The Trauma Thrivers Podcast

Healing and Authenticity with Guy Macpherson

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:16:59 +0000

Talking about trauma healing and authenticity with Guy Macpherson, Lou Lebentz and Melanie Curtis.

Vices in the Guise of Gaming, Online & Screen Dependency

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:15:56 +0000

This week we are joined by Hilarie Cash, founder of Restart Life. We will be talking about vices in the guise of gaming, online & screen dependency.

What Does It Take to Truly Thrive?

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:12:44 +0000

This week Lou and Mel are going to be talking about "Thrivability" - what the six key elements are to being able to really thrive through trauma and a bit about how we got there ourselves.

Back to Basics: What Really Works When It Comes to Trauma Healing?

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 11:32:10 +0000

In our latest episode, Mel and I take on a HUGE question - what really works when it comes to trauma healing?

One thing we do know is that when it comes to healing from trauma there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution, we are all wonderfully unique and therefore our healing journeys will be too. With so many modalities out there it can be confusing to know what is the best path to take and we can end up spending so much time and money searching for the right approach.

We share our own personal stories of the different things we've tried - you'll get to hear some of my anecdotes and hopefully be amused. Looking back I can certainly laugh! We also discuss our professional opinions and what we know works from knowledge and experience with our own clients.

This group is so huge now and it's such a blessing to be able to communicate with so many wonderful people. You (yes, you!) are what makes all of this possible, so if you have any feedback on subjects, guests, or anything we would love to hear from you.

Recreational Drugs, Spirituality and Plant Medicine - the connections and differences

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 17:05:23 +0000

Lou, Mel, Lis Cashin, and Lucy Da Silva discuss drugs, spirituality, and the pros and cons of plant medicine! And how that may fit in or not with a trauma/addiction recovery journey.

Self-Regulating Our Emotions When We Have Addictions or Trauma

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 16:59:45 +0000

Lou Lebentz, Mandy Manners, and Kate Baily discuss ways to self-regulate our emotions when we suffer from scars of addictions or trauma.

Addiction and the Family

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:58:11 +0000

September is #RecoveryMonth - a whole month dedicated to celebrating the gains made by those in recovery from addiction.

Addiction does not just harm the person that is directly affected - the families and loved ones are often also left traumatised.

This week in Trauma Thrivers we talk about the impact of addiction and trauma on the family. This week I'm joined by Melanie Curtis, Victoria Seed, and Liz Martin as we discuss addiction, how it affects the family, and share our insights and most importantly, how you can help!

To listen to more interviews like this, join my Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/traumathrivers

Prof. Stephen Porges – Author of the Polyvagal Theory

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:41:21 +0000

In my latest interview, I'm thrilled to be joined by Professor Stephen Porges - author of the Polyvagal theory, and our regular co-host, Melanie Curtis.

Stephen has totally revolutionised the way that we look at mental health, by understanding the nervous system, and safety within the body.

If you don’t know about Polyvagal theory, then this is your chance to tune in and find out more. When you understand the Polyvagal theory it simplifies everything to do with trauma and how people's neurophysiology reacts - trying to bring safety into our systems is paramount.

I’m so delighted that Stephen joined us and shared his wisdom and insights to help us understand his theory - I hope you get loads out of it!

Remember you can use our voucher "TT50" to get a 50% discount off The Master Series - Trauma Edition.

www.themasterseries.com

Codependency - How does it relate to trauma

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:06:15 +0000

In this conversation, I'm joined by the wonderful Alistair Richardson, Melanie Curtis, and Hilary Thompson Betts as we discuss one of my favourite subjects - codependency!

In both the fields of trauma and addiction you hear the word "codependency" banded around a lot - but what is it?

At its very essence, codependency is about the adapted part of us running the show.

The codependent self - the part of us that changes ourselves to fit in and mould ourselves to suit whatever situation we are in, to please and appease the people we are around, trying to control, or compulsively help or fix other people.

Listen to my latest conversation to find out the ins and outs of codependency, how it works, and most importantly, how you can break the cycle.

TRE - Trauma Release Exercise – A Discussion

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 09:48:31 +0000

In this amazing international conversation, I'm joined by Juliette Gamble and Jessica Avidon to talk about TRE - Trauma and Tension Releasing Exercises.

We discuss what TREs are, the biology behind them, and most importantly, how they can help you shake off the past!

Assertiveness and How To Improve Your Own

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 12:05:56 +0000

Today we bring you a conversation featuring the lovely Liz Martin and the fabulous Mandy Plumb.

We discuss assertiveness and how you can improve your own!

Much love and I hope you enjoy it!

Gabor Maté's Film: The Wisdom of Trauma

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:08:51 +0000

We are so delighted to bring you a discussion on the wonderful film “The Wisdom of Trauma” released a couple of weeks ago, featuring the brilliant Gabor Maté. ⠀

Please join me, Madeleine Black, Melanie Curtis and Mandy Manners as we discuss more deeply the topics talked about in the film and of course, trauma and addiction recovery in general.⠀

All of us will be offering up both our personal and professional experiences and insights on trauma healing and also the best ways we have found to heal. ⠀

Also in the debate will be how this film is helping massively to lead the way into this new era of “mental health and trauma treatment” and in effect, what that really will bring about and what it could mean. ⠀

⠀

Boundaries - How Vital They Are in Trauma Recovery

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:05:17 +0000

Boundaries are such an important topic and sometimes hard to negotiate on our trauma healing journeys. So learning how, when and with whom to implement them is crucial.

In this episode I am joined by the wonderful Melanie Curtis, Karolina Christopher and Jacky Power.

Lou xx

Bill Cosby's Prison Release and Sexual Trauma

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:00:27 +0000

So excited to bring you the recording of another conversationtion featuring the fabulous Shari Botwin and the lovely Madeleine Black.

We discuss the release of Bill Cosby and the impact that will undoubtedly have.

Much love and I hope you enjoy it!

Havening for Trauma with Erika Neil

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:41:00 +0000

I'm delighted to introduce Erika Neil - a psychotherapist and trainer experienced in working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or significant stress, and who find that these issues are diminishing their ability to enjoy life.

Erika has additional specialized training in Havening, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Emotional Freedom Technique, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Flash, Brainspotting, and Reiki. Her style is collaborative, warm, and solution-focused. She often uses mind-body techniques to accelerate awareness and change. With compassion and understanding, she works with individuals to help them build on their strengths and attain personal growth and well-being.

What you'll learn from this podcast:

✔️ How Erika's law career kickstarted her interest in psychotherapy

✔️The many benefits of Havening

✔️ How delta brainwaves calm us down

✔️ What bilateral stimulation is and how it helps us heal

Check out Erika’s website below 👇

https://www.erikaneil.com/

Finding Your Voice and Raising Awareness With Diana Varco

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:39:00 +0000

I am so happy to welcome Diana Varco to the show. Diana is an UCB/Groundlings trained expert improvisor, story-teller and actress using humour to heal.

She's written an amazing one-woman show called Shattered - a dark comedy, where she applies comedy and character-work to explore mental health, the impact of sexual and domestic violence, power of Shame, post-traumatic growth, and much more!

We discuss:

✔️ The parallels between drama and therapy

✔️How acting can help you be your true self

✔️ The cathartic power of writing

✔️How to listen to your head, heart, and gut

Check out Diana’s YouTube channel below 👇

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJIlFdIx3V0bOGosz_M0qVQ

Instagram: @dianavarco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diana.varco

Anjula Mutanda – Overcoming Childhood Adversity

Wed, 26 May 2021 13:04:15 +0000

Anjula is a highly respected relationship psychologist, mental health expert, presenter, author, social scientist, and media consultant with an international profile. She speaks to Lou about her childhood and growing up with trauma all around her, not only from her own parents but also culturally and trans-generationally.

With honesty, openness, empathy and a good degree of humour, Anjula touchingly talks about how she overcame the adversity in her own childhood. Not only that but how she became a mum and wife and how proud she is of this achievement and how she turned her adversity into becoming one of the most successful and well known psychologists in the UK today.

Go Anjula!! She is one awesome and inspiring lady.

Benjamin Fry – The Dysregulated Nervous System

Wed, 26 May 2021 13:01:41 +0000

What does it feel like trying to relate to others when you have a dysregulated nervous system?

The answer is that we feel pretty terrible. Watch Benjamin Fry as he discusses with me the nervous system, his own journey and how, after many years of working with clients, he was able to put solutions into a book, #theinvisiblelion, which help a dysregulated nervous system heal, and work to relate better with other people in relationships and life in general.

I am Lou Lebentz a psychotherapist and I have recently set up a closed group on Facebook called the Trauma Thrivers. This is a safe space helping you thrive and become the full, outspoken and authentic version of your real self. In the group I will be regularly interviewing experts about trauma. I will be posting some of the interviews on this You Tube page as well.

Tian Dayton – How Psychodrama Helps Our Histories

Wed, 26 May 2021 12:59:21 +0000

Dr Tian Dayton PHD is the worlds foremost expert in psychodrama and a specialist in adult children of dysfunctional families and an addiction expert. Her Lou speaks to her about her background and how she got into the recovery field firstly. Also Tian explains how psychodrama helps heal our histories and overcome our family patterns or dynamics and how to move out of our trauma.

Mark Brayne – The Magic of EMDR

Wed, 26 May 2021 12:57:20 +0000

Mark Brayne is a well known and highly regarded UK therapist and EMDR consultant and one of the foremost experts on Attachment Focused EMDR and Intergenerational Trauma. In this video Mark succinctly lays out what EMDR actually is and how it works and the "magic" of it as a therapeutic intervention.

For anyone in EMDR therapy or thinking of embarking on an EMDR journey, this is a must watch highly valuable 45 mins of information. It's also helpful for anyone with trauma to understand why getting to the kernel of the trauma, which lies in the body is crucial in releasing the symptoms of trauma. We need to get to the root, which EMDR does so beautifully whether the root is in your generation or in your parents or grandparents.

Dr Paul Hokemeyer – Studying the Rich and Famous

Wed, 26 May 2021 12:54:50 +0000

Dr Paul Hokemeyer is an author and an internationally renowned clinical and consulting psychotherapist, who works with individuals and families all over the world. He’s been featured as a guest on countless TV shows from Dr Oz to Good Morning America to the Today Show to name just a few. Dr Paul is also well known for having treated some of the world’s most successful people, which “Dr. Paul” has written about in his acclaimed book “Fragile Power, why having it all is never enough”.

In this interview Lou asks Dr Paul more about his work, how he came to study the "rich and famous" and also why in many cases is it that people who seem to have everything can end up feeling like their achievements are never enough? Dr Paul answers these important questions amidst many others, in an eloquent, compassionate and erudite way. A great precursor to reading his terrific book, which couldn't come out at a better time in the World when there is so much evidence of the fragile power all around us for sure!

Juliet Grayson - the Pesso Boyden System for Trauma

Sat, 22 May 2021 16:41:27 +0000

Juliet is a well-respected trainer, facilitator, executive mentor and coach in Pesso Boyden System Psychotherapy. This is a mind-body approach to emotional well-being and peak performance.

PBSP aims to help clients become aware of their own internal maps or blueprints for living. Often, these are formed in our early lives before we have any say in the matter. Strategies that may have helped us in the past can hinder us in the present day and affect our quality of life.

Pesso Boyden therapists like Juliet target these old emotional processes and patterns, and help people to mend their historical damage with an emotional solution.

In this podcast we talk about:

· The origins of PBSP

· How PBSP helps address attachment issues

· The importance of controlling your own trauma treatment

· How to insert corrective experiences into our own timelines

Contact Juliet here:

Follow Lou on social media and join her Facebook Group for more amazing Trauma Thriving content:

The Trauma Thrivers Podcast

Healing and Authenticity with Guy Macpherson

Vices in the Guise of Gaming, Online & Screen Dependency

What Does It Take to Truly Thrive?

Back to Basics: What Really Works When It Comes to Trauma Healing?

Recreational Drugs, Spirituality and Plant Medicine - the connections and differences

Self-Regulating Our Emotions When We Have Addictions or Trauma

Addiction and the Family

Prof. Stephen Porges – Author of the Polyvagal Theory

Codependency - How does it relate to trauma

TRE - Trauma Release Exercise – A Discussion

Assertiveness and How To Improve Your Own

Gabor Maté's Film: The Wisdom of Trauma

Boundaries - How Vital They Are in Trauma Recovery

Bill Cosby's Prison Release and Sexual Trauma

Havening for Trauma with Erika Neil

Finding Your Voice and Raising Awareness With Diana Varco

Anjula Mutanda – Overcoming Childhood Adversity

Benjamin Fry – The Dysregulated Nervous System

Tian Dayton – How Psychodrama Helps Our Histories

Mark Brayne – The Magic of EMDR

Dr Paul Hokemeyer – Studying the Rich and Famous

Juliet Grayson - the Pesso Boyden System for Trauma

Juliette Alfonsi-Gamble - The Link Between Stress and Illness

Nicci Roscoe - Crystals and Reiki for Trauma

Simon Chapple - Addiction Recovery and Trauma

Liz Cashin - PTSD and Forgiveness - This is Me

Mark Escott - Schools for Children with Trauma

Lorna Evans - The Mind and Body Connection with Trauma

Kirstie Pearce - How Yoga helped me to heal

Dr Karol Darsa - 5 steps to healing from trauma

Rene Michele - Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse

John-Paul Davies - Compassion focused therapy for trauma

Shari Botwin - The link between trauma and eating disorders