383. What My Bones Know: C-PTSD with Stephanie Foo
Nov 27, 2024
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Stephanie Foo, a New York Times bestselling author and radio producer, shares her journey of healing from complex PTSD in a heartfelt discussion. She distinguishes between PTSD and C-PTSD, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences for effective support. Stephanie delves into her therapeutic experiences, including EMDR and yoga, and highlights how community and relationships have been crucial in her recovery. The conversation offers practical advice and wisdom for anyone navigating their own healing path or supporting others.
Stephanie Foo's memoir illustrates the nuanced differences between CPTSD and PTSD, emphasizing the significance of understanding these distinctions for healing.
The role of community and relationships is highlighted as essential to recovery, integrating support systems within therapeutic practices enhances healing outcomes.
Creative expression, such as writing, is presented as a valuable tool for processing trauma and discovering meaning in personal experiences.
Deep dives
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Importance of Relationships in Therapy
The discussion emphasizes that traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may not be sufficient for effective healing, particularly for those dealing with trauma. Stephanie Fu highlights the significance of relationship-building through various forms of therapy, such as rupture repair therapy, relational therapy, and community-based therapy. By integrating therapeutic practices into social activities, like sewing groups or intramural sports, individuals can foster support and connection within their communities. This approach aims to cultivate essential life skills, such as vulnerability and trust, in a more engaging and accessible manner.
Understanding CPTSD Through Personal Narratives
Stephanie Fu's memoir provides a unique perspective on complex PTSD (CPTSD), exploring the deep emotional scars left by chronic trauma. Unlike traditional clinical narratives, her account blends personal experiences with journalistic insights, shedding light on the broader implications of living with CPTSD. She underscores the inadequacy of resources available for individuals with similar experiences, noting a lack of first-person perspectives in existing literature. This narrative aims to foster empathy and understanding among therapists and individuals dealing with trauma, reinforcing the idea that recovery is a journey marked by resilience and hope.
The Significance of Hope and Agency in Healing
Throughout her journey, Stephanie Fu emphasizes the critical role of hope and agency in the healing process for those with trauma histories. During her initial diagnosis, the overwhelming emotions led her to feel irreparably broken, but recognizing the severity of her trauma ultimately spurred her toward recovery. She reflects on the importance of accessible and empowering narratives that validate individuals' experiences while reinforcing their strength. The narrative highlights how fostering a sense of hope can act as a catalyst for individuals to confront and navigate their trauma, allowing them to build fulfilling lives.
Navigating Complex Emotions in Relationships
The podcast addresses the complexity of emotions experienced by individuals with backgrounds of trauma, particularly in familial contexts. Stephanie Fu articulates that it is often safer for children to view their parents as good rather than evil, as it grants them a sense of control and agency in a chaotic environment. Recognizing this intricate emotional landscape challenges the binary notions of victimhood and encourages a deeper understanding of relational dynamics. Ultimately, this perspective aims to foster compassion and insight into the motivations behind behaviors influenced by trauma.
In this episode, Jill sits down with Stephanie Foo to explore her memoir, What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma, a deeply personal account of her healing journey through complex PTSD (CPTSD). Stephanie shares what it’s like to carry the weight of complex trauma, offering insights into how you can begin to heal too.
Through her story and experience, you’ll learn how CPTSD differs from PTSD and why understanding those differences can help you (or someone you love) feel less alone. Stephanie opens up about her therapy journey—EMDR, yoga, and meditation—and how relationships and community became her anchors in the storm.
Whether you’re a therapist, someone walking your own healing path, or supporting a loved one, this conversation is full of wisdom and practical advice to inspire hope and compassion.
Listen and Learn:
Meet Stephanie and find out why she wrote What My Bones Know, a memoir about healing from complex trauma.
Understand what makes CPTSD different from PTSD and how that knowledge can help you or someone you love.
How writing and creativity can be powerful tools for processing trauma and finding meaning.
The role of community, relationships, and support in recovering from trauma.
The complexities of abusive relationships and how they shape the healing journey.
Practical therapeutic methods like EMDR, yoga, and meditation, and why they worked for Stephanie.
How social support can make therapy more effective and healing more sustainable.
The importance of facing suicidal thoughts with connection and support from loved ones.
How journalism and purpose helped Stephanie move forward after trauma.
How to begin your own healing journey and the three key elements that helped Stephanie recover from complex trauma.
How therapists can create compassionate, validating spaces for clients dealing with trauma.
Stephanie Foo is the NYT Bestselling author of What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma. She has written for Vox and The New York Times. She worked as a radio producer for This American Life and Snap Judgment, and her stories aired on Reply All, 99% Invisible, and Radiolab. A noted speaker and instructor, she has taught at Columbia University and has spoken at venues from the Sundance Film Festival to the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
