's heartbreaking yet transformative Western States experience in 2023. After ten years of trying to gain entry through the lottery, he completed the entire 100-mile course but missed the official cutoff by just two minutes. Through a documentary that captured this emotional journey, her father became an unexpected spokesperson for valuing the experience over the result—a powerful reminder that what matters most isn't the finish time but the courage to begin and the determination to continue.Lucy shares her practical wisdom for navigating both trail and life challenges: breaking overwhelming distances into manageable segments, recognizing when physical needs like hunger are masquerading as emotional lows, and maintaining unwavering optimism that "maybe it will get better." Her ability to find joy in the process—even when that means hiking up a mountain pass while eating pizza during UTMB—exemplifies why she's beloved in the ultra-running community.Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or someone who's never laced up running shoes, Lucy's insights on resilience, community, and finding your own path will inspire you to embrace challenges with curiosity and courage. As she prepares for another UTMB race, her message remains clear: sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones where we dare to cut our own trail.Support the show

What does it truly mean to show up whole and authentic in a world that encourages fragmentation? Dr. Thema Bryant doesn't just talk about integration—she embodies it as a psychologist, author, professor, sacred artist, and minister leading transformative work in trauma healing and relationship building.Dr. Bryant shares her excitement about merging different aspects of her identity and work, challenging the notion that we must compartmentalize ourselves based on context. "I'm excited about not being segregated within myself and with other people, but to be inviting for us to engage with our whole selves," she explains. This radical authenticity creates ripple effects, encouraging others to bring their full humanity into spaces where they've previously felt silenced.Our conversation explores the powerful frameworks of decolonial and liberation psychology. Decolonial psychology deconstructs harmful colonial impacts—extraction, dehumanization, and power imbalances—while liberation psychology builds a vision for collective freedom. Dr. Bryant challenges the field's arrogance in assuming psychotherapy is the only path to healing, calling for cultural humility and recognition of diverse healing traditions that have sustained communities for generations.Perhaps most provocatively, Dr. Bryant calls for mental health professionals to embody the healing they claim to facilitate. "I would love us to actually be well," she says, noting how many practitioners suffer from self-erasure and neglect. She critiques training systems that preach self-care while penalizing boundary-setting, and challenges the field's silence on systemic issues affecting mental health.From the healing power of arts and cultural practices to the importance of releasing relationships that don't serve us, Dr. Bryant offers practical wisdom for navigating our interconnected existence. She reminds us that "liberation is interwoven, it is collective. It cannot be on the backs of other people's bondage."The conversation closes with a vision of a world with "more ease in our bodies, more ease with each other, more ease in our spirits," while acknowledging the ongoing need for intentional resistance against harmful patterns. Dr. Bryant's integration of psychology, spirituality, arts, and justice work offers a roadmap for authentic, holistic healing that honors our full humanity.Join us for this soul-nourishing conversation that will transform how you think about healing, relationships, and creating meaningful change in our complex world.Support the show

Dr. Judith Herman, a towering figure in trauma studies and author of the landmark books "Trauma and Recovery" and "Truth and Repair," takes us on a journey through the evolution of trauma understanding from the 1970s—when we didn't even have terminology for what victims experienced—to today's complex landscape of healing and justice.Drawing from decades of clinical work and research with survivors, Dr. Herman reveals how trauma exists within frameworks of dominance and subordination that permeate every level of human organization. "Whenever you have a dominant group and a subordinate group, especially when that dominance is deeply embedded in cultures and traditions, ultimately that dominance is enforced by violence," she explains. This perspective illuminates why healing cannot happen in isolation from addressing social power structures.Perhaps most revolutionary are her findings about what survivors actually want from justice systems. Through interviews with 30 trauma survivors, she discovered that punishment of offenders—the primary offering of our criminal justice system—ranked surprisingly low on survivors' priority lists. Instead, survivors unanimously desired public acknowledgment of what happened, particularly from bystanders rather than perpetrators. They wanted the harm recognized and denounced by their communities. As one survivor powerfully stated, "I think he'd get a kick out of talking about what he did. He wouldn't really be sorry."Dr. Herman's wisdom extends beyond analysis to action. She advocates for small community groups as starting points for change, emphasizing that healing happens in connection with others. "You can't do it alone," she reminds us. Her mother's saying—"activism is the antidote to despair"—continues to guide her vision for a world built on relationships of equality and mutuality rather than dominance and submission.Join us for this profound conversation with a true pioneer whose work has transformed how we understand trauma, healing, and the pursuit of justice. Listen, share, and be part of the movement toward a more trauma-informed society.---On September 15th I'm offering a new, free training Freedom from Trauma - register here!https://howwecanheal.com/freedomfromtrauma/In this free 60-minute training, I’ll guide you through a compassionate process of identifying trauma and exploring a path forward. Together, we’ll connect with the inner resources and resilience that make healing possible, so you can move beyond surviving and begin to truly thrive.In this session, we’ll explore:✨What trauma is and how to recognize it - understanding the signs and patterns that may be shaping your life.✨Pathways through trauma - tools and approaches to help you find your way forward with compassion.✨Resilience and psychological resources - practices to strengthen your inner foundation for growth and healing.✨Steps toward thriving - how to move from simply getting by to living with more ease, connection, and vitality.This hour together is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect with the deeper strengths that are already within you. Whether you’re new to this work or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll leave with practical insights and supportive practices you can carry into your daily life.Support the show

Ready to transform your healing journey? Season six of the award-winning How We Can Heal podcast brings fresh perspectives and powerful insights every Monday. We've assembled an extraordinary lineup of powerhouse healers, teachers, athletes, researchers, and even actors who will share their unique approaches to personal and collective healing.This season dives deep into transformative concepts like liberation psychology and tyranny while exploring how moments of courage—whether small daily choices or life-altering decisions like embarking on year-long meditation retreats—can reshape our lives. Our conversations will challenge conventional thinking about healing while offering practical wisdom you can apply immediately.Season five connected us with remarkable stories: Dr. Frank Corrigan revealing how deep brain reorienting heals shock, athletes sharing their journeys through cancer and community-building, and the heartwarming tale of Dion Leonard adopting Gobi, the loyal dog who ran 70 miles with him across the Gobi Desert. Season six promises even more compelling narratives, beginning with the legendary Dr. Judith Herman, followed by Dr. Thema Bryant, exploring healing across individual and societal dimensions. We'll also learn from yoga and meditation teachers Cara Lai and Melanie Salvatore-August before concluding with some exciting surprises, including a professional actor you've definitely seen on screen.What healing are you seeking most right now? What excites you about this season? I'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. Your comments, reviews, and shares have built this community of healing-seekers, and I'm deeply grateful. Subscribe now so you don't miss a single transformative conversation as we explore how we can heal ourselves and our world together.Support the show

Dr. David Spiegel, Wilson Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, brings over 40 years of expertise in trauma, hypnosis, and mind-body medicine to this fascinating conversation. Drawing from decades of scientific research, Dr. Spiegel reveals how hypnosis serves as "controlled dissociation," offering a powerful pathway for trauma recovery by allowing people to revisit difficult experiences while maintaining physical comfort.The conversation takes us deep into the neuroscience of trauma and healing. Dr. Spiegel shares remarkable findings from brain imaging studies showing how hypnosis actually turns down activity in the brain's alarm system and reduces self-judgment, creating space for new perspectives and healing. Particularly fascinating is his explanation of how hypnosis can reduce pain perception by over 50% - without medication or side effects.Personal stories bring the science to life, from Dr. Spiegel's first experience using hypnosis with an asthmatic girl in crisis to his wife successfully using hypnosis during childbirth. His genetic "illness" of hypnosis, inherited from his psychiatrist father who used it to treat trauma in World War II veterans, creates a touching through-line in his lifelong dedication to understanding how our minds can heal our bodies.The conversation bridges clinical approaches with accessible self-help strategies. Dr. Spiegel explains how two-thirds of adults are naturally somewhat hypnotizable, then details how his Reverie app makes these powerful techniques available to anyone dealing with stress, insomnia, or trauma. The discussion reveals fascinating parallels between hypnosis and yoga, showing how both practices engage the brain's natural capacity for healing through focused attention and absorption.Ready to tap into your brain's natural healing abilities? Discover how hypnosis might serve as an underutilized "app" you already possess, and learn why focusing on what you're for rather than what you're against creates more effective healing. Whether you're a clinician or someone seeking relief from trauma or stress, this episode offers profound insights into our remarkable capacity for transformation.Support the show

Season 5 of the How We Can Heal Podcast is sponsored by SimplePractice.If you want to simplify the business side of your work, I highly recommend Simple Practice! Right now they’re offering a special 7-day free trial with 70% off your first 4 months for How We Can Heal listeners.Go to https://www.simplepractice.com/howwecanheal to take advantage of this offer today!-----This episode is also sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD). The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs. Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/---What if everything we've been taught about trauma and healing has been filtered through a colonial lens? Dr. Laura Brown —psychologist, author, and activist with over 40 years of groundbreaking work in feminist therapy—challenges us to reimagine healing outside the medical model that has dominated Western thinking.Dr. Brown takes us on a profound journey from her early activism in the 1960s through her pioneering work in trauma psychology, weaving together personal narrative with radical theory. She articulates how medical systems have colonized healing processes that humans have practiced for millennia, turning natural responses to harm into "disorders" requiring professional intervention. "People have been healing from trauma since human beings became human beings," she reminds us, inviting practitioners to question the foundations of conventional approaches.The conversation expands beyond clinical settings to examine how trauma and power operate in our broader society. Dr. Brown offers wisdom about maintaining our integrity and voice in challenging times, protecting our nervous systems from becoming hijacked by those who don't deserve access to our activation, and finding small yet meaningful ways to resist injustice daily. Her perspective on trauma work as inherently political challenges the false neutrality many clinicians adopt, while her vision of collaborative healing relationships dismantles hierarchies between "expert" and "patient."All while navigating cancer recovery and a vocal disorder affecting her speech, Dr. Brown embodies the resilience she describes, finding joy in aikido, nature, friendship, and beauty. Her message inspires hope not through toxic positivity but through genuine engagement with both suffering and possibility. Whether you're a healing professional or someone on your own recovery journey, this episode will transform how you think about trauma, power, and our collective capacity for change.Want to keep creating opportunities for healing together? Subscribe at howwecanheal.com to continue exploring how we can create more humble, culturally responsive approaches to trauma that honor every person's inherent power and wisdom.Support the show

Season 5 of the How We Can Heal Podcast is sponsored by SimplePractice.If you want to simplify the business side of your work, I highly recommend Simple Practice! Right now they’re offering a special 7-day free trial with 70% off your first 4 months for How We Can Heal listeners.Go to https://www.simplepractice.com/howwecanheal to take advantage of this offer today!-----This episode is also sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD). The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs. Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/-----Trauma leaves invisible wounds that shape our relationships, survival strategies, and capacity for connection. In this profound conversation with Dr. Robert Mueller, we journey through the complex landscape of trauma therapy, examining both the protective role of avoidance and the human yearning to be truly seen and understood.Dr. Muller shares his deeply personal connection to trauma work as a child of Holocaust survivors, revealing how his parents' experiences during childhood shaped not only their parenting but also his professional path. With remarkable candor, he articulates how his own anxieties around control and uncertainty continue to influence his clinical work, offering a refreshing glimpse into the very human experience of being a trauma therapist.At the heart of our discussion lies a compassionate exploration of avoidance in trauma recovery. Dr. Muller introduces the concept of "trauma fragments" – those subtle disclosures that slip through otherwise protective defenses, signaling a readiness to process painful experiences. He offers practical insights for therapists navigating the delicate balance between honoring defenses and gently challenging them, emphasizing curiosity over confrontation as the pathway forward.Perhaps most powerfully, Dr. Muller challenges the cultural pressure many trauma survivors face to forgive their perpetrators. He reframes forgiveness not as a virtuous endpoint but as a fluid process that may ebb and flow throughout one's healing journey. This perspective liberates survivors from the burden of toxic positivity, honoring the complexity of their experiences without demanding premature resolution.Whether you're a therapist seeking to deepen your trauma-informed practice or someone on your own healing journey, this conversation offers a roadmap grounded in compassion, patience, and profound respect for the wisdom of our protective responses. As Dr. Muller reminds us, healing comes not from bypassing difficult emotions but from creating contexts where they can be safely felt, understood, and integrated into our life stories.Support the show

Facing the unimaginable pain of losing a child, Anna Ratnathicam Diab opens her heart to share the story of her daughter Carolina, who passed away suddenly at age 11 during a family trip to Uganda in 2019. What unfolds is a raw, honest conversation about navigating grief's unpredictable terrain and finding meaningful ways to honor a child's memory.Anna vividly recalls Carolina's vibrant personality—her love of bright colors, her notorious sweet tooth, and her habit of wearing "pattern on pattern on pattern" that made her mother chuckle. When describing the day Carolina died after complaining of a headache, Anna doesn't shy away from the brutal reality of those moments in a remote hospital, making impossible decisions no parent should face. The scene of local women gathering outside the hospital in the dark early morning hours, standing silent vigil with Anna in her grief, creates an unforgettable image of human connection transcending language and culture.Rather than following predictable stages, Anna describes grief as waves—initially constant and overwhelming, gradually becoming smaller and more predictable over time. "There's still moments that suddenly trip me up," she shares. "Now I know you just have to sit in it and it will pass and you'll put yourself back together again." Five years after Carolina's death, Anna has discovered unexpected pathways to healing: maintaining relationships with Carolina's friends, finding places to honor her memory (including a street intersection named for Carolina outside her elementary school), and remaining open to spiritual connections.Perhaps the most powerful moment comes when Anna recalls experiencing genuine joy again while watching a UCLA basketball game—something she and Carolina had enjoyed together. "It felt foreign...but in a good way," she explains. "Like oh yeah, I will feel this again." Her message to other bereaved parents cuts through platitudes to offer the one truth she could have absorbed in early grief: "You will feel joy again."Whether you're navigating your own grief journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers profound insights into how we carry both our losses and our capacity for joy forward. -----Season 5 of the How We Can Heal Podcast is sponsored by SimplePractice.If you want to simplify the business side of your work, I highly recommend Simple Practice! Right now they’re offering a special 7-day free trial with 70% off your first 4 months for How We Can Heal listeners.Go to https://www.simplepractice.com/howwecanheal to take advantage of this offer today!Support the show

Award-winning author of "The Yoga of Parenting," Sarah Ezrin shares how yoga philosophy provides a framework for navigating parenthood's chaos with grace and self-compassion. The yoga practice she once knew - with its hours on the mat and meditation cushion - has transformed into what she calls "yoga snacks": micro-moments of mindfulness chosen throughout her day. These might look like lighting a favorite candle amid dinner preparation madness, taking five deep breaths during an argument between her sons, or remaining calm enough to give herself the Heimlich maneuver while the kids continue playing, oblivious to her distress.Today we explore how our perceptions of yoga shift throughout life stages - from the achievement-oriented physical practice many begin with to the deeper, more integrated approach that emerges through parenthood. Sarah's vulnerability about her postpartum anxiety and the surprising ways yoga showed up during that challenging time offers a refreshing counterpoint to the curated perfectionism often seen in wellness spaces. The permission she grants - to adapt, to struggle, to let go of rigid expectations - comes from hard-won wisdom."The most advanced practice I've ever done is trying to co-parent with another adult and raise children together," Sarah reflects, highlighting how relationships amplify our growth edges. Beyond individual practices and communication challenges, we discuss the systemic changes needed to truly support families: paid leave, affordable childcare, and community-centered approaches to raising children. Sarah envisions a return to village-style support systems where resources are shared and parents aren't left struggling in isolation.For those feeling overwhelmed by conflicting parenting advice and impossible standards, Sarah offers this centering truth: "You are the best parent for your child." Trust your intuition, offer yourself grace, and remember that the yoga is found not in perfection, but in returning again and again to presence.Learn more about her work at https://sarahezrinyoga.com/  Get the full transcript of each show at https://howwecanheal.com/podcastSupport the show

What if the transformation into parenthood isn't just about survival, but offers a unique window of opportunity for profound growth? In this illuminating conversation, classical singer and Alexander Technique practitioner Madison Smith challenges the harmful notion that we should "bounce back" after childbirth, offering instead a revolutionary perspective on the neurological shifts that occur during this major life transition."Your body's not coming back, and I don't say that negatively," Madison explains. "Your body has moved beyond what was available prior." Drawing from her extensive background in voice, movement, and somatics, Madison explores how our brains physically change during parenthood — creating not deficits, but heightened neuroplasticity and learning capacity. This shift rewires us to respond intuitively to our children while simultaneously opening doors to accelerated growth in other areas of our lives.The discussion delves into the problematic landscape of postpartum fitness, where anatomically incorrect cues like "belly button to spine" prioritize aesthetics over function, sometimes causing lasting injury. Madison shares her own journey of postpartum back pain and how proper understanding of core engagement through expansion rather than contraction ultimately led to healing. She offers practical guidance on breathing techniques that support true core stability while regulating the nervous system, demonstrating how rest and respiratory awareness can be powerful yet underrated tools for recovery.Perhaps most compelling is Madison's reframing of major life transitions not as setbacks but as opportunities for transformation. Whether you're navigating parenthood, menopause, illness, or any significant change, this conversation invites you to release your grip on who you were and explore the expanded possibilities of who you're becoming. Connect with your body as a source of wisdom, release the pressure to "do it all," and discover what's true for you now — not what was true before or what others expect of you.If you're in the San Francisco area, look for Madison's in-person workshops for mothers and teens. Find her online at madisoprano.com or on social media @madisoprano.Support the show

What if sports were designed around athlete wellbeing instead of profit? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Diane Williams shares the buried history of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), an organization that flourished in the 1970s and early 1980s with a radical vision for collegiate athletics centered on education and student development.Dr. Williams, a professor of kinesiology at McDaniel College and former NCAA All-American athlete, reveals how this women-led organization created a completely different approach to sports governance than the male-dominated NCAA. With her interdisciplinary background in American Studies, Sports Studies, and Gender Studies, she unpacks how the AIAW's educational philosophy prioritized athlete wellbeing while still fostering high-level competition.The conversation delves into why this history matters today, as athletes across all levels struggle with mental health challenges, restrictive gender norms, and exploitative systems. Dr. Williams shares powerful insights about creating more inclusive, body-positive athletic spaces that welcome diverse bodies and abilities. From her experience as "Lady Hulk" in roller derby to her work with current students questioning athletic norms, she offers a blueprint for reimagining sports culture.Most compelling is the story of how the AIAW ended – not because its model failed, but because it threatened existing power structures. As Dr. Williams explains, "It wasn't just the organization that disappeared but an entire alternative vision for what athletics could be." This forgotten chapter in sports history offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in creating healthier approaches to physical activity, competition, and embodiment.Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone interested in how we might build more humane and inclusive systems, this conversation will transform how you think about sports culture and its possibilities.Learn more & connect with Dr. Williams at: https://www.mcdaniel.edu/about-us/profiles/diane-l-williams-phdSupport the show

What happens when a casual curiosity about trail running transforms into a life-changing journey of service? Bugi's remarkable story unfolds as she recounts her evolution from a nervous first-timer at a Brazen Racing event to becoming "the other Kenyan" – an ultra runner who now feeds 42 children daily through her foundation in rural Kenya.The magic of the trail running community shines throughout this conversation as Bugi describes finding her people through those long, vulnerable hours spent traversing mountains together. "When you spend six or seven hours with someone, you become real," she explains, highlighting how these connections sustained her through profound grief after losing her mother. Running became her constant companion through life's challenges – a space for processing emotions, finding clarity, and building self-belief.Most powerfully, Bugi shares the genesis of the Okullo Foundation, which began with a simple act of kindness: paying a child's $6 school fees after finding him unable to attend class. What started as addressing an immediate need evolved into a comprehensive program providing meals, education, healthcare, and hygiene products to kindergarteners at a school just steps from her family home. Through donations from her American running community, these children now have backpacks, proper toilets, clean water, and nutritious food – transforming their educational experience and health outcomes.Beyond her service work, Bugi offers wisdom about overcoming fears, building confidence, and embracing community. Her journey from doubting her abilities to setting ambitious ultra-running goals mirrors her approach to community service: start where you are, take one step at a time, and trust that showing up matters. As she puts it, "What brings me hope is that kindness and empathy still exist."Ready to be inspired by how one person's passion can create ripples of positive change? Listen now and discover how the simple act of lacing up your shoes might lead to unexpected purpose. And if Bugi's story moves you, she extends an open invitation to visit Kenya and see the foundation's work firsthand!Learn more about the Okullo Foundation at: https://okullofoundation.org/Support the show

This episode is sponsored by Ultrasignup, the leading marketplace for discovering, registering, and managing trail running events across the United States. With a mission to promote the spirit of trail running and outdoor adventure, UltraSignup hosts a diverse range of races and events. When you visit Ultrasignup.com you’ll find over 5000 events – about half of which are NOT ultra-distance. You’ll also find stories highlighting runners, race directors, training tips, running destinations, and the growth of the sport in their weekly newsletter and online magazine. Visit https://ultrasignup.com/ to explore the possibilities and plan your next adventure!----- Napa Wilderness Trail Runs kicks off the morning of May 17, 2025! Whether you're a seasoned trail runner, just starting out, or just want to come hang out in nature, there’s a place for you here. You might come out for the 10k fun run, 1/2 Marathon: 30k Scenic Trek , 50K Endurance Challenge, or 40 Mile Elevation Beast. Make it a weekend adventure by camping out under the stars & soaking up the energy and natural beauty. And if you’d rather not run but still want to be a part of the fun, you can volunteer! Register at: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=116228-----Todd Glieden's life transformed forever when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, spending 90 days at Stanford Hospital undergoing intensive treatment. This experience became the catalyst that helped him discover his true self after years of feeling directionless. "I don't think I discovered myself until then," Todd reflects, describing how cancer pushed him to reevaluate everything.The unexpected support he received during his illness revealed surprising truths about relationships. People he barely knew showed up with rides and meals, while some he considered close disappeared entirely. This pattern of finding strength in community would become the defining theme of Todd's recovery and subsequent life journey.When Todd discovered trail running through a local group, everything changed. The shy, reserved person who once hesitated to approach strangers transformed into someone known and loved throughout the running community. What makes Todd's story particularly powerful is how he's channeled his experiences into creating spaces for others to heal. As the owner of Bay Trail Runners, he organizes events that welcome participants of all abilities. His greatest joy comes from witnessing someone complete their first trail race or half marathon, knowing firsthand the transformative potential of these achievements. "To go out and give that experience to somebody else now in my life is a great feeling," he shares.The trail running community offers something increasingly rare in modern life—unconditional support during life's hardest moments. Through shared adventures on mountain trails, Todd has built connections that transcend ordinary friendships. These relationships have sustained him through multiple health crises, proving that healing happens not just within medical facilities but within communities bound by shared passion and mutual care.For anyone facing difficult circumstances or seeking a new beginning, Todd's message is simple yet profound: "Let people into your lives" and "try something." Whether it's walking around a lake or venturing onto a local trail, the first step toward healing often involves stepping outside—both literally and figuratively. Follow Todd's journey or join one of his events by connecting with him as Todd Run on social media, and discover for yourself how the trail might become your own path to healing.Invite Todd out on a run here! https://www.instagram.com/iworldrunner/https://www.facebook.com/Baytrailrunners/https://baytrailrunners.company.site/https:/Support the show

Lucja Leonard's journey from forging sick notes to avoid PE class to completing a 300-mile ultramarathon across the Arizona desert reveals the transformative power of pushing beyond perceived limits. Just five days after finishing this monumental race, Lucja shares how she navigated extreme sleep deprivation, 90-degree heat, and those inevitable moments where every life decision is questioned.The conversation dives deep into what pulls someone toward such extreme challenges. For Lucja, it's the extraordinary process of breaking down completely—reaching points of vulnerability and suffering—then rebuilding herself stronger than before. This cycle of breakdown and renewal has fundamentally changed her relationship with her body, transforming years of negative body image into profound respect for what her body can accomplish. "I am strong and fearless," she reflects, noting how ultra running has taught her that bodies of all shapes and sizes can perform incredible feats.We explore the surprising parallel between ultrarunning and life itself—how both involve waves of struggle and recovery, both require asking for help, and both reveal our true character when pushed to extremes. Lucja shares beautiful moments of human connection on the trail, from strangers offering head torches to trail angels appearing with water when she and her pacer were desperately dehydrated miles from the next aid station.As a coach who recently guided another runner through their first 300-miler, Lucja offers wisdom for anyone facing seemingly impossible challenges: "Just try. You don't know what you're capable of." Whether you're contemplating your first 5K or wrestling with life's biggest obstacles, this conversation illuminates how embracing challenge rather than avoiding discomfort can lead to profound personal transformation.Connect with Lucja on Instagram @RunningDutchie or visit FindingGobi.com to learn about her upcoming speaking events where she appears with her husband Dion and their famous four-legged companion Gobi, whose remarkable story has inspired people worldwide.Support the show

Dion Leonard's life changed forever when a small dog joined him for 80 miles of a grueling 155-mile ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert in China. Their story of connection, separation, and eventual reunion became a New York Times bestseller, but behind this heartwarming tale lies an equally powerful journey of personal healing.Before becoming a world-class endurance athlete, Dion was a pack-a-day smoker who couldn't run around the block. His transformation began with a drunken bet about a half marathon, fueled by the same determination that would later help him complete some of the world's most challenging races, including the Triple Crown of 200s and Badwater 135.Throughout our conversation, Dion speaks candidly about using ultra running as a mechanism to process his difficult childhood. Running became a space where anger could transform into achievement, where painful memories could be worked through with each mile. For years, he approached races with a punishing intensity, finding release at finish lines rather than enjoyment in the journey.The most profound shift came when Dion faced a pivotal choice during that fateful race in China – continue pursuing the lead or turn back to help a small stray dog cross a water obstacle. His decision to choose connection over competition opened an unexpected chapter that would test his resilience in new ways, especially during the six-week search for Gobi after she went missing in a city of 3.5 million people.Whether you're drawn to stories of human-animal bonds, fascinated by endurance sports, or seeking inspiration for your own healing journey, Dion's experiences remind us that transformation often begins with a single step – or as he would say in his distinctly Australian way, simply "having a go."Support the show

Dr. Frank Corrigan joins us to share his groundbreaking approach to trauma healing called Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR). With his melodious Scottish accent and over 30 years of experience as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Scotland's National Health Service, Frank explains how his quest to help severely traumatized patients led to this innovative method that addresses trauma at its deepest neurobiological roots.The magic of DBR lies in its focus on a critical moment most approaches miss – the milliseconds of "shock" that occur in the brainstem before emotions like fear, rage or shame ever emerge. Frank walks us through how traditional trauma therapies often overlook this crucial phase, potentially explaining why some people remain stuck despite years of treatment. Through fascinating explanations of brainstem structures like the periaqueductal gray and superior colliculi, he illustrates how DBR's sequence of processing works with our brain's natural healing mechanisms rather than against them.What makes DBR truly revolutionary is its methodical, slow approach that begins with establishing "where self" – a neurological anchoring in present time and space – before identifying the subtle "orienting tension" that precedes shock. By attending to these early responses before emotions flood in, clients often experience processing that feels manageable rather than overwhelming. Frank shares moving clinical examples, including how DBR has helped people with traumatic bereavements that remained unresolved for decades despite trying numerous other approaches.Ready to explore this transformative approach yourself? Whether you're a mental health professional interested in training or someone seeking healing from complex trauma, Frank's compassionate explanation offers hope that even the most deeply embedded trauma responses can be addressed when we understand the brain's natural healing sequence. Visit deepbrainreorienting.com to learn more about this exciting development in trauma therapy that's showing promising research results.-------This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals Support the show

Welcome back to the How We Can Heal Podcast! Season 5 is coming April 14th With new episodes dropping every Monday. You've probably heard the saying, "time heals all wounds," and while healing often does take time, there are other elements and skills that can support the process. This season we'll focus on those moments, choices, and approaches that help us choose and experience healing. In addition to highlighting the voices of stellar clinicians and mental health professionals this season, you'll also hear personal journeys of healing and how different people at very different times in life found their way through the most challenging circumstances and fostered healing through intentional choices and moments of connection. I also want you to know that you're officially listening to an award-winning podcast now! Last month at the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation annual conference in Boston, Massachusetts How We Can Heal was awarded the Audio Visual Media award. It's such an honor for the podcast to be recognized in this way, and I wanna thank the organization its members, as well as all of the guests on this podcast – and YOU listening right now. It's wonderful to know that these conversations are resonating, and I so love hearing from you. So keep posting comments on YouTube, reviews on Apple and Spotify and wherever you're listening right now, and I encourage you to reach out, email your thoughts, questions and ideas to me at info at howwecanheal.com. In season 4, we started with Dr. Ruth Lanius talking about deep brain reorienting & wrapped with Dr. Jennifer Gomez talking about healing cultural betrayal for Black women and girls. We also had Dr. Donna Hicks on the show to talk about leading and healing with dignity – so relevant right now, definitely go back & listen in if you haven't heard that one yet. And we had Dan Shaw talking about traumatizing narcissists, as well as Dr. Lauren Lebois describing recent fMRI studies on trauma and dissociation. This season will kick off with Dr. Frank Corrigan, creator of Deep Brain Reorienting. He'll share, in his own sweet Scottish words, how DBR is different from many popular approaches to trauma recovery and how clients have responded to this unique treatment. From there, I'll be highlighting a few friends and legends in the ultramarathon community. So you'll get to hear the various ways these people have found healing on the trail. Spoiler alert, it isn't all about running - there's so much more! I'll also be highlighting folks this season who support mothers and parents in unique and embodied ways. After exploring these personal journeys, we'll wrap with some more icons in the field of trauma and recovery. So we pay tribute to folks who are trailblazing from a research and clinical perspective, as well as those with their feet on the ground – or hands in the diaper pail as it may be. I'm so looking forward to sharing the season with you. Drop me a line at info at howwecanheal.com and let me know what you're looking forward to. I'll see you there and I'll see you next week for episode one of Season five of the How We Can Heal Podcast. Till then!Support the show

 Healing the Cultural Betrayal of Black Women & Girls: Bringing the Dreamstorm to Life In this episode of the How We Can Heal podcast, host Lisa Danylchuk speaks with Dr. Jennifer Gomez about cultural betrayal trauma, particularly in the context of black women and girls. This in-depth discussion explores the complexities of holding perpetrators accountable, transforming cultural expectations, and the importance of small wins in the healing process. Dr. Gomez also shares insights from her recent book, 'The Cultural Betrayal of Black Women and Girls: A Black Feminist Approach to Healing from Sexual Abuse,' and her collaborative work in the field of trauma recovery.00:52 Acknowledging Our Sponsor: ISSTD02:14 Welcoming Dr. Jennifer Gomez02:44 Discussing Dr. Gomez's Book02:50 Cultural Betrayal Trauma04:19 Personal Reflections and Feedback07:14 Navigating Family Dynamics12:12 Healing and Differentiation21:41 Small Wins and Institutional Courage26:16 Restorative Justice and Accountability31:50 Accountability and Relational Repair32:54 Expectations and Apologies34:19 Child Sexual Abuse Prevention36:09 Empathy and Collective Responsibility41:08 The Role of Perpetrators in Prevention47:51 Cultural Shifts and Professional Roles54:50 Upcoming Talks and Publications58:05 Conclusion and ResourcesSeason 3 Episode 6 The Importance of Cultural Betrayal Trauma, with Dr. Jennifer M. GómezSeason 3 Episode 7: DreamStorming - Finding Hope & Joy in the face of Cultural Betrayal, with Dr. Jennifer M. GómezJennifer’s upcoming ISSTD presentation: https://www.isst-d.org/training-and-conferences/upcoming-conferences/2024-washington-dc-regional-conference-2/Harvard DID Conference: https://cmecatalog.hms.harvard.edu/stronger-together-dissociative-identity-disorderJennifer’s website: https://jmgomez.org/-- This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD). The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs. Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Support the show

BEHIND THE SCENES CONVERSATIONS WITH DR. KATHLEEN KENDALL-TACKETTIn this behind-the-scenes episode of the 'How We Can Heal' podcast, psychotherapist Lisa Danylchuk welcomes health psychologist Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, an expert in women's health, trauma, and maternal mental health. They delve deep into the science and practical interventions to support mothers, highlighting Dr. Kendall-Tackett's extensive research and recent publications. The episode covers the significance of community support, the impact of stress on breastfeeding, and the importance of secure attachment. Listeners gain insights into practical ways to foster maternal mental health and resilience in the face of trauma.00:56 Meet Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett03:54 The Importance of Community Support06:09 Challenges in Postpartum Care07:41 The Role of Healthcare Providers09:18 The Impact of Trauma on Health12:04 Breastfeeding and Mental Health14:59 Effective Communication in Healthcare20:59 Building Trust with Trauma Survivors31:28 Processing Trauma in Therapy32:02 The Science Behind Trauma and Physiology32:54 Debunking Myths About Health and Trauma34:18 Cannabis Use Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms37:34 The Importance of Secure Attachment41:43 Challenges and Solutions in Breastfeeding52:05 Final Thoughts and ResourcesSupport the show

Psychoneuroimmunology, Depression and Maternal Mental Health with Dr. Kathleen Kendall TackettIn this episode of the How We Can Heal podcast, psychotherapist Lisa Danylchuk engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett, a health psychologist expert in women's health. The conversation delves into Dr. Kendall Tackett's research on breastfeeding, maternal mental health, and postpartum depression. Key topics include psychoneuroimmunology, oxytocin's role in stress regulation, and practical guidance for new mothers. The episode also addresses the essential need for social support systems, inadequacies in U.S. parental leave policies, and community-driven support within African American communities. Listeners are offered valuable insights into the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and are encouraged to visit howwecanheal.com for additional resources and show notes.00:56 Meet Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett03:19 Understanding Psychoneuroimmunology05:45 Inflammation and Mental Health08:24 Bridging Trauma and Healing10:48 Managing Chronic Pain and Trauma32:48 The Role of Oxytocin in Healing35:49 The Role of Oxytocin in Labor36:31 Stress and Its Impact on Labor37:34 Ways to Increase Oxytocin38:33 Breastfeeding and Mental Health43:33 The Importance of Sleep for New Parents49:44 Social Support for New Mothers56:44 Preventing and Relieving Postpartum Depression01:06:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show

THE NEUROSCIENCE OF TRAUMA AND DISSOCIATION WITH DR. LAUREN LEBOIS In this episode of the How We Can Heal podcast, host Lisa Danylchuk welcomes Dr. Lauren Lebois, a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in trauma and dissociation. They discuss the neurobiology of PTSD, dissociation, and DID, highlighting key brain regions and their functions. Dr. Lebois shares insights from her research, the importance of neuroplasticity, and the vital role of repair in healing. They also delve into indigenous perspectives on trauma and the upcoming DID course at Harvard. The episode captures the complexity of trauma recovery and emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and treating dissociation.  00:52 Sponsorship Acknowledgment 02:10 Introducing Dr. Lauren Lebois 03:41 Personal Connection and Parenting 04:57 Dr. Labois' Journey into Trauma Research 08:54 Understanding PTSD and Dissociation 13:08 Functional and Structural Brain Changes 24:09 Yoga for Trauma Online Training Program 25:35 Complexity of Brain Models 28:48 Goldilocks and Trauma: Finding Balance 29:12 Bridging the Gap: Tools for Trauma Recovery 29:27 Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress and Dissociation 30:35 The Brain's Adaptability and Neuroplasticity 31:02 Recognizing Progress in Healing 31:58 Gesture and Learning: Insights from Research 33:32 Indigenous Perspectives on Trauma and Soul Loss 35:52 Current Research on Trauma and Dissociation 42:22 Parenting with a Trauma-Informed Lens 44:21 Music and Memory: Personal Reflections 48:18 Resources and Further Learning 51:41 Maintaining Hope and Humor in Challenging Work54:02 Conclusion and Gratitude  ---For more info about Lauren's work visit: https://www.ddtrp.com/ To learn about McLean and Harvard Medical School’s Inaugural Conference on DID visit:https://cmecatalog.hms.harvard.edu/stronger-together-dissociative-identity-disorder/agenda ---This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).  The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.  Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals  To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Support the show

Traumatic Narcissism and Cult Dynamics With Dan Shaw In this episode of the How We Can Heal Podcast, host Lisa Danylchuk welcomes Daniel Shaw, a psychotherapist trained in psychoanalysis and trauma-informed therapies, to discuss traumatic narcissism and cult dynamics. Daniel shares his personal journey from being an actor early in life to becoming a member of what he discovered over time was a spiritual cult. Today he shares how these experiences spurred his interest in trauma, and why he coined the term "traumatizing narcissist". He elaborates on the behaviors and characteristics of traumatizing narcissists, the impact on their victims, and how these dynamics can manifest in various relationships and institutions. They also touch on the importance of recognizing these abusive patterns for effective therapy and recovery. This episode aims to validate and support victims of traumatic narcissism while providing insights for therapists. 00:52 Acknowledging Our Sponsor: ISSTD 02:13 Introducing Daniel Shaw 03:43 Daniel Shaw's Journey into Trauma Work 15:01 Understanding Traumatic Narcissism 31:43 Delusional Contagion and Narcissistic Omnipotence 34:48 Impact on Victims and Coercive Control 39:32 Yoga for Trauma Online Training Program 41:01 Abuse in the Yoga Community 44:28 Narcissism in Helping Professions 48:39 Personal Reflections on Authoritarianism 51:49 Resources for Healing from Narcissistic Abuse 56:57 Hope and Human Potential 58:48 Podcast Conclusion and Acknowledgements For more info about Dan's work visit: https://danielshawlcsw.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD). The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs. Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Support the show

Secular Spirituality and Healing From Religious Trauma with Britt HartleyIn this episode of the How We Can Heal podcast, host Lisa Danylchuk interviews Britt Hartley, a secular spiritual director and author of 'No Nonsense Spirituality.' Britt shares her journey from Mormonism, explores the concept of spirituality without dogma, and emphasizes the importance of connection, presence, and personal rituals in daily life. They discuss how spiritual practices can be integrated into everyday activities, creating meaning and intentional living. Listeners are invited to explore personalized spiritual paths and the balance between masculine and feminine energies in healing and spirituality.00:55 Meet Britt Hartley: Exploring Secular Spirituality03:45 Understanding Religious Trauma and Secular Tools06:00 Navigating Spiritual Practices in Daily Life18:10 The Balance Between Order and Chaos26:12 Feminism and Spirituality: A Balanced Approach29:51 Yoga for Trauma: Online Training Program31:14 The Role of Connection in Spirituality32:56 Creating Your Own Community34:21 Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty39:57 Integrating Spirituality into Daily Life44:51 Finding Magic in Everyday Moments54:52 Awakening to the Present58:06 Connecting with Brett and Her Work59:54 Final Thoughts and GratitudeSupport the show

Mentalizing For Healing, Connection & Growth with Janne Øestergaard HagelquistIn this episode of the How We Can Heal podcast, host Lisa Danylchuk welcomes Janne Øestergaard Hagelquist, a licensed psychologist from Denmark, to discuss trauma treatment and mentalization. Janne shares her professional journey and experience in working with children, adolescents, and families affected by neglect, abuse, and violence. The conversation explores the mentalization theory, trauma recovery, and its practical application with various groups, including those on the autism spectrum. They delve into the significance of empathizing with others, the challenges of working in trauma recovery, and how fostering a mentalizing approach among professionals can lead to better outcomes for traumatized individuals. The episode also highlights Janne's recent work and publications, providing resources for those interested in learning more about mentalization.    00:00 Introduction to Season Four    00:54 Meet Janne Ostergaard Hagelquist    02:01 Janne's Journey into Trauma Recovery    10:06 Understanding Mentalization    14:06 The Justin Bieber Story    24:33 Mentalization and Trauma Recovery    28:00 Applying Mentalizing in Personal Life    28:55 Client Success Stories with Mentalizing    31:29 New Themes in Mentalizing Work    32:56 Mentalizing in Different Settings    36:25 Mentalizing with Traumatized Children    44:18 Mentalizing with Autism    48:21 Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience    51:50 Resources and Future Projects    54:09 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLearn more at: https://www.centerformentalization.com/Janne Østergaard Hagelquist is the founder of Center of Mentalization and takes care of day-to-day management, development and management of the center. Janne is an authorized psychologist and approved specialist in the field of child psychology and supervision. She has over a long period worked with children, adolescents and families, who have been the target of neglect, sexual abuse and/or violence. She has experience in both supervising and teach other professionals, who are working with children or adolescents. Janne Østergaard Hagelquist is the author of many different books on mentalization.        In 2012 her book “Mentalization in the meeting with marginalised children” was published in danish.        In 2013 she was a co writer on the danish book ”Pedagogy in the 24-hour care centre for children and adolescents”.        In 2014 she and psychologisk Marianne Køhler Skov published the book “Mentalization in pedagogy and therapy” in danish.        In 2015 she published the danish version of the Mentalization Guidebook and in 2016 the english version was released.        In 2016 she and E*MBA Heino Rasmussen published the book “Mentalization in organisations” in danish.        In 2017 the book “Mentalization in families” by Janne Oestegraard Hagelquist and E*MBA Heino Rasmussen was published.Support the show

LEADING & HEALING WITH DIGNITY WITH DR. DONNA HICKS In this episode of the How We Can Heal podcast, host and psychotherapist Lisa Danylchuk delves into a rich conversation with Dr. Donna Hicks, the Harvard psychologist who operationalized and popularized the concept of dignity. This episode explores Dr. Hicks' impactful work in international conflict resolution, how she arrived at her 10 elements of dignity, and how to identify and address dignity violations. Dr. Hicks outlines the profound role dignity plays in healing and how this translates to leadership, including practical applications for creating a culture that fosters health, joy, and connection in personal, professional, and societal contexts. This discussion stems from Dr. Hicks' books, 'Dignity' and 'Leading with Dignity,' and underscores the psychological and communal role of dignity in healing. 00:00 Introduction to Season Four 00:52 Acknowledging Our Sponsor: ISSTD 02:14 Introducing Dr. Donna Hicks 04:56 The Concept of Dignity in Conflict Resolution 12:19 The 10 Elements of Dignity 25:11 The 10 Temptations to Violate Dignity 32:41 Normalizing Conflict Resolution 33:37 The Epidemic of Workplace Silence 35:26 Creating a Safe Space for Feedback 36:47 The Power of Dignity in Leadership 38:44 Systemic Issues and Policy Changes 40:31 Dignity in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 44:15 The Importance of Acknowledgement 49:02 Love and the Evolution of Human Connection 55:11 The Role of Self-Worth in Dignity 01:00:27 Final Thoughts and Call to Action For more information about Dr. Donna Hicks, including her books, please visit: https://drdonnahicks.com/. Dignity and Leading with Dignity are also available via audiobook on Audible. -- This episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD). The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs. Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/ Support the show

Trauma & Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems With Joanne Twombly LICSWIn this episode of the How We Can Heal podcast, psychotherapist and trauma specialist Lisa Danylchuk continues Season 4 with an insightful conversation featuring guest Joanne Twombly, a seasoned psychotherapist with expertise in complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. They discuss the nuances of trauma treatment and the implications of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, touching upon groundbreaking aspects of dissociation, trauma recovery, and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment methods. 00:00 Introduction to Season Four00:52 Sponsor Acknowledgment and ISSTD Overview02:11 Introducing Joanne Twombly03:45 Joanne's Journey into Trauma Therapy11:34 Understanding Dissociation18:27 Internal Family Systems (IFS) Explained37:20 Managing Overwhelming Emotions in Therapy39:36 The Importance of Safe Space Imagery40:59 Integrating IFS with Trauma and Dissociation45:13 The Role of Training and Continuous Learning49:07 The Path to Healing and Client Empowerment56:21 The Importance of Awareness and Referral01:00:49 Upcoming Workshops and Training Opportunities01:07:03 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThis episode is sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs.To learn more and become a member, visit: https://www.isst-d.org/Visit https://cfas.isst-d.org/ to access educational offerings for both professionals and non-professionals Support the show