Rooted Recovery. - Getting to the Root Cause of Stubborn Health Issues... Naturally!

A listener asked us to tell her story — not her name, not her history, just her day. One ordinary day, lived from the inside of a life shaped by trauma, so that the people around her might finally understand what they cannot see.In this episode, we walk through her full day: the 6am hypervigilance that wakes her before her alarm, the emotional flashbacks that strike at 2pm without warning, the social masking that drains her, the loneliness of being surrounded by people who don't understand why she can't just let it go — and what she needs the people in her life to know.This episode covers:Hyperarousal and why trauma survivors can't "just relax"Dissociation and what it really feels like from the insideEmotional flashbacks (C-PTSD) and the body's trauma memoryShame, triggers, and masking in social settingsThe impact of judgment and dismissal on survivorsWhat compassion actually looks like in practiceEvidence-based treatments: EMDR, CPT, somatic therapy, IFSWhether you are a survivor yourself, or love someone who is, this conversation is for you.For integrative trauma coaching, contact Laura Giles at https://lauragiles.org

Not all flashbacks look like flashbacks. For survivors of complex trauma (CPTSD), emotional flashbacks can arrive without any visual memory — sudden waves of shame, terror, abandonment, or helplessness that seem to come from nowhere. In this episode, we break down the concept popularized by Pete Walker, explain the neuroscience of why the body stores trauma as feeling rather than memory, and explore how to begin recognizing and working with these experiences. Whether you're a trauma survivor, a loved one, or a mental health professional, this episode will change how you understand the connection between your past and your present emotional life.Website: https://lauragiles.org

Are your lightbulbs quietly harming your health? In this video, we explore the science behind how artificial lighting affects your body — from disrupted sleep and hormonal imbalances to eye strain and mood disorders.Most people never think twice about the bulbs in their home, but the type of light you're exposed to every day has a profound impact on your biology. We break down the key differences between light bulb types, how to identify symptoms caused by poor light environments, and — most importantly — practical steps you can take to fix it.🕐 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Light and Health 02:46 The Impact of Artificial Light on Well-being 05:37 Understanding Different Types of Light Bulbs 08:39 Identifying Symptoms Related to Light Exposure 11:31 Practical Steps to Improve Your Light Environment 13:56 Rewilding Your Light Environment for Better HealthWhether you suffer from headaches, poor sleep, fatigue, or eye strain, your lighting environment may be to blame. Learn how to rewild your light and reclaim your health — starting tonight.🌱 Ready to go deeper? Integrative trauma coaching:  https://lauragiles.orgTrauma therapy (VA, IN & CO): https://lauragiles.netThis content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.

Had your PTSD disability leave claim denied? You're not alone — and you're not out of options.One of the most frustrating experiences in trauma recovery is having a legitimate diagnosis rejected by an employer or insurer. The problem is rarely the diagnosis itself. It's the gap between having PTSD and documenting how it actually prevents you from functioning at work — and most providers don't know how to bridge it.In this episode of Rooted Recovery, we break down:Why PTSD and complex PTSD claims get denied even with a valid diagnosisThe critical difference between clinical diagnosis and functional impairmentHow to document your condition in language employers and insurers actually respond toHow to collaborate with your provider to strengthen your claimHow to protect yourself throughout the processReal-life examples and practical solutionsYou deserve support. This episode helps you fight for it.🌱 Ready to go deeper? Integrative trauma coaching: https://lauragiles.org Trauma therapy (VA, IN & CO): https://lauragiles.netThis content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Leave Process for PTSD 02:50 The Role of Providers in Documentation 05:43 Functional Impairments & Workplace Challenges 08:25 Bridging the Documentation Gap 10:58 Collaborating with Your Provider 13:46 Protecting Yourself During the Process 16:49 Real-Life Examples & Solutions

Diagnosed with anxiety or depression — but something still doesn't feel right?You might be missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.Lyme disease is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions in the US, and its neurological symptoms can look identical to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and even psychosis. If you've been treated for a psychiatric condition but aren't getting better, Lyme disease may never have been on the table — and it should be.In this episode of Rooted Recovery, we break down:Why Lyme is called "The Great Imitator" — and what that means for mental health diagnosesHow Lyme bacteria cross the blood-brain barrier and cause psychiatric symptomsWhy standard testing misses a significant number of casesWhat to do immediately after a tick bite to reduce infection riskWho is most at risk — including those already diagnosed with mental illnessStep-by-step actions to take if you think Lyme has been overlooked in your caseYour diagnosis isn't always the whole story. This episode helps you ask better questions.🌱 Ready to go deeper? Integrative trauma coaching: https://lauragiles.org Trauma therapy (VA, IN & CO): https://lauragiles.netLaura Giles is a licensed clinical social worker, integrative trauma coach, and certified Integrative Mental Health Professional.This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.Chapters 00:00 Understanding Lyme Disease & Its Misdiagnosis 07:59 The Neurological Impact of Lyme Disease 14:00 Why Lyme Disease is Often Overlooked 15:47 Taking Action: What to Do If You Suspect Lyme 18:15 Empowerment & Advocacy in Health

"Why am I so anxious?" — it's a simple question with almost never a simple answer.Most anxiety advice skips straight to management tips — breathe deeper, meditate more, cut out caffeine. But if you don't know what's actually driving your anxiety, you're just putting a lid on it.In this episode of Rooted Recovery, we break down the root causes of anxiety across six major categories — biological, psychological, lifestyle, environmental, relational, and existential — and walk you through a real, step-by-step framework for figuring out which ones are showing up in your life.We cover:Why anxiety is almost never caused by just one thingHow genetics, hormones, and physical health conditions play a roleThe impact of sleep, caffeine, alcohol, and dietHow childhood attachment and trauma shape adult anxietyWhy work stress, finances, and social isolation matter more than we thinkA 5-step framework for identifying your personal root causesStop managing symptoms. Start understanding what's underneath them.🌱 Ready to go deeper? Integrative trauma coaching: https://lauragiles.org Trauma therapy (VA, IN & CO): https://lauragiles.netThis content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.Chapters 00:00 Understanding Anxiety: The Unseen Struggle 03:52 The Multifactorial Nature of Anxiety 22:27 Exploring the Root Causes of Anxiety 31:56 Taking Action: A Framework for Self-Discovery

What if the hardest parts of your life trace back to childhood experiences you didn't even recognize as trauma?The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study is one of the most important — and most overlooked — pieces of research in modern health. It reveals just how deeply early experiences shape our physical health, mental wellbeing, and relationships well into adulthood.In this episode of Rooted Recovery, we explore:What the ACE study found and why it matters for your healingHow to identify childhood trauma you may not have recognized as traumaThe long-term impact of ACEs on health and relationshipsWhat your parents likely didn't know — and how understanding it can make you a more conscious, connected parentYou can't change what happened. But you can change what happens next.🌱 Ready to go deeper? Integrative trauma coaching: https://lauragiles.org Trauma therapy (VA, IN & CO): https://lauragiles.netThis content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.

Can't sleep? It might not be about sleep hygiene.If you're living with trauma or PTSD and struggling to get consistent, restful sleep — lying awake at night wired and alert, crashing at odd hours, never feeling truly rested — your nervous system may be running the show. And that changes everything about how you approach healing.In this episode of Rooted Recovery, Laura explores:How trauma rewires your body's natural circadian rhythmWhy PTSD creates late-night alertness that sleep tips alone can't fixWhat your chronotype reveals about your nervous systemTrauma-informed strategies to restore a felt sense of safety — and finally rest🕐 Find out your chronotype: https://chronotype-self-test.info/index.php/514565🌱 Ready to go deeper? Integrative trauma coaching: https://lauragiles.org Trauma therapy (VA, IN & CO): https://lauragiles.netThis content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.Chapters 00:00 Understanding Sleep Challenges & Trauma 01:36 The Science of Chronotype & Trauma 03:29 PTSD & Its Impact on Sleep Patterns 06:40 Recognizing Trauma-Driven Sleep Patterns 09:35 The Language We Use & Its Implications 11:33 Practical Strategies for Healing Sleep 14:54 Embracing Your Journey to Rest

If PTSD is wrecking your gut, you're not imagining it.Bloating, IBS, nausea, acid reflux, unexplained stomach pain — these aren't separate problems. For many trauma survivors, they're part of the same story. And it doesn't get talked about nearly enough.In this episode of Rooted Recovery, we explore:The gut-brain axis and why it matters for trauma recoveryWhy PTSD keeps your digestive system locked in fight-or-flightHow food combining — a gentle, natural practice — can support both gut and nervous system healingWhat to eat, what to reduce, and how the way you eat matters as much as what you eatThis isn't about a perfect diet. It's about small, compassionate, consistent steps toward feeling better in your body.🌱 Ready to take the next step? Integrative trauma coaching: https://lauragiles.org Trauma therapy (VA, IN & CO): https://lauragiles.netThis content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gut Health & Trauma 01:40 Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection 04:53 The Impact of PTSD on Digestion 05:20 Introduction to Food Combining 09:06 Principles of Food Combining for Healing 10:41 Healing Foods for PTSD Recovery 15:15 Foods to Reduce or Avoid 16:38 Practical Meal Planning for Healing 19:53 The Importance of How You Eat 23:13 Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Not sure which type of trauma support is right for you?In this episode of Rooted Recovery, we break down the real differences between trauma therapy, integrative trauma coaching, and integrative/functional medicine — so you can stop guessing and start healing with confidence.We cover:What each professional is legally authorized to doScope of practice for therapists, coaches, and functional medicine providersHow to spot red flags in trauma support professionalsWhich approach fits where you are in your healing journeyWhether you're navigating PTSD, complex trauma, chronic physical symptoms, or looking for somatic support — this episode gives you the clarity to make an informed decision.🌱 Interested in integrative trauma coaching? Book a consult: https://lauragiles.orgThis content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical treatment. Please consult a licensed professional before acting on any information shared here. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.Chapters 00:00 Understanding Trauma Support Options 02:12 The Rise of Trauma-Informed Support 03:36 Defining Trauma Therapy 07:55 Exploring Integrative Trauma Coaching 12:40 Legal Boundaries of Trauma Coaching 14:35 Integrative & Functional Medicine Explained 19:41 Limitations of Integrative & Functional Medicine 21:07 Comparing Therapy, Coaching & Medicine 24:40 Choosing the Right Support for Healing 28:25 Red Flags in Trauma Support Professionals 31:49 The Complementary Nature of Healing Approaches