Transforming Trauma
In-depth conversations about how to help individuals and communities thrive after Complex Trauma. In a modern world beset by trauma and a legacy of suffering, conflict and disconnection, healing trauma can serve as a vehicle for personal and social transformation. Interviews with mental health and other helping professionals who are using the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), as well as other prominent trauma specialists, will highlight the current efforts to address the legacy of childhood, relational, cultural and intergenerational trauma. These leaders in the Trauma-Informed Care movement will guide listeners through the diverse ways they are supporting individuals, couples, families and co...
Wed, April 23, 2025
From the Cult of NXIVM to "The Narcissist’s Playbook" with Filmmaker Mark Vicente
Narcissists have a canny ability to repackage traits like arrogance, self-importance, and a lack of empathy and sell them as charm, intelligence, or sensitivity. This “playbook” of calculated behaviors allows them to avoid detection and continue manipulating close relations or entire groups. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Mark Vicente, the award-winning writer, director, podcaster, and producer, to discuss the personal awakening that eventually prompted him to leave the NXIVM cult and contribute to HBO’s documentary series The Vow and create the feature-length documentary The Narcissist's Playbook (currently in production). The pair delve into the role that narcissism plays in constructing cults and other high-control groups, as well as explore common narcissistic traits that impact individuals, groups, and societies. About Mark Vicente: Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning writer/director/producer from Johannesburg, South Africa. Growing up amid the atrocities in South Africa, he began questioning fundamental beliefs about human behavior, morality, cosmology, existentialism and mysticism at an early age. Unifying his love for science, philosophy, and film, Mark’s vision took shape with “What the BLEEP Do We Know!?”. He later released “Encender el Corazón”, a powerful film about Mexico’s kidnapping crisis. While the film touched many people deeply, it was by association supporting the criminal enterprise NXIVM. Mark withdrew the film and, alongside fellow whistleblowers, exposed the group, resulting in multiple arrests and prosecutions. His journey is chronicled in HBO’s 15-part documentary series “The Vow”. Mark has since focused on exposing the manipulative dynamics of high-control groups. He’s currently finishing “The Narcissist’s Playbook”, a feature documentary on narcissism, told through the unflinching accounts of four self-aware malignant narcissists, alongside insights from survivors, scientists, and mental health experts, filmed across seven countries. Learn More: Website Instagram Podcast To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vita
Wed, April 09, 2025
Letting Go of Shame That Isn’t Yours with Dr. Laurence Heller
For all its popularity as a talking point, shame remains one of the least-documented human emotions. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth is pleased to welcome back Dr. Laurence Heller, Ph.D., author, international trainer, and creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®). The pair discuss the psychology of shame and its significant role in protecting attachments (or relationships) starting at a young age. This conversation also explores the benefits of a NARM-focused approach to shame and its impact on patients' personal agency, relationships, and quality of life. They also examine how shame, the emotion, informs behavioral patterns and how accessing anger can ultimately diffuse shame-based orientations. About Dr. Laurence Heller: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), international trainer, and co-author of Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image and the Capacity for Relationship and Crash Course: A Self-Healing Guide to Auto Accident Trauma and Recovery. Dr. Heller co-authored, with CTTC Training Director Brad Kammer, The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma which presents one of the first comprehensive therapeutic models for addressing complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), introducing an integrated mind-body approach for treating attachment, relational, cultural and intergenerational trauma. Dr. Heller's forthcoming book, co-authored with Stephan Konrad Niederwieser, is untitled at the time of this podcast’s release. Dr. Heller is the Founder & Director of the NARM Training Institute and teaches regularly in the US and Europe. Learn More: NARM Training Institute Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: <p dir=
Wed, March 26, 2025
The Benefits of Integrating Spirituality and Mental Health with Dr. David Rosmarin
For many mental health professionals, exploration into a client’s relationship with spirituality is often left out or actively avoided. Could honest and open discussions about a client’s spiritual perspective help them reconnect to themselves and others while also alleviating their symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression? On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth is honored to welcome Harvard psychologist, author, and educator David Rosmarin, PhD., to explore the connection between spirituality and mental health, modern psychology’s aversion to the topic, and the ancient Jewish wisdom behind the connections paradigm. About David Rosmarin: Dr. David H. Rosmarin is the director of the Spirituality and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital and an associate professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He earned his PhD in clinical psychology from Bowling Green State University, completed a predoctoral internship, and then pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital. Dr. Rosmarin studies the relevance of spirituality to mental health, and he innovates methods for clinicians to address this area of life. He has published over a hundred manuscripts, editorials, and chapters and served as co-editor of the Handbook of Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Health. Dr. Rosmarin's work is regularly featured by the media and has appeared on CNN, NPR, Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Learn More: Center For Anxiety To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communitie
Wed, March 12, 2025
How to Trust Your Inner Voice and Transcend Shame and Self-Doubt with Dr. Samra Zafar
One of the many consequences of complex trauma is a loss of self-confidence leading to self-doubt and difficulty trusting in one’s intuition. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth invites international speaker, author, and resident psychiatrist Dr. Samra Zafar to share her inspirational journey from an isolated teen bride to a courageous, intuitive, and powerful agent of change. The pair explore Samra’s practice of reconnecting to her inner voice and lean into its guidance after years of self-doubt. They also discuss how practitioners can apply their lived experience to therapeutic relationships and invite clients to access reserves of profound healing intuition. About Samra Zafar: Dr. Samra Zafar is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, and resident psychiatrist. After escaping a decade of abuse as a child bride in Canada, she went on to pursue her education and became a global advocate for progress. Recognized amongst Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Samra is a trailblazer, spearheading belonging and wellness in organizations across the world. She combines scientific research with hard-earned life lessons to share courageous strategies that lead to bold results. Her speaking portfolio includes four TEDx Talks and speeches to leading corporations, non-profits, governmental agencies, and educational institutions. Samra’s work has been extensively featured in both Canadian and International media. Learn More: Website Instagram To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals
Wed, February 26, 2025
Allowing the Real Self to Emerge with William Griffith, The International Masterson Institute
Within psychology, there is an ongoing debate about the relationship between complex trauma and personality. Developed by Dr. James Masterson, the Masterson Approach focuses on the development of personality, and introduced innovative treatment for schizoid, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. William Griffith, Director of The International Masterson Institute in Cape Town, South Africa. The pair discuss foundational aspects of the Masterson Approach, and specifically how trauma affects a client’s persistent dependence on “the false self.” About William Griffith: William Griffith is a clinical psychologist, with over 25 years of experience in practice and extensive research. Having succeeded Dr. Judith Pearson as Director of the International Masterson Institute, Griffith now continues to build on her legacy, ensuring the Institute's continued leadership in the treatment of personality disorders. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Griffith combines his leadership role at the Institute with an active clinical practice, offering expertise in working with patients who exhibit high-risk behaviors. Griffith has also served on the teaching faculty of multiple South African universities, delivering lectures and workshops globally. William Griffith is grateful to be doing this work and is still humbled by humanity on a daily basis. Learn More: The International Masterson Institute *** To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD).</p
Wed, February 12, 2025
Humanizing the Trans Experience with Brianna Wu of Dollcast
Living an authentic life has always required a fair amount of courage. But the online world has created an environment in which targeted intimidation and persecution are accepted, and even encouraged too often. Virtual bullying is especially vicious when directed at folks with marginalized identities. One woman has worked hard to thrive online and off, despite the risks involved. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Brianna Wu to discuss her journey to wholeness following abuses she suffered as a result of the high-profile hate-infused hashtag campaign known as Gamergate, as well as coming out publicly as a trans woman. Brianna shares candid insights regarding the challenge of maintaining equanimity amid the ongoing barrage of hostilities, the nonlinear work of healing from childhood trauma, and the rewards of living with integrity. About Brianna Wu: Brianna Wu is a former videogame developer turned politico. Best known for the 2014 Gamergate scandal where women in the game industry were targeted with extreme harassment, Wu ran for congress and is the host of Dollcast. Learn More: Dollcast Rebellion Pac X To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health prof
Wed, January 29, 2025
Creating Healthier Relationships by Identifying Your Personality Patterns with Steven Kessler
On this episode of Transforming Trauma , CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes psychologist, author, and trainer Steven Kessler, MFT, to discuss the role that personality patterns play in our communication styles and how those patterns impact our relationships. The pair delve into the origins of these patterns and the unconscious “safety” tactics associated with each. Brad and Steven also examine strategies for developing an ability to listen and respond to one another in a more holistic and conscious manner. About Steven Kessler: After a stint studying physics at MIT, followed by an undergraduate degree in acting from Boston University, and four years at the New England Repertory Theatre, Steven Kessler’s deep interest in the human psyche led him to earn an MA in Transpersonal Psychology. For over 30 years, he has been a licensed psychotherapist. Steven has been studying different healing modalities and maps of personality, including Character Structure, the Enneagram, NLP, energy work, Thought Field Therapy, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). He is a certified EFT Expert & Trainer. For over three decades, Steven has also pursued spiritual and meditation practices, including 16 years in the Diamond Heart meditation school. For over 15 years, he has been a student of Lynda Caesara, studying Character Structure, the direct perception of energy, and shamanism in the lineage of Grandfather Two Bears and the Southern Seers tradition. Steven has taught hundreds of groups and workshops in the US and internationally, and recently has trained other therapists in the use of EFT. His bestselling book, The 5 Personality Patterns, deepens the insights of character structure and introduces its map of the human personality to the general public. In his latest book, How To Have Better Relationships, Steven outlines techniques for deepening interpersonal relationships based on the five personality patterns. Learn More: The Five Personality Patterns To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: h
Wed, January 15, 2025
Finding Belonging in the Heart of Grief with Karen Ihrig
Grief is a natural response to loss that all of us will encounter. For all its universality, however, our society has grown increasingly grief-adverse and avoidant. One grief specialist relies on her NARM® training to reacquaint clients with their agency. In doing so, she invites their sorrow to coexist with curiosity, compassion, and gentleness. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Karen Ihrig, LCSW, to share her experiences working with bereaved clients while tending to her own grief. The pair discuss the differences between grief and traumatic bereavement and the speed with which our current mental health system pathologizes rather than embraces the bereavement process. About Karen Ihrig: Karen Ihrig (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a NeuroQueer artist, griever and psychotherapist, who began practicing therapy after completing her Masters in Social Work in 2012. Karen has an eclectic approach to therapy, specializing in traumatic grief, expressive arts, and complex trauma. Her practice, Here With You Therapy, has a niche providing therapy to the neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, consensually non-monogamous, and non-traditional communities. Her work is rooted in the intention to co-create an anti-oppressive, compassionate and secure relational space, with her expansive clients, who have often endured marginalization, complex trauma and traumatic bereavement. Karen believes in the transformative healing power of intersubjective presence. She is truly honored to be together with her clients, colleagues, and communities, in shared humanity. Learn More: Here With You Therapy To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentor
Wed, January 01, 2025
How Relating to Ourselves as Complex Humans Makes us Better Therapists with Lisa Gillispie, NARM Master Therapist and CTTC Lead Training Assistant
Connection and healing often happen amid our messiest, most vulnerable moments. The rawness of our experiences can create the space we need to welcome a new way of living, loving, and even learning. One clinical counselor has witnessed this truth repeatedly throughout her multifaceted career and personal life. Her ability to stay with discomfort and lend intuitive support has made her an effective NARM® Therapist and an outstanding NARM Training Assistant. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth invites Lisa Gillispie LPCC-S, to share observations from her role as Lead Training Assistant for NARM Therapist Trainings run by the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC), and her multi-discipline career as a trauma-informed practitioner. The pair also discuss the ripple effect that NARM training has created in Lisa's personal healing journey. About Lisa Gillispie: Lisa Gillispie is a licensed professional clinical counselor in private practice in Columbus, Ohio. Lisa came to counseling as a second career following 25 years as a trauma-informed bodyworker specializing in craniosacral therapy. Lisa is a NARM® Master Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and Lead Training Assistant for the Complex Trauma Training Center. She is also one of the trainers who teaches the Introduction to NARM webinars offered by CTTC. Lisa loves supporting other professionals in developing their skills for working with developmental trauma. As a single parent to two kiddos, Lisa has found NARM invaluable for helping her grow her ability to meet the challenges of parenting with humor and kindness. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse C
Mon, December 23, 2024
Supporting Presence, Awareness, Connection, and Embodiment for Mental Health Professionals with Brad Kammer and Stefanie Klein of the Complex Trauma Training Center
Cultivating a culture of transparency is a challenge for any organization. Recording it for posterity on a podcast is a lesson in embodied connection. Transforming Trauma host Emily Ruth welcomes back Brad Kammer, Training Director and Senior Trainer at Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC), and Stefanie Klein, CTTC’s Assistant Training Director and Trainer, for a heartfelt and candid year-end conversation. The trio celebrates all that CTTC has accomplished and discusses challenges associated with creating and maintaining innovative programming that supports therapists in being a meaningful part of a community in a field that, according to Stefanie, “can be a very hard, lonely job.” About Brad Kammer and Stefanie Klein: Brad Kammer is the Training Director and Senior Trainer at the Complex Trauma Training Center. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, somatic experiencing practitioner, and NARM master therapist who has been in the trauma field for 25 years. He has co-authored The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the Neuroaffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma , which presents one of the first comprehensive therapeutic models for addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Stefanie Klein is the Assistant Training Director and Trainer in the Complex Trauma Training Center. She's a licensed clinical social worker, NARM master therapist, consultant, and trainer. She has spent over 25 years in her Los Angeles private practice specializing in treating adults with trauma and anxiety disorders. Stephanie is excited to be part of the leadership of the Complex Trauma Training Center. She looks forward to continuing to support therapists who are looking to have more ease and efficacy in their practice. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join.
Wed, December 18, 2024
Celebrating 5 Years and 150 Episodes of Transforming Trauma with Brad Kammer and Emily Ruth
Milestones have a way of inviting reflection, and this one is no exception. This year-end review of Transforming Trauma also happens to be our 150th episode. CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer joins host Emily Ruth to reminisce about the incredible guests who have graced our current season and the many heartfelt conversations that have shaped the show since its inception in January 2020. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter <a href= "
Wed, December 04, 2024
Effective Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder With Mark L. Ruffalo
Did you know that the diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) has remained the same since it was officially added to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders in 1980? Forty years later, BPD remains deeply misunderstood by the public and isolating for those who live with the condition. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth chats with Mark L. Ruffalo, MSW., D.Psa., about his extensive work in the field of BPD. The pair discuss the history of BPD, its symptoms and characteristics, and overlap with C-PTSD. About Mark L. Ruffalo: Mark L. Ruffalo, M.S.W., D.Psa., is a psychotherapist in private practice in Tampa, Florida, and serves as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and Adjunct Instructor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. He has broad clinical experience in the psychoanalytic treatment of a range of psychiatric conditions with particular interest in the psychotherapy of schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. During his training at the University of Pittsburgh, Mark worked with severely ill patients in long-term psychotherapy, an area in which he has developed significant expertise. He has published previously in the American Journal of Psychotherapy, Psychoanalytic Social Work, Psychiatric Times, and the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. He currently serves as Co-Director of the Psychotherapy Track at the UCF/HCA Orlando Psychiatry Residency Program and is the Founding Editor of The Carlat Psychotherapy Report. Mark’s current research interests include the object relations theory of borderline personality disorder; communication dilemmas, paradoxes, and double binds in personality pathology; and deficits in logical reasoning in psychotic and borderline states. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: <a
Wed, November 20, 2024
How to Be an Adult in Relationships with Dr. David Richo
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. David Richo, PhD, MFT, psychotherapist, teacher, and writer to share wisdom from his 50+ years of helping people identify and resolve relationship challenges that often mirror issues from their childhood. Dr. Richo points to growth that arrives in the form of triggers – adverse emotional responses that blur the distinction between past and present. He invites us to think of triggers as trailheads, often uncomfortable but informative starting points on our healing journey. About David Richo: Dr. David Richo, PhD, MFT, is a psychotherapist, teacher, workshop leader, and writer who works in Santa Barbara and San Francisco California. He combines Jungian, poetic, and mythic perspectives in his work with the intention of integrating the psychological and the spiritual. His books and workshops include attention to Buddhist and Christian spiritual practices. He received his BA in psychology from Saint John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 1962, his MA in counseling psychology from Fairfield University in 1969, and his PhD in clinical psychology from Sierra University in 1984. Since 1976, Dr. Richo has been a licensed marriage, family, and child counselor in California. In addition to practicing psychotherapy, he teaches in a number of places, including Santa Barbara City College, the University of California at Berkeley, Esalen Institute, Spirit Rock Buddhist Center, Pacifica Graduate Institute, and Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. Dr. Richo is currently a clinical supervisor for the Community Counseling Center in Santa Barbara, California. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychother
Wed, November 06, 2024
Exploring Sexuality with Curiosity and Openness with Rikke Pristed
Sex is one of the most complex barriers to true intimacy in a relationship. It's also one of the least-discussed topics in therapy. Therapists often avoid discussing sex due to their perceived lack of subject knowledge or confidence in their therapeutic skills. Clinical Sexologist and Psychologist Rikke Pristed believes that therapists have already developed a baseline competency in sex-related issues simply by being human. Those trained in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) are even better positioned to help couples improve their physical and emotional bonds. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth and Rikke discuss the interplay between sex, trauma, and connection (or lack thereof). About Rikke Pristed: Rikke Pristed is a clinical psychologist, a clinical sexologist and has completed the Master Training with NARM. She has been working as a therapist since 1999. She lives in Denmark and has a private practice. She works with adults and sees both couples and individuals. She sees people both in person and online. Rikke is currently transforming her practice to become primarily NARM oriented. She is 53 years old and has three grown up children and 4, soon to be 5, grandchildren. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC
Wed, October 23, 2024
An Adventure in Consciousness Through the Diamond Approach with Jessica Britt
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Jessica Britt, Training Director of The Diamond Approach, to share wisdom from her decades-long journey of personal healing and professional development. Jessica says that creating more depth in the field requires therapists to do the hard internal work of self-healing. She invites us to feel our way through layers of pain and recognize the alchemic potential of being with our deepest emotions. Only then can we hold that same space for our clients. About Jessica Britt: Jessica Britt has been a student of Hamid Ali since 1977 and a teacher since 1985. As training director for the Diamond Approach, she leads ongoing groups in Europe, Canada, and the US. In the 1980s, Jessica was on the Gestalt staff of Esalen Institute, creating an integration of Reichian and Gestalt work. While at Esalen, she was a student within the Native American traditions leading wilderness journeys. Additionally, she studied continuum movement with Emily Conrad. A nurse in the seventies, Jessica specialized in the field of childhood sexual and physical abuse. She continues to practice from a view that includes the whole of the miracle of conscious life. Learn More: The Diamond Approach Email To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (A
Wed, October 09, 2024
Honoring Neurodivergence With Curiosity and Humility With Daniel Morehead, MD
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is joined by Daniel Morehead, MD., a leading voice for mental health advocacy and author of Science Over Stigma: Education and Advocacy for Mental Health . Emily Ruth and Daniel examine what it means to be neurodivergent, the role variation plays in evolution, and the radical act of greeting neurodivergence with curiosity and humility. The pair also discuss the intersection between folks who have experienced trauma and those who identify as neurodivergent. About Daniel Morehead: Daniel Morehead, MD , is a psychiatrist who speaks nationally for mental health education. He is the author of Science Over Stigma: Education and Advocacy for Mental Health, and the Director of Psychiatry Residency Training at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. Prior to this, he enjoyed a private practice in Austin, TX. For over 20 years, Dr. Morehead has maintained interest in psychotherapy, brain science, and spirituality. Learn More: Psychiatric Times To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NAR
Wed, September 25, 2024
Post-Traumatic Growth for Women Leaving Prison with Alison Rapping
It’s no secret that incarcerated folks lack access to adequate mental health care while in prison. Reintegration support is even harder to come by once they are released. Sadly, women face even more significant challenges than men on both counts. But what if more trauma-informed professionals got involved in supporting formerly incarcerated women on both the individual and community levels? On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Alison Rapping, CEO of Arouet, to discuss the Arizona-based foundation’s pre-release, reassimilation, and mentorship programs for formerly incarcerated women. The pair also explore the impact that trauma has made on the lives of Arouet program participants and those in the US criminal justice system. About Alison Rapping: Alison Rapping is CEO of Arouet Foundation, Arizona’s leading advocates for formerly- and currently-incarcerated women. Alison is a visionary and accomplished nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience driving social change and empowering communities. During her tenure at Arouet, she has significantly expanded programs and services and launched new innovative initiatives, including a mission-driven job placement program, and a pre-employment support center. Alison specializes in criminal justice reform, women's leadership advocacy, nonprofit management, and program design implementation. Alison is also President of Alison Rapping and Associates, a strategy consulting firm that provides consultancy to community benefit organizations. She received her MPA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Learn More: Arouet To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psycho
Wed, September 11, 2024
What Good Psychotherapy Looks Like With Dr. Jonathan Shedler
On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes back Dr. Jonathan Shedler, renowned psychologist, author, consultant, researcher, and clinical educator. In their conversation, they are delving deeper into the elements that make up good psychotherapy and the importance of connection between therapist and client. Dr. Shedler and Emily Ruth also explore critical flaws in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), how modern social subcultures provide a disturbing camouflage for disassociation, and the three pillars of an effective therapeutic working alliance. About Jonathan Shedler: Jonathan Shedler, PhD, is an American psychologist known internationally as an author, consultant, researcher, and clinical educator. He is best known for his article The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, which won worldwide acclaim for firmly establishing psychoanalytic therapy as an evidence-based treatment. Dr. Shedler’s research and writing are shaping contemporary views of personality styles and their treatment. He is author of over one hundred scientific and scholarly articles, creator of the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP) for personality diagnosis and clinical case formulation, and co-author of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2 and forthcoming PDM-3). He has more than 25 years of experience teaching and supervising psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychoanalysts. Dr. Shedler lectures internationally, leads workshops for professional audiences, consults to U.S. and international government agencies, and provides expert clinical case consultation to mental health professionals worldwide. He is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and a faculty member at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support
Sat, September 07, 2024
Creating SPACE for Self-Discovery and Community Support for Therapists
When was the last time you took a break from learning new professional skills and, instead, carved out space to pursue self-discovery and community support? On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes back the faculty of the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC)––Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black––to introduce SPACE , an innovative inner development program for therapists debuting in early 2025. SPACE supports therapists on three levels of the human experience: the personal, interpersonal, and transpersonal. Brad, Stefanie, and Marcia guide you through the intention of the program, as well as its structure, highlighting the themes and what participants can expect to gain from each session. They also share insights into how their own struggles and learning over their long careers as therapists helped them become more present, authentic, and effective therapists, and inspired their creation of SPACE. When we think of space, we may think of exploration into outer space. What CTTC's SPACE program offers is exploration into our inner space: “It's [an] invitation to have a new relationship to our own inner world as a therapist.” Learn more about being a part of this community About the SPACE Faculty: Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, is the Training Director and Senior Trainer for the Complex Trauma Training Center. Brad is responsible for the creation of the CTTC professional development programs, including working with Dr. Laurence Heller in developing the NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Training Programs offered through CTTC. Brad also guides the mentorship programs involving CTTC faculty, training assistants and participants; the diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) efforts; and is the executive producer of the Transforming Trauma podcast. Brad has a passion for cultivating a professional learning community that provides ongoing training opportunities and mentorship to a diverse group of mental health professionals in their work with complex trauma. Brad is also the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma. Stefanie Klein, LCSW, is the Assistant Training Director for the Complex Trauma Training Center. Stefanie is also a NARM® Master Therapist, Consultant and Trainer. She previously taught the Level 1 NARM Online Basics Training and is involved in many aspects of supporting the development of the Center and its programs. Her focus as Assistant Training Director is co-creating and guiding CTTC’s Training Assistant Program. She is inspired by the mentorship model of supporting ment
Wed, August 28, 2024
How NARM Expands the Psychotherapeutic Landscape With Tobias Konermann
On this episode of Transforming Trauma , Brad Kammer, CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer, invites Tobias Konermann, Ph.D., NARM Therapist, to share insights from his recent article: How the NeuroAffective Relational Model Expands the Psychotherapeutic Landscape. Together, they discuss a broad range of topics, including what sets the developmentally-oriented, mindfulness-based aspects of NARM apart from its humanistic predecessors, how shame functions in the therapeutic relationship and inhibits client transformation, and strategies for working with the phenomenology (or lived experience) that influences every interaction. About Tobias Konermann: Tobias Konermann is a Clinical Psychologist and licensed Psychotherapist practicing in Berlin, Germany. He teaches at several institutes for psychotherapy (DGVT, HAP, IMU) and specializes in working with developmental trauma. Tobias has developed maps for principles of process-oriented change and offers advanced training for psychotherapists and coaches. He has worked with Thomas Hübl for over ten years and leads the Inner Science Training Group in the Academy of Inner Science. Tobias is part of the faculty for NARM training in Europe as a teaching therapist and supervisor. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and <
Wed, August 14, 2024
A New Model for Addiction Treatment with NARM-AC with James McNinch
Most addiction treatment models focus on behavioral change. And yet, many of these models fail at helping people fully recover from their addiction. Perhaps it is time to try something different? Applying NARM® to addiction brings focus to areas that behavioral interventions miss, like understanding the role of trauma, attachment, relationships, and shame. Addressing these areas has a profound impact on addiction recovery. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth invites James McNinch, LCSW and PhD candidate, addiction specialist, to introduce NARM-AC™ (also known as NARMA™), the NeuroAffective Relational Model® - Addiction Centered, an approach he co-developed alongside Dr. Laurence Heller, the creator of NARM. Emily and James explore the evolution of NARM-AC and its application at Grata House, the premiere drug and alcohol treatment center located in Thousand Oaks, CA, where James serves as clinical director. About James McNinch: James McNinch , LCSW, is an experienced addiction treatment and trauma clinician with 16 years of experience. He is a NARM-AC Co-Founder who facilitates the creation of addiction treatment programs at the world’s most elite treatment centers, including the Grata House where he is the Clinical Director. James is writing the NARM-AC Workbook and Treatment Model Book with Dr. Laurence Heller for publication by North Atlantic. Learn More: Grata House To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. <span style="color: #33
Wed, July 31, 2024
Integrating NARM into Group Therapy with Pamela Kraus
While many clinical modalities are designed for helping clients in individual therapy, trauma therapists are often looking for modalities that can better support their groups. One therapist was inspired to take NARM principles and apply them to group therapy. Her experience transformed how she thinks about the therapeutic group dynamic and the expanded role the NeuroAffective Relational Model plays in supporting those healing from complex trauma. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily invites Pamela Kraus, LCPC, MBA, to share her process for and evaluation of using NARM in a group setting. The pair also discuss the value of adopting a "beginner's mindset" when applying NARM in ways that might be new to us. About Pamela Kraus: Pamela Kraus, LCPC, MBA, is a psychotherapist in private practice and passionate about helping her clients address unresolved complex trauma (developmental, relational and attachment trauma.) These challenges may be contributing to a negative sense of self, relationship struggles, or other difficulties in their lives. Pamela is a NARM Master Therapist and an EMDR Certified Therapist. A portion of the clients she works with are challenged (in their own or others' lives) by the dynamics of addiction and/or engaged in the journey of recovery. She works with individuals, couples, and families (adult children and their parents), and conducts psychotherapy groups from time to time. Pamela is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a master’s degree from DePaul University. She also has an MBA and had a previous career doing qualitative research and consulting for corporations wanting to have greater insight into people’s feelings, motives, behaviors, and lifestyles. Pamela works in downtown Chicago and Evanston, IL and also conducts some telehealth therapy sessions. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Trai
Wed, July 17, 2024
Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting for Strength, Confidence and Healing with Mariah Rooney
There's a growing body of evidence suggesting that practices like weight lifting can support trauma-affected individuals on their healing journeys. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , Emily is joined by Mariah Rooney, LCSW, co-founder of Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting, the one-of-a-kind non-profit program dedicated to the training and education of trauma-informed movement practitioners as well as research on the healing potential of weight lifting. The pair discuss the program's structure, the neuroscience behind it, and how Mariah’s extensive participation in social justice practices led to its creation. Mariah also shares some case studies that highlight the positive impact that weight lifting has on a trauma-impacted individual's resilience, sense of agency, and interoceptive awareness. About Mariah Rooney: Mariah Rooney, MSW, LCSW (she/they) is the co-founder and co-director of Trauma Informed Weight Lifting, a program of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. She is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating the complex challenges that arise as a result of traumatic stress, attachment trauma, intergenerational trauma, and dissociation in children and adults. She is also an adjunct professor in the graduate School of Social Work at Winona State University, and a trauma-informed care consultant who supports systems change and capacity building efforts in systems of all sizes and types. As a previous Fellow at the Trauma Center at JRI she received extensive training in trauma and supported various project and research efforts. Additionally, Mariah is a movement practitioner and somatic coach with extensive training in trauma-sensitive and culturally-informed yoga and meditation practices through Warriors at Ease, Prison Yoga Project, Insight Prison Project, Mind Body Solutions, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Her writing and research has explored trauma-informed considerations for personal trainers and fitness spaces, posttraumatic outcomes among combat veterans with histories of interpersonal violence, trauma-sensitive education, and inclusive practices for LGBTQIA+ clients in fitness and weight lifting. Learn More: Trauma Informed Weight Lifting Instagram Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** Are you a mental health professional looking to deepen your clinical expertise in healing complex trauma? We are thrilled to announce our 2025 NARM Therapist Trainings designed to provide you with transf
Wed, July 03, 2024
Empowering Adolescent Females in Residential Treatment With Kami Black of ROOTs Transition
We often discuss the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) as it relates to the adult journey of healing from complex trauma, but what about younger clients? On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is joined by Kami Black, LCSW, founder of ROOTs Transitions, a program that supports adolescent females ages 15 to 18 and their families by blending elements of outdoor therapy and residential treatment in Park City, Utah. The pair explore ROOTs’ commitment to utilizing NARM as both a therapeutic modality and a rubric for staff engagement. They also discuss the program’s assessment, treatment, and reintegration phases, plus the value of embracing and navigating dysregulation within the safety of the on-site therapeutic environment. About Kami Black: As a young adult, Kami Black, LCSW , knew that she wanted to be a therapist and help give back to a community that once served her and address the trauma impacting others. After completing her schooling, she began working with adolescents and their families, as well as signing up for any trauma training that she could find. This included EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and many others. About five years ago, Kami came across NARM at a conference. She was intrigued by the language, and specifically the way it articulated complex trauma healing through a deeply interpersonal process. She trained in NARM and hoped that one day this healing modality would be at the foundation of a program she was envisioning. ROOTs Transition emerged from her vision, and has been open for almost three years now. And, NARM is now the foundation of their clinical approach and how they train their therapists, guides and staff. The principles of NARM also inspire and challenges them each day to stay curious and provide agency to those around them. Learn More: ROOTs Transition To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C
Wed, June 19, 2024
Addiction Recovery within a Trauma-Informed Community with Laura Sorte of Release Recovery
Clinicians treating clients with complex trauma already understand the value of using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) in 1:1 settings. Imagine, then, the transformative healing that might occur when applying NARM in group recovery and transitional living environments. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Laura Sorte, LCSW, NARM Therapist and Executive Director at Release Recovery, to discuss her experiences creating and implementing NARM-informed programming for a New York-based outpatient addiction treatment center. About Laura Sorte: Laura Sorte, LCSW , is a NARM Therapist. Laura has specialized in working with families, individuals, and adolescents and thrives in helping her clients develop a deeper connection to themselves. Laura holds the position of Executive Director at Release Recovery Centers, an outpatient treatment center in Westchester County, New York where she brings her deep understanding of the impacts of developmental trauma and addiction to the clinical programming. Release Recovery Centers is a clinically driven, client-centered, trauma informed outpatient treatment center treating substance abuse disorders. Release Recovery Centers is focused on treating the root cause of the symptoms and behaviors, without blame, shame or labels that fail to acknowledge the ability to change. Learn More: Release Recovery To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma</e
Wed, June 05, 2024
Emotional Engagement in the Therapeutic Relationship With Dr. Karen Maroda
Many therapists are conflicted about how to show up with their clients. While there is lots of training to be highly emotionally engaged with clients, there is also training that therapists should be more distant in sessions to avoid possible countertransference––which is the evoking of emotions and reactions within the therapist. What if, instead of attempting to be overly engaged or maintaining a distancing demeanor, therapists learned how to honor their humanness within their therapeutic role? On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Karen J. Maroda, PhD., noted psychoanalyst and author, to discuss her fascinating research on countertransference. About Karen J. Maroda: Karen J. Maroda, PhD. , is a psychologist/psychoanalyst practicing in Milwaukee, WI. She is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and sits on the editorial boards of The Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, Psychoanalytic Psychology, and Contemporary Psychoanalysis. The author of four books, her most recent one, titled "The Analyst's Vulnerability: Impact on theory and practice," has received wide recognition across theoretical originations because it focuses on the early childhood experiences of all psychotherapists. Learn More: Website LinkedIn Amazon To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three lev
Wed, May 29, 2024
Ecotherapy: How to Embody the Relationship Between the Nature Within and the Wildness Around Us With Joseph McCaffrey
A vital tenet of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is that, no matter how withdrawn or isolated one becomes due to complex trauma, humans remain instinctively and spontaneously drawn towards connection, just as plants are drawn towards the sun. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , Emily Ruth is joined by Joseph McCaffrey, LPC, LMHC, an Arizona-based NARM therapist specializing in ecotherapy––the formal practice of incorporating nature-based experiences to facilitate healing. The pair explore Joseph’s process for applying NARM “in the wild” and his tips for identifying everyday opportunities to re-establish a personal connection to nature no matter where you live. About Joseph McCaffrey: Joseph McCaffrey holds an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College and an MA in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, Denver. Joseph is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arizona as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Washington and specializes in complex developmental trauma and ecotherapy. His approach is trauma-informed, influenced by Ecotherapy, spirituality, mindfulness, and somatic work, and grounded in The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best descri
Wed, May 15, 2024
The Power of Creative Expression in Healing Trauma with Jeanette LeBlanc
Telling our story––to a trusted friend, a therapist, or ourselves––is a continuous unfolding. Each layer shed is an opportunity to re-engage with the past and assess its significance on the present. If the subject matter includes trauma, the process of exposure requires extra care. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is joined by the inimitable writer and writing coach Jeanette LeBlanc. The pair explore what it means to "write your way through" trauma by examining the narratives we create. About Jeanette LeBlanc: Jeanette LeBlanc is a writer, self-published author, teacher, and motivational speaker. She guides humans seeking permission to stop seeking permission along their journeys to increased sovereignty, truth, and bravery, using their stories of lived experiences as vehicles to expand into authenticity, courage, and expression. As a facilitator, coach, and guide, she has directly led over 800 brave humans (thousands more via her social media presence) on the journey toward a life of exploration and fulfillment. Jeanette, queer and single mama to two delightfully unruly grown daughters, is the author of You Are Not Too Much | Love Notes On Heartache, Redemption, and Reclamation . Learn More: Website JeanetteLeBlancArt on Etsy Instagram Substack X Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM®
Wed, May 01, 2024
Protect, Provide, Prepare: A New Perspective on Black Fatherhood With Dr. Michael Hannon
All parents face challenges. Black fathers, however, navigate a unique combination of social and intrapersonal pressures, often without the benefit of culturally nuanced support. That’s changing as more Black fathers, some of whom are also mental health clinicians, educators, or adjacent professionals, speak out about their experiences, create networks of knowledgeable care, and inspire others to seek counseling. Emily Ruth welcomes award-winning counselor, educator, researcher, and author Dr. Michael Hannon to expand on the themes featured in his book Black Fathering and Mental Health: Black Fathers’ Narratives on Raising Their Children Across the Family Life Cycle. Michael hopes his work will invite mental health practitioners to get curious about the traumas that Black fathers experience and be intentional about the kind of help they wish to embody. About Dr. Michael Hannon: Dr. Michael Hannon is an award-winning counselor educator and researcher, a practicing counselor, and an author. He is an Associate Professor of Counseling at Montclair State University, a mental health counselor at The Center for MARCUS, and the co-founder of the non-profit organization, Greater Expectations Teaching and Advocacy Center, with his wife, Dr. LaChan (pronounced La-Shon) Hannon. He is the author of over 30 publications and has been cited over 500 times. His 2022 edited book, Black Fathering and Mental Health, and overall research about the mental health of Black men and fathers has been highlighted in a range of media outlets, including National Public Radio, New York Times, Autism Speaks, Thrive Global, Huffington Post, Waymaker Journal, and Black Enterprise. Learn More: Website Instagram X LinkedIn Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individual
Wed, April 17, 2024
Self-Acceptance in the Aftermath of Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back trauma bond expert and author Nadine Macaluso, LMFT, Ph.D., to introduce her latest book, Run Like Hell, A Therapist’s Guide To Recognizing, Escaping, Healing From Trauma Bonds. The pair also discuss the markers of a trauma-bonded relationship and how to use NARM to address the complex PTSD that routinely develops as a result of these abusive unions. About Nadine Macaluso: At age twenty-two, Nadine Macaluso married Jordan Belfort, the nefarious stockbroker portrayed in the Hollywood blockbuster “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Their marriage began as a fairytale, but once they were bonded, Jordan’s “mask” began to slip, and acts of infidelity, narcissistic abuse, insatiable greed, and uncontrollable drug addiction became Nadine’s nightmare. The horrific relationship inspired Nadine to become a psychotherapist specializing in narcissistic abuse, trauma bonds, and Complex-PTSD. Her private practice quickly flooded with clients, predominantly women, recounting an all-too-familiar story of abuse with a pathological partner. Perhaps this scenario resonates with you. In Run Like Hell, Nadine brings you her personal experience and years of expertise to explain the mental health of the narcissistic pathological lover, the traits of people who are the perfect “victims” of these PLs, how you can leave a trauma bond safely, and how you can heal. Learn More: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist
Wed, April 03, 2024
A Compassionate Approach to Incarceration and Reentry with Christine Marallen
The "goal" of incarceration varies depending on who you ask. Whether you consider prison fair retribution for engaging in criminal activity or an opportunity at redemption, most people agree that the punitive nature of the US criminal justice system neither rehabilitates nor curbs recidivism rates. Emily Ruth invites Christine Marallen to share her extensive insight into the criminal justice rehabilitative process. Christine is a certified prison chaplain, and as the Chief Strategy Officer for Damascus, she created and facilitated the Damascus Trauma Reentry Program inside numerous correctional facilities around Ohio. The pair also explore the link between incarcerated populations and those who score at intermediate or high risk on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) evaluations, as well as the role that NARM plays in Christine's work. About Christine Marallen: Working with the incarcerated since 2002, Christine Marallen is the former Director of Prison Ministries for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, a position she left in 2019 to further build Damascus—a non-profit reentry and staffing organization founded in 2015. As the Chief Strategy Officer for Damascus, Christine facilitates the Damascus Trauma Reentry Program inside numerous correctional facilities around Ohio—a curriculum she created after a decade talking with individuals who struggled to understand what drove their decisions that led them to incarceration. Christine has lived throughout the U.S. while working with USA Today Newspaper in various sales and marketing management roles from 1988 to 2002. She holds a B.A. in English from Miami University, an M.S. in Criminal Justice, and an M.A. in Theology from Xavier University. She is a certified prison/jail chaplain, a member of the Cincinnati Enquirer Editorial Board, and past President of the American Catholic Correctional Chaplains Association. From 2006 to 2018, Christine taught Criminal Justice at Xavier University and has taken hundreds of undergraduate students into Ohio prisons to learn alongside incarcerated students in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, based out of Temple University. Christine is a NARM-Informed Professional and excited to apply the model to the curriculum and work she does. Christine currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her Damascus Trauma Reentry Curriculum can be facilitated in any correctional facility. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.c
Wed, March 20, 2024
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Shifting the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems With David and Katya Dow
Without early-stage therapeutic intervention, many at-risk youth face a higher likelihood of becoming adult inmates within the ill-equipped and wildly expensive US prison system. Two advocates, operating at opposite ends of the institutional spectrum, believe that change is possible, especially when we extend trauma-informed support to the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society. In this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes David and Katya Dow to provide their observations regarding trauma care deficiencies within the juvenile and criminal justice ecosystem. About David R. Dow and Katya Dow: David R. Dow is the Cullen Professor at the University of Houston Law Center. He and his wife, Katya Dow , established the Juvenile and Children's Advocacy Project in 2014. Katya will complete her M.A. in counseling psychology from NYU in December. Learn more: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter YouTube <a href="https://www.insta
Wed, March 06, 2024
Reclaiming Spiritual Agency through Understanding the Roots of Generational Trauma With Vanessa R. Brooks
Context is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by those in recovery from complex trauma perpetuated by religious leaders and authoritarian systems of spirituality. That’s especially true regarding former members of Black Christian communities where the church represents more than just a home for shared worship. In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth invites Vanessa R. Brooks, MA, a doctoral candidate studying the efficacy of mental health training intervention for African American clergy, to reflect on her experiences in and out of the Black church. The pair also discuss the stigma and disparities that marginalized communities must navigate to access culturally competent mental health resources. About Vanessa Brooks: Vanessa R. Brooks, MA , is a Doctoral Candidate completing a research study on mental health & the Black Church and the lack of evidence-based mental health counseling methods that can be integrated with biblical counseling. Learn More: Website YouTube TikTok Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: dept
Wed, February 21, 2024
Compassion and Consent in Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder With Erin Lewis-Gibson
Here’s a challenge that all mental professionals face: no provider is immune to misdiagnosing a client. This likelihood increases if that client presents with symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Even an accurate, timely diagnosis and treatment of DID isn’t without its complications. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , Emily Ruth welcomes back Erin Lewis-Gibson, MS, LCMHC. Together, they explore the evolution of DID as a diagnosis and its treatment, the effects of social media on fictive personalities within a client’s organizing system, and Erin’s desire to reduce the global stigma attached to DID. Emily and Erin also discuss the positive impact that NARM has on creating a more consensual, relational and effective therapeutic environment, thus providing folks with DID the support they need to ensure their best quality of life. About Erin Lewis-Gibson: Erin Lewis-Gibson, MS, LCMHC, CFO, NARM Master Therapist is a dissociative disorders specialist living and working in North Carolina. She aims to educate therapists on how to diagnose and treat dissociative disorders and to reduce the global stigma of DID. Learn More: Website TRAINING OPPORTUNITY We’re also pleased to announce NARM & Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder, Part 2: Exploring Relationships Between Self, Parts and NARM Therapist , an in-depth webinar featuring Erin Lewis-Gibson and hosted by CTTC Training Director Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC. Register to join us live on Zoom: February 29, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pacific Time If you found this episode AFTER February 29, please click here to learn how you can access the recording. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings : https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). <span style="col
Wed, February 07, 2024
Trauma-Proofing Corporate Culture and Work Environments with Adriana Leigh
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth has the pleasure of chatting with Adriana Leigh, founder and principal consultant at Adriana Leigh Group Consulting (ALG). The pair discuss Adriana’s own struggles with generational trauma and institutionalized trauma, trauma in the workplace, and Adriana’s work in gender-based violence prevention. Adriana also shares observations from her roles as a human rights lawyer and facilitator in diversity and inclusion, gender equality, sexual harassment, and working with international organizations such as the United Nations Aid Organizations and private sector entities. About Adriana Leigh: Adriana Leigh is an award-winning global thought leader on organizational gender equity and the prevention of gender-based harassment and discrimination. She brings 19+ years of diverse experience as a human rights lawyer and facilitator in gender equity, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence prevention, diversity, and inclusion. Based in Montreal, Canada, she works internationally with the United Nations, international aid and development organizations, as well as the private sector to build sexual and gender-based harassment-free, trauma-informed, and inclusive environments and relations through training, policy and reporting process development, and thought leadership. Her work has been showcased by the Sexual Violence Research Initiative, World Pulse, Charity Village, and Brainz Magazine, among others. Learn More: ALG Consulting LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in s
Fri, February 02, 2024
Introducing The Complex Trauma Training Center with Training Director Brad Kammer
On this bonus episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Brad Kammer, NARM® Senior Trainer and executive producer of this podcast, to introduce the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). CTTC is a professional organization providing therapist training, consultation, mentorship, and community for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC is also the new home for our Transforming Trauma podcast! The Complex Trauma Training Center will continue offering NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Trainings, as well as providing ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM®. Additionally, CTTC will provide in-depth, ongoing development and mentorship opportunities for clinicians. Based on a mentorship model, CTTC is focused on supporting mental health professionals through their professional journey of addressing complex trauma. The CTTC ethos can best be described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart. With this spirit, Brad says, CTTC intends to nurture therapists and helping professionals to be even more effective in their work with complex trauma. About Brad Kammer: Brad Kammer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked in the field of trauma for nearly 25 years. As a NARM Senior Trainer and new Training Director of the Complex Trauma Training Center, Brad is passionate about contributing to the growing trauma-informed movement. He is also the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma . To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helve
Wed, January 24, 2024
Cultivating Hope and Healing Through Community-Focused Somatic Resiliency Training With Elaine Miller-Karas
What if we could dispatch somatic resiliency skills to under-resourced neighborhoods, disaster areas, and conflict zones via the same community-focused networks that deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies? Emily Ruth has the privilege of speaking with Elaine Miller-Karas, co-founder and executive director emeriti at the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI), a nonprofit organization cultivating trauma-informed and resiliency-focused individuals and communities worldwide. The pair discuss Elaine’s incomparable career as an advocate for culturally accessible trauma care, her roles as an author, educator, and host of Resiliency Within , and TRI’s efforts in current strife zones. About Elaine Miller-Karas: Elaine Miller-Karas MSW, LCSW, holds the role of Co-Founder and Executive Director Emeriti at the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting resilience and trauma-informed care. Under her guidance, TRI has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives such as the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), both widely acknowledged interventions for addressing and preventing traumatic stress. She established the Family Resiliency Project, equipping caregivers, educators, and community workers dealing with children. She is a Senior Consultant for Emory University's SEE Learning Program, a curriculum that imparts schools’ body literacy, compassion, and ethics. Miller-Karas is the author of "Building Resilience to Trauma: The Trauma and Community Resiliency Models, Second Edition," a work commended by the United Nations and Taylor and Francis for its alignment with the U.N.'s sustainable development goals. Her contributions extend to regular insights in Psychology Today on trauma-related subjects and hosting the weekly radio show "Resiliency Within" on VoiceAmerica. Notably, she spearheads the Ukraine Humanitarian Resiliency Program, supporting teachers and children amidst the country's conflict. Miller-Karas's expertise and dedication in trauma and resilience have garnered international recognition, showcased through her speaking engagements at prestigious institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control, the United Nations, the Global Fund, Catalyst 2030, and the Skoll World Forum. Learn More: Trauma Resource Institute iChill Resiliency Within To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-sy
Wed, January 10, 2024
A Pathway to Peace in the Fight Against Oppression and Religious Trauma with Yasmine Mohammed
NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer invites human rights campaigner Yasmine Mohammed to share her experiences growing up in a fundamentalist Islamic household, including her arranged marriage to a member of Al-Qaeda and her subsequent work as founder and president of Free Hearts Free Minds, an organization providing mental health support to free thinkers and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are unable to live authentically due to religious and societal persecution. Candid conversations about religious trauma can feel uncomfortable, disloyal and even risky. However, human rights campaigner Yasmine Mohammed says now is the time to openly discuss the extremist nature of some religions and the trauma they cause for individuals, families, communities and nations. Cutting through religious and cultural identifications is extremely challenging - and even potentially life-threatening - but Yasmine says that humanistic support can be an antidote to ongoing objectification and oppression. About Yasmine Mohammed: Human rights campaigner Yasmine Mohammed advocates for the rights of women living within Muslim-majority countries, as well as those who struggle under religious fundamentalism in general. She is the founder and President of Free Hearts Free Minds , a nonprofit charity that provides mental health support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and free thinkers living within Muslim-majority countries – where both 'crimes' can be punished by execution. Her book, Unveiled , is a memoir/polemic that recalls her experiences growing up in a fundamentalist Islamic household and her arranged marriage to a member of Al-Qaeda. She is also the host of the podcast Forgotten Feminists - where she has conversations with inspirational women from restrictive religious backgrounds who have fought and who have overcome. Yasmine is a co-Founder and co-Director of the CLARITy Coalition . She is also on the Board of Directors for Humanist Global Charity and for Atheists for Liberty . Learn More: Website Free Hearts Free Minds <
Mon, January 01, 2024
Reflections for the New Year on Connection and Continued Growth for The NARM Training Institute with Faculty Members Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black
It's that time of year again! On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes esteemed NARM faculty members Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black to reflect on developments within the NARM training community in 2023 and offer insight into their goals for the year ahead. It's a joyful and self-aware discussion, offering a transparent assessment of the program's challenges while celebrating its hard-earned successes. Transforming Trauma thanks Brad, Stefanie, and Marcia for their generosity and honesty. We share their dedication to creating a global community of emotionally attuned, trauma-informed practitioners and professionals. Happy New Year to all of our community! Brad Kammer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years. As a NARM Trainer and Training Director, Brad is passionate about contributing to the growing trauma-informed movement. He is also the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma . Stefanie Klein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has spent 22 years in her Los Angeles private practice. As a NARM Trainer and Assistant Training Director, Stefanie is excited to share the NARM approach with anyone looking to have more ease and efficacy in their practice. Marcia Black is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and has been in private practice for over 35 years in SF and the East Bay area specializing in treating complex and developmental trauma and other psychological conditions. As a NARM Faculty Member, she is dedicated to supporting not only the participants’ development, but also the Trainers and Institute as a whole. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcom
Wed, December 27, 2023
2023: The Podcast Year In Review with NARM Training Director Brad Kammer and Host Emily Ruth
Emily and NARM Training Director Brad Kammer reflect on podcast highlights from 2023, a season filled with vital voices and inspiring ideas. It’s the perfect playlist to close out this year or begin the next! Emily and Brad were thrilled to share the mic with influential practitioners, industry luminaries, researchers, thought leaders and more. Conversations traversed a wide range of topics: the microbiome/trauma connection, the use of psychedelics as a supportive therapy, the complex traumas experienced by veterans of the armed services, sexual trauma, equine therapy, connection and humanistic psychology modalities, spirituality, inclusion and belonging, just to name a few. None of these conversations would be possible without you, our Transforming Trauma audience. We’re humbled by your continued support of this podcast and grateful to you for embracing NARM. Thank you, and Happy New Year! To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources. We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining <a href= "https://www.you
Wed, December 13, 2023
From Pain to Purpose: Navigating the Pressures of Fatherhood, Isolation and Loss with Adam Angel
On this episode of Transforming Trauma , Emily Ruth chats with Adam Angel, LCSW-C, LICSW, the founder of Dads With Wisdom , a series of virtual and hybrid groups that provide a welcoming environment where men can navigate the complex pressures of fatherhood. Adam has 15+ years of experience and is uniquely qualified to facilitate conversations around paternal mental health. He suffered a perinatal loss on his journey to becoming a father of two. Emily Ruth and Adam discuss the current shortage of mental health resources available to fathers, traumas distinct to fatherhood, and how NARM strengthens the peer group dynamic. Transforming Trauma is inspired by Adam’s commitment to community and ability to recast his pain into profound purpose. We welcome his example of strength in vulnerability. About Adam Angel: Adam Angel LCSW-C, LICSW, is a clinical social worker with 15 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. Adam is a licensed social worker and NARM Therapist. His specializations include postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and developmental trauma. He currently facilitates a number of multistage dad support and therapy groups for dads. Adam lives in Silver Spring with his wife, two kids and their dog. Learn More: Dads With Wisdom Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online
Wed, December 06, 2023
BONUS: NARM Online Basics Training - A Guide to Our Accessible Trauma-Informed Training With Stefanie Klein
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily is joined by Stefanie Klein, LCSW, Faculty and Assistant Training Director at the NARM Training Institute, to preview the Level 1 NARM Online Basics Training (OBT), the live experiential-focused introductory series for helping professionals working in the field of trauma. In addition to sharing subject matter highlights, personal insights, and practical information, Emily and Stefanie also discuss why NARM OBT is the perfect level-one program for anyone engaged in a skilled, supportive role––from teachers, nurses, and spiritual counselors to executive coaches and pediatric dentists. Ready to begin your trauma-informed journey? Join us in the next NARM OBT! NARM Online Basics Training Spring 2024 Training sessions will occur 8:00 am - 2:30 pm Pacific Time each day Module 1: February 9 - 11, 2024 Module 2: March 8 - 10, 2024 Module 3: April 12 - 14, 2024 Module 4: May 3 - 5, 2024 About Stefanie Klein: Stefanie Klein, LCSW, SEP, NMT, NARM Faculty and Assistant Training Director of the NARM Training Institute, has spent 22 years in her Los Angeles private practice specializing in treating adults with trauma and anxiety disorders. For the past decade, she has had the distinct privilege of being mentored by Dr. Laurence Heller. Stefanie has been honored to assist Dr. Heller in all of his US NARM practitioner trainings and has found NARM to be an extremely effective model for working with attachment, relational, and developmental trauma. Learn More: TT092: Transforming Trauma Episode 092: Reflecting on a Growing Training Institute with NARM Faculty Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black TT060: Supporting Connection, Capacity and Growth in the NARM Community with Marcia Black, Stefanie Klein, and Brad Kammer To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com</
Wed, November 29, 2023
Listening to What Survivors Need to Address Sexual Trauma and Complex PTSD with Dr. Judith Herman
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth is honored to welcome psychiatrist, researcher, teacher, and author Dr. Judith Herman for a heartfelt discussion centering on the needs of victims of sexual trauma and society’s role in individual and collective trauma healing. In her latest book, Truth And Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice , Dr. Herman introduces us to a “fourth stage” of the recovery process in which trauma survivors are invited to envision their future. Dr. Herman’s latest book comes 30 years after her seminal work, Trauma And Recovery , in which she introduced the then-radical idea that complex PTSD was a stand-alone diagnosis that differs significantly from PTSD. Her pioneering work led to our current understanding that C-PTSD requires a new framework for diagnosis and effective treatment. About Judith Herman : Judith Lewis Herman, M.D. , is Professor of Psychiatry (part time) at Harvard Medical School. For thirty years, until she retired, she was Director of Training at the Victims of Violence Program at The Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, MA. Dr. Herman is the author of the award-winning books: Father-Daughter Incest (Harvard University Press, 1981) and Trauma and Recovery (Basic Books, 1992). To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program:</
Wed, November 15, 2023
Addressing C-PTSD In and Out of the Military With Brian Peter Monson
In this episode of Transforming Trauma , Emily Ruth invites Brian Peter Monson, a veteran and graduate student pursuing his clinical mental health counseling degree. Brian Peter shares about his experience serving in the military with unresolved developmental trauma and the paradox of observing one’s faith while carrying out methods of interrogation. From a military standpoint, trauma isn’t confined to battle fatigue. Brian Peter observes that many active duty military personnel enter into the armed services navigating the same aspects of complex trauma as civilians ––familial, religious, disaster, childhood–– while also confronting the short and long-term effects of combat stress. The pair also discuss the overwhelming somatic events that led Brian Peter to NARM training and a more fulfilling career assisting others with complex trauma. About Brian Peter Monson: Brian Peter Monson is completing his Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Degree after switching careers from years in public service and non-profit work. Peter specializes particularly in military/combat and religious trauma work. Learn More: LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online sel
Wed, November 01, 2023
Addiction, Attachment, and the Myth of Normal With Dr. Gabor Maté
Emily is delighted to welcome back Gabor Maté, MD, the esteemed physician and author best known for his breakthrough analysis of addiction as a psychophysiological response to childhood trauma and emotional loss. Gabor co-wrote his latest work, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture , alongside his son Daniel Maté. It became an instant New York Times bestseller, and the duo is already working on their next project, Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Parents and Their Adult Children . Emily and Gabor explore the pain behind addiction and the promise of wholeness. Gabor touches on addiction as an attempt to solve a problem of pain, cites the demands and technical diversions of our modern lives as catalysts of the current mental health crisis, and invites readers to embark on a journey of reconnection through compassionate self-examination. About Gabor Maté A renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics, including addiction, stress, and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. His book on addiction - In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction - received the Hubert Evans Prize for literary non-fiction. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing, he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Learn More: Website YouTube Facebook Instagram X <em style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-seri
Wed, October 18, 2023
Culturally Competent Trauma Care in High Conflict Areas With Michael Niconchuk
NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Michael Niconchuk, a neuroscience researcher, practitioner, and author working at the intersection of forced migration, trauma recovery, and peacebuilding. Michael and Brad discuss the critical shortage of culturally competent mental health care in conflict areas, using laypeople to close that gap, and addressing power dynamics in the client-caregiver relationship. They also explore tensions between the gatekeeping of trauma-informed language by professionals and its overuse by social media influencers and underskilled providers. About Michael Niconchuk: Michael Niconchuk is a researcher and practitioner at the intersection of psychological trauma recovery, migration, and violence prevention. Trained in security studies, international relations, and social cognition, Michael has worked for more than a decade in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans to support local capacities to offer evidence-based care for persons affected by violent conflict, extremism, and displacement. This includes extensive work on innovative community programs and policy to support the healing and wholeness of folks affected by the Syrian conflict as well as the return and rehabilitation of the families of foreign terrorist fighters in the Middle East. He is the author of The Field Guide for Barefoot Psychology and numerous publications on mental health, identity-based violence, and migration. Learn More: LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inne
Wed, October 04, 2023
Championing Relational Therapeutic Solutions in a Quick-Fix World With Dr. Jonathan Shedler
What are the defining characteristics of good psychotherapy? Increasingly, the answers arrive filtered through the lens of incomplete research or, worse, via buzzwords popularized by wellness websites. Emily welcomes author, consultant, researcher, and clinical educator Jonathan Shedler, PhD, to discuss the widening chasm between the research conducted by academic psychologists and real-life psychotherapy. The pair also examine the importance of forming a therapeutic alliance and misconceptions about countertransference. About Jonathan Shedler: Jonathan Shedler, PhD, is a psychologist known internationally as an author, consultant, researcher, and clinical educator. Dr. Shedler’s research and writings are shaping contemporary views of personality styles and their treatment. He is the author of over 100 scientific and scholarly articles, the creator of the Shedler-Westin Assessment Procedure For Personality, Diagnosis And Clinical Case Formulation, and co-author of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual. He has more than 25 years experience teaching and supervising psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychoanalysts. Learn More: Website PsychScan To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute: https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program: https://www.narmtraining.com/freetrial *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools f
Wed, September 20, 2023
Health And Trust In Organismic Self-Regulation - NARM Webinar Special Event
Welcome to a special episode of Transforming Trauma featuring NARM creator Dr. Laurence Heller and NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer. This webinar provides a glimpse into the NARM Inner Circle online program and invites clinicians, therapists, and helping professionals to explore the foundation of health and trust upon which NARM is built. Brad and Larry begin this conversation with a reflective exercise, then zoom out to reveal a link between suboptimal emotional and physical health and the survival patterns acquired in response to developmental trauma. Throughout their conversation, Larry and Brad also identify ways in which this model of health and trust informs the four pillars of NARM––clarifying the therapeutic contract, asking exploratory questions, reinforcing agency, reflecting psychobiological shifts––and impacts client-practitioner interactions. About Dr. Laurence Heller: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Senior Faculty member, International Trainer, and co-author of Healing Developmental Trauma and The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma. About Brad Kammer: Brad Kammer , LMFT, LPCC, is a somatic psychotherapist, consultant, professor, NARM Senior Trainer, and NARM Training Director. He has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years, specializing in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Brad is the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma. Learn More: We invite you to explore the NARM Inner Circle online learning program, where we host NARM Topic Webinars like this every month. For further information and to sign up for a free two-week trial, visit: www.narmtraining.com/freetrial To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com <stro
Wed, September 06, 2023
A Former NFL Player on Overcoming Childhood Trauma through Belonging With Gaelin Elmore
Former NFL player and speaker Gaelin Elmore believes that childhood trauma changes the rules of the game for youth, making interaction with well-intentioned adults difficult. While teachers, therapists, and caregivers are poised to provide the most enduring assistance, the prospect of building sincere, purposeful relationships with children and teens can challenge even the most dedicated professionals. In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily learns what adults can do to foster an atmosphere of belonging and positively influence the lives of young people. Using his own life as a case study, Gaelin shares his personal history with complex childhood trauma and honors the adults who changed the trajectory of his life for good. The pair also explore parallels between Gaelin's work and the heart-centered approach NARM employs to reignite one's capacity for self-love and strengthen interpersonal connections. About Gaelin Elmore: Gaelin Elmore experienced complex trauma for most, if not all, of his childhood. Despite extreme childhood adversity, Gaelin played college football, graduated early, with honors, and signed an NFL contract. Now, as a national keynote speaker, trainer, and advocate, Gaelin works with adults and professionals who want to help children overcome trauma and unleash their potential through belonging. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings
Wed, August 30, 2023
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Spiritual Integrity With Jac O’Keeffe
While many spiritual teachers are held in high regard for their wisdom, leadership positions are still overwhelmed by those who’ve failed to address complex trauma in their personal histories. In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily speaks with Jac O'Keeffe, President and founding member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI), an organization committed to bringing higher levels of integrity to the culture of spiritual leadership. The pair discuss Jac’s educational and spiritual evolution, the role of empathy and accountability within ASI’s anti-authoritarian model, and the link between agency, trauma healing, and personal divinity. About Jac O’Keeffe: Jac O’Keeffe is a theology graduate from the Pontificate University of Ireland with postgraduate studies in adult education. Working as an independent spiritual teacher for more than 15 years, she guides people in the unfoldment of their own spiritual journey. In her books, teachings, talks and retreats, she supports the empowerment of individuals who are done with bypassing, done with hiding, done with outsourcing their spiritual awakening to gurus. Her books include Born to Be Free and How to Be a Spiritual Rebel. Jac is the President and founding member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI), an organization with a mission to bring high levels of integrity to the culture of spiritual leadership. Learn More: Association For Spiritual Integrity Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle <span style="font-wei
Wed, August 23, 2023
Helping Youth Thrive in a Time of Anxiety, Depression, and Social Media With Donna Jackson Nakazawa
These are challenging times to maintain physical and mental well-being, so much so that it’s increasingly difficult to encounter someone who isn’t struggling with a significant medical and/or psychological challenge. In this episode of Transforming Trauma , Emily chats with award-winning journalist, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator Donna Jackson Nakazawa about her career at the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and emotion. Emily and Donna discuss the impact of today’s cultural landscape on the mental health of children and young adults, particularly focusing on teen girls, as well as the correlation between human connection and whole health. They also examine the power of storytelling to draw meaning from our experiences and help others who’ve experienced complex trauma. About Donna Jackson Nakazawa: Donna Jackson Nakazawa is the author of four books that explore the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and emotion, including Girls on the Brink and The Angel and the Assassin, named one of the best books of 2020 by Wired magazine, and Childhood Disrupted, which was a finalist for the Books for a Better Life Award. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural
Wed, August 09, 2023
Research and Evidence-Based Analysis for Exploring the Science and Art of NARM with Salman Alawadi
In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily is joined by Salman Alawadi, a NARM practitioner and Ph.D. candidate in Research, Measurement, and Evaluation at the University of Miami, for a fascinating discussion about the challenges of developing an evidence-based standard for NARM and distilling that research into accessible data. In medical terminology, “evidenced-based” is a gold star endorsement awarded to recurrent standards of proof that arise from comparison studies of a specific treatment protocol or prevention. Is it possible to validate NARM’s efficacy using those same evidence-based standards? Should we? Salman calls out psychology’s fixation with the medical model and advocates for creating more rigorous criteria to understand a psychological intervention. About Salman Alawadi: Salman Alawadi is a psychotherapist from Kuwait. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Psychometrics from Boston College and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Research, Measurement, and Evaluation at the University of Miami. Salman worked with Dr. Mary Zanarini in the Laboratory for the Study of Adult Development at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. In addition to being a NARM therapist, Salman is also trained in Somatic Experiencing, Integrative Somatic Psychology, Hakomi, Neuroaffective Touch, Mentalization-Based Therapy, and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy. Learn More: LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM
Wed, July 26, 2023
Somatic Equine Therapy for Emotional Balance and Post-Traumatic Growth with Isabelle Shook
Can the art of horse whispering, a perceptive communication technique, work to heal complex trauma in humans? Isabelle Shook, the founder of Equine Guidance in Sedona, AZ, believes that horses possess an empathetic energy––telegraphed via non-verbal cues––that can resolve symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma in those seeking support. In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily discovers how Belle fosters this unique therapeutic experience and the approaches she and her herd of four-legged collaborators utilize to encourage client transformation. The case studies referenced by Belle demonstrate NARM’s compatibility with other trauma-informed modalities and its ability to transform the therapeutic process. About Isabelle Shook: Isabelle Shook MC, NBCC, LPC, SEP, NARM, BCC is the founder of Equine Guidance. She is an intuitive therapist, board-certified coach, and licensed counselor focusing on personal growth, leadership development, and trauma-informed care. As a pioneer in Equine Therapy, Belle and her three horses have been working together since 2004 to assist people in developing their potential through healing and fine-tuning their neurobiology. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program: https://www.narmtraining.com/freetrial *** The NARM Traini
Wed, July 12, 2023
Restorative Justice and the Journey Towards Redemption with Dr. Elaine Leeder
Forgiveness can transform lives. In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily explores the holistic practice of restorative justice with Dr. Elaine Leeder, a professor and prolific writer who's worked in mental hospitals, gerontology, foster care, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol counseling as a social worker and psychotherapist. Elaine's current pro bono work with incarcerated individuals and those they've harmed is remarkable for its progressive approach to redemption. In her 28 years working with prisoners, Elaine has witnessed the devastating effects of early childhood trauma compounded by the consequences of institutionalized mistreatment. She has also experienced the power of collective healing. "People are not the worst things they've done," Elaine insists. Her empathetic statement complements the NARM principle that humans can repair persistent, outdated survival strategies through connection, attunement, trust, and autonomy. About Elaine Leeder: Elaine (Sneierson) Leeder MSW, MPH, PhD is Dean Emerita and Professor Emerita at Sonoma State University. For the last twenty-eight years, she has worked in prisons in NY and California as a professor and doing restorative justice victim/offender dialogues with people who have been harmed and those who have done the harm. She has seen forgiveness, remorse and transformation that has healed those traumatized by serious crimes. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program: <a href= "https://www.narmtraining.com/
Wed, June 28, 2023
Community Wellness and Collective Liberation with Susan Raffo
Susan Raffo is a cranial therapist, esteemed writer, and cultural worker, sharing her heart’s wisdom with the NARM community and the motivation behind her latest book, Liberated To The Bone . Susan’s professional approach combines NARM’s trauma-informed framework with the nuances of her ancestral lineage as both colonizer and the colonized. In her conversation with NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer, Susan explores the “intersections between healing our physical bodies and healing our social relations” and working towards the end of white supremacy and settler colonialism while preserving the memory of her grandfather’s native line. About Susan Raffo: Susan Raffo is a writer, cultural worker, and bodyworker. She is part of the Healing Histories Project , which focuses on transforming the medical-industrial complex and confronting eugenic legacies. She works with REP: Relationship Evolving Possibilities , a Black-led community-based crisis response model grounded in the belief that we have the ability to love and protect one another without giving our agency to systems built to destroy, consume, or commodify us. Author of Queerly Classed (South End Press, 1997) and Restricted Access (Seal Press, 1999), she is published in a range of anthologies and websites. She is based in Minneapolis, MN. Learn More: Website – Susan Raffo Medium Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: <a href= "https://narmtraining.com/onli
Wed, June 14, 2023
Generative Integration on the Creative Path with Dr. Stephen Gilligan
Extraordinary journeys of self-discovery often begin with a simple invitation. NARM practitioners encourage these explorations by asking clients to set an intention for the work ahead from the beginning. Stephen Gilligan, PhD., takes a similarly powerful approach. At the start of each visit, he warmly receives both the client and their trauma into the therapeutic space. Dr. Gilligan is a psychotherapist, author, workshop leader, and transformation specialist. His work focuses on the awakening of the soul, drawing parallels from other traditions where such explorations are essential to awakening the human spirit. Dr. Gilligan discusses his life's work, what he's learned about connection and fulfilling core needs, plus the creative paths that bring clients back into life and a happy future. About Stephen Gilligan, PhD.: Stephen Gilligan, Ph.D., is a psychologist who received his doctorate from Stanford University. He was a major student of Milton Erickson and has been elaborating this work for the past 35 years while also developing Generative Psychotherapy. In 2004, he received the rarely-given Lifetime Achievement Award from the Erickson Foundation in honor of his many contributions. He is well-known throughout the world for his inspirational teaching. Dr. Gilligan has published extensively, and his books include Therapeutic Trances: The Co-Operation Principle In Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, The Courage to Love: Principles and Practices of Self-Relations Psychotherapy, The Legacy of Erickson, Walking In Two Worlds: The Relational Self In Theory, Practice, And Community, and The Hero’s Journey (w/ R. Dilts); Generative Trance: The Experience of Creative Flow; and Generative Coaching. He has worked with trauma as a psychotherapist for over 40 years. Learn More: Website – Stephen Gilligan, PhD. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : <a h
Wed, May 31, 2023
Bringing Agency and Humanity into the Practitioner’s Office with Dr. Sara Rapaport
Dr. Sara Rapaport is a Naturopathic Doctor, Massage Therapist, Certified Biofeedback Provider, and NARM Practitioner. Sara deeply appreciates nature and the earth and believes that some of the best medicine in the world is the kindness and compassion we can offer one another. Whenever a client steps into their practitioner’s office, be it a doctor or a psychologist, the practitioner is viewed as the expert. Aligned with the core principles of NARM, Sara works from a perspective that places clients as experts on their own bodies. This leads to a greater sense of personal agency for clients and helps to equalize the client-practitioner relational balance. About Dr. Sara Rapaport: Dr. Sara Rapaport is a Naturopathic doctor, biofeedback practitioner, and massage therapist based in Portland, OR. She specializes in mind-body medicine and the treatment of eating disorders. She combines counseling, nutrition, and physical medicine to support whole-person healing and transformation for her patients. Learn More: Website - Dr. Sara Rapaport Instagram - LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting,
Wed, May 17, 2023
The History, Evolution, and Future of Somatic Therapy with Dr. Daniel Schiff
A licensed psychologist in the Portland area and adjunct faculty member at several universities, Dr. Daniel Schiff is considered an expert in somatic psychology. He is known for his work with Contemporary Orgone (Reichian) Therapy. This relational and emotionally focused, character-based somatic psychotherapy addresses the psychological and physiological underpinnings of emotional distress. Dr. Schiff and NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer reflect on the tragic story of Dr. Wilhelm Reich and his impact on somatic psychotherapy and their own clinical work. They touch on how Reich’s original work directly influenced somatic modalities such as Gestalt Therapy, Hakomi Psychotherapy, and Somatic Experiencing and indirectly affected several other models, including EMDR. About Dr. Daniel Schiff: Dr. Daniel Schiff is a licensed psychologist in private practice with 45 years of clinical experience in somatic psychotherapy from a Reichian and Gestalt perspective. He has lectured widely on topics related to emotions, psychotherapy, and Reichian and Gestalt therapy to both public and professional audiences, and provides clinical seminars, training, and supervision to mental health professionals. Dr. Schiff also offers a 4-year Contemporary Orgone (Reichian) Therapy training program. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Schiff has been an adjunct faculty member in psychology at Seattle Central Community College, Antioch University, and the Washington School of Professional Psychology (Argosy University - Seattle), and currently offers a course in somatic psychology at Lewis and Clark college. Learn More: Website - Daniel Schiff, PHD To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: <a href= "https://narmtraini
Wed, May 03, 2023
Relatedness and Presence in Somatic Therapy with Dr. Albert Wong
Dr. Albert Wong is a leading clinician and educator in the field of somatics. From Dr. Wong's perspective, not all trauma is created equal, particularly complex trauma. It can be challenging to identify and address when the one who hurt you is the one you love. Although this predicament can be overwhelming, Dr. Wong provides a message of hope for individuals still in this hurting stage: people are not alone in this hurt, it doesn't last forever, and trauma does not have to define you. Dr. Wong shares that most of his work derives from the spirit of deep embodied listening, valuing the body's wisdom, the notion of somatic experience, and tuning in to what is incomplete in the body. He is also committed to bringing together others in the psychological world so that the field is less fragmented. About Dr. Albert Wong: Dr. Albert Wong is the Director of the Trauma Certificate Program at Somatopia and the former Director of Somatic Psychology at John F. Kennedy University. A leading educator in somatics, he trains students in somatic psychology, healing trauma, and the mind-body connection through his online platform, Somatopia. Dr. Wong has been honored for his work in psychotherapy by the American Psychological Association Psychoanalytic Division, the Northern California Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Yale Psychoanalytic Research Training Program. He has been featured on PBS, Time Magazine, and his work has been published in titles ranging from the scientific journal Biological Cybernetics to the book anthology Radical Spirit. Learn More: Website - Somatopia Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : <a h
Wed, April 19, 2023
Training, Ethics and Agency in the Emerging Field of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy with Monti Pal
Monti Pal is a Licensed Professional Counselor and NARM Therapist focusing on the emerging field of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Monti’s vast experience in clinical settings, psychiatric hospitals, and now private practice has given her a unique way of understanding the diversity of people’s healing journeys. Like many inquisitive clinicians, she is reflecting on how to best provide supportive and transformative care for her clients. This professional journey led her to study the NeuroAffective Relational Model and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. About Monti Pal: Monti Pal is a Licensed Professional Counselor and runs a private psychotherapy practice in Austin, TX. Monti attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology. Monti has experience working at SafePlace, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, Rock Springs Hospital, and other sites. She is also a NARM Therapist trained in using the Neuroaffective Relational Model (NARM) to support the healing of complex trauma. Monti is interested in psychedelic therapies for mental health and how NARM can be an essential therapeutic tool to help lead psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions. In her free time, Monti loves to spend time with her two kids and learn to cook different types of cuisine. She enjoys learning new skills, trying new activities, and traveling. Learn More: Website - Mindfulness with Monti Webinar with NARM - Healing Complex Trauma with Psychedelics and Plant Medicine Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute: <a href= "https://narmtraining.c
Wed, April 05, 2023
Love as a Pathway for Resolving Conflict and Bigotry with Chloé Valdary
In this milestone 100th episode of Transforming Trauma, we meet Chloé Valdary, public educator, anti-racism activist, and Founder of the Theory of Enchantment program. Theory of Enchantment, with its three principles, focuses on compassion in diversity and inclusion training by addressing bigotry with principles and practices based on love and compassion. The NARM Training Institute is proud to be one of the organizations trained in the Theory of Enchantment and continues to benefit from Chloé’s teachings. Chloé and NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer reflect on the absence of the concept of love within mainstream Western psychology and political/social justice fields and dive deeper into the three principles of the Theory of Enchantment, drawing connections in each other’s work. About Chloé Valdary: Chloé Valdary is a public educator who created a powerful anti-racism program grounded in sociological, psychological, and spiritual wisdom called the Theory of Enchantment. The program aims to teach a framework for compassionate anti-racism that combines social-emotional learning (SEL), character development, and interpersonal growth as tools for leadership development in the boardroom and beyond. Her work has been covered in Psychology Today, and her writings have appeared in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She’s lectured in universities across America, including Harvard and Georgetown. She continues her work with the Theory of Enchantment to bring compassion to diversity inclusion training and fight bigotry with love. Learn More: Theory of Enchantment Curriculum To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: <a href= "https://narmtraining.com/online-learni
Wed, March 22, 2023
Enhancing our Well-Being Through the Human-Animal Connection with Philip Tedeschi
Philip Tedeschi is a clinical professor and Founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, where he studies and teaches about the intricate relationship between people, domestic and wild animals, and the natural world. Philip's focus on bio-affiliation - our connection to the living world - has led him to be globally recognized for expertise in the clinical methods of animal-assisted interventions, as well as human-animal interaction and conflict. Philip shares how his path originally started in the veterinary field with a passion for animals and humans' non-verbal relationship with animals. He also talks about an important takeaway from his book, Transforming Trauma: Resilience and Healing Through Our Connection with Animals : the animal's well-being in our immediate environment impacts our own personal neurobiology - it changes our brain chemistry and improves our ability to get well. About Philip Tedeschi: Philip Tedeschi is the Director Emeritus and Founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, a clinical professor at the Graduate School of Social Work, and an affiliated faculty with the University of Denver’s Animal Law Program. He teaches in the Human-Animal-Environmental Interaction Certificate for Master of Social Work students, examining the intricate relationship between people, domestic and wild animals, and the natural world. Tedeschi's research, scholarship, teaching, and community practice work have focused on social and interspecies justice issues, global perspectives of human-animal interactions, conservation social work, and human ecology. Learn More: Book - Transforming Trauma: Resilience and Healing Through Our Connections with Animals Website - Institute for Human-Animal Connection Facebook - Institute for Human-Animal Connection To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-ser
Wed, March 08, 2023
Exploring the Intersection of Trauma and Nutrition with Amanda Huffman, LCSW
In this information-packed episode, Amanda Huffman shares her current research on the microbiome and how she believes that this evolving field can help support the treatment of developmental trauma. Amanda’s skills, knowledge, and passion have led her to create the new healing center Sugar Creek Farm, an organic farm and somatic healing retreat, where she hopes people can experience whole-body support to reclaim their mental and physical health. About Amanda Huffman: Amanda Huffman is a psychotherapist, NARM Therapist, and nutrition health coach who has been in practice since 2006. She specializes in somatically-oriented trauma therapies that include SE, BASE, and NARM. Her passion includes integrating nutrition and gut health into her practice to broaden our view of physical and mental well-being. Amanda owns Sugar Creek Farm, an organic farm and somatic trauma healing retreat that utilizes regenerative agriculture, organic practices, and somatic healing. Learn More: Website - www.amandajhuffman.com Follow Amanda’s practice on social media - Facebook - Instagram Organic Farm & Somatic Trauma Healing Retreat - Facebook - Instagram To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership
Wed, March 01, 2023
BONUS: Evolving NARM through the NARM Master Therapist Training with Brad Kammer
This is a significant event in the growth of the NARM Training Institute. NARM Senior Trainer and Training Director Brad Kammer shares about the updated Level 3 NARM Master Therapist Training that starts in March 2023: “This is also a big moment for me personally as Larry passes this training on to me after over 20 years of studying with and mentoring under him, and working together to evolve NARM. I am honored and so excited!” The Level 3 NARM Master Therapist Training is all about the transformative process of intersubjectivity and how relationships are the vehicle for deep healing and transformation. About Brad Kammer: Brad Kammer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years. As a NARM Senior Trainer and Training Director, Brad is passionate about contributing to the growing trauma-informed movement. Brad has been busy updating and redesigning the Level 3 Masters curriculum and has created a dynamic, robust, and transformative new training that takes participants deeper into the theoretical and clinical foundations of NARM. Learn More: NARM Trainings - All Levels Level 3 NARM Master Therapist Training Book - The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-cir
Wed, February 22, 2023
Social Baseline Theory and the Power of Connection with Dr. Jim Coan
Dr. Jim Coan is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Virginia. Dr. Coan is well-known for his Social Baseline Theory which resulted from his research on the psychological and physical health benefits of strong friend and family networks. His theory states that the human brain depends on relationships to coordinate the body’s resources. Dr. Coan and Emily dive into how these body and brain functions support the healing of complex trauma. About Dr. Jim Coan: Dr. Jim Coan is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Virginia. Dr. Coan has worked with diverse groups, consulting for clinicians, businesses and researchers as part of his Social Baseline Theory. He is co-editor of the Handbook of Emotion Elicitation and Assessment and has authored over eighty peer-reviewed articles. His work has been covered in the New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, the New Yorker, NPR, and other major media outlets. Dr. Coan is also a fellow of the Mind and Life Institute, and produces the podcast Circle of Willis. Learn More: Website - Virginia Affective Neuroscience Laboratory Book - Handbook of Emotion Elicitation and Assessment Podcast - Circle of Willis To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle <strong id= "docs-internal-guid-c720fd6b-7fff-c9b5-9f81-914032809
Wed, February 08, 2023
Ancestral Trauma, Health and Well-Being with Tina Sacks, PhD.
Tina Sacks, PhD., is an associate professor in the School of Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley. Her fields of interest include racial inequities in health, social determinants of health, and poverty and inequality; in other words, how people’s experience of being othered affects their overall well-being. Tina’s professional work emerges from her own experience of being othered as a mixed-raced person and member of the Black and Jewish community. At the core of her work is the idea that love is really what matters and that we must care for one another as humans. Tina reflects on her familial history and experience, discusses the roots of her focus on racial and gender inequities in healthcare, and proudly shares her sense of survivorship. About Tina Sacks: Tina Sacks, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley. She studies racial and gender inequities in healthcare settings, social determinants of health, and poverty and inequality. Professor Sacks' work has been published in Race and Social Problems, Health Affairs, and MSNBC News. Professor Sacks also frequently collaborates with the photographer and filmmaker Carlos Javier Ortiz on documentary film projects about issues affecting Black and Latino communities in the US and abroad. Their films have appeared in the Tribeca, AFI, and LA International Film Festivals, among others. Their work has also been published in The New Yorker and The Atlantic. Her recent book Invisible Visits, Black Middle-Class Women in the American Healthcare System , published by Oxford University Press, is now available. Learn More: Website - Tina K. Sacks, PhD Book - Invisible Visits, Black Middle-Class Women in the American Healthcare System Other News & Publications To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, Blink
Wed, January 25, 2023
The Role of Spirituality in Complex Trauma Healing with Dr. Diane Poole Heller and Dr. Laurence Heller
Dr. Diane Poole Heller is an established expert in the field of trauma resolution, with extensive experience in spiritual exploration. Diane joins NARM Creator Dr. Laurence Heller for an evocative conversation about trauma and spirituality. Diane and Larry discuss how spiritual work has impacted their personal and professional lives, sharing the perspective on treating the whole person - mind, body and spirit. As internationally respected trauma experts, Diane and Larry also emphasize spiritual connection as a guide for practitioners to help themselves and their clients in the healing process. About Dr. Diane Poole Heller: Dr. Diane Poole Heller is an established expert in the field of trauma resolution, with 30 years of experience in spiritual exploration. Dr. Heller began her work with Peter Levine, founder of Somatic Experiencing, in 1989 and has served on the SE Trauma Institute teaching team since 1992. Diane has created a highly successful series of media resources, and as a dynamic speaker and teacher, Diane has been featured at international seminars and conferences. Diane is co-author of the book Crash Course as well as numerous articles in the field. Diane is also president of Trauma Solutions, a psychotherapy training organization. Learn More: Trauma Solutions Experiential Training for Clinicians Book - The Power of Attachment: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships Book - Crash Course: A Self-Healing Guide to Auto Accident Trauma Recovery DARe Approach To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSys
Wed, January 11, 2023
Cultural Animation and Applied Human Ecology with Anthony Twig Wheeler
Anthony “Twig” Wheeler is a Trauma Specialist, Environmentalist, Performance Artist, Applied Human Ecologist, Cultural Animator, Consultant, Educator, and so much more. His interest in resolving societal conflicts and being introduced to Peter Levine’s work of Somatic Experiencing guided him to branch out into different areas of trauma. While Twig’s interests led him to various studies - such as evolutionary, somatic, and ecological psychology, and environmental and cultural anthropology -, his own therapy created his focus for advocacy and translating the work for the world as best he can. Twig and Brad share their early experiences learning about somatic psychology and reflect on the evolving understanding of complex trauma. Twig also describes what being a Cultural Animator is all about. About Anthony “Twig” Wheeler: Anthony Twig Wheeler specializes in restoring a participatory relationship between humans and their nature - how to enjoy our biology rather than hate it. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and trauma expert, Twig works with individuals, groups, and helping care professionals. As an Applied Human Ecologist, he works toward an articulation of the evolutionarily established needs of our species. As a Performance Artist and Cultural Animator, Twig translates his social observation and research for general public audiences to enliven, inspire and catalyze action for good living, respect of self and others, and engagement with biodiversity. With his studies and a strong background in social change and ecological preservation efforts, widespread travel, and years spent mastering the wilderness living arts, Twig has developed an unusual appreciation of the human species and modern human condition. Learn More: Liberation is Possible Website Twig’s Public Projects StressLess Guide Twig’s SE Reflections for Practitioners To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/
Tue, January 03, 2023
Reflecting on a Growing Training Institute with NARM Faculty Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black
Transforming Trauma is kicking off 2023 with NARM Faculty Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black exploring the past year's challenges, learnings, successes, and growth. Part of building an intentional organization committed to healing complex trauma is taking the time for self-reflection, self-awareness, and relational sharing about learning and challenges — but also pausing to celebrate the successes. Looking back on 2022, the NARM Faculty feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation for the whole NARM community, from the heartful way participants are showing up in the trainings, to the enthusiastic support for the NARM Book release, to all the different learning events and opportunities for being together. About the NARM Faculty: Brad Kammer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years. As a NARM Trainer and Training Director, Brad is passionate about contributing to the growing trauma-informed movement. He is also the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma . Stefanie Klein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has spent 22 years in her Los Angeles private practice. As a NARM Trainer and Assistant Training Director, Stefanie is excited to share the NARM approach with anyone looking to have more ease and efficacy in their practice. Marcia Black is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and has been in private practice for over 35 years in San Francisco and the East Bay area, specializing in treating complex and developmental trauma and other psychological conditions. As a NARM Faculty Member, Marcia is dedicated to supporting not only the participants’ development, but also the Trainers and Institute as a whole. Learn More: What is NARM? NARM Books NARM Trainings To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://na
Sun, January 01, 2023
NARM Inner Circle Presents: NARM & Heartfulness with Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer
A gift for Transforming Trauma listeners: The NARM Training Institute presents the special topic webinar NARM and Heartfulness from the NARM Inner Circle online program. Dr. Laurence Heller and NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer explore the importance of integrating the heart with the mind during the healing process. Larry and Brad reflect on the survival functions of disconnecting from and shutting down the heart based on early loss, heartbreak, and the impact of developmental trauma. They touch on the importance of reconnecting to the heart as part of the healing process, the role that grieving plays in supporting increased heartfulness, and why closing one’s heart in an adult intimate relationship affects the capacity for intimacy. About Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Senior Faculty member, international trainer, and co-author of Healing Developmental Trauma . Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, is a somatic psychotherapist, consultant, professor, NARM Senior Trainer, and NARM Training Director. He has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years, specializing in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Brad is the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma . Learn More: We invite you to explore the NARM Inner Circle online learning program, where we host NARM Topic Webinars like this every month. For further information and to sign up for a free two-week trial visit: www.narmtraining.com/freetrial To read the full show notes and discover more resources vi
Wed, December 28, 2022
End of Year NARM Reflections with Emily Ruth and Brad Kammer
Host Emily Ruth and NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer reflect on Transforming Trauma in 2022, revisiting memorable and favorite moments. Emily and Brad recall their conversations with “big names” in the field, such as Dr. Stephen Porges , Daniel Shaw , Dr. Sandra Bloom , Dr. David Wallin , Dr. Nancy McWilliams , and Judge Abby Abinati who spoke powerfully about trauma-informed work in indigenous communities, and her work supporting community-based and trauma-informed Tribal Court . They look back on interviews with the NARM Community, including Dr. Jennifer Vasquez , who shared her doctoral dissertation, Meaning Making: Understanding Professional Quality of Life for NARM Trained Trauma Therapists , and Isaac Samuelson, who talked about the joy of a Queer identity . Most memorable is the episode Authenticity, Freedom and Living more Intentionally , where Brad’s student, Bill Lokey , shared about moving into the last phase of life. Learn More: Transforming Tr
Wed, December 14, 2022
The Complex Relational Dynamics of Cancel Culture with Clementine Morrigan
Clementine Morrigan is a writer, podcaster, socialist, and trauma educator. Clementine embodies their teaching, sharing, and perspective in courageous trauma-informed work, specifically addressing the shame-based dynamics of what is presently referred to as "cancel culture." They strongly advocate for a new understanding of the dynamics of cancel culture, elaborating how publicly canceling fellow human beings impacts individuals and communities. Clementine shares about the psychological impact on individuals and how trauma-informed therapists can play a role in individual healing and relational repair. They present the concept of the "Nexus," a synthesis of identitarianism, social media, and cancel culture, and the traumatogenic nature of this synthesis. About: Clementine Morrigan has been writing and publishing for over 20 years, having written several zines and books. They are also a podcaster as one half of the podcast F-ing Cancelled. They're the creator of the popular Trauma Informed Polyamory workshop and several other workshops. She is a trauma educator, an opposer of cancel culture, a sex educator, a person living with complex PTSD, a sober alcoholic, and a proud dog mom to Clover "the dog" Morrigan. Learn More: clementinemorrigan.com patreon.com/clementinemorrigan f-ingcancelled.libsyn.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner
Wed, November 30, 2022
The Importance of Helping Professionals Doing Their Own Trauma Work with Laura Reagan
Laura Reagan is an Integrative Trauma Therapist, founder of the Trauma Therapist Network, and host of the Therapy Chat podcast. Laura is dedicated to helping therapists become more skilled in trauma and attachment work by exploring their own inner worlds. Her current focus is similar to the direction of the NARM Training Institute: building a supportive therapeutic community and combating the isolation of trauma work. Along her personal journey and through clinical work with clients who experienced childhood abuse, Laura has learned that trauma shows up differently and often in ways that may not traditionally be considered trauma. She highlights that a therapist’s blind spots typically point to their own pain spots. If left unaddressed, it could lead to missed opportunities for healing. About: Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, is an Integrative Trauma Therapist, coach, and consultant who hosts the Therapy Chat Podcast. She is the founder of the Trauma Therapist Network, a resource for learning how trauma and attachment wounds show up in our lives and finding help and resources. Laura is passionate about spreading the message that trauma is real, healing is possible, and help is available. Learn More: Trauma Therapist Network - www.traumatherapistnetwork.com Therapy Chat Podcast - Facebook , Instagram , Twitter To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** The NARM Training Institute https://ww
Wed, November 16, 2022
Authenticity, Freedom, and Living More Intentionally with Bill Lokey
Bill Lokey is a former Clinical Director and Licensed Senior Psychological Examiner out of the Nashville area and current NARM trainee. Bill speaks openly about his cancer journey, how he is attempting to live each day to its fullest, and how NARM is supporting him in his current phase of life. He reflects on his process of becoming a psychotherapist and how he wanted to touch people’s lives, realizing that beyond academic and clinical training, receiving therapy was a big part of this process. Bill attributes the success of his personal and professional relationship with his wife, Laurie, to their ongoing recovery work on their own. Together, they embody their intention for their clients: to “awaken to truth and freedom.” About Bill Lokey: Bill Lokey — MA, LSPE, CTT, and CET-II — is most renowned as a husband to Laurie, a father, and grandfather. Formerly a Clinical Director and Licensed Senior Psychological Examiner, he now gives presentations about trauma, rising through adversity, overcoming codependency, and connection in relationships. Along with his wife, Laurie, Bill conducts engaging experiential workshops for couples and large organizations. His personal relationship with God is the thing that sustains him and his family through hardship and guides them in abundance. Learn More: https://billandlaurielokey.com/ To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle <span style="
Wed, November 09, 2022
BONUS: Sneak Peek of the NARM Audiobook - The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma, with co-author Brad Kammer
Brad Kammer, NARM Senior Faculty, shares an excerpt on the NARM Emotional Completion Model and disidentification from the highly anticipated audiobook The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma . This audiobook was released on November 8th, 2022, on Audible and other audiobook services. The book provides helping professionals with the theoretical background and practical skills to assist clients in transforming complex trauma using the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM). Utilizing therapeutic examples, case studies, and exercises, the authors demonstrate how NARM can be a catalyst for clients or anyone seeking healing and growth to feel more fully alive and become more fully human. If you’re interested in reading or listening to the book, we encourage you to order your copy today! Please visit www.narmtraining.com/books for more information and to view available online retailers. About Brad Kammer: Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, is a Somatic Psychotherapist. He has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years, specializing in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Brad is a NARM Master Therapist, Consultant, and Faculty Trainer. To read the full show
Wed, November 02, 2022
Attachment Theory and the Importance of Presence with David J. Wallin, Phd
David J. Wallin, Phd., is a psychologist who has been practicing, writing, and teaching about psychotherapy for nearly four decades. He focuses on attachment theory and research into an innovative framework that grounds adult psychotherapy in the facts of childhood development. Dr. Wallin highlights the important clinical implications of attachment theory research and how it informs practitioners to be of maximum help. A significant part of his work focuses on the idea that therapy heals by providing clients with a new attachment relationship. Leaning on the research and influence by Peter Fonagy’s work on mentalization, Wallin concludes that for therapy to heal, it had to go beyond the therapists’ formal training and theoretical understanding; it must include who the therapist is as a person, and better yet, include the therapist’s relationship to their own attachment history. About David J. Wallin, Phd: David Wallin is a psychologist who has been practicing, writing, and teaching about psychotherapy for nearly four decades. His most recent book, Attachment in Psychotherapy , has been translated into thirteen languages. He has presented his work to clinicians in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, Canada, and the US. Near retirement, he is currently transitioning from psychotherapy to songwriting. Learn More: Book - Attachment in Psychotherapy by David J. Wallin To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraini
Wed, October 19, 2022
Enhancing Addiction Recovery Through NARM with Sabino Recovery Clinical Staff
Sabino Recovery is a clinically-driven, integrative, and individualized residential treatment center for trauma and addiction in Tucson, Arizona. The team follows a trauma-informed approach that looks at the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Clinical Director Shara Turner, Lead Primary Therapist Robin Green, and Lead Family Therapist Robin Miller talk about their core principle guides, previous trauma training, and share their experience where a client introduced them to the NeuroAffective Model. Once they began looking into NARM, they found it to be in perfect alignment with the work at Sabino Recovery – and decided to join the NARM Therapist Training. About Sabino Recovery: Sabino Recovery is a residential treatment center set on 140 acres of desert outside Tucson, Arizona. The treatment program is shaped by new findings in neuroscience. In addition to Western medicine, the center also utilizes a naturopathic approach. The integrative therapies range from somatic experiencing and EMDR to equine and outdoor adventure therapy. Sabino Recovery addresses every aspect of trauma, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addictions that stem from unresolved trauma. Several practitioners are trained in NARM. Learn More: Sabino Recovery Website Clinical Director, Shara Turner’s Bio Lead Primary Therapist, Robin Green’s Bio Lead Family Therapist, Robin Miller’s Bio To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings :
Wed, October 05, 2022
Resolving Cultural and Historical Trauma with Iya Affo
Iya Affo is a culturalist and historical trauma specialist. She has traveled to more than 25 countries and lived a life dedicated to cultivating love and inclusivity, facilitating decolonization, and healing indigenous people. Iya’s work focuses on a cultural and neurobiological perspective of historical trauma, and she presents the question, “What happened in the past, and how does that manifest in people today?” Exploring cultural expressions historically used to manage adversity, Iya highlights a White Mountain Apache dance performed as a debriefing by warriors returning home. “That's what they did to restore their neurological regulation before they rejoin the community because we know that if we are dysregulated, we have behaviors that are aggressive and abusive and hostile.” Iya points to the Cherry Blossom study, underscoring the beginning of one’s biological life as an egg in the womb of our grandmothers. Through the knowledge of epigenetics, we understand that trauma can be imprinted on us even before the birth of our mothers. Still, we can also pass down positive experiences, benevolence, and love. “What you do today and how you change your life today has the potential to impact the next 14 generations.” About Iya Affo: Iya Affo is a Culturalist and Historical Trauma Specialist. She is the founder of Heal Historical Trauma and the International Historical Trauma Association. Iya earned Western certification as a Trauma Specialist and is a descendant of a long line of traditional healers from the Republic of Benin, West Africa. She has visited more than 25 countries and resided in various Native American, Yoruba, Buddhist, Hindu, and Taoist communities. While on pilgrimage in Benin, she lived among Medicine Men and Women to learn the ways of the Shaman and understand the truth about the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. In China, Iya lived in the Shaolin Temple; in India, she sojourned in a Hindu spiritual community. Serving Navajo Nation and the Gila River Indian Community, Iya found a home among the egalitarian, indigenous people of North America. Learn More: healhistoricaltrauma.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast <span style= "font-family: -apple-sy
Wed, September 21, 2022
The Complexities of Adoption with Kimberley Mead
Psychotherapist Kimberley Mead is a NARM Therapist and founder of Resilience Austin. With a personal history that allows her a unique connection with clients, Kimberley uses a relational and somatic framework in working with grief and loss, C-PTSD, and adults of adoption. Kimberley always knew that she wanted to focus on adults of adoption and specifically sought out training to address grief and trauma, aware that those feelings exist in many adoptees’ experiences. It is vital to her to humanize the experience of adoption. She shares the perspective that “Adoption isn't a villain, but it's also not a fairytale. It amplifies our childhood environment, our childhood wounds [...] No adoptive parent wants to sit with the idea that this child already comes with some type of pain, and when they do embrace it, I think it has a better outcome for the child.” When Kimberley began studying NARM and applying it in her practice, she experienced the transformative power of NARM’s 1st Pillar – and a significant shift with her clients. Kimberley finds grounding by remembering what matters most is being present and understanding, describing herself as the bumpers on a bowling lane designed to help keep her clients from falling into the gutter. About Kimberley Mead: Kimberley is a therapist in Austin, Texas, supporting individuals emerging from trauma and grief. She specializes in working with the complexities and lasting impact of early attachment disruptions and complex developmental trauma. As an adopted person, she is passionate about facilitating an open dialogue about the adoption experience and healing. Learn More: https://kmeadcounseling.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kmeadcounseling To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute <a href= "https://narmtrainin
Wed, September 07, 2022
Strengthening Parent-Child Connections with Kirsten Timmer and Jens Heidegger
CEO and TransParents co-founder Kirsten Timmer is a licensed psychologist and psychotherapist; Jens Heidegger, lead course facilitator, trainer, and supervisor at TransParents, is a licensed doctor. Focusing on the importance of the parent-child relationship, TransParents is a platform for parents and professionals who are committed to creating meaningful relationships with children while respecting and preserving life processes. Kirsten and Jens’ work lies in strengthening that connection by utilizing a trauma-informed approach. In their training, they invite curiosity by employing tools like puppets and roleplay for parents to see how they can relate to their children in a more supportive, playful way. A heartfelt openness can strengthen parent-child connections in this act of playful discovery. In reconnecting to her own childhood and raising a son, Kirsten came to understand the importance of how attachment impacts how we relate to ourselves and others. She describes becoming a parent for the first time as “an invitation to life, to grow.” Kirsten and Jens support parents in a shift from shaming themselves to developing deep curiosity for themselves and their children. Jens says, “The cause of it is that you develop more freedom, more possibilities, more agency, that are then helpful for the kids.” About Kirsten Timmer and Jens Heidegger: Kirsten Timmer is one of the founders and CEO of TransParents. She is a psychologist, psychotherapist, and parenting advisor. Kirsten was trained in Client-Centered Therapy by Carl Rogers and in NARM® by Dr. Laurence Heller and has her own practice. She is also a senior student of Thomas Hübl, a contemporary spiritual teacher and mystic. Jens Heidegger is a specialist in psychosomatics and psychotherapy trained in Behavioral Therapy at IVB Berlin and trained in NARM® by Dr. L. Heller. Jens is one of TransParents' lead course facilitators, trainer, and supervisor of the mentor team. Learn More : www.TransParents.net To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'O
Wed, August 24, 2022
The Joy of a Queer Identity with Isaac Samuelson
Isaac Samuelson, LPC, is a Chicago-based NARM Therapist, primarily working with people who are discovering and maintaining their queer identity or struggling with it. Isaac identifies as queer themselves and sees their identity as a strength: together with their clients, Isaac collaborates to discover the challenges and joys in the lifelong journey of connecting with oneself. Having worked as an actor, performer, and clown, Isaac learned to empathize with the characters they played. This practice of empathy gave them a relational roadmap for supporting their later therapeutic development: “I was able to do my own thinking about those parts of myself that I was not as thrilled about and to say, actually, this is a part of who you are and it can be charming.” Isaac reflects on their experience of being queer in America, emphasizes the dramatic impact a positive adult can have on a queer child’s mental health, and discusses what genuine support can look like. The intersection of cultural trauma and one’s own agency is where clients can do transformative work. While it is important to acknowledge ongoing real-world limiting factors, it is equally important to acknowledge the great possibility for self-activation and transformation. About Isaac Samuelson: Isaac Samuelson is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Chicago who specializes in counseling LGBTQIA adolescents and adults. Isaac is working at Chicago Institute for Change and was a group therapist for the Second City’s “Improv for Anxiety” group. Isaac completed a Postgraduate Fellowship at Live Oak and a clinical internship at Hartgrove Hospital. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: <a href= "https://narmtrainin
Wed, August 10, 2022
The Importance of Being Human within the Complexity of Identity and Self-Worth with Crystle Lampitt
Crystle Lampitt, LMSW, is a former TV journalist and model. To her private practice, CL Wellness LLC, Crystal brings a unique perspective: from her background of being in a highly visible career, living a multi-ethnic identity, and facing significant life transitions. Crystle talks about her experience with hustle culture and experiencing toxic stress. “The message we get is that if you’re not hustling, then you’re doing something wrong or you’re not going to be successful.” Crystle’s growing awareness of these objectifying social realities, and her own health challenges with an autoimmune disease, led her to learn more about the body-mind effects of trauma and pursue a graduate degree in social work. Crystle shares her journey of learning NARM, the NARM Therapist Training, and how she integrates NARM principles into her work with others and herself. “I’ve given myself more permission to be a human by utilizing NARM and using its concepts. I think by doing that I’m also helping to reinforce the agency that my clients have.” About Crystle Lampitt: Crystle Lampitt is a former TV journalist turned licensed therapist and speaker. After years of struggling with mysterious health issues, chaotic relationships, and job burnout, she decided to look inward, dig deep, and change everything about her life. She now has a therapy practice in Kansas City and enjoys supporting others on their journeys to heal trauma and lead more meaningful lives. As an Indonesian-American, she is particularly interested in supporting the BIPOC community during a time of great collective trauma and pain. Learn More: https://clwellnesskc.com Crystle’s TEDx talk https://instagram.com/crystlelampitt https://twitter.com/crystlelampitt https://www.facebook.com/connectwithcrystle To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-syst
Wed, August 03, 2022
NARM Inner Circle Presents: NARM & Intergenerational Love with Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer
In this special episode of Transforming Trauma, the NARM Training Institute presents a summertime gift to Transforming Trauma listeners: the webinar NARM and Intergenerational Love. The class provides a window into the NARM Inner Circle learning community. NARM creator Dr. Laurence Heller and NARM Senior Faculty Brad Kammer examine how intergenerational love interfaces with complex and intergenerational trauma. They discuss the importance of including love in the therapeutic process and reflect on how love plays a significant role in attachment, developmental and relational trauma. In addition to exploring the meaning of intergenerational love, Larry and Brad touch on subjects like the paradox of trying to be loved, the relationship between love and hope, and how themes of intergenerational love make their way into clinical sessions. Throughout the episode, self-reflective exercises support the listeners’ learning process. About Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Senior Faculty member, International Trainer, and author. Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, is a Somatic Psychotherapist. He has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years, specializing in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Brad is a NARM Master Therapist, Consultant, and Faculty Trainer. Learn More: We invite you to explore the NARM Inner Circle online learning program, where we host NARM Topic Webinars like this every month. For further information and to sign up for a free two-week trial, visit: www.narmtraining.com/freetrial To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubun
Wed, July 27, 2022
Personality and the Alchemy of Therapeutic Change with Nancy McWilliams, PhD
Nancy McWilliams, PhD, is a pioneer in the field of psychoanalytic/psychodynamics. Her genuine curiosity for trying to understand and help people has led to a rich, 50-year career. In this conversation, Nancy shares learnings from her research in the field of complex trauma and profound lessons from clients who have opened up their worlds to her. Reflecting on the changing landscape of psychotherapeutic approaches, and her objections to the “so-called evidence-based treatments”, she highlights the humanity in the psychotherapeutic relationship: meeting the clients where they are. “You have to tolerate uncertainty and not knowing – a kind of moral equality with the patient, where we’re figuring it out together. I have to learn from you; I’m not here to apply something to you.” About Nancy McWilliams: Nancy McWilliams, PhD, is a renowned psychoanalytic psychotherapist, professor, and author. Nancy teaches psychoanalytic theory and therapy at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers--The State University of New Jersey. She is also a senior analyst with the Institute for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy of New Jersey and the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis. Nacy’s influential book, Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, is a response to the significant change of direction of the DSM IV and has become a standard text in many training programs for psychotherapists in the United States and abroad. Learn More: Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP Psychoanalytic Diagnosis Text To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner C
Mon, July 18, 2022
BONUS: Sneak Peek of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma with co-author Brad Kammer
In this episode of Transforming Trauma, NARM Senior Faculty Brad Kammer shares an excerpt from the highly anticipated new book he co-authored with NARM Creator Dr. Laurence Heller, The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma . This book will be released soon on July 26, 2022! The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma provides helping professionals with the theoretical background and practical skills they need to help clients transform complex trauma using the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM). Using many therapeutic examples, case studies, and exercises throughout the book, it demonstrates how NARM can serve as a catalyst for clients to feel more fully alive and become more fully human. Brad shares, “Our intention for this Practical Guide is to promote greater accessibility to the NARM Therapeutic Approach. It is our hope that this book will be used by helping professionals in enhancing therapeutic effectiveness for healing complex trauma” Reflecting on this book as a resource for not only helping professionals but for anyone seeking healing and growth, Brad shares: “Our greatest hope is that NARM can lead to increasing opportunities for connection, healing, and transformation in individuals, relationships, communities, and society. It is our hope that this work will support personal and collective change.” This episode is the first time the new book is being shared publicly, and we hope you enjoy listening! If you’re interested in reading the book, we encourage you to pre-order your copy today! Please visit www.narmtraining.com/books for more information and to view available online retailers. To read th
Wed, July 13, 2022
Understanding Historical Trauma with Ingrid Cockhren
Ingrid Cockhren is the CEO of PACEs Connection, a social network that connects organizations, systems, and communities that implement trauma-informed policies and practices, as well as positive and adverse childhood experience (PACEs) science. Ingrid dedicated her career to educating the public about the connection between adversity and poor health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, criminal behavior, and incarceration. Ingrid entered academia with the question, “Why do so many African American children end up in our juvenile justice system?” Considering Black parenting styles, scientific colonialism, toxic stress, and intergenerational trauma, she makes the connection between adverse childhood experiences and the implications of historical trauma. She also shares how her own adverse experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and her work with primarily black incarcerated youth brought her to complex and historical trauma. About Ingrid Cockhren: Ingrid Cockhren is an adjunct professor specializing in Black psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and personality theory at Tennessee State University. She holds a B.S. in psychology from Tennessee State University and an M.Ed. in child studies from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, specializing in minority and impoverished children. Cockhren’s research focuses on African American parenting styles, positive and adverse childhood experiences, historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, brain development, developmental psychology, and epigenetics. Learn More: www.pacesconnection.com www.acestoohigh.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute <a href= "https://na
Wed, June 29, 2022
The Polyvagal Theory and Developmental Trauma with Dr. Stephen Porges
Dr. Laurence Heller and Dr. Stephen Porges engage in a stimulating conversation about safety cues, life-threat reactions, shame, and connection as our “biological imperative.” Dr. Porges, a distinguished neuroscientist and originator of the Polyvagal Theory, emphasizes the importance of physiological states in expressing trauma-related behavioral and health problems. The fascinating exploration takes the listener on a journey of understanding trauma: from learning how the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) and the Polyvagal Theory have profoundly impacted the knowledge of trauma and how the two frameworks relate. Dr. Heller: “What we learn in adapting to connection failures very early on in life is what we have a tendency to carry forward, not just on a cognitive level but on an emotional level and a physiological level.” About Dr. Larry Heller and Dr. Stephen Porges: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Senior Faculty member, International Trainer, and author. Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D., is Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University, where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. In 1994, Dr. Porges proposed the Polyvagal Theory. The construct links the evolution of the mammalian autonomic nervous system to social behavior and emphasizes the importance of physiological state in expressing behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. He has published several books and more than 400 peer-reviewed papers. Learn More: https://www.stephenporges.com/ https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org https://kinseyinstitute.org/research/traumatic-stress.php To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFo
Wed, June 22, 2022
BONUS: The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma with Authors Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer
“Our heartfelt desire is that the NeuroAffective Relational Model can support you and your clients and that this book will enhance the work you are all doing to heal our world.” - Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer, co-authors NARM creator Dr. Laurence Heller and Senior NARM Trainer and Training Director Brad Kammer are co-authors of the new book, The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma , which will be released on July 26th, 2022. Larry and Brad share their intention to help make learning about the NeuroAffective Relational Model more accessible to a greater number of people, for both clinicians and people learning for their own healing. They offer a sneak peek of what’s included in the book: self-reflective exercises, annotated session transcripts, and more. Join us for the virtual book launch party on July 26th from 10:00-11:00am Pacific TIme. To RSVP, please go to www.narmtraining.com/booklaunchparty. About Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Senior Faculty member, International Trainer, and author. Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, is a Somatic Psychotherapist and has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years, specializing in working with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Learn More and Pre-Order the Book! http://www.narmtraining.com/books To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, Blin
Wed, June 15, 2022
Creating Trauma-Informed Systems with Dr. Sandra Bloom
Dr. Sandra Bloom is a Board-Certified psychiatrist, Associate Professor of Health Management and Policy at Drexel University, and the Founder of Creating Presence , an online organization for creating trauma-informed systems. She is the founder of the Sanctuary Model which provides inpatient psychiatric programs for the treatment of trauma-related emotional disorders. Dr. Bloom is the author of a series of books on trauma-informed care, including “Creating Sanctuary: Toward the Evolution of Sane Societies.” Dr. Bloom is also the co-chair of a new national organization, the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP), whose goal is to advocate for public policies and programs that incorporate scientific findings regarding the relationship between trauma and many social and health problems. Dr. Bloom shares that she began her work with complex trauma before there was research on it or even a name for it. She would like listeners to “get a sense of the connection between trauma work and working with individual patients and the bigger picture of how trauma and adversity impact our workplaces and impacts our society in very similar ways to the way it impacts individuals.” Dr. Bloom introduces the SELF tool for working through trauma: Safety, Emotions, Loss, and Future. Dr. Bloom likens these four domains to a compass, “You move it around depending on where the person is at in the process.” SELF provides an organizing framework for the complex problems presented by trauma survivors, by families with problems, and by chronically stressed organizations. About Dr. Bloom: Dr. Sandra L. Bloom is a Board-Certified psychiatrist, graduate of Temple University School of Medicine and currently Associate Professor, Health Management and Policy at the Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University. For the past forty-two years, Dr. Bloom has done pioneering work in the field of traumatic stress studies and is a past President of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Dr. Bloom is the Founder of the Sanctuary Model (1980) and in 2020 introduced a new, online organizational approach called Creating PRESENCE™. Since 2012, Dr. Bloom has also served as Co-chair for the Philadelphia ACEs Task Force. Since 2015, Dr. Bloom serves as Board Chair of the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP). Learn More: https://www.creatingpresence.net https://www.philadelphiaaces.org https://www.ctipp.org https://sandrabloom.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources vis
Wed, June 01, 2022
Lostness, Trauma and Stories of Transformation with Bayo Akomolafe
Trained in clinical psychology, Bayo Akomolafe, Ph.D. now works as an author, speaker, and professor. He is recognized worldwide for his thoughtful and unconventional take on global crises, trauma and social change. Bayo starts off by sharing a proverb from his Yoruba people: “In order to find your way, you must become lost”. This leads to an invitation to being in the world in a different way. He offers an alternative, non-pathologizing way to think about trauma and our adaptations to it. Instead of pathologizing what we are afraid of, he invites us to “lean into the cracks, the failures… and maybe by performing your way through those cracks, you may find other ways of being in the world.” Throughout this episode, Bayo offers a possible new vision through stories of transformation. About Bayo: Bayo Akomolafe (Ph.D.), rooted with the Yoruba people in a more-than-human world, is the father to Alethea and Kyah, the grateful life-partner to Ije, son and brother. A widely celebrated international speaker, posthumanist thinker, poet, teacher, public intellectual, essayist, and author of two books, These Wilds Beyond our Fences: Letters to My Daughter on Humanity’s Search for Home (North Atlantic Books) and We Will Tell our Own Story: The Lions of Africa Speak, Bayo Akomolafe is the Chief Curator of The Emergence Network and host of the online post-activist course, ‘We Will dance with Mountains’. Learn More: www.bayoakomolafe.net www.emergencenetwork.org www.facebook.com/bayoakomolafeampersand To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -ap
Wed, May 18, 2022
Professional Quality of Life for Trauma Therapists with Dr. Jennifer Vasquez
Dr. Jena Vasquez, LCSW-S, NARM Therapist, SEP, Yoga Therapist and Instructor, professor and researcher recently completed her doctoral dissertation, Meaning Making: Understanding Professional Quality of Life for NARM Trained Trauma Therapists , one of the first research studies on how professional training in trauma impacts quality of life for trauma therapists. Dr. Vasquez specifically chose NARM to research, and throughout their conversation, she shares the findings of her research, including powerful quotes from those she studied. Dr. Vasquez has worked in the field of trauma for many years and observed that so many of her colleagues and supervisees were getting burned out. She reflected on what resources were available and realized that those that went for further training in trauma seemed to fare better. In her search to better support fellow therapists and supervisees she began to hypothesize that there’s something in the NARM Training that can be beneficial for trauma therapists. Dr. Vasquez shares a few powerful quotes from research subjects (i.e., NARM Therapists), including: “I feel more joy in my work, and in my life personally.” “Working with trauma is a difficult choice, and using NARM has allowed me to really stay in it without being in it in a way that’s impacting myself and my ability to be there and be present.” “Not only is the modality effective, but it also supports me in being able to do the work and sustain it.” Dr. Vasquez also shares about her own journey through the NARM Therapist Training, the impact this work and community had on her, and how she now integrates NARM into her teaching, supervision and clinical work. We invite you to listen to the full episode to hear their full conversation and to learn more about Dr. Vasquez’ research and work with NARM. About Dr. Vasquez: Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Supervisor (LCSW-S), Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM) Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT-C) Certified Yoga Therapist, and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500) with a specialization in developmental trauma. She integrates somatic psychotherapy and therapeutic yoga techniques to support her clients’ holistic healing. She co-founded the group practice Inspired Practice, LLC with her son, a fellow Social Worker, to provide psychotherapy and clinical supervision services. Learn More: https://www.yogajena.com https://www.instagram.com/yogajena/ www.inspiredpractice.com To read the full show notes and discover more
Wed, May 04, 2022
Trauma Informed Transformational Medicine with Dr. Carrie Griffin
Dr. Carrie Griffin is an osteopathic family medicine physician and addiction medicine specialist with advanced training in maternal child and reproductive health. Dr. Carrie has been practicing obstetrics and addiction medicine where she became interested in trauma, which led her to training in NARM. Becoming a NARM Practitioner transformed her work and she now practices and teaches on trauma-informed care in medical settings. Dr. Carrie shares her own healing journey and how that led her to do the work she does now. She also shares about the different ways NARM informs her work with people one on one in her private practice, as well as in the clinical medical visit setting. Her training in Complex Trauma supports the expanded range of her work including more recent training in psychedelic medicine for healing trauma. About Dr. Carrie Griffin: Dr. Carrie Griffin is a board-certified osteopathic family medicine physician and addiction medicine specialist. She is fellowship-trained in maternal child and reproductive health. Since 2016 she has practiced obstetrics and addiction medicine. Her experiences with birth and substance use disorder in pregnancy led her to seek further education and training in trauma. She is studying the counseling practices of Somatic Experiencing and NARM and lectures on trauma-informed care in medical settings. Prior to medical school, she was a yoga teacher and therapist. Her clinical interests are the intersection between body, mind, and soul and the infinite ways that transformation can occur. Her work centers on activating and witnessing the innate capacity for healing inherent in all beings and choosing the modalities best befitting the individual before her. Learn more: Website: www.carriegriffin.com IG: @drcarriegriffin To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif
Wed, April 20, 2022
Community-Based and Trauma-Informed Tribal Court with Judge Abby Abinati
Judge Abby Abinati is the Chief Judge of the Yurok Tribe, which is the largest surviving Native American Tribe in the state of California. Judge Abby shares about what she and her people have learned directly about cultural and intergenerational trauma, and how this trauma-informed understanding provides the context for her work within her community. Judge Abby presides over what is called a wellness court, which offers a healing path for nonviolent offenders. She describes the Tribal judicial system as “responsibility-based” - as opposed to a “rights-based” system that has become the American standard. She provides real-life examples of restorative justice and how this promotes interpersonal healing, strengthening self-esteem and community relationships. Judge Abby shares about the work she and others are doing to return to their traditional values and create systems that support them. She reflects on the healing she’s witnessed within her community, and says, “When you’ve gone through really hard times and you can share that, there is a way to make the pain lessen. What is another way out of this pain?” About Judge Abby:Abby Abinanti, Yurok Chief Judge is an enrolled Yurok Tribal member, she holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of New Mexico School of Law, and was the first California tribal woman to be admitted to the State Bar of California. She was a State Judicial Officer (Commissioner) for the San Francisco Superior Court for over 17 years assigned to the Unified Family Court (Family/Dependency/Delinquency). She retired from the Superior Court in September 2011 and on July 31, 2014 was reappointed as a part-time Commissioner for San Francisco assigned to Dependency, and Duty Judge for that Court where she served until 2015. She has been a Yurok Tribal Court Judge since 1997 and was appointed Chief Tribal Court Judge in 2007, a position she held in conjunction with her Superior Court assignment until 2015. To learn more about the Yurok Tribe, please visit: http://www.yuroktribe.org/ To learn more about Judge Abby, please visit: https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2019/0327/Native-justice-How-tribal-values-shape-Judge-Abby-s-court https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/judge-abby-abinanti-is-fighting-for-her-tribe-and-for-a-better-justice-system/ https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-yurok-tribal-judge-20140305-dto-htmlstory.html To rea
Wed, April 06, 2022
Trauma and Beyond with Drs. Joanne Barron and Lynne Friedman-Gell
Drs. Joanne and Lynne describe how pervasive and toxic trauma can be, and some of the challenges that clients face in grappling with the impact of complex trauma. Yet, they also share that from their experience, healing from trauma is possible. They’ve recently published the book, Intergenerational Trauma Workbook: Strategies to Support Your Journey of Discovery, Growth, and Healing, which helps readers understand the ways in which trauma can transfer from generation to generation, while also providing practical, straightforward exercises to help support growth and Drs. Joanne Barron and Lynne Friedman-Gell have been studying and integrating NARM into their work since 2012. Together they have developed an integrative approach for trauma treatment incorporating mind, body and emotion in which NARM plays a big role. They are also Co-Founders of the Trauma and Beyond Psychological Center, an intensive specialized treatment program which provides day-treatment and intensive outpatient care for client’s with trauma and related disorders. Drs. Joanne and Lynne describe how pervasive and toxic trauma can be, and some of the challenges that clients face in grappling with the impact of complex trauma. Yet, they also share that from their experience, healing from trauma is possible. They both credit NARM, as well as other somatic-oriented trauma treatment approaches like EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, as being a big part of their work with clients. They’ve recently published the book, Intergenerational Trauma Workbook: Strategies to Support Your Journey of Discovery, Growth, and Healing , which helps readers understand the ways in which trauma can transfer from generation to generation, while also providing practical, straightforward exercises to help support growth and healing. We invite you to listen to the full episode to learn more about the impactful work that Drs. Joanne Barron and Lynne Friedman-Gell’s are doing at Trauma and Beyond. About Drs. Lynne and Joanne: Dr. Joanne Barron and Dr. Lynne Friedman-Gell have been studying NARM since 2012. Both are licensed clinical psychologists and founders of the Trauma and Beyond Psychological Center in Sherman Oaks, California. Learn More: www.traumaandbeyondcenter.com facebook.com/TraumaandBeyondcenter instagram: @traumaandbeyondcenter To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helv
Wed, March 23, 2022
Trauma-Informed Leadership Coaching With Prashant Goel
Prashant Goel works in service of healthy cultures and systems. He specializes in leadership development, drawing on both scientific research and global wisdom traditions to advance renewed practices of attention, execution, collaboration, and innovation. Prashant began exploring NARM while taking the Level 1 Online NARM Basics Training. Having studied and practiced with world-renowned teachers, Prashant brings over a decade of experience in transformational approaches to leadership development as well as systems and culture change. Prashant shares about his own process of reconnecting with himself. He describes the fascination that he experienced during his healing journey, “Transformation is a real phenomenon that exists, as real as anything can be. Just experiencing my own healing process, I felt compelled to share that with others.” We invite you to listen to the full episode to hear more about Prashant’s work. About Prashant: Prashant Goel acts in service of healthy cultures and systems. He is informed by over 12 years of deep inquiry into human development and change management including: global wisdom traditions, neuroscience, trauma-informed approaches, depth psychology, and shamanism--as well as their modern implications and applications in organizational and leadership contexts. He holds three advanced degrees (law, regenerative economics, business--graduating valedictorian) and has been formally initiated in three wisdom lineages (Amazon, Himalayas, Western Africa). With clients from the humanitarian/development space, corporations, social enterprises, and NGO's, he blends a library of knowledge/experience with calm presence and insight to support enduring, tangible transformation at individual, team, and organizational levels. Alongside his professional practice, an extensive contemplative practice and ongoing learning practice express commitment to soul, science, and society. Learn More: https://pgoel.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemF
Wed, March 09, 2022
Peace with Self, Peace with Food with Galina Denzel
Galina Denzel is trained as a practitioner of NARM as well as Somatic Experiencing. She recently published a book, Peace with Self, Peace with Food . We'll hear about how Galina integrates trauma healing approaches into her work. Galina’s current focus in her work is with people who are suffering in their relationship with food, and often people who also have chronic body pain, fatigue, or other conditions. After going through her own personal healing, Galina became passionate about helping others to experience similar transformation. Learning about shock and developmental trauma were both important parts of her healing, and now integrated into the work she does with her clients. We invite you to listen to this episode to hear more about Galina’s work and her new book. She has generously offered to share the first chapter of Peace with Self, Peace with Food with Transforming Trauma listeners – you can download it here: www.purebelonging.com/chapter About Galina: Galina Denzel is a Somatic Experiencing, NARM and Somatic Practice practitioner, movement specialist and author based in Longmont, Colorado. She combines trauma healing approaches with movement practices and psychoeducation to support deeper connection, integration and full expression of her students' highest potential. She works mostly in the areas of chronic pain and recovery from emotional eating. Learn More: Free chapter of the book: www.purebelonging.com/chapter Instagram: www.instagram.com/galinadenzel Website: www.galinadenzel.com Peace With Food Webinar: www.betransformed.teachab
Wed, February 23, 2022
Supporting Connection, Stability and Recovery with Muhammad Kathrada
Muhammad (Moe) Kathrada is based in Malaysia and is an adolescent and family trauma therapist and also works in the field of addiction. He is passionate about supporting the young people he works with to have opportunities for connection, stability and recovery - and developing the capacity for more intentional living through connection. Moe defines complex trauma as “anything that disconnects somebody from themselves and the greatness of just being them.” We hear about his personal journey of healing, as well as stories of people he has worked with who have experienced growth after complex trauma. Moe shares about his exploration into the field of trauma, how he came across NARM, and how he’s integrating the NARM model into his work since taking the NARM Online Basis Training. Specific to his work with young people, Moe has found that inviting his clients to connect to what they want for themselves has been transformative in his work. He shares, “That connection to their heart, because there’s so much disconnection… that connection to really being attuned to what they want is different.” More about Moe: Moe is an adolescent and family psychotherapist and certified addiction therapist at The Wave Clinic which is an international residential treatment center for young adults. Moe has a special interest in addiction and complex trauma. He began his training in residential treatment programs and his love for traveling allowed him to gain experience across several continents. Today, Moe is a Trauma-Focused Clinician and currently continues his professional development at Derby University UK. Learn More: www.thewaveclinic.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : <a href= "ht
Wed, February 09, 2022
Integrating the Spiritual and Psychological for Healing Complex Trauma with Igal Harmelin
Igal Hamelin is a spiritual director, meditation teacher, and a NARM Master Practitioner. In addition to working one on one with people, he also offers meditative attunement workshops for therapists. Brad Kammer talks with Igal about his spiritual journey, his interest in psychology, and how he integrates the two today. They discuss collective and generational trauma, and how suffering can often lead people to explore spirituality. Igal is a second-generation Holocaust survivor, and from an early age was aware of how unsafe life can be. Igal tells Brad that he learned about NARM in his study with Thomas Hübl (who has also been a guest on Transforming Trauma - to listen to that episode, click here ). When Igal first learned about NARM, he knew he wanted to become trained in the model. He shares that once he began his training, he felt very much at home in the NARM community. About Igal: Igal Harmelin is a spiritual director and meditation teacher. He is a rabbinical student at the Aleph Ordination Program. He is also a NARM Master Practitioner in private practice in New York City. His website is igalharmelin.com . To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle:</stron
Wed, January 26, 2022
Continuing the Conversation of Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery with Daniel Shaw
We’ve invited Daniel Shaw back to have a conversation with our host, Emily, to further discuss his work and his most recent book, Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear. Daniel Shaw LCSW is an author, private practice psychoanalyst, faculty and supervisor at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. He has provided professional counseling for former cultic group members, and their friends and loved ones since 1994. Daniel shares that he wants listeners to understand the ways that we become alienated from ourselves because of trauma and the internal antagonism between the part that wants to live, and the part that wants to shut down life. He also shares, “We within ourselves, have healing capacities, we have healing energy. That’s innate.” We hear from Daniel about his influences such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR, and how these models have supported his understanding of Trauma and the Self. “The benefit of subsequent training in trauma theories has been to understand that within us is always an energy trying to survive and trying to LIVE. We’re not just trying to survive. I think we’re trying to live,” he shares. Listen to our first conversation with Daniel on episode 28 of Transforming Trauma. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtra
Wed, January 12, 2022
Healing from Traumatic Love with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
Emily is joined by Dr. Nadine Macaluso. Dr. Nae is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Glen Cove, New York. She has a Ph.D. in counseling and somatic psychotherapy, specifically honoring the mind-body connection. Her work is informed by the NARM model and she carries a strong emotional and relational intelligence as she supports individuals struggling to map their own journey and overcome self-doubt. S he shares about her new book, Trauma Bond Free: A Therapist’s Guide For Healing From Traumatic Love , which grew out of her own personal life experience as she healed from the terror and trauma of her first marriage to “the Wolf on Wallstreet”. Dr. Nae shares a little about why she was drawn to the NARM model, and a few highlights that have really informed the work she does with patients-- namely the adaptive survival styles and how her patients really appreci ate understanding better what they missed in development. Upon reflecting on what she’s learned from NARM, she shares, “[It] taught me that the opposite of depression is vitality, not happiness...so I hope that you feel more alive, and give yourself permission to feel alive and if you contract and feel smaller, that’s okay too, knowing that you will feel more alive,” she says. She also highlights the importance of working with someone to be able to be present with their emotions, which can allow the emotion to provide important information. She shares a reflection on how people often don’t learn how to be present with their emotions in childhood. “A lot of parents have a hard time with their children’s emotions, and they don’t want them to feel to feel negative emotions and they only concentrate on positive emotions...and I love that about NARM and it taught me and emphasizes that-- how to be with them, hold them, ride them like a wave. And know that they [difficult emotions] end,” she reflects. We invite you to tune in and hear more of Dr. Nae’s story and her reflections on her work. <em style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe U
Sat, January 01, 2022
Supporting Connection, Capacity and Growth in the NARM Community with Marcia Black, Stefanie Klein, and Brad Kammer
NARM Faculty Marcia Black, Stefanie Klein and Brad Kammer welcome our new Transforming Trauma host Emily Ruth, and together explore the challenges, learning and growth over this past year. They reflect on how NARM has supported them in their teaching and work with clients. They also reflect on the power of coming together in community with NARM Therapists and Helping Professionals around the world, and how this has sustained them through this time of COVID. When the Transforming Trauma podcast was just beginning, and at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcia, Stefanie and Brad had a conversation about “Connection, Community and Transformation During Crisis” . Throughout this new conversation, they follow up on themes from their initial conversation and talk about vulnerability, curiosity, not knowing, and the different ways NARM supports them as they are supporting healing and growth in their students and clients. They also reflect on all the various trauma-informed projects they are involved in. Brad talks about the larger mission of the NARM Training Institute in making NARM more accessible, and the ways they are continuing to get creative in offering new trainings, programs and outreach. We invite you to tune in and hear how the NARM Training Institute and the global NARM Community has adapted, grown, and been impacted by the important learning that happens in the NARM Trainings, and all of the healing that’s supported by NARM Therapists and NARM-Informed Professionals all over the world. Level 2 Online Training starts Jan 20, 2022 Online Basics Training begins Feb 4, 2022. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-fam
Wed, December 29, 2021
End of Year NARM Reflections with Dr. Laurence Heller, Brad Kammer and Emily Ruth
In this end of the year episode, we are joined by Brad Kammer, NARM Training Director and Senior Faculty, Dr. Laurence Heller, creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), and new Transforming Trauma host, Emily Ruth. They start by saying goodbye to Sarah Buino, the inaugural host of the podcast, and expressing their gratitude for her contributions to Transforming Trauma . They then share a heartfelt welcome to Emily. Emily, a NARM Practitioner and NARM Training Assistant, shares a brief overview of her background and how she originally found NARM. In her early part of her career she was a movement artist and a choreographer. Then when she became pregnant with her first son she was curious about what was happening in her body and how she was being impacted in such transformative ways. This experience led her to becoming a birth doula. Emily shares that she found NARM shortly after starting graduate school and that NARM aligned with how she was already approaching her work and her life. Larry reflects on the tremendous growth over the last year within the NARM international community. He was able to complete several trainings in Europe, completed a book in German on Shame and Guilt, and he and Brad completed a book (which will be published July 2022). Larry shares that over the next year he plans to continue with the NARM Post Masters Immersion Training . This Level 4 NARM Training is for clinicians who have completed the Level 3 NARM Masters Therapist Training and want to continue deepening their learning. Brad reflects on how NARM’s growth over the last year honors the mission of the NARM Training Institute, which is to create a professional community where helping professionals can receive mentorship and support in their work with complex trauma. He shares that he’s excited about the future direction of the podcast, the further development of the NARM Inner Circle , and especially about their new book coming out soon: The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma. They close by reflecting on the thousands of people now trained in NARM. As senior trainers in NARM, Brad and Larry express feeling humbled to see the growth of NARM and excited to know that this work is getting out more into the world. They are looking forward to building on the momentum in 2022 and taking on new projects to continue making NARM more accessible to helping professionals around the world. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Seg
Wed, December 15, 2021
Trauma-Informed Education and Theatre with Dexter Ellis and Jacqueline Russell
Jacqueline Russell is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Chicago Children’s Theatre, and founded The Chicago Children’s theatre seventeen years ago with the goal of creating the best quality children’s theatre. She also started the Red Kite Project in order to support children on the Autism Spectrum, providing them and their families with theatrical and educational programs. Dexter Ellis has been with the Chicago Children’s Theatre for over four years, and now proudly serves as the Director of Education & Community Programs. Jacqueline and Dexter completed the Level 1 NARM Online Basics Training last spring and are integrating a trauma-informed approach into their work with youth and the performing arts. Dexter and Jacqueline reflect on how their NARM training has impacted their work. Jacqueline shares that she’s noticed she’s more able to stay connected to herself and not try to “fix others”. Dexter expressed that he has more capacity to be more curious with the kids that he’s working with as well as in his personal relationships. For both Jacquelin and Dexter, a central theme of NARM, “being in the 50/50”, which means staying connected to oneself while connecting to others, has really impacted how they relate to themselves and the people they work with. Dexter reflects on how this framework has impacted how he relates to and holds space for the kids. The trauma-informed curriculum they created at the Chicago Children’s Theatre supports young children to connect to their emotions and build resilience. Jacqueline explains that the NARM training has helped her to see the important need for children to be seen, heard, and understood by the adults in their life. This builds a heart connection that is often lacking for children and even for many adults. She reflects on a central theme of the NARM Training: heartfulness. “We talk all the time now that [in our] work for children and with children about how important it is that the work is heartful.” To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Ro
Wed, December 01, 2021
Healing Trauma Through Curiosity and Compassion with Chaz Franke, LCSW
Chaz Franke, LCSW, is the owner of Light Source, a private practice in Belleville, Illinois, is an adjunct professor in the MSW program at St. Louis University, and has over 15 years of experience working with trauma. Chaz shares his journey to becoming a trauma therapist, the role curiosity can play in the therapeutic relationship, and how his work has impacted him and his clients. Chaz had many opportunities early in his career that supported him to better understand trauma and how to be with clients in a way that supports their healing. He was mentored by highly skilled figures in the field of trauma and therapy such as Dr. Ira Chasnoff and Dr. Bruce Perry. Chaz shares that Dr. Perry helped him to look beyond the behaviors and to try and understand the person, not pathologizing them, but to hold compassion and curiosity. Chaz also shares about his background in Zen Buddhism which helped him better understand suffering and the importance of not putting pressure on himself or his clients to rush the healing process. The relational framework that Chaz uses, which involves the therapist slowing down and not pressuring themselves, or their clients, is aligned with the NARM framework as well. Chaz reflects on the reality that despite their best intentions, helping professionals over the years have created harm for their patients due to the lack of support and competency around trauma. He explains that an important area of trauma-informed focus for therapists is on their own connection to Self as helping professionals. He shares about how he uses supervision as an opportunity for therapists to be self-reflective, shifting patterns of self-criticism and self-shaming that lead to over-efforting, pressuring, comparing and other disruptive strategies for therapists. When give the right kind of support, therapists can be more effective in connecting with themselves and their clients, and more effective in their healing work. Chaz finds hope in the healing work of trauma therapy. He shares, “I think that therapy is 100% the coolest thing in the world.” Bio: Chaz Franke, MSW, LCSW owns Light Source, a private practice in Belleville, Illinois and is an adjunct professor in the MSW program at Saint Louis University. Chaz has over 15 years experience working with trauma and has been providing clinical supervision since 2010. Learn more at: www.findyourlightsource.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast ***
Wed, November 17, 2021
Trauma Healing in the Black Community Through Play Therapy with Althea Simpson
Althea Simpson, founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions, Unicorn Life Training and the Black Play Therapy Society, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Trauma Recovery, a Registered Play Therapist, and a Certified Lego Serious Play Facilitator. Althea shares that she would like for listeners to learn that play therapy is not just for children, but that it is a trauma-informed treatment. She was drawn to play therapy early in her career, which is a therapeutic modality that supports clients to express themselves in ways other than just verbal communication. She discusses a play therapy intervention that is aligned with NARM, which is using inquiry in the play therapy process. “It’s not for us [as therapists] to give meaning to [the client’s experience], that's for the client,” she says. Similar to the NARM approach, Althea invites curiosity which supports clients to connect more deeply to themselves. Althea reflects on the importance of deconstructing the stigma around mental health with black families. She explains that many black families believe that the answer to their mental health problems is through church. She challenges this notion through addressing the intersectionality of spirituality, religion, and mental health. She also started the Black Play Therapy Society to address the disparities for black therapists not being able to showcase their work, as well as the inconsistencies and information that was being talked about in the black communities. Althea details many important aspects that therapists need to understand in order to work with black families. She states, “We need more black therapists.” She also asks an important question for non-black therapists who are working with black families, which is, “Are black clients allowed to show up in their authentic self with all their pain, and can they express what they need to express?” Althea acknowledges that utilizing play therapy helped her to also address her own healing. Althea’s lived experiences of trauma, as well as healing from her trauma, has supported her in her capacity to help her clients. She explains, “I’m a great therapist because I understand [the work] both personally and professionally.” About Althea: Althea is the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Training. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specialized in trauma recovery, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator. She has an active psychotherapy private practice in Northern, VA and has experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with diverse backgrounds and ranges of concerns, including anger, substance use/abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, and depression. Her approach to treatment is tailored to the unique needs of her clients and she brings a range of educational, professional and life experiences to her work as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and mental hea
Wed, November 03, 2021
Supporting Women to Reconnect Back to Themselves and Their Bodies with Lara Eisenberg
Brad Kammer, Senior Faculty and Training Director of the NARM Training Institute, is joined by Lara Eisenberg. Lara is a bilingual licensed professional clinical counselor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and women's spirituality and sexuality therapist. Lara shares that her lived experiences informed much of her work including witnessing violence in her community and her home, and also the oppression she has experienced because of her Jewish ethnicity. Lara and Brad explore together their shared view on complex trauma healing which supports individuals to move from experiencing themselves as an object to a subject. Lara explains how objectification of women in American society disconnects a woman from her own pleasure and body and that through somatic work, a woman can be supported to embody and to connect back to herself and her pleasure. Lara embodies this natural pride of the sacred feminine and models it for the women she works with in her life. About Laura: Lara is a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Women’s Spirituality and Sexuality Coach. She is the owner of Body Mind Wellness--a private virtual somatic psychotherapy and coaching practice specializing in developmental trauma, anxiety, depression, ancestral healing, sexuality and spirituality. She incorporates ritual and trauma informed touch in her work with clients. Learn more: http://mybodymindwellness.com/ https://www.laraeisenberg.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mybodymindwellness / https://www.instagram.com/lara.eisenberg/ To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkM
Wed, October 20, 2021
Men’s Groups, Toxic Masculinity and Developmental Trauma with Dr. Martin Lemon
Brad Kammer talks with Dr. Martin Lemon, a clinical psychologist who has been practicing in Chicago's western suburbs for more than 25 years. Dr. Lemon’s work focuses on the psychology of men and male identity. Dr. Lemon shares how he integrates NARM into his work, both conceptually and in practice. Brad and Dr. Lemon also discuss their own personal experiences of trauma in the context of what is often called “toxic masculinity”. Dr. Lemon began facilitating men’s groups to promote an opportunity for deeper connection between men. Dr. Lemon encourages the men in his group to be curious, reflective, and to allow space for one another to open up in a deeper way, beyond more surface-level connection. Since being trained in NARM, Dr. Lemon has incorporated what in NARM is called “contracting”, meaning asking what the participants want for themselves out of the group meeting. He also is guided internally by the NARM framework and shares about how he is better able to hold the complexity of the group versus only aligning with a “positive” position. Dr. Lemon shares that healthy vulnerability is the key to a deeper relationship with others as well as with oneself. Deepening one’s capacity for vulnerability seems to be the antidote to toxic masculinity. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings : https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for ment
Wed, October 06, 2021
Mind-Body Healing with Dr. Lissa Rankin in conversation with Dr. Laurence Heller
This extraordinary conversation between mind-body physician and author Dr. Lissa Rankin, MD, and NARM creator Dr. Laurence Heller, PhD. centers around healing through the integration of western and non-western healing modalities. Dr. Rankin believes that to optimize healing it takes an integrated approach between the sciences, traumatology, spirituality, and collective healing. Dr. Heller acknowledges the powerful overlap between these approaches, and more specifically shares how science is now validating the various forms of complex trauma that NARM addresses, for example, working with pre and perinatal trauma. Dr. Rankin reflects on her own experiences with developmental trauma. She distinguishes the type of trauma she experienced compared to the trauma that was assessed in the ACES study. She further explains that despite having an ACE score of 0, she still believes she experienced developmental trauma. She compares her trauma to what NARM calls the Attunement Survival Style. Dr. Heller acknowledges the distinction she is drawing and the limitations that the ACE study has when it comes to children experiencing misattunement. They reflect together on how there is a spectrum of experiences that can create developmental trauma and the importance of expanding the definition of complex trauma. Dr. Rankin and Dr. Heller reflect on the various ways they’re both working to make trauma healing more accessible. They discuss the importance of shifting the paradigm from chronic stress to relational health, and that if we can educate frontline workers about how to assess trauma and how to support relational health, we can increase the amount of support people are receiving and start to address trauma collectively. Bio: Lissa Rankin, MD, is a mind-body medicine physician, author of 7 books, founder of the Whole Health Medicine Institute, and mystic who researches radical remission, trauma-informed medicine, and spiritual healing. Her TEDx talks have been viewed over 5 million times, and she starred in two National Public Television specials- Heal Yourself: Mind Over Medicine and The Fear Cure. Lissa’s interest in the link between loneliness and disease led her to spearhead her latest project, Heal At Last, a non-profit organization which aims to bring effective trauma healing and spiritual healing methods to anyone ready for the deep dive of healing. Website: www.lissarankin.com To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast **
Wed, September 22, 2021
Healing Racial Trauma Through Embodiment with Becky Carter
Trauma therapist, somatic practitioner, and speaker, Becky Carter specializes in complex trauma (C-PTSD) with a focus on supporting transracial adoptees and their families. Becky talks about her work with somatic healing of racial trauma, her own connection to her ancestral trauma, and how embodiment can serve as a vehicle for healing. She shares her personal experience of being biracial and adopted at ten months old into a white family, reflecting on the varying experiences she had growing up that were informed by her biracial identity and the family that she grew up in. Somatic healing work has been helpful for Becky not only with her clients, but also in her own healing. “To be able to listen to my body as a woman of color and to connect with it and know that it has something to tell me, and has its own wisdom — that has been transformative,” Becky says. Becky also reflects on racial trauma on an individual and societal level. She shares the importance of being present with and holding curiously for others, specifically people of color. The episode concludes with Becky reflecting on hope and the role embodied healing approaches can play in manifesting new possibilities. About Becky: Becky Carter is a biracial, cisgender, transracially adopted female. Her ancestors are West African and Sicilian. She has two black adopted children. Becky is a trauma therapist with 20+ years experience in helping both women and men heal the wounds of relational trauma that occur in-utero and beyond. She’s trained in both Somatic Experiencing and Transformative Touch Therapy. She strives to create a space where clients can understand, through a new lens, the impact of trauma, stress and pain on their whole being. She enjoys the process of nurturing resilience in clients and supporting the regulation of the nervous system. Becky works with adults and teens and have special expertise with repairing complex trauma, dissociation and sexual abuse, and has a special dedication to supporting adoptees and their families. She often writes about her work whether through blogging or poetry. https://www.beckycarterlcpc.com/ To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://w
Wed, September 08, 2021
Trauma Healing and Spirituality with Dr. Julie Brown Yau
Julie Brown Yau, Ph.D. specializes in developmental trauma, intergenerational trauma, and acute trauma, and has a unique perspective on integrating spirituality into trauma healing. She's an author, speaker, and the Trauma and Spiritual Care consultant for Compassionate Care ALS. Her background in psychological, somatic, and spiritual traditions provides a rich combination of knowledge. She has a private practice in Laguna Beach, California, and sees clients virtually from all around the world. Julie is also a NARM Therapist and was in the first North American NARM training with Dr. Laurence Heller. She integrates NARM into her work to support clients in healing from complex trauma. Julie is also an authorized teacher of Shri Vidya, which combines the resolution of trauma with spiritual practice. Julie explains that Shri Vidya are embodied teachings, and that a lot of spiritual teachings do not include embodiment, at least not in an explicit way. Julie shares about how she weaves together spirituality and trauma healing and how they support one another. “Healing trauma begins to look spiritual as we open up and go beyond our ordinary sense of self.” Julie distinguishes spiritual healing as “waking up to our true nature and being with expanded states of consciousness. Whereas trauma healing is about grounded and embodied states of being.” Julie shares with the listeners deep experiences she has had with people she’s been working with. “What comes forward right now is people having an experience of their heart opening, to feeling not only love, but grief or pain or sadness, and directly in a field in which they're more able to be with it because both in these teachings of awakening and in healing trauma, we want to be able to feel more.” This is very aligned with the NARM Emotional Completion Model, which teaches that as individuals connect to their unresolved emotions, they are connecting to themselves; they are connecting to that which they had to split off from in order to survive. This is a reclaiming of one’s wholeness, which is what Julie supports in working with trauma healing and spirituality. Bio: Julie Brown Yau, Ph.D., has a 33-year background in psychological, somatic, and spiritual traditions, providing a unique depth of knowledge and experience. Julie specializes in developmental trauma, intergenerational, and acute trauma. She is an author and speaker, and also the trauma and spiritual care consultant for CCALS. Julie is an authorized teacher of Shri Vidya, where she combines the resolution of trauma with specific spiritual practice. Julie has a private practice in Laguna Beach CA and works on Skype/zoom world wide. www.juliebrownyau.com To read the full show notes and discov
Wed, August 25, 2021
Safety and Presence in the Therapeutic Space with Bonnie Badenoch
Bonnie Badenoch is a therapist, mentor, teacher, author, and has spent the last fifteen years integrating the discoveries of relational neuroscience into her therapy practice. She's the co-founder of the nonprofit agency Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind . For twenty-five years, she has worked with trauma survivors to reshape their neural landscape to support a life of meaning and resilience. Through exploration of her own developmental trauma, Bonnie was able to receive the support that she needed and was inspired to help others. Bonnie reflects on the importance of true safety, true presence, and connection as essential elements for healing — and she believes it's vital for therapists to do their own work in order for them to be healthy enough to be present, safe, and connected to themselves and their clients in the therapeutic space. Bonnie’s approach, similar to NARM, is grounded in a therapist’s capacity for humility, which has to do with the way therapists meet their clients with openness and curiosity, and not as experts or being focused on “fixing their clients”. Bonnie gives a couple examples of clients and the growth that they have experienced due to the relational focus in their therapy. S afety, curiosity, and space for clients to connect to their own inner wisdom - which in NARM is part of the agency process - can lead to profound healing and transformation. Bonnie reflects on the power of the therapist “really respecting space and trusting the wisdom inside the person — and if we can just sit together and keep holding space, what needs to come forward will come forward, and it'll come forward at a pace that's manageable for the person .” Bonnie reflects on what gives her hope amidst all the fear and devastation that goes on in the world and between one another. She believes that who we are inherently yearns to orient towards connection and health. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans
Wed, August 11, 2021
Reconnection and Recovery with Ken Seeley
Ken Seeley has been professionally and personally involved in recovery since his sobriety date of July 14th, 1989. His experience with recovery and boundless enthusiasm helps him support changes in the lives of people suffering from the disease of addiction. Ken is also an author and founder of Ken Seeley Communities and Intervention 911 in Palm Springs, California. He's been a featured interventionist on the Emmy award winning television series, Intervention, since 2005. At one time, Ken wasn’t aware of how trauma played a role in his own struggles with addiction. Ken hopes listeners will look deeper into their own unaddressed or unprocessed trauma and emphasizes that even though some people might not think they are impacted by trauma, many find that if they dig deeper within themselves and expand their understanding of trauma, they can become aware of how they have been impacted. Through learning about complex trauma, specifically through NARM, Ken started to understand what trauma was and how he was impacted by it. His understanding of what trauma can look like broadened beyond the more common ways it’s often viewed, such as physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. Ken shares some of the personal experiences he endured from being bullied by his peers in grade school and how this impacted him. Ken appreciates how NARM focuses on asking questions in a curious, nonthreatening, and relational way. He found how supportive it can be to have the space of openness and curiosity that the NARM framework provides for healing. About Ken: Ken Seeley has remained professionally and personally involved in recovery since his sobriety date of July 14, 1989. He applies his relevant experience and boundless enthusiasm to change the lives of people suffering from the disease of addiction. His innate compassion for fellow addicts continually bolsters his ability to connect and communicate with addicts and their families. Ken’s remarkable success rate has turned him into one of the most sought-after interventionists in the country. Ken is also an author, founder of Ken Seeley Communities and Intervention911 in Palm Springs, CA, and has been a featured interventionist on the Emmy award-winning A&E television series, Intervention since 2005. Follow Ken: kscfamily.com intervention911.com www.facebook.com/KenSeeleyInterventionist/ www.instagram.com/kenseeleyi911 www.youtube.com/channel/UCIRVKrPgjdBE7H_jcOA6R9Q To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <p
Tue, July 27, 2021
Bringing Trauma Awareness to Coaching Volleyball with Kathy Nielson
Kathy Nielson recently completed the Level 1 NARM Online Basics Training and is now a NARM-Informed Professional. Kathy shares about her multifaceted involvement in her community of North Minneapolis. This is a community full of connection and engagement, a multiracial community where 84% of residents are people of color, but also a community where so many are living through racial trauma and the impact of intergenerational trauma and poverty. In her community, Kathy wears many hats. Not only is she a volleyball coach, she’s also the owner of Lion's Fire, a mobile wood-fired pizza business and social venture with a purpose to employ, train, and build connection with female student athletes. She's also the cofounder of a small neighborhood-based nonprofit called Lions Ink, which is focused on gathering and sharing relational and financial resources to support a new generation of young individuals and families as they move from survival toward emotional and financial flourishing. What made Kathy interested in attending a NARM training was, in part, her own trauma, but also the trauma she knew her volleyball players were experiencing. Kathy wanted to understand how to support her players more effectively with their trauma, so as she was doing research online she found the Transforming Trauma podcast, and then signed up for the NARM Online Basics Training. Healing in spaces outside of therapy and between non-clinicians is an intention that Kathy shares through her conversation with Sarah. Kathy reflects on how she notices that she relates to herself differently since being in the NARM Online Basics Training training. She has shifted her ability to be more present instead of overriding her feelings. She shares that this has supported her to be more present and in relationship with her players as opposed to trying to fix or change herself and her players. Kathy expresses a heartfelt appreciation for the work she gets to do and shares that she feels privileged being able to coach and be with her players. About Kathy: Kathy Nielsen’s work is rooted in North Minneapolis, a community full of joy and aptitude where 84% of residents are people of color. Many are rising through complex trauma, racial trauma, and generational poverty. Kathy wears several hats: one as the head volleyball coach at Minneapolis North Community High School. She’s also the owner of Lion's Fire, a mobile wood fired pizza social venture with a purpose to employ, train and journey with female student athletes in North Minneapolis. And she’s the co-founder of a small neighborhood based non-profit called Lion's Ink, which is focused on gathering and sharing relational and financial resources to support a new generation of young people and young families as they move from survival toward emotional and financial flourishing. Connect: https://www.lionsink.org To read the full show
Wed, July 14, 2021
The Rhythm of Regulation: Exploring the Polyvagal Theory with Deb Dana
Deb Dana, LCSW, is a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute and Coordinator of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. Deb shares with our host, Sarah, about her work with the Polyvagal Theory, a clinical theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, and how she has translated the theory into clinical application, including everyday application. Deb describes the Polyvagal framework that views the nervous system as a common denominator of human experience, and shares, “It’s my belief we should all learn how to operate our nervous systems in some way.” Deb breaks down the Polyvagal Theory for listeners and shares three organizing principles: hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation. Deb talks further about how different life experiences, including developmental trauma, result in nervous systems moving in and out of regulation and dysregulation in different ways. Deb says, “It’s not so much what happened to you, it’s how your nervous system responds to what happens to you.” This understanding is aligned with the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) and highlights how different people experience and adapt to the same traumatic experience in different ways. Deb describes a “safety-danger equation” that people unconsciously calculate in order to determine what feels safe for them at any given moment. Sarah shares how this orientation aligns with what is referred to in NARM as Adaptive Survival Styles, the ways that children learn to adapt to developmental trauma and which gets carried into adulthood as filters for viewing Self, others and one’s life. Deb and Sarah both emphasize the importance of curiosity and being able to sit with the unknown, and how that leads to a greater awareness of our nervous system states. In NARM, the process of inquiry invites curiosity and compassion for the clients’ experience and nervous system states, which supports what in NARM is called an “Embodied Adult Consciousness”. The conversation concludes with Deb and Sarah sharing the powerful outcomes of having more awareness of our nervous system states, more curiosity, and more compassion for ourselves. About Deb: Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician and consultant specializing in working with complex trauma and Coordinator of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She developed the Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series and lectures internationally on ways in which polyvagal theory informs work with trauma survivors. Connect with Deb: Deb Dana offers trainings, podcasts, interviews on her website www.rhythmofregulation.com and on the Polyvagal Institute website www.polyvagalinstitute.org To read the full sh
Wed, July 07, 2021
NARM Inner Circle Presents: Working with Anxiety, Anger and Rage with Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer
The NARM Training Institute presents a summertime gift to Transforming Trauma listeners: a special topic webinar from the NARM Inner Circle online program. This webinar provides a window into the Inner Circle learning community where helping professionals from around the world come together to learn more about the NARM approach to resolving Complex Trauma. In this webinar, NARM and Working with Anxiety, Anger and Rage, NARM creator, Dr. Laurence Heller, and NARM Senior Faculty Brad Kammer, explore how unresolved anger can lead to anxiety, a common symptom for so many individuals. They also discuss how the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) works with protest and anger to support clients’ reconnection to their authentic Self. Throughout the episode, they introduce several self-reflective exercises to support listeners’ learning process. Larry and Brad touch on such areas as: How childhood protest turns into anger and rage The difference between healthy rage and unresolved anger How NARM holds anxiety not as an emotion, but as a process related to our emotions How unresolved anger relates to anxiety and panic How NARM works with the impulses toward vengeance and violence How NARM supports containment and not catharsis How feeling into the primary emotion of anger and rage - without acting it out - leads to expansiveness and a sense of freedom If you enjoy this episode, we invite you to explore the NARM Inner Circle online learning program, where we host NARM Topic Webinars like this one every month. An example of webinar topics from the Inner Circle are: Differentiating Shock and Developmental Trauma; Working with Shame, Self-Hatred and Self-Sabotage; Differentiating Depression and Grief; Complex Trauma and Addictions; Relational Trauma, Intimacy and Sexuality; Addressing Burnout in Helping Professionals; and the NARM Approach for Supporting Personal and Spiritual Growth. To lear
Wed, June 30, 2021
Trauma-Informed Law and Storytelling with Marjorie Florestal
Marjorie Florestal is a trauma-informed law professor, storyteller, and fiction writer who trained in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Sarah and Marjorie discuss the integration of trauma, law, storytelling, and ways to support healing through a trauma-informed lens. While still a law professor, Marjorie completed a Masters’ degree in Jungian Psychology where she met Brad Kammer, NARM Senior Faculty. Marjorie shares how she was greatly impacted by Brad's teaching, not only professionally but also personally. She followed her intuition that learning the NeuroAffective Relational Model would somehow benefit her in better supporting her law students. Marjorie and Sarah discuss the struggles many law students have with their mental health, specifically in their last year of school. Marjorie states, “40% of our students are clinically depressed and then it just snowballs from there into the profession.” She plans to utilize what she’s learned in her NARM training and incorporate that into her class that she’s developing called “Trauma-Informed Lawyering”. Marjorie hopes that if we can help law students with trauma, we can change the culture of the whole profession. Marjorie also shares her experience as being a woman of color in teaching law, and how she relates to the current state of criminal justice in the United States. She shares, "as a black woman I could not fathom being part of a system that wholesale channels people of color into cages.” Marjorie recently facilitated an hour-long session at her law school looking at racial trauma and the healing potential of myths and stories. This episode concludes with Marjorie sharing a beautiful story called, The Stolen Mother Moon. She expresses that she has a personal connection to the story due to the loss of her mother when she was nine. She relates this story to collective trauma, symbolic of the stolen mothers from Africa who were abused and enslaved yet they persevered and demanded justice. She states, “there will always be darkness, and we can see that darkness as an opportunity for more work to be done.” *** Marjorie Florestal has been a lawyer and law professor for over 25 years. She began her career as an international trade and development lawyer for the Clinton Administration before heading up a multimillion dollar project of technical assistance training for subSaharan Africa. Marjorie later became a full-time, tenured professor at McGeorge Law School in Sacramento where she began to recognize the role of trauma in legal education. This spark of the unexpected led her to the Masters program in Jungian psychology at Sonoma State University, and she is completing a PhD in human development at Fielding Graduate University. Marjorie continues to teach law part-time at the University of California, Davis. When not occupied with issues of trauma and healing, she writes legal thrillers and is a pet mom to four unruly dogs. To r
Wed, June 16, 2021
The Connection Between Complex Trauma and Chronic Pain with Dave Berger
Dave Berger, MFT, PT, LCMHC, MA, SEP is a somatic psychotherapist, physical therapist, bodyworker and educator. He owns and runs a training program for trauma practitioners called BASE: Relational Bodywork and Somatic Education Training. Dave’s intention for this episode is to educate and inform practitioners about the need to understand how the structures and systems in the physical body are involved with trauma and trauma healing. Sarah and Dave talk about the overlap between Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) and its impact on the organization of the physical body, and its correlation to chronic pain. Dave explains that the relationship between chronic stress and various medical syndromes, including pain syndromes, is not well understood. Dave shares that his experiences have helped him develop the understanding that "chronic distress patterns lead to and are part of medical syndromes.” He finds that these syndromes manifest in physical as well as psychological symptoms and disorders, and that it’s important to know and understand both. Sarah and Dave reflect on the similarities between Dave’s perspective and the NARM perspective, and they both agree that to address complex trauma the interventions have to include the body, the mind and be embedded in relationship. Dave believes that we have to have the capacity to be in our own bodies if we want to be able to invite deeper relationships and hold complexity. Sarah reflects on how NARM invites therapists to explore their own relationship with themselves and how this impacts the therapeutic relationship. Dave ends with a quote by Peter Levine that trauma “is not a life sentence,” signifying the possibilities of transforming trauma. Sarah reminds us that this idea inspired the intention, and name, of the NARM podcast, Transforming Trauma. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', san
Wed, June 02, 2021
Using NARM to Decrease the Stigma of Dissociative Identity Disorder with Erin Lewis
“I have recently started sharing my own personal journey with DID to fight stigma and to advocate that we deserve to be treated like people as well.” - Erin Lewis, NARM Therapist Clinical Mental Health Counselor Erin Lewis is a trauma therapist from North Carolina who specializes in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. Erin herself has been treated for DID and is committed to promoting education and supporting the needs for traumatized individuals, including those with DID. Her mission is to further treatment across the US in terms of how we view and treat DID. She is a strong proponent for using NARM in her efforts. Erin not only wants to help others who are impacted by Dissociative Identity Disorder, she wants to change the stigma and educate those who might not otherwise know about it, including medical and mental health professionals. Erin, who recently completed the Level 2 NARM Therapist Training, describes how the NARM framework for understanding complex trauma is so helpful in working with individuals with DID. She has been integrating NARM with Internal Family Systems (IFS) in her practice. Erin has studied other clinical theories and approaches and feels strongly that many miss the mark. She shares that she really appreciates how NARM addresses consent, specifically how NARM starts sessions with inquiring about what the client wants for themselves. *** At the NARM Training Institute, we’re excited to unveil a new video series we’re launching this month in the NARM Inner Circle online program. Over the course of the next year, the focus of Senior Faculty Brad Kammer’s demonstration sessions will be on NARM and DID. Erin has made herself available to demonstrate how NARM can be applied in working over multiple sessions with a client with DID. The June 2021 NARM Demo is the first in a series of these NARM demos with Erin and Brad that will continue in the Inner Circle every other month this year. To celebrate our growing NARM international community, we’re offering a special 50% discount for new annual members of the Inner Circle online program. For those interested, go to www.narmtraining.com/innercircle to sign up and use the checkout code: JUNE2020 -- offer available until June 30th, 2020. *** Erin’s contact info: Website: https://www.nccuttingedgecounseling.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/Nccec2020 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nc-cutting-edge-counselling-pllc-2507b6204/ To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen
Wed, May 26, 2021
Healing Complex Trauma Through Music with Nick Larson of Proxima Parada
“Music definitely opened up my heart and I started to actually feel things. The next thing I know, I’m using music to make sense of my experience.” - Nick Larson Sarah talks with musician Nick Larson, California-based songwriter, musician, and member of the band Próxima Parada. He uses his experiences growing up in dysfunction and working through trauma to create uplifting music that promotes healing. They discuss the stigmas that surround therapy, familial and intergenerational trauma, vulnerability, reconnecting to our hearts, and the role music can play in the process of healing trauma. Nick hopes listeners feel encouraged “to give themselves permission to use music, poetry, or whatever outlet that may be, to use their suffering and trauma as fuel for creating art, beauty, and something meaningful for them.” So much of what Nick shares aligns with NARM, and Sarah reflects that what Nick describes is a process of using self-shaming and self-rejection to shut oneself down in order to survive. These adaptive survival strategies, though life-saving as children, become obstacles as we move into adulthood. Nick reports that going to therapy, and learning a new way of relating to himself, was a game-changer. Through therapy and through his music, Nick has learned how to reconnect to himself. Through the pandemic, while touring and playing shows has not been possible, Nick has focused on what is available to him, and has taken the time to write songs -- more than thirty of them. Proxima Parada self-recorded a new album, “Second Brother” which will be available in August 2021. To listen to Nick’s music, you can find Proxima Parada on Spotify and YouTube and at http://www.proximaparadamusic.com About Nick: Nick Larson is a songwriter, musician, and member of the band Próxima Parada who uses his experiences growing up in dysfunction and working with trauma to create uplifting music that promotes healing. Born and raised in California, Nick currently lives in San Luis Obispo. <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI
Wed, May 05, 2021
The Brain and Body Budget with Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett
“...think about what it means to be human, and what kind of a human you really want to be.” -- Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett Our host, Sarah, is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. Initially working as a clinical psychologist, Lisa went on to study emotions and how our brains work, asking questions about the neuro-biological basis for mental and physical health. Lisa has written two books: The Secret Life of the Brain , about how emotions are made, and her newest book, Seven and Half Lessons About the Brain , a book of essays. She describes the essays as “neuroscience nuggets to live a different life, a better life, or maybe be happy with the life that you have.” Since the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is informed by the latest findings within neuroscience, and particularly in the areas of attachment, emotions and trauma, Lisa’s work has much to contribute to more effective clinical interventions. Core to both of Lisa’s books is her assertion that “the most important job of our brains is to run a budget for our bodies.” Similar to the concept of Self-Regulation, she describes, “your brain didn’t evolve to think and feel and see…it evolved to control your body.” Lisa names that knowledge about our brains gives us more choices and options, as well as increased “responsibility” for ourselves. This responsibility aligns with NARM and the concept of Self-Agency. NARM also aligns with Lisa’s research, that though we cannot change the past, we can change how we relate to it. Lisa closes by sharing the key invitation from her book, “to think about what it means to be human, and what kind of a human you really want to be.” About Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 240 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes published by Guilford Press. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barrett has testified before Congress, presented her research to the FBI, consulted to the National Cancer Institute, appeared on Through The Wormhole with Morgan Freeman and The Today Show with Maria Shriver, and been a featured guest on public television and podcast and radio programs worldwide. She is also an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada. Website: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com To read the full show n
Wed, April 21, 2021
ACEs, Developmental Trauma, and Chronic Illness with Veronique Mead
“Once we understand [how adverse childhood experiences impact our development]… it removes blame and shame and judgment because it’s not something we’ve actually done.” - Veronique Mead Our host Sarah Buino is joined by somatic therapist Veronique Mead, a former practicing physician and assistant professor of family medicine. For 20 years Veronique has been researching and integrating science with her personal journey of chronic fatigue syndrome, finding powerful evidence of the connection between childhood adversity and chronic illness. Veronique’s findings align with the growing body of research about the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on our health. As Veronique and Sarah explore the topic of developmental trauma and its impact on long-term health, they find much overlap between the way Veronique frames her understanding and the NARM model. Both perspectives are based in a non-pathologizing orientation and view symptoms as intelligent, survival responses to environmental failures. Veronique and Sarah conclude the episode discussing the beauty in understanding and recognizing our own trauma and adversity experiences, and how they affect us personally. Veronique closes with her own feelings of hope: “Once we understand [how adverse childhood experiences impact our development]…it removes blame and shame and judgment because it’s not something we’ve actually done…If we can shift the perception of threat that’s gotten caught...it then gives us all these tools to work with that may really contribute to a much higher, greater capacity for healing and improvement...Then there may be a whole lot more encouraging, hopeful, empowering things we can do.” About Veronique: Veronique Mead was an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and practicing physician when she decided to change careers and retrained as a Somatic Trauma Therapist. For the past 20 years she has been integrating the science with her personal journey of gradual recovery from disabling chronic fatigue syndrome into a new model for making sense of chronic illnesses of all kinds.The research explains how effects of trauma are not psychological as is still often mistakenly believed. She shares the science on her blog, Chronic Illness Trauma Studies.com. www.chronicillnesstraumastudies.com www.facebook.com/chronicillnesstraumastudies <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Seg
Wed, April 07, 2021
Sulha, Humanization and Trauma-Informed Social Activism with Adar Weinreb
“If we want to be able to change the world, it comes down to humans changing themselves.” - Adar Weinreb Host Sarah Buino interviews Adar Weinreb, a social activist in Israel who runs a grassroots project called Sulha, which comes from the Arabic word for “reconciliation” and “to make peace”. Their goal is to create an inclusive community of people from all sides of the ideological spectrum who can engage in nuanced dialogues on important issues, transform the way people communicate, and inspire real-world action. Adar focuses his activism on understanding the challenging dynamics within the Israeli and Palestinian communities in order to build bridges of understanding between the two communities. Adar aligns with a NARM-informed perspective in that he works to not take sides between the two sides of the conflict, and works to hold increasing complexity and the uncertainty and distress that goes along with that. He shares, “I'm not making a comparison between injustices. It's simply a recognition that at the end of the day, the people on both sides are harmed from this conflict. And as a humanist, I approach it as valuing all life of human worth.” Similar to the way NARM perceives how trauma creates objectification and dehumanization, Adar’s work focuses on the elements required for mutual recognition of humanization and supporting the process of intersubjectivity. Adar sees two sides of the same coin of activism: personal responsibility and systemic change. Adar and Sarah agree that by understanding psychological processes like complex trauma, and how we can work together to address complex trauma, we can learn to listen to each other, humanize each other, and ultimately can become more effective social activists. About Adar: Adar Weinreb is an Israeli-American working in blockchain technology. He dedicates his free time to social activism, primarily building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. Adar is the host of a YouTube show called Sulha. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span s
Wed, March 24, 2021
NARM, Cross-Cultural Healing and The Natural Self with Adam Tanous
“To help people come back to their natural self; which means to be calm, to be connected to the heart, [and to have] good health.” - Adam Tanous Brad Kammer, NARM Training Director, welcomes Adam Tanous, a therapist and facilitator who lives in Haifa, Israel. Adam works with clients in Arabic, Hebrew and English, and has a unique perspective as a trauma-informed provider who is half-Palestinian, half-Polish and living in Israel. Adam joins Brad to discuss differences and similarities between the ways that Palestinians and Israelis approach spirituality, address intergenerational trauma, and the potential role of NARM in support of personal and cross-cultural healing. Adam has a unique perspective as a trauma-informed therapist that is Palestinian by background that lives within Israel and works closely with Israelis and Palestinians alike. Brad inquires into how Adam sees that a trauma-informed lens can help us to understand the long-standing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, and “what might be stuck there.” Adam describes his understanding that despite the intergenerational trauma, despite the engrained survival patterns that many people are living through, and despite not having leadership in their countries that are actively interested in healing, true connection and transformation is still possible. As he states: “I believe if every person will take the decision to [face their] inner war, this is the only thing that can bring peace here.” This is the NARM principle of self-agency in action. Adam shares his passion to continue spreading NARM throughout the Arabic-speaking world, and supporting individuals and groups that may not otherwise receive such support, in order to heal personal and societal patterns that are built upon unresolved developmental trauma. Adam hopes that more and more people will discover that “new answers [can] be revealed, that you have no idea such answers could exist inside you.” About Adam: Adam Tanous is a therapist and facilitator who accompanies people through self Conscious processes using Focusing, Meditation, Mindfulness and Breath-Work. In addition to guiding workshops and lectures on the subject, Adam has 13 years of experience providing therapy. He’s learned many modalities including Rebirthing, Focusing, Shiatsu, Energy Therapy and, of course, NARM. The individual and the group sessions are given either online or in person in English, Arabic or Hebrew. FB page link: www.facebook.com/adam.naturalself Instagram link: www.instagram.com/adamnaturalself/ To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href= "https://narmtraining.com/transform
Wed, March 10, 2021
NARM and Healing Complex Trauma within Native Communities with Trilby Kerrigan
“Cultural traditions are on the forefront of wellness, for Native people — and for all people.” - Trilby Kerrigan Trilby Kerrigan, a NARM-trained Behavioral Health Therapist at a Tribal health clinic in Northern California, is a member of the Karuk Tribe of California and is deeply committed to supporting community reconnection through education and treatment of complex trauma. Sarah and Trilby discuss historical, intergenerational, and cultural trauma, and ways to support healing of individuals, families and communities. They share how the reconnection to oneself is at the core of the healing process, and how Trilby finds the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) to be a powerful approach that can lead to significant shifts for individuals and within Tribal communities. Trilby describes her journey of becoming a therapist as “non-traditional”, but meant to be. In her thirties, Trilby was inspired by her children to go to college and pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work. Trilby wanted to find some way to promote healing within her local Tribal communities. She shares that Native communities have some of the highest health disparities, lack social services, and have experienced not only extensive historical trauma, but face ongoing trauma. While there are clinics established to support Native clients, Trilby says, “I feel like having a Native professional therapist was a missing piece in the community.” Specifically for Native communities, Trilby dreams of trauma education at a community level. For other therapists, Trilby dreams of more clinicians becoming trained in NARM and bringing these powerful tools back to their communities and clients, just as she has done. For us all, Trilby leaves listeners with one parting thought: “Humanity is really made to care for one another.” About Trilby: Trilby is a member of the Karuk Tribe of California and has been residing in Mendocino County for the past ten (10) years. She has been working in the helping profession for the past twenty (20) years and behavioral health is where her heart lies. She’s currently working as a Medical Social worker/Behavioral health Therapist at Consolidated tribal health. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** <span sty
Wed, February 24, 2021
How NARM Supports Trauma-Informed Bodywork with Dr. Mark Olson, Ph.D.
In this episode of Transforming Trauma, our host Sarah Buino interviews Mark Olson, Ph.D., the owner and director of the Pacific Center for Awareness and Bodywork (PCAB), a massage therapy school located in Kauai that integrates bodywork with somatic psychology, contemplative practice, and affective neuroscience with a trauma-informed framework. Mark describes two main reasons that clients seek massage: they are experiencing either pain or anxiety. “And so right away, we’re already in this [body-mind] world. Anxiety obviously is very mind-based, and pain is a very complex topic that has numerous…elements to it.” Sarah and Mark discuss the importance of a bodyworker meeting the massage client with relational curiosity, rather than meeting them with preconceived knowledge, assumptions or interpretations about what the client is experiencing. Mark shares the many ways that he is using trauma-informed, NARM-informed principles to train new bodywork students in his school. It starts with training them to invite their clients to be the one that sets the goals for the work, and the fundamental rejection of the dynamic that many physical therapy professionals actively promote: “The client feeling that they’re broken and the therapist thinking that they’re the ones to fix it.” Mark and Sarah see how this dynamic is flawed from the outset, and how NARM has helped them to understand a deeper truth: that the client’s symptoms are present for an important reason that needs to be understood and honored, rather than forced to change. He shares how being educated in developmental trauma has given him the ability to have more awareness of his own internal reactions when working with clients, and he has experienced a greater sense of spaciousness in himself that “allows for that person to be wherever they are and be just curious about whatever they’re experiencing.” With his deep understanding of neuroscience and trauma, and by bringing curiosity and an important relational component to the work, Mark is evolving the field of bodywork in an exciting direction. About Mark: Mark Olson, Ph.D., LMT has an M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois. He holds a specialty in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuropsychology and Neuroanatomy which focuses on memory, attention, and eye movements. He is the owner and director of the Pacific Center for Awareness & Bodywork, which integrates bodywork with somatic psychology, contemplative practice, and affective neuroscience within a trauma-informed framework. Recently he has been published, writing on the subjects of Pain and Trauma-informed Bodywork . To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-
Wed, February 10, 2021
The Spiritual Elements of Trauma Healing with Drs. Dick Schwartz and Laurence Heller
“You don’t have to build up the muscle of compassion, because if you just get the constraints to your natural compassion to relax, then you have plenty of compassion.” - Dr. Dick Schwartz We have another opportunity to listen to a conversation between authors and therapeutic pioneers Drs. Dick Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Laurence Heller, founder of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Joined by our host, Sarah, the two authors come together for a second time to continue their rich conversation on the similarities and differences between the two modalities they’ve created, and to take a more specific look at how both of their works have drawn from the spiritual elements of the human experience. While IFS and NARM are both known as being exciting, emerging models for healing complex trauma, this episode highlights that Drs. Schwartz and Heller acknowledge that the deeper focus in both approaches is on the Self, that internal place within us all that provides the foundation for our lives despite the complexity of wounding and traumas that one has experienced. They reflect on this beginning of a meaningful, powerful relationship between two very important therapeutic models. What might the future hold for IFS and NARM working together to bring healing into our world? Dick’s bio: Richard Schwartz began his career as a family therapist and an academic at the University of Illinois at Chicago. There he discovered that family therapy alone did not achieve full symptom relief and in asking patients why, he learned that they were plagued by what they called “parts.” These patients became his teachers as they described how their parts formed networks of inner relationship that resembled the families he had been working with. He also found that as they focused on and, thereby, separated from their parts, they would shift into a state characterized by qualities like curiosity, calm, confidence and compassion. He called that inner essence the Self and was amazed to find it even in severely diagnosed and traumatized patients. From these explorations the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model was born in the early 1980s. IFS is now evidence-based and has become a widely-used form of psychotherapy, particularly with trauma. It provides a non-pathologizing, optimistic, and empowering perspective and a practical and effective set of techniques for working with individuals, couples, families, and more recently, corporations and classrooms. <span style="font-weight:
Wed, January 27, 2021
Trauma Healing, Hope and Bringing NARM into Residential Treatment with Deirdre Stewart
"This is what makes NARM different...than any other modality I've encountered, is that we're exploring or inquiring not to get anywhere, just for curiosity sake. And...that's one of the missing ingredients of healthy attachment.” ~Deirdre Stewart Our host Sarah Buino interviews Deirdre Stewart, the Vice President of Trauma Resolution Services for Meadows Behavioral Healthcare in Wickenburg, Arizona. The Meadows is a well-known, cutting-edge treatment facility providing a full continuum of care, specializing in trauma and addiction. In addition to being a NARM Therapist, Deirdre is trained in Neurofeedback, Somatic Attachment Focused EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing. Sarah and Deirdre share their reflections on what the NARM training has brought to them in their professional and personal lives, and the deep sense of hope that healing from trauma does exist-- that joy and freedom are possible. Deirdre shares that she has seen a sharp increase in the complexity and disorganization of patients more recently at The Meadows. When she was introduced to the NARM approach for working with Complex Trauma, she found hope in helping clients who are suffering from such disorganization and trauma. Specifically, Deirdre shares about the fundamental shifts that she sees through how NARM supports therapeutic consent. Sarah asks Deirdre what she would do if she could wave a magic wand to change current trauma treatment systems. Deirdre emphasizes the need for trauma-informed education, specifically as our understanding of trauma shifts from shock or event trauma (PTSD) to greater recognition of complex trauma (C-PTSD). Deirdre finds that the way NARM operates through both a “top-down” and “bottom-up” perspective simultaneously, working with both the mind and the body, helps work more effectively with complexity and disorganization. She has learned that therapeutic models that support behavioral change only go so far, and that models that support self-regulation can be very helpful for many conditions, but as they say in NARM, “you can’t regulate Self-Hatred away.” Sarah and Deirdre discuss how going through the NARM Therapist Training has impacted them both professionally and personally. They reflect on the experience of heartfulness in NARM, and how this resonates among the training participants. Deirdre shares her personal experience of shifting old patterns in an environment of heartful support. The interview concludes with the pair reflecting on the transformation that happens within the therapist as they deepen into the principles and understanding of NARM. They both express the gratitude and inspiration they have experienced in learning to relate to themselves in a new way, and how this supports them to stay open, receptive and curious with their clients. About Deirdre: Deirdre Stewart, LPC, SEP, BCN is the Vice President of Trauma Resolution Services for <a href= "https://www
Wed, January 13, 2021
The Need for Trauma-Informed Care: a Conversation with Dr. Laurence Heller and Dr. Christina Bethell
Host Sarah Buino facilitates an important discussion between NARM creator Dr. Laurence Heller and Dr. Christina Bethell, researcher, author, policy advocate, and professor at Johns Hopkins University and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Bethell is on the Board of Directors for the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) and is part of a team of trauma-informed advocates who developed the brief: A Trauma-Informed Agenda for the First 100 Days of the Biden-Harris Administration. Dr. Bethell is leading an effort to promote an agenda of healing and prevention through safe, stable, nurturing relationships, in policy and practice. She is currently involved in multiple research projects focusing on trauma healing, including an article with Dr. Heller, and how to scale trauma-informed trainings for health care professionals on a national level. Dr. Bethell’s work has centered on creating the research base to “promote family resilience and parent-child connection, and looking at social determinants [for health] like alcoholism and mental health problems, emotional neglect, or emotional abuse.” Drs. Bethell and Heller both agree the NARM Training Institute is at the forefront of what this trauma-informed training could look like for helping professionals from various fields. Dr. Bethell ends the episode with encouragement and a ‘call to arms’ for all NARM-trained, and other trauma-informed professionals, to step into places of leadership and bring their perspective and skills to healthcare, mental health, education and other social systems. As she describes, “[These systems are] aching for support and help on how to ground the concepts of healing, recognizing… developmental trauma, and doing something about it.” To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provide
Wed, December 23, 2020
Celebrating the First Year of Transforming Trauma with Sarah Buino and Brad Kammer
“I remember asking my therapist, what does self-love even feel like? And I'd had fleeting moments of experiencing it. Now it just is. It's just there. And that's beyond any expectation that I ever thought I would have. And that's what I think of when I think of “transforming trauma.”” - Sarah Buino In this special year-end episode celebrating the first year anniversary of the Transforming Trauma podcast, our host Sarah Buino and NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer reflect on this first year of Transforming Trauma! Brad shares that when the NARM Training Institute was founded in 2018, the intention was “to do our part in bringing trauma-informed work to so many individuals, families and communities that are dealing with the effects of complex trauma.” While the NARM Training Institute has been mainly focused on training mental health and other helping professionals in the NARM approach, they have also been committed to making NARM more accessible to those in need. During a NARM Training in Chicago, Brad had the idea to create a podcast that would be widely available, free, and bring important messages about complex trauma to listeners everywhere. He invited Sarah and together they worked toward creating a podcast that would capture the magic in the work to share with the world – and thus began Transforming Trauma! Since January 2020, Transforming Trauma has had over 50,000 downloads in more than eighty countries, listenership has grown over 300%, and it has been ranked in the top 10 mental health podcasts on Apple Podcasts. As Sarah and Brad celebrate their first year of the Transforming Trauma podcast, they express how moved and inspired they feel to know that in their very first year, Transforming Trauma has made such an impact on people’s lives. With humility and excitement, they commit to continuing to use this platform to promote and support personal and collective healing of complex trauma. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Level 2 Online Training begins January 2021. REGISTER NOW: https://narmtraining.com/transformingtrauma/level2/ *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, Bli
Fri, December 18, 2020
NARM Inner Circle Presents: Working in the Present Moment with Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer
An end-of-the-year gift to listeners from the NARM Training Institute! We are sharing a special topic webinar from the NARM Inner Circle online program. This webinar provides a window into the Inner Circle learning community where helping professionals from around the world are coming together to learn more about the NARM approach to resolving Complex Trauma. In this session, NARM and Working in the Present Moment, NARM creator, Dr. Laurence Heller, and NARM Senior Faculty Brad Kammer, explore how NARM uses a phenomenological approach, which relates to working in the here and now to resolve the psychobiological patterns of developmental trauma. Laurence and Brad touch on such areas as: how childhood trauma patterns show up in the here and now working in the present moment with personal history and traumatic memories how to avoid trauma re-enactments and support trauma healing within the therapeutic relationship the spiritual dimensions of the NARM approach in supporting post-traumatic growth If you enjoy this episode, we invite you to check out the NARM Inner Circle, where we host NARM Topic Webinars like this one every month. Some topics that we cover are: Differentiating Shock and Developmental Trauma; Working with Shame, Self-Hatred and Self-Sabotage; Complex Trauma and Addictions; Relational Trauma, Intimacy and Sexuality; Addressing Burnout in Helping Professionals; and the NARM Approach for Supporting Personal and Spiritual Growth. To learn more about the Inner Circle and to sign up for a free two-week trial, please visit: www.narmtraining.com/freetrial To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans
Wed, December 09, 2020
Complex Trauma, Self-Sabotage, Diet Culture, and Eating Disorder Recovery with Iris McAplin
NARM Practitioner and coach Iris McAlpin specializes in eating disorder recovery, complex trauma, and self-sabotage. Iris also hosts a podcast called Pure Curiosity which seeks to facilitate nuanced conversations about the human experience and de-stigmatize mental health challenges. Iris shares that NARM has changed her life in being able to notice the ways that she puts pressure on herself and the ways that she tells herself that she ‘should’ be showing up in the world. Her intention for this episode is for listeners to also notice and be able to soften around the pressure that they place on themselves. Sarah and Iris dive into how Iris began her work in eating disorder recovery, which began with her own healing and recovery from bulimia. Iris found that as she progressed in her recovery and was able to get control of the behaviors of her eating disorder, she began to turn her attention to her unresolved trauma, which was mostly relational in nature, that was at the root of the behaviors. NARM helped her to see this theme in a new way, as she came to understand that not only binging and purging, but “many other behaviors that we... throw under the umbrella of self-sabotage are really just coping tools,” for unhealed relational and attachment traumas. Iris takes listeners through a deeper look at the trauma of diet culture, in which clients deal with intense self loathing and self hatred, shame of their bodies and body image, and obsessive thinking about food. Iris acknowledges that doing this deeper level of work can feel really scary at times. She shares about her own experience of confronting her triggers, and how NARM has taught her to work with her fear by using curiosity to guide her. “I really see those triggers as an invitation to open.” This ability to see that nothing is ‘wrong’ with our survival styles, and instead look at our growing awareness of ourselves as an opportunity to learn and make different choices is central to the NARM process. Contact: https://irismcalpin.com Instagram: @irismcalpin Twitter: @irismcalpin Bio: Iris McAlpin is a NARM Practitioner and coach specializing in eating disorder recovery, complex trauma and self-sabotage. She has both a private and group practice, and works with clients all over the world. Iris also has a podcast called Pure Curiosity, which seeks to facilitate nuanced conversations about the human experience and to destigmatize mental health challenges. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Level 2 Online Training begins January 2021. REGIST
Wed, November 25, 2020
A Mother’s Journey into Finding Effulgence through the NARM Process of Resolving Grief with Heidi Winn
Heidi Winn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Fairfield, Iowa, who learned about NARM as she was grieving the loss of her teenage son, Finn, to suicide. In sharing this deeply personal story of loss, Heidi hopes listeners will feel a sense of hope and connection with themselves in their learning process, and be able to “experience a sense of the effulgence; the richness that I have had from this learning.” Heidi uses the words “then-daughter” to refer to her son before he transitioned to describe the evolution of identity that took place. Heidi’s journey with her then-daughter began roughly five years ago, when she began harming herself, and eventually attempted suicide four times in one year and spent over three months in a hospital for her own safety. Heidi shares that it was during the hospital stay that her then-daughter finally opened up both to himself as well as to his family about what was going on inside, and reported to Heidi, “I had a moment of clarity last night. I'm a boy inside and I want to be called Finn.” This clarity had a profound effect on his suicidality, which dropped overnight from a seven on the hospital assessment scale (the highest intentionality and suicidal thoughts) to zero. As a NARM Therapist, Heidi reflects back on this time with insight and self-compassion, recognizing how she was at times misattuned to her son and the ways that she unconsciously saw her children as extensions of her own identity. What has been described as parental narcissism, NARM helped Heidi to understand these dynamics within their relationship, and most importantly, to have “compassion for who we are, and where we were, and what we did, and that we did the best [we could].” To their devastation, Finn did commit suicide in his 8th grade year, while the family was dealing with financial barriers to purchasing the hormonal treatments that were helping him navigate his body’s maturation and menstrual cycle. Heidi shares the profound learning that she went through in grieving and integrating Finn’s death, including the ways that she has learned to navigate her grief through staying in touch with the complexity of her love and sadness. The ability to be with the complexity of her emotion and experience after losing Finn, is what is described in NARM as her psychobiological capacity to be with her own inner experience. With support from her community and family, Heidi describes the ways that she used her agency to direct her own experience and manage when she was overwhelmed by fear and despair. Heidi closes the podcast reflecting on the ways that her relationship to her living daughter has changed, in that she has let go of trying to know what her daughter’s truth is or control her in the same ways that she might have before. Not only has NARM helped Heidi to be with the complexity of her own inner experience, its influence has also supported her t
Bonus · Fri, November 13, 2020
Level 2 NARM Therapist Training Now Available Online
Our need to understand and heal complex trauma has never been greater, and accessing the NARM Training Institute’s Level 2 NARM Therapist Training has never been easier! In this bonus clip, Transforming Trauma host Sarah Buino shares about a brand new offering from the NARM Training Institute, an online Level 2 NARM Therapist Training, including practical course details and registration information. The NARM Therapist Training is an advanced clinical training for the healing of complex trauma. Enrollment is open to psychotherapists, counselors, social workers & other mental health professionals who work with trauma. The first online Level 2 NARM Therapist training begins in January 2021. If you're interested in learning more and to register, please visit: www.narmtraining.com/trainings/bay-area
Wed, November 11, 2020
Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation with Daniel Shaw
Our host Sarah Buino is joined by therapist, social worker, and author Daniel Shaw to discuss his seminal book Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation. Daniel explores the theme of traumatic narcissism from a developmental and trauma-informed perspective. In his work, he connects the challenging symptoms and behaviors of clients diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder to the deeper understanding that they were raised in a highly traumatic environment by narcissistic caregivers. His underlying message for listeners is that, “It's important to understand what's going on in the mind of the narcissistic traumatizer in order to help patients free themselves from those relationships, in order for therapists to help the patient, and in order for the patients to help themselves.” Sarah and Daniel discuss the common thread in Daniel’s work and NARM. Much like in NARM, in which the therapists support clients to reconnect with their own agency, Daniel’s intention in working with people that have experienced narcissistic abuse is to help them “retrieve a faith in themselves that has been taken from them by the narcissistic abuser.” Sarah and Daniel close by discussing the role of the therapist, and how therapists can support the client in this process of self-reflection through being fully attuned and letting them know that we are “in their corner.” If the therapist is able to do this, the therapeutic relationship then becomes a place where the client can begin to feel this unconditional, fully present relationship from another, so that they can begin to feel it for themselves. About Daniel: www.danielshawlcsw.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DanielShawLCSW Twitter: @NyackDanShaw Daniel Shaw is the author of Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation . He is faculty and supervisor in New York City at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. He maintains his private psychotherapy practice In New York City and in Nyack, NY. To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Level 2 Online Training
Wed, October 28, 2020
NARM and the Role of Consent in Trauma-Informed Yoga with Colleen Millen
"Consent is where it’s at… How do I offer that? How do I ask for it? How does it inform who I am to myself in the world?” ~Colleen Millen Our host Sarah Buino welcomes NARM Therapist and Accessible Yoga instructor Colleen Millen to dive into and discuss the theme of consent. Colleen shares how her understanding of what consent means has deepened through her relationship with yoga and through her ongoing study of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Colleen shares honestly that at first she was reticent to join the NARM training because of a traumatic experience that she had in a previous training community. She shares that she had been part of a yoga healing community where consent was not represented, and where “there were some cultic dynamics that created power differentials that were very, very difficult and abusive.” She left that yoga community and continued to work as a therapist while she continued to heal from the experience of betrayal. After decades of dedicated yoga practice, she began asking herself “Do I want to teach yoga at all?” Through this process of self-referencing and self-healing, she discovered the deeper aspects of yoga that continued to call to her, which led her toward trauma-informed yoga, and a new branch of yoga called Accessible Yoga. She describes that Accessible Yoga is specifically designed to place the student at the center of their own relationship with their practice. About Colleen: Colleen works with complex trauma and regulation at Discovery Counseling Center in Danville, CA, a community mental health center. Accessibility and consent are core values and interests of her work. Colleen is also an Accessible Yoga Ambassador and trauma-informed yoga teacher and trainer. Contact Colleen: Website: www.discoveryctr.net Colleen’s Accessible Yoga classes: https://www.tworiversyoga.com/ To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit <a style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubu
Wed, October 14, 2020
Cultural Traumatization and Collective Awakening with Dr. Laurence Heller and Thomas Hübl
“Our global future of healing... is in these kind of collaborative fields that we will bring these powers together and learn from each other -- help each other to see the things that we are still not seeing ourselves and be a kind of a global healing force.” ~Thomas Hübl Dr. Laurence Heller, the Creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is joined by Thomas Hubl, a teacher, author, and founder of the Academy of Inner Science and the Pocket Project. Thomas’ work combines somatic awareness practices, advanced meditative practices, and transformational processes that address both individual and collective trauma. Larry and Thomas discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the similarities between individual and collective trauma responses, and how their work overlaps in seeking to transform complex trauma through therapeutic, collective, and spiritual pathways. Thomas’ organization found new ways to support his team in co-regulation during this time by offering a space to discuss the difficulties of living in social isolation. Similarly, the NARM Training Institute adapted by moving online and launched the first NARM Online Basics Training, allowing over 130 students to connect to NARM teachings. The two agree that it’s very important to understand on both individual and community scales the way trauma impacts us all. This brings the conversation to the ways that individual trauma responses take place within the larger context, or network, of the collective experience. Both Dr. Heller and Thomas have experienced a growing feeling that there is a “global community interest in healing.” To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit http://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Online Basics Training begins November 13, 2020. REGISTER NOW Online NARM Basics Training : http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and on
Wed, September 30, 2020
How NARM Supports Treating the Whole Person with Naturopath, Dr. Mazen Atassi
“The relational dynamics that NARM is speaking to are so rooted in our biology and our relationships and our everything, our connection to the sacred; everything is informed by these principles.” ~Dr. Mazen Atassi Transforming Trauma host Sarah Buino speaks with Mazen Atassi , naturopath and NARM Practitioner, about how he uses NARM principles to support psychobiological healing in his medical practice. Throughout the episode, Sarah and Mazen explore the idea that NARM is for everyone and they take a closer look at how Mazen has applied NARM in the naturopathic realm. Mazen is passionate about the relationship between mental and physical wellbeing, a critical link that he says traditional mechanistic traditions often overlook in their response to illness. In his search for additional supportive modalities with which to treat clients, Mazen discovered the NeuroAffective Relational Model, NARM. For Mazen, the NARM model honors the somatic, bottom-up processing of the body, and also brings a needed top-down element that focuses on a crucial component: the relationship to self. He shares his experience utilizing the tools the NARM model provided him and how the tools support two key naturopathic principles: Tolle Totem , treating the whole person, and Tolle Causam , address the root cause of disease. Sarah and Mazen also discuss the stigma surrounding mental health in the Muslim community, of which Mazen is part. The pair share that within practiced religion, there can often be cultural dynamics, generational trauma, and spiritual bypassing that can fragment a person’s relationship to self within these systems. Mazen shares how he’s been able to employ his NARM skills and shared religious heritage to breach barriers with some of his Muslim patients. Mazen shares with listeners his hope for how NARM can touch more than just those in the clinical space. “I hope [NARM principles] can be underlined and emphasized to the greater population as a way of creating a conscious culture of a healthy civilization…These principles are crucial, and they’re not just for the clinical space.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Alexander Lowen, MD | The Alexander Lowen Foundation Peter A. Levine, PhD | Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD Brené Brown, PhD Gabor Maté, MD Jalal al-Din Rumi About Dr. Mazen Atassi: Mazen Atassi is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and the founder
Fri, September 25, 2020
Dismantling Anti-Semitism and the Complex Trauma of Colonialism with Dani Ishai Behan
“I think the only thing we can do is to keep pushing back against these narratives because they're not going to go away...We have to challenge them. We need to do so more visibly and more consistently and more forcefully.” ~Dani Ishai Behan In this next Jewish “High Holiday” episode, NARM Training Director Brad Kammer welcomes author Dani Ishai Behan to Transforming Trauma to discuss the nuances of the Jewish experience in Diaspora, and specifically the challenges around years of ethnic oppression, anti-Semitism and intergenerational trauma. Dani, a writer for the Times of Israel focuses his writing on the post-colonial traumas and anti-Semitism faced by Jews, and has become an advocate for reclaiming Jewish identity, as he advocates for the inclusion of Jews as an indigenous population of the Middle East (specifically, the Judean region, now referred to as Israel by the Jewish people). This isn’t solely a religious or political aim for Dani, but a deeply personal one. As a child, Dani was largely disconnected from his Jewish identity, associating it through the traumatic retelling of Ashkenazi Jews who recounted the horrors of anti-Semitism in Europe in the 1800 and 1900s, as his ancestors were forced to live in squalid conditions, alienated from the mainstream society, and constantly endured individual and state-organized attacks (“pogroms”) which culminated in the Holocaust where 1/3 of the world Jewish population was murdered. In his earlier life, Dani was involved in the Punk Rock community and was surrounded by people that were fervently anti-Zionist, the level to which made him question that specific hatred toward one group of people. The unease prompted Dani to look inward to his own relationship to being Jewish, and he started asking questions like: Why did my Jewish family look different from other “white” families? Why did the neighbors treat my Jewish family differently from other “white” families? He realized that something about his “being Jewish” had always nagged at him on a cellular level and he began to seek answers. The conversation comes back to the current day in the United States and elsewhere where there is a strong movement to support and empower BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) who are fighting for a more equitable future. However, while these efforts to dismantle supremacist policies and systemic obstacles have been accepted on college campuses, within the social justice movement, and in many political groups, one ethnic group is often omitted from conversations centered on these complex traumas: the Jews. In fact, Jews are being labeled the colonizers of a native people (the Palestinians), which according to Dani’s research, is white-washing Jewish lineage and identity. And, yet another form of cultural trauma toward the Jews. While groups are working fervently agai
Fri, September 18, 2020
Exploring Historical and Intergenerational Trauma in the Jewish Experience with Rabbi Lynn Feinberg
“It's about really getting into that experience of compassion for myself, my people, for our journey, for what it means to adjust within… all those different layers.” ~ Lynn Feinberg In this "High Holidays" episode, Sarah Buino welcomes guest Rabbi Lynn Feinberg , the first female Jewish Rabbi in Norway, as well as NARM Practitioner, to reflect on her research into intergenerational trauma for second and third generation Holocaust survivors in Europe. One of the tenets of NARM training is the idea that a practitioner must first attend to their own trauma before employing the model in practice with clients. For many, that means an exploration of patterns left-over from unresolved early trauma, including any cultural, historical or intergenerational themes. Lynn, who is the daughter of a Norwegian Holocaust survivor, certainly has been on this journey. While she is a Norwegian citizen and lives in Oslo, she has spent time living abroad in Israel, Denmark and the US, and has focused professionally on advanced degrees in Judaism, psychology and feminist spirituality. One of her main areas of focus is on belonging. Her current research is “really getting into that experience of compassion for myself, my people, for our journey, for what it means to adjust within [to] all those different layers.” In NARM terms, Lynn says she had a “big aha” recognizing that this journey is about “disidentifying” from her historical trauma story. As she is currently writing her PhD thesis, she states “it’s also about bringing in a larger story so that your story can be held in a larger story. And the more you can contain that larger story, the more you can also relax in your own story.” One of the challenges for Jews living for thousands of years in diaspora has always been the conflict between adaptation to modern ways versus adherence to traditional ways. Having lived and studied in the United States has allowed Lynn to compare and contrast how Jews in Europe and Jews in America have adapted differently to life post-Holocaust amidst undercurrents of antisemitic policy. The episode concludes with Lynn comparing a cyclical view of intrapersonal and intergenerational healing against the Western notion of a singular, linear fix. “I think that's what's so brilliant with the NARM process,” she says, “is this seeing the hardship for what it is and recognizing the depth of it.” Lynn has found NARM to be an ideal platform with which to explore deeper into her historical and intergenerational trauma and begin to “disidentify” from the unresolved trauma patterns, thereby reclaiming deeper authenticity within herself. For the full show notes plus references and resources, visit us at http://www.narmtraining.com/transformingtrauma ABOUT LYNN CLAIRE FEINB
Wed, September 16, 2020
Intergenerational Trauma and Decolonizing Jewish Identity with Brad Kammer
“It's been really confusing. It's been painful. And trying to sort this all out for myself is my own work in… really helping me become a better therapist and working with people that are dealing with racial, historical trauma, and cultural trauma, and also just trying to make sense of where we are and where we're going in our society.” ~ Brad Kammer, Senior Faculty and Training Director of the NARM Training Institute This special bonus episode of Transforming Trauma welcomes Brad Kammer, NARM Training Institute Senior Faculty and Training Director, to introduce listeners to a series of “High Holiday” episodes featuring two different Jewish leaders advocating for healing of cultural and intergenerational trauma for the Jewish people. Brad begins by framing the next two episodes that will focus on the psychological journey and struggle for the Jewish people, as well as sharing about his experience coming to terms with his own Jewish identity through the healing of intergenerational and complex trauma. Host Sarah Buino asks Brad to start off by sharing about his own personal experience, something Brad likens to a “coming out”. Brad recognizes that his career in working with complex trauma has been shaped by his own personal journey in healing from cultural and intergenerational trauma, and through this process, he feels he has been reclaiming his identity. Brad reflects, “I’ve spent my life hiding in many different ways and it's come at a cost. And I guess this is part of my wanting to personally proclaim that I'm ready to address these issues…and not continue to pass it down.” Healing complex trauma can be a vehicle for personal and collective transformation. Brad speaks to his process of reclaiming, contextualizing and decolonizing his own Jewish identity, using the NARM concept of “disidentification”. T his process of transforming his trauma-based identity has not been easy, but it has been affirming, healing and an opportunity for self-compassion and love. Brad also hopes that this can be an opportunity for increasing connection to the humanity within and between us all, despite all our differences. *** NARM Online Basics Training begins November 13, 2020. REGISTER NOW Online NARM Basics Training : http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics *** <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe
Wed, September 02, 2020
Internal Family Systems (IFS) and NARM with Richard Schwartz and Laurence Heller
“We can safely say that that Self in its undamaged state is in everybody.” ~ Dr. Richard Schwartz, Founder of Internal Family Systems “There's a part of us that always remains undamaged.” ~ Dr. Laurence Heller, Founder of NeuroAffective Relational Model A ground-breaking discussion between Richard Schwartz, PhD , founder of the Internal Family Systems model (IFS) and Laurence Heller, PhD , founder of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Pioneers in the mental health and trauma fields, Drs. Schwartz and Heller discuss each other’s work and reflect on the intersections of the IFS and NARM models. While many think of IFS and NARM as being models for trauma, Drs. Schwartz and Heller acknowledge that the similar focus of both IFS and NARM is truly on the Self, that internal place within us all that provides the foundation for our lives despite the complexity of wounding and traumas that one has experienced. Although aspects of ourselves can become damaged and distorted by trauma, Drs. Schwartz and Heller both agree with a non-Western perspective that the Self “in its undamaged state is in everybody” (Schwartz) and “always remains undamaged.” (Heller). Both IFS and NARM are oriented around supporting the organic process of individuals returning to their authentic selves; in this way, they are also models for healing complex trauma. Dr. Heller shares with Dr. Schwartz that throughout the years of teaching NARM, many people have remarked on the similarities between the IFS and NARM models. This feedback fueled the intention for bringing Drs. Schwartz onto the Transforming Trauma podcast to give an opportunity for the two to reflect on these important therapeutic models. There is a feeling of an important coming together as these two pioneers in their field reflect on their 40+ year careers, find common ground and mutual appreciation. At the end of their discussion, Dr. Schwartz shares: “It’s great for me to find kindred spirits. There aren’t that many of us that think this way.” What might the future hold for IFS and NARM working together for bringing healing to our world? RESOURCES MENTIONED: IFS Institute Ron Kurtz / The Hakomi Institute The Gestalt Institute Of The Rockies Alexander Lowen / The Alexander Lowen Foundation Conversations with Alanis Morissette - Episode 9 *** NARM Online Basics Training begins November 13, 2020. REGISTER NOW Online NARM Basics Training : <a href="http://www.narmt
Wed, August 19, 2020
NARM and a Trauma-Informed, Anti-Oppressive, Relational Approach to Mental Wellness and Social Justice with Cassandra Walker
“One of the things I really like about NARM is the fact that there's this massive focus on connection and interconnectedness as something that can be healthy...That actually recognizes the fact that we as humans... we share a certain connectivity when we're at our best.” ~Cassandra Walker Host Sarah Buino is joined by Cassandra (Cassie) Walker, LCSW (they/them), a Black, queer, activist, entrepreneur, and NARM Master Therapist-in-Training located in Chicago, Illinois. They discuss growth that’s possible throughout the trauma healing process, how the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) supports the resolution of complex trauma issues including systemic and racial trauma, and the critical need for more understanding of intersectionality in the therapeutic field. Cassie takes an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, trauma-informed, relational approach to discussing identity, trauma, mental wellness, and social justice. They highlight the need to address how the legacies of slavery and other unresolved cultural and historical trauma continue to impact current events and social structures. From the levels of societal institutions to our internal experiences, Cassie shares how NARM supports their understanding of how trauma-based adaptive patterns, once needed for surviving familial, cultural, and systemic trauma, lead to perpetuating cycles of oppression and pain. Through providing therapy and education that focuses on embracing compassion, accountability, and authenticity, Cassie hopes to help people open themselves and their organizations to changes that improve personal awareness and institutional inclusion. Sarah and Cassie explore NARM's ability to focus beyond the individual and recognize and address the historically minimized or outright denied layers of intergenerational pain. Cassie shares, “The culture of Whiteness is built on creating coalitions to oppress and thus also disconnects white people from their heritage. And so that's part of how we're all getting screwed.” This episode also explores the role that community and spirituality play in both NARM philosophy and Black identity. Cassie reflects on the social, emotional, and spiritual need for connectedness, which is an organizing principle of NARM. Cassie shares their perspective that white supremacy and capitalism have disconnected all people - Black, Indigenous, POC, and White - from their authenticity, and that NARM provides a hopeful approach to help restore connection to self and others through focusing on healing complex trauma. CONNECT WITH CASSANDRA WALKER: Intersections Center For Complex Healing LinkedIn Patreon Intersections FB <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/Inter
Wed, August 05, 2020
Healing the Wounds of Complex Religious Trauma with Jenny Winkel
“NARM is not a protocol, it's a relational model, and the reason why that's important to know is because humans are designed to heal in relationship.” ~ Jenny Winkel Our host Sarah Buino is joined by Jenny Winkel, MA, LMT, SEP, and NARM Practitioner based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Within her private practice, Jenny works with many forms of Complex Trauma (C-PTSD), with a particular interest in religious trauma. Throughout the episode, they discuss how the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) can lead to a greater understanding of the complexities of religious trauma, a form of trauma that is often misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed. Jenny shares that NARM is so well-suited for healing religious trauma because of how well the model holds complexity. Her affinity for the NARM approach came out of her journey to heal her own complex and religious trauma. Sarah and Jenny discuss what fundamentalist religion looks like, and the impacts it often has on individuals. Through her own experiences, as well as her clients, Jenny shares how she has come to understand that fundamentalist communities and families can be sources of comfort, refuge, and love, while also being sources of terror and trauma. Jenny champions NARM for its ability to restore autonomy, agency, and reestablish the foundational relationship to Self. "When you work with a wise and seasoned [NARM] therapist or practitioner, you can feel that... they're not taking sides," she says. "They're helping you navigate that interiority." The episode concludes with a story from Jenny's practice, a beautiful example of the mind-body connection and the healing power of NARM in addressing complex attachment wounds. CONNECT WITH JENNY WINKEL Salt City Bodyworks *** NARM Online Basics Training begins November 13, 2020. REGISTER NOW Online NARM Basics Training : http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and onli
Wed, July 22, 2020
The Role of Healing Complex Trauma in Supporting Adolescents and Their Families with Leslie Filsinger
“So from that lens of looking at trauma as anything less than nurturing, we all have wounding and I think that actually creates the platform for understanding the kinds of work that NARM does.” ~Leslie Filsinger Our host Sarah Buino is joined by Leslie Filsinger, NARM therapist and Clinical Director at Spring Ridge Academy in Spring Valley, Arizona. They talk about how the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) supports the healing of developmental and complex trauma in adolescents, how adolescents can learn to develop their voice to find their internal truth, and how understanding complex trauma can create more compassion and grace within families. Spring Ridge Academy is a private, all-girls therapeutic boarding school specializing in treating young women and their families in overcoming the impact of emotional and developmental injuries. Families often come to Spring Ridge Academy overwhelmed by fear, hopelessness and despair regarding their children. Leslie shares how she and her team meet the families with compassion and understanding, but also using psychoeducation around Complex Trauma to support greater health within the family system. Leslie describes the importance of therapists and other helping professionals in shifting away from the focus of fixing behaviors and instead bringing greater understanding to what is driving these maladaptive behaviors. Instead of meeting adolescents with the pressure to change, meeting them with curiosity, patience, understanding and compassion. At the same time, Leslie reminds us that as therapists, we are not the ones creating the change for these young women and their families, and not to overlook the strong intention of adolescents in connecting to their own will to heal and grow. Leslie also reminds us that true change does not come from the outside, and as a NARM Therapist she focuses on respecting and reinforcing her clients’ developing Adult Consciousness. As Leslie says, “We don’t [want to do the work] for them… we create the space and allow them to connect with their own internal truth.” *** NARM Online Basics Training begins November 13, 2020. REGISTER NOW Online NARM Basics Training : http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics *** NARM Training Institute http://www.NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources. For the full
Wed, July 08, 2020
Compassion Prison Project: Bringing Trauma-informed Care into the Prison System with Fritzi Horstman
“When people start realizing they're traumatized, they forgive themselves. They need to start there. And that shame just goes away. That shame dissolves.” ~Fritzi Horstman Our host Sarah Buino is joined by Fritzi Horstman, Founder and Executive Director of the Compassion Prison Project. Through her work, Fritzi aims to bring trauma-informed care to a population in high need of trauma healing and not likely to receive it: men and women in prison. Sarah and Fritzi discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), how childhood trauma impacts people who are incarcerated, and how trauma awareness can support prison reform. Throughout their conversation, they talk about how both the Compassion Prison Project and the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) work to dismantle shame, humanize individuals, and heal complex trauma. The Compassion Prison Project’s important mission is to “bring compassion, childhood trauma awareness, and creative inspiration to the men and women living behind bars”. Earlier this year, they released a documentary, “ Step Inside The Circle ”, which depicts what Fritzi calls the Compassion Trauma Circle. 235 incarcerated men at a maximum security prison in Lancaster, CA form a circle and for each Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) read aloud by Fritzi that they’ve experienced, they take one step forward into the circle. Step Inside The Circle highlights that childhood trauma is a shared experience of most people who are incarcerated. Fritzi says, “our pain is shared, and almost all of us have been victims of inhumanity and violence.” Sarah asks Fritzi, “what do you imagine a trauma-informed prison system to look like?” Fritzi shares that a trauma-informed prison would be a center for rehabilitation and healing that supports people to change the underlying behaviors that were created originally by trauma. She envisions a system that helps vulnerable individuals build a bridge back to society, and most importantly, would return them back to their community as a human, and “not the felon, not the criminal that you know, but the human that [they] are.” Fritzi Horstman is the Founder and Executive Director of Compassion Prison Project. She is a Grammy-award winning producer for her work on “The Defiant Ones”, has been a producer and post-producer on dozens of television projects and documentaries and has directed several films. She believes it is urgent to bring humanity and compassion to those living behind bars and these acts will help transform our society. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Vassar College. CONNECT WITH THE COMPASSION PRISON PROJECT Compassion Prison Project Instagram *** NARM Training Institute ht
Wed, June 24, 2020
Strange Situation: A Journey into Understanding Attachment, Motherhood and Developmental Trauma with Bethany Saltman
“If we accept where we are, then we can actually manage our neurosis and we can be kinder, we can be more attuned, we can be better parents, and we can be better parents to ourselves.” ~Bethany Saltman Our host Sarah Buino welcomes author Bethany Saltman to share the lessons she learned while writing Strange Situation: A Mother’s Journey Into The Science Of Attachment . Bethany and Sarah explore the different roles that curiosity, delight, anxiety, shame, and acceptance play when looking at parent-child attachment, and ultimately one’s connection to themselves. Bethany’s journey of researching and ultimately writing about attachment theory began when she became a mother. Motherhood can unleash a wide-range of emotions for many new mothers. For Bethany, she was surprised by the duality of feeling an unwavering maternal love for her new baby, while also experiencing strong resentment, anger, and pain in motherhood. After jumping at the opportunity to write a column for a local magazine about being a Buddhist mother, she embarked on a 10-year quest to understand her struggles. This led Bethany to delve into the world of attachment theory - one of the cornerstones of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) in addressing Complex Trauma. Her research on attachment led her to the works of the late Mary Ainsworth, a developmental psychologist and attachment researcher. In the 1970s, Ainsworth devised a study to observe attachment between children and their caregivers. Dubbed the ‘Strange Situation’, the study is, as Bethany describes it, an elegant formulation of how attachment systems work. Sarah and Bethany discuss the connection between Ainsworth’s Strange Situation narrative and NARM’s core teachings about attachment, relational, and developmental trauma. NARM therapy supports the connection within a person to themselves, which in turn allows for deeper connection to others. Bethany, who shares openly that she is a client of NARM Therapy, reports her embodied learning that “the other side of shame is radical acceptance.” This honest and moving conversation weaves together exploration of self-inquiry, self-love, and how to take a second look at shame in order to heal from developmental trauma. Bethany Saltman is an author, award-winning editor, and researcher. Her work can be seen in magazines like the New Yorker , New York Magazine, Atlantic Monthly , Parents, and many others. Strange Situation: A Mother’s Journey Into the Science of Attachment, published in April 2020 by Random House, is her first book. CONNECT WITH BETHANY Bethany Saltman <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-saltman-968207b7
Fri, June 12, 2020
Post-traumatic Growth in Communities of Color and NARM in the Classroom with Giancarlo Simpson
“I really think it is important for us to really address our internal biases, call it out for what it is and ask yourself at that point, do we care to actually be better or do we care to stay the same?” ~Giancarlo Simpson, MS Transforming Trauma host Sarah Buino and guest Giancarlo A. Simpson, MS, reconnect in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the nationwide protests against racial violence and systemic oppression, providing real-time context to their previously-recorded conversation about NARM’s ability to address complex trauma and support post-traumatic growth in communities of color. Giancarlo shares with listeners that now is the time to look inward, to be vulnerable, to listen to others, to address our internal biases, and to actively work to be anti-racist. In their discussion both Giancarlo and Sarah provide resources on Anti-Racist learning, which are available in this online guide. Recounting stories from his work as a therapist, mentor, and teacher of teens and young adults, Giancarlo centers the discussion on the corrosive effects of complex trauma, specifically within the Black community. “The system in itself needs to shift in order for people to feel comfortable about who they are as individuals, because right now what the system itself is telling people, communicating to people, is that you are not good enough, and that in itself is reinforcing a lot of thinking, a lot of behavior that occurs in these environments and communities, and makes it very hard for us to get out of that, because we don’t have enough individuals telling us otherwise, or showing us otherwise.” Giancarlo shares the ways he has begun using the NeuroAffective Relational Model, particularly in classrooms, to shift this implicit learning and the long-term effects of complex trauma, which includes the under-recognized impact of cultural, intergenerational, and racial trauma. Giancarlo reframes the current nationwide protests against racial violence and systemic oppression as protests against needs not being met for Black Americans. Communities are coming together to communicate about environmental changes needed in response to centuries of oppression and violence. Instead of using old stereotypes like “angry black man” and “angry black woman”, which shut down expression of authentic experience and make people feel bad for feeling, it is time for our culture to listen to and respect people’s experiences. Giancarlo suggests that our culture needs to do better in understanding the root causes for why the anger is occurring, instead of just focusing on behaviors - the outbursts, outcries, protests, violence, etc. All Americans need to listen to Black Americans, and not continue “minimizing the reasons why we feel the way we do, why we’re hurting, why we’re upset, what we’re lacking
Tue, June 09, 2020
Become a NARM-Informed Professional with Dr. Laurence Heller and Brad Kammer
"In NARM, in the trainings, we have a real particular way of helping relieve that kind of [trauma]. First, bring it to the light. And then, help people find ways to release themselves from some of those most judging and self-projecting patterns." ~Dr. Laurence Heller Our need to understand and heal complex trauma has never been greater. Now, access to the NARM Training Institute’s powerful professional course has never been easier. In this episode, Transforming Trauma host Sarah Buino is joined by Dr. Laurence Heller, creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model, and Brad Kammer, NARM Training Director, to introduce Online NARM Basics Training to the world. The trio discusses NARM’s transition from in-person seminars to virtual learning, touching on the training’s integration of cognitive and experiential knowledge, a unique feature in the online teaching space. Sarah, Larry, and Brad also review NARM’s organizing principles, including its heart-centered philosophy and support of trauma-care providers. The episode concludes with practical course details and registration information. Secure your spot today . NARM Online Basics Training begins on June 26, 2020 REGISTER NOW Online NARM Basics Training : http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics *** NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it inter
Fri, June 05, 2020
Addressing Systemic, Cultural, Racial, and Complex Trauma with Claude Cayemitte
We’re grateful to have Claude Cayemitte back with us to reflect on the current events emerging from the demonstrations against ongoing systemic, cultural, racial, and complex trauma. Transforming Trauma host Sarah Buino and Claude dive into the macro and micro perspectives of the traumatic response to long-term suffering that the black community, and other communities of color, have been dealing with for centuries. Claude shares his perspective, “Having these specific conversations about racism is a gateway into people’s interpersonal relationship to trauma… I think that’s the difference with this reaction. People are connecting emotionally to themselves while connecting also to the experiences of people of color.” Claude shares his thoughts on the importance of opening up a real dialogue around racial injustice and systemic oppression. “Even though it feels uncomfortable, that’s the opportunity for you to move to a different place, to respond differently, to grow. It’s like there’s so much opportunity in growth in talking about this topic, personally and professionally.” Claude addresses the objectification that is often overlooked in racial trauma. “When I do individual therapy, I’m not engaged in the political process, because when I enter the room, especially for me as a black man, that shows up… whether it’s explicitly said through the client or not. So I’m always sort of holding these dynamics in play and I can look for how they show up clinically… This is a reality because it’s part of your reality and my reality… Therapy is about talking about how you relate to reality.” As a NARM therapist committed to addressing the relationship between these systemic social issues and complex trauma, Claude brings an important voice to the trauma-informed movement. In this episode, Claude invites us all into this specific conversation around racism and trauma. This important conversation can help us, as therapists and people who work with and care about individuals coming from communities that face these realities, identify the complexities of addressing trauma on multiple levels. And, the need to systemically address this now. “Anything that we can do to take one brick off this pyramid, this ugly monument of racism. If we can take one brick off at a time, whatever we can do to do that, I want to just acknowledge and at the same time, you know, it's about damn time. I would say that with love, of course.” CONNECT with Claude Family First Adolescent Services LinkedIn *** Learn more about the new Online NARM Basics Training: http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics NARM Training Institute http://www.NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Inst
Wed, May 27, 2020
Inspiring, Educating, and Supporting Trauma Therapists with Guy Macpherson from The Trauma Therapist Podcast
"Just because someone's vulnerable doesn't mean they don't have the answer...It means being very present and being willing to be present and for it to be okay to not have the answers as someone’s therapist." ~Guy Macpherson Join the new Online NARM Basics Training: http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics Sarah is joined by NARM Senior Faculty Brad Kammer and guest Guy Macpherson. With a doctorate in clinical psychology and a passion for spreading awareness of trauma, how it impacts lives, and trauma-informed care, Guy hosts his own podcast entitled the Trauma Therapist Podcast. This is just one of his many projects that are focused on connecting mental health professionals and others to information about trauma and trauma treatment. Throughout their conversation, Guy, Brad, and Sarah explore what’s so transformative about trauma-informed therapy. Guy speaks from his own experience as a therapist about the notions that he once held that have been debunked since working in the trauma field. He shares the quote, “Your job as a therapist is not to take your client’s pain away -- that’s their journey”. By ditching the idea that a therapist has to have all of the answers, they have more capacity to show up for their client. Especially when working with clients with complex trauma, the therapist’s authenticity and vulnerability can play a huge part in the process. W hat’s exciting for Guy about working with complex trauma is that, “there’s a whole element of being human with someone else”. It may sound simplistic, but it’s so powerful. “And not always easy,” Guy adds. Interwoven into their conversation, Sarah, Brad and Guy share stories of times they’ve been humbled by their work with healing trauma. Through these humbling experiences, many ideas of what being a therapist means has been broken down: the idea that if a therapist reads enough books or goes to enough workshops they’ll be prepared, the expectation that a therapist needs to know all of the answers, and the illusion that there’s only one way to approach working with clients. Rebuilt from their humbling experiences is the understanding that what at first might feel like doing less is in fact the way into a more authentic therapeutic connection. A therapist being comfortable with their own vulnerability “can be the vehicle to be present, to be open, and to be willing to learn”. Connect with Guy The Trauma Therapist Project Free Resource Give-Away We’re offering a podcast review give-away. Each week, we’re choosing one podcast reviewer to receive a NARM Clinical Protocol and NARM Personality Spectrum Worksheet. To enter, please submit a review within Apple Podcasts from your computer or mobile device and send a screenshot of your review to <a href= "mailto:transformingtrauma@nar
Wed, May 20, 2020
Spirituality in the Healing of Complex Trauma with Dr. Laurence Heller, Creator of NARM
"I'm not asking anybody to believe anything. [The] very strong orientation in NARM is to really listen to yourself, listen to your own experience, listen to the deepest experience in you and from that place, I see it over and over again, that as people get progressively more connected to the deepest elements of the small self and the big Self is that whether they use the word spirituality or not, they're describing spiritual kinds of reactions." ~Dr. Laurence Heller Join the new Online NARM Basics Training: http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics Dr. Laurence Heller, the Creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), is joined by our host, Sarah to answer a very common question about the role spirituality plays in the healing of trauma. How can spirituality serve reconnection to oneself in the aftermath of complex and developmental trauma? What are the ways that religious and spiritual practice might support trauma healing? What role does spirituality play in post-traumatic growth, and specifically in the NeuroAffective Relational Model for resolving Complex Trauma? Sarah begins this exploration by asking Dr. Heller how he defines spirituality. He says that it is very hard to define, and that spirituality is more than just a cognitive understanding. He says it is “an embodied understanding that there’s something more to us than what we take to be our personal identity.” While Dr. Heller did not explicitly build a spiritual approach to healing trauma, it is implicit in the model he created. Training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model does not involve any specific spiritual teaching or practice. What is supported is a process by which every individual learns how to better listen to themselves, to their own experiences, and from that place they get more connected to the deepest elements of self. This happens as a by-product of healing complex trauma. As people experience more secure connection to themselves, free from the psychobiological patterns of trauma, they develop a deeper sense of “Heartfulness”. Sarah and Dr. Heller also discuss a spectrum of spiritual trauma, from those who’ve been abused by others exploiting spirituality for their own gain, to those who, as Sarah puts it, are “addicted to spirituality”. They talk about what is referred to as “spiritual bypass”, which is when spiritual beliefs or practices are used to disconnect, generally in the face of uncertainty, for example in minimizing emotions and pushing for forgiveness. This can happen for individuals without an embodied spiritual foundation. Before this episode concludes, Sarah and Dr. Heller reflect together on the role spirituality is playing now in the midst of the global Coronavirus pandemic. Instead of using spirituality as a way to “make meaning of the situation”, Dr. Heller sees spirituality as providing the capacity to
Bonus · Thu, May 14, 2020
Special Announcement: New Online Training from the NARM Training Institute
Thanks to all your interest in learning more about NARM, we are launching the Online NARM Basics Training: an Online Training for Transforming Trauma. This is a brand new Level 1 training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model for professionals working with Complex Trauma. The intention of this online training is to make it more accessible to learn NARM. We know that during this time of COVID-19, live professional trainings are not an option. But even before this global crisis, many of you told us that you had difficulties traveling to come learn NARM, getting time off work, or affording the full NARM Practitioner Training. Despite these obstacles, many of you still wanted to learn NARM. If this rings true, then this online training is for you! This professional training is designed to support those of you working with clients or populations dealing with Complex Trauma, which with COVID and its aftermath, this includes many of us. This training is for mental health professionals, as well as helping professionals such as nurses, doctors, other healthcare providers, educators, substance abuse counselors, coaches, body-workers, and more. In this online training, participants will learn more about the changing field of trauma, a deeper understanding of the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and how NARM, one of the first models specifically designed to address C-PTSD, can support professionals in the growing trauma-informed field. This Online NARM Basics Training will be taught by NARM Creator, Dr. Laurence Heller, NARM Senior Faculty members Brad Kammer and Stefanie Klein, and a team of experienced NARM Trainers. During the four month online training, they will explore complex themes like: the difference between shock and developmental trauma; working with guilt, shame and self-sabotage; the impact of complex trauma on relationships, families and children; vicarious trauma and practitioner-burnout; post-traumatic growth; and how to apply NARM principles in a variety of settings. If you are looking for more advanced training in attachment, relational, developmental and intergenerational trauma, and are working in healthcare, education, substance abuse recovery, or allied fields, join us for this Level 1 NARM Training to become a NARM-Informed Professional. The first Online NARM Basics Training is starting on June 26, 2020 and will run one weekend a month through September. 60 continuing education units will be available for most helping professionals. There is limited space for this Level 1 NARM-Informed Professional Training, so register now to reserve your spot. We hope you will join us in learning how to Transform Trauma! For more information and to apply to the Online NARM Basics Training, please visit www.narmtraining.com/
Wed, May 06, 2020
Complex Trauma Therapy for Parents of Children with Medically Complex Diagnoses with Caroline Clyborne
"NARM is really great at honoring that basic human need of being able to protect yourself. Being able to protect yourself doesn’t mean that you have a magic wand and you can make the world a safe place. It’s being able to do some things on your behalf that really honor your ability to be an actor in your own life." ~Caroline Clyborne Transforming Trauma host Sarah Buino is joined by Caroline Clyborne, MA, LCP, a psychotherapist in Austin, Texas who specializes in clients with chronic illness and parents who are raising children with medical challenges. Caroline is also a NARM Therapist and has seen the positive impact that addressing complex trauma, and specifically the NARM approach, has had on clients and families managing chronic illnesses and medically complex diagnoses. After having her daughter who was born with medical complexities, Caroline observed the impact that medical trauma has on many children, as well as the impacts on parents and families. Caroline and Sarah discuss how disability, going in and out of the medical system, and other non-medical stressors influence the attachment relationship between parents of a child with disabilities and their children. These relational challenges often activate unresolved attachment and developmental trauma for already stressed and overwhelmed parents. What’s often lost in the parents’ overwhelm is the sense that even when a parent doesn’t have the ability to change or predict their child’s medical complexities, they still have their ability to be a parent to their child. In the NARM approach, this is referred to as agency. Caroline talks about finding “relative safety”, even when there is still an ongoing sense of danger surrounding them. Even when a parent can’t keep their child completely safe, Caroline explains that they can orient themselves to the safety measures they are taking -- this space of relative safety allows parents to experience the agency necessary to sustain themselves and their children. Sarah draws parallels between the work Caroline does with this population of parents to all child-parent relationships in situations when the issue can’t be solved by the parent, such as during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Caroline shares that when she was going through a very overwhelming time in her life as a parent, she would have loved to experience the feeling of agency that she found as she began engaging with NARM. She has since become a NARM Therapist which has enriched her capacities as a trauma-informed therapist. She finds the NARM approach to have strengthened her medical advocacy in adults with chronic illness and in parents raising medically complex and neurodivergent children. CONNECT WITH CAROLINE Invincible Summer Therapy Free Resource Give-Away We’re offering a podcast review give-away. Each week, we’re choosing one
Wed, April 29, 2020
Connection, Community and Transformation During Crisis with NARM Faculty Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein and Marcia Black
The global COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for us all. How are therapists supporting their clients in crisis? And what about the therapists themselves? How can we stay emotionally healthy during this time? NARM faculty members Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein and Marcia Black join Transforming Trauma host Sarah Buino to discuss grief and loss, relief and discomfort, agency and surrender, connection and disconnection, and opportunities for post-traumatic growth and transformation. Sarah asks Brad, Stefanie, and Marcia: What recurring themes have shown up for their clients? How have social distancing measures altered the client-therapist dynamic? What challenges are they noticing for themselves on a professional and personal level? Which self-care strategies have had the most impact on their wellbeing? How can NARM help during a time like this? The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) focuses on how therapists relate to and hold space for their clients. Brad, Stefanie and Marcia share a common bond, which is that they are passionate about their life’s work. They reflect on their role as therapists, teachers, supervisors and mentors, and leaders in the NARM community, in which they find great meaning and joy. While we are all facing a global trauma, they find hope in sharing with the world the NeuroAffective Relational Model, which is designed to support post-traumatic growth and transformation. Free Resource Give-Away We’re offering a podcast review give-away. Each week, we’re choosing one podcast reviewer to receive a NARM Clinical Protocol and NARM Personality Spectrum Worksheet. To enter, please submit a review within Apple Podcasts from your computer or mobile device and send a screenshot of your review to transformingtrauma@narmtraining.com . That’s it! Winners will be chosen weekly. NARM Community Gatherings We are grateful to have come together with so many of you for the recent NARM Online Community Gatherings, and we are looking forward to our next free community gathering on May 14, 2020. These events focus on how we can stay emotionally healthy during this time of isolation and are great opportunities to engage with NARM material and the NARM Community. We've made the replay videos from all of these events available on our website so that you can access them even after the events have occurred. We hope these are useful resources for you during this time. Please go to http://www.narmtraining.com/events to sign up for the replay videos. NARM Training Institute http://www.NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online w
Wed, April 15, 2020
Soul Death and the Reclamation of the Soul - Healing Complex Trauma in Africa with Wangui Wanjiru
“The one thing I love about NARM is that it's empowering. It helps you realize that there’s so much power in you. It returns your agency. The power of agency is that you let go of the helplessness.” -Wangui Wanjiru Host Sarah Buino and her guest Wangui Wanjiru, a Kenyan clinical psychologist and the first NARM Therapist on the African continent, seek to humanize the culturally-specific challenges of complex trauma care in Africa. Wangui describes the cultural orientation that’s very present in Kenyan culture, a strong focus on the group over the individual. She says people don’t personalize themselves or each other outside of sweeping social categories. And when people do acknowledge their individuality, they are labeled as “selfish”. While painting the picture of how more communal based cultures work against the individual’s connection with themself, Wangui describes the bind that comes with the desire to remain in connection with your culture. Sarah and Wangui talk about what they’ve learned in their NARM Training-- that when someone is more connected with themselves, they actually have more capacity to be connected with others, their community, and their culture. Paradoxically, reconnecting with the self, which pushes against the Kenyan social construct of “the group over the individual”, will actually allow for more connection with the Kenyan culture as a whole. Wangui brings up an important question: What are we gaining from losing touch with ourselves? And then Sarah and Wangui go even further in their discussion, reflecting on the impacts of racial oppression and cultural trauma, to ask: Who is benefiting from people losing touch with their individuality? Sarah prompts Wangui to share what it has been like to bring NARM to Africa and applying the NARM approach to her work with her clients. They discuss whether healing trauma is possible as cultures are still currently living through trauma: How can one transform trauma amidst ongoing trauma and oppression? “The beauty of reclaiming your self is that when issues come, or even though you’re still living within the trauma, these issues don’t come to an empty soul, or they don’t come to a dead soul. They’re coming to a soul that can resist and choose what gets in and what does not get in. And that’s the empowering part of it. Yes, people might be continuing to go through trauma, but as long as the software within themselves is different, you’re giving them the virus protection. It’s not about getting people out of trauma, it’s not about let’s do this treatment after the trauma is done, it’s letting empower people as they’re going through trauma so they will carry less of it.” NARM Training Institute http://www.NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and on
Wed, April 01, 2020
Dr. Laurence Heller in Conversation with Dr. Gabor Maté on Complex Trauma and the Future of Trauma-Informed Care
“First of all, I think all trauma is complex… Secondly, it's a question of what we define as trauma. For me, the essence of trauma is the disconnection from the self.” ~Dr. Gabor Maté Our host Sarah Buino facilitates an extraordinary conversation between trauma visionaries Dr. Laurence Heller and Dr. Gabor Maté centered on complex trauma, its effects on human development, and their views on the future of trauma-informed care. At the core of both Dr. Heller’s and Dr. Maté’s thinking on trauma is the understanding that trauma is not what happens to someone, it is what happens within someone. Both Dr. Heller and Dr. Maté address the profound effects of disconnection and misattunement that lead to complex trauma. The clinical models they have developed over the course of their careers - the NeuroAffective Relational Model (Heller) and Compassionate Inquiry (Maté) - both focus on how using aspects of the self, like compassion and agency, can support the healing of complex trauma. Sarah, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Maté address the gap in the mental health and healthcare fields with understanding C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). This means that many therapists are working with clients without fully comprehending the complex psychobiological patterns that leads to such suffering for their clients. As Dr. Maté puts it, “If I could pass a law...if you don't understand trauma, you’re not allowed to practice psychotherapy. You can coach people. You can be a friend to people. You can lend an empathetic ear to people. That's all therapeutic. But, if you don't understand trauma, there is no basis for you doing deep therapy with people.” Both Dr. Heller and Dr. Maté share the intention of bringing their important work into the trauma-informed field, and to anyone suffering from unresolved trauma, so that we can address the unrelenting personal and social impacts of unresolved trauma. At the end of this lively discussion. Dr. Heller and Dr. Maté begin making plans for future collaboration. “The word trauma itself is being thrown around a lot. I just want to emphasize that [early trauma leads to an] adaptation , a way that we distort our sense of self and the sense of other in adapting to developmental trauma that creates the difficulties that we experienced as human beings.” ~Dr. Laurence Heller RESOURCES MENTIONED Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship - Dr. Laurence Heller When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-disease Connection - Dr. Gabor Maté <a href= "https://beckinstitute.org/team/dr
Tue, March 24, 2020
How to Stay Emotionally Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
“It Is a very basic, ancient understanding that emotions come and they go. And if we don't push them away, we don't fight them and we don't attach to them in a strong way, they tend to move through much more quickly.” - Laurence Heller, PhD In this special episode, our host Sarah is joined by Dr. Laurence Heller, creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) and Brad Kammer, NARM Training Director and Senior Faculty. As we face the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the trio reflects on how to come together in community to support each other in times of crisis. Faced with the need for physical distancing and isolation, it can be difficult to connect to the resources that we rely on to manage the stressors in our lives. Additionally, the fear and anxieties triggered by the unknown - our uncertain future - can create additional challenges for us all. Dr. Heller and Brad Kammer share constructive advice for managing the powerful emotions triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. Feelings of fear, helplessness, uncertainty, and grief, valid during any crisis, are often overwhelming. What if, instead of avoiding them, we followed Dr. Heller’s suggestion and allowed ourselves to fully experience these emotions? What if we gave ourselves the same compassion we show others and created space for self-reflection and self-compassion? “Emotions are not designed to be permanent,” says Dr. Heller. “They only tend to stay permanent and fixed if we run away from them.” Recognizing that we’re all in this together, the NARM Training Institute was created to support individuals, families and communities in facing the impacts of complex trauma, and provide effective strategies for navigating the fear, isolation and uncertainty during this challenging time for our world. “The way that we show up in ourselves is really going to be the best model for them [children]] about how to navigate this really scary time.” - Brad Kammer RESOURCE MENTIONED: Netflix Watch Party NARM Training Institute http://www. NARMtraining.com *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and
Wed, March 18, 2020
The Blind Spots of Privilege and Complex Trauma in Marginalized Communities with Claude Cayemitte
“I believe everyone has [complex trauma]. And we may know it logically, and tell ourselves ‘Oh, it’s okay,’ and all that. For me my journey has been to really deepen my own compassion for myself and recognize my own complex trauma.” Claude Cayemitte, MSW, RCSWI Claude Cayemitte, a clinical social worker and NARM Therapist, joins our host Sarah Buino to examine how complex trauma impacts individuals from marginalized communities and how unrecognized cultural trauma can lead to misattunement in the therapeutic relationship. Using his NARM training as a foundation, and his own background as a Haitian-American male therapist, Claude addresses blind spots, such as privilege, biases and fear, that impact connection between therapists and their clients, particularly from non-dominant cultures. These blind spots can prevent much-needed introspection within and outside of the therapeutic setting, and can lead to further distrust and disconnection between individuals and communities. When talking about his own experience as a therapist who is also a person of color, Claude identifies the difference between what it feels like when people are acting-out from their own unconscious biases - even well-intended ones - versus when they show up with cultural humility. Cultural humility is not something that can be faked, it emerges from self-reflection that requires exploring one’s unconscious biases. When someone shows up with curiosity and openness, and is continually doing the work of self-reflection, they build the ability to tolerate the complexity of being connected to others even in difference and disagreement. Claude sees this as an important distinction to understand, especially for therapists working cross-culturally, or anyone working with social justice issues. As a recipient of the Minority Fellowship Award from the Council of Social Work Education for his work with at-risk teens, Claude has witnessed first-hand what happens when therapists bring their whole selves, and a willingness to examine their own biases and fears, into their therapeutic practice: long-standing cultural trauma - social injustices and disconnection between individuals and communities - can begin to shift and heal. RESOURCES MENTIONED Family First Adolescent Services White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism Conversations With A Wounded Healer CONTACT CLAUDE Claude Cayemitte Primary Therapist Family First Adolescent Services LinkedIn
Wed, March 04, 2020
Bringing Complex Trauma Healing Into the Fraternity of First Responders With Gina Essex
“Complex trauma shows up in so many different ways that are covert and overt. And, the more we can recognize it, the more we're able to approach it in a way that moves towards healing and not isolation.” ~ Gina Essex, MA, LPC-S Our host Sarah is joined by Gina Essex, a psychotherapist, NARM Therapist and Senior Training Assistant, who began working with the NeuroAffective Relational Model ® (NARM ® ) in 2013. Gina has a passion for making this trauma healing work accessible to everyone, as she says: “It’s so important for everyone to know that the effects of trauma can be healed over time.” Over the past few years Gina has been focused on introducing NARM to first responders in her community. Gina works with firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement, and military— populations that tend to present unique challenges for traditional therapists. “These people run toward danger. They run toward life threat. They’re trained to go against their normal human instinct: to get away from danger.” Gina describes how she thinks of running toward danger as the flip side of what these first responders are dealing with internally. She suggests that in order to run toward danger, they have to run away from themselves. In addition to the tolerance for high-risk experiences required in these professions, there’s an element of fraternity that frames any evidence of vulnerability as a potential liability . The constant desensitization to high-risk experiences can prevent these deeply-caring professionals from accessing and expressing their real feelings. “There are stigmas within these communities, ‘Don’t show your emotion. Don’t cry. You'll look weak, or you'll be weak and people don't want to work with you, or you won't have our back, or you'll be shunned if you’re weak.’” As for her own journey, Gina says that NARM training has opened her up to areas where she had, in the past, focused too much attention on the doing . She’s learning to trust the process more, including her clients’ capacity to be their own healers. “It’s a very sacred space and not to be overlooked.” Hear how the work Gina does with the first responders address these stigmas head-on, and how she has <span style="f
Wed, February 19, 2020
Self-reflective Practice, Personal Healing, and Social Change with Dr. Bianka Hardin
“NARM really helped me through all of these protective strategies I had that were getting in the way of me showing up the way I authentically wanted to show up. So, I found something that has been personally transformative. And, whenever I do that, I want to tell everyone about it! I’ve seen my friends and peers go through NARM and really transform how they’re showing up in the world. It’s just really life-changing.” ~Bianka Hardin, PsyD Our host Sarah is joined by Psychologist, Professor and NARM Therapist Dr. Bianka Hardin, to discuss the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) and its role in professional development for helping professionals, including its central focus on the therapist’s own personal development, as a tool for impacting personal healing and social change. Bianka was already an accomplished trauma therapist and professor working in Chicago, had completed many previous therapy trainings, and had been a leader in the trauma-informed movement for years when she was introduced to NARM. She recalls the moment in her NARM training when she went all in -- using her own life as case study. Although originally drawn to NARM’s “bottom-up” and “top-down” methodology, and its blending of somatic mindfulness with mindful awareness, it was the experiential practice that helped her feel the power of this work and that differentiated NARM from other approaches she had studied. Bianka credits NARM for promoting an environment where a person’s protective strategies are honored, not forcibly eradicated. Sarah and Bianka share the relief at finding a healing modality that provides less pressure for both the therapist and client, and a vehicle for embodying a sense of adult agency, a feeling of truly “growing up”. NARM prepares therapists to bring this impactful work to their clients by giving them a learning experience to learn from the inside-out. Bianka wouldn’t have it any other way: “You can’t have joy if you’re not able to tolerate the experience of your own pain.” Bianka and Sarah reflect on the gift they’re able to give to their clients in supporting their capacity to discover what they most want for themselves in their lives and to be able to more deeply connect to themselves and others. Bianka credits NARM with her growth as a therapist, teacher, mother, wife, friend and an individual. She is thrilled to be an ambassador for this cutting-edge model, in a field of complex trauma still in its infancy, and she’s honored and optimistic about sharing it with the world. CONTACT BIANKA Bianka Hardin - Centered Therapy Chicago RESOURCES DISCUSSED Trauma & Recovery: The Aftermath Of Violence - Judith Herman <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Heal
Wed, February 05, 2020
Helping Adolescents and Teens Transition from Dependency to Agency with Mike Giresi
“Learning how to support someone gain greater depth of experience and tolerance for their more primary emotions that feel scary to them, that experience within myself has changed absolutely everything… I have the capacity, now, to be resilient in those moments that, if those things do happen, I can meet them. And that’s what we’re really supporting.” ~Mike Giresi Sarah chats with Mike Giresi, Director of Clinical Development at Family First Adolescent Services in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and NARM Practitioner, about the profound impact the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) has made in his work with adolescents and teens. The drive to help others heal often stems from one’s own healing. Mike’s journey to sobriety ignited a desire for personal growth and professional development that led him to the study of psychology, and ultimately his passion for helping others understand the relationship between addiction and complex trauma. These days, when he’s not traveling the country speaking on the relationship between addiction and trauma treatment, or teaching on NARM, Mike is busy helping teens and adolescents navigate the tricky transition from dependency to agency. But guiding a teen through that emotional process of self-inquiry has its hazards. Regardless of how well-intentioned adults might be, teens are hyper-vigilant against anyone coming at them with an agenda. That offer of help can trigger memories of the early childhood disruptions and objectification that played a role in the teen’s current challenges. For this reason, the entire staff at Family First Adolescent Services has become NARM-trained. Mike believes that the resulting agenda-neutral environment is a safer place in which young clients with complex trauma can heal old patterns that have been in their way of a healthier, happier adolescence. “With complex trauma (C-PTSD), safety is about working with a person’s sense of agency, the kind of various relational and emotional difficulties that everyone faces in everyday life. Those aren’t about mortal threats to the physical self, like shock trauma (PTSD). It’s much more about a threat to the psychological self or our sense of self.” In utilizing NARM to resolve complex trauma, Mike has been blown-away by the new possibilities opening up for the boys as they begin relating to themselves and others in new ways, including feeling more hopeful and confident in moving forward into adulthood. The changes, he says, are dramatic. Every day, Mike feels blessed to be part of supporting transformation in the teens and their families. The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inne
Wed, January 29, 2020
Complex Trauma, Post-Traumatic Growth, and the NeuroAffective Relational Model with Brad Kammer
In understanding how effective the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) can be in support of Transforming Trauma, we must broaden the conversation around trauma to recognize Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) and a new understanding of Post-Traumatic Growth. As Dr. Laurence Heller, creator of NARM®, states in his book Healing Developmental Trauma , “No matter how withdrawn or isolated we have become on the deepest level, just as a plant spontaneously moves towards sunlight, there is in each of us an impulse toward connection and healing.” Sarah is joined by Brad Kammer, psychotherapist, educator, and the NARM® training director and senior trainer, to discuss the roots of developmental trauma, our current understanding of complex trauma, where NARM® fits in the current trauma field, and the transformative power of NARM®. NARM is a model specifically designed to resolve the impacts of Complex Trauma: including attachment, developmental, relational, cultural and intergenerational trauma. NARM is a top-down, bottom-up approach that integrates psychodynamic and somatic psychotherapy, within a mindful, interpersonal process, in order to provide an unparalleled full-spectrum of care. Sarah and Brad agree: “Trauma is the underlying cause of most, if not all, psychological disorders.” For anyone that is interested in the trauma-informed movement - and how it can support psychotherapy, healthcare, education, public policy, and social justice - it is important to unpack the nuances of complex trauma. Sarah informs podcast listeners that they do not need to hold degrees in mental health in order to engage with NARM work. What is required is an open, inquisitive mind, with a basic understanding of complex trauma and a desire to help people with resources to move through their trauma. Brad shares that Oprah Winfrey is a fierce advocate for helping put C-PTSD and the trauma-informed movement on the map. Brad says that even though it’s still early in the trauma field movement, there are models that are aimed at resolving complex trauma. “NARM is designed for working with people that have experienced and are still dealing and living with unresolved complex trauma,” says Brad. “That’s where NARM fits in.” His vision is that at-risk individuals -- especially children -- will get the assistance they deserve to thrive beyond the confines of their trauma. Accessibility is key. Through this podcast and with its global training initiatives, NARM is expanding its reach. Brad hopes to not only help individuals who are focusing on healing from complex trauma, but also to extend the program’s influence to families and communities plagued by violence, conflict and social injustice. As he say
Trailer · Wed, January 22, 2020
Healing From Complex Trauma
In a modern world beset by trauma and a legacy of suffering, conflict and disconnection, healing trauma can serve as a vehicle for personal and social transformation. Brought to you by The NARM Training Institute and hosted by psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, Sarah Buino , Transforming Trauma will introduce you to the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a revolutionary approach for healing Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) and restoring connection to self and others. Interviews with NARM Therapists, and other prominent trauma specialists, will highlight how NARM fills a missing gap in our current efforts to address the legacy of childhood, cultural and intergenerational trauma. And most importantly, we'll share the stories of individuals and communities thriving after Complex Trauma. In this brief trailer, you'll meet our host, Sarah Buino, and hear how she discovered and became as student of NARM. Whether you are a healthcare professional, an educator, a parent, a public policy maker, a trauma survivor, or someone interested in personal healing and social justice; this podcast will provide you with a map for increased resiliency, greater health outcomes, healthier relationships, personal growth and social change through transforming trauma . *** We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining Twitter @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute Learn more about The NARM Training Institute: http://www.narmtraining.com Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program: http://www.narmtraining.com/freetrial
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