System Speak: Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders Guest: Dr. Thema Bryant
Jul 28, 2025
Dr. Thema Bryant, a clinical psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association, shares her insights on healing from trauma. She emphasizes the importance of relationships in recovery and discusses practical self-care methods that demonstrate self-love. Thema introduces a liberation framework for trauma, relating it to culture and community. She also highlights the role of arts and movement in therapy, while addressing how to reclaim one's body and worthiness amidst trauma. Listeners gain valuable strategies for personal empowerment and healing.
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Early Training Shaped A Trauma Path
- As an undergraduate, Dr. Thema worked for Rape Crisis of Durham through a Duke program that paid student employees.
- She later trained with Judith Herman during her postdoc, which shaped her trauma work.
Share Knowledge For Collective Healing
- Dr. Thema prioritizes dissemination and social justice to maximize healing and prevention.
- She writes books and uses media to share trauma knowledge beyond academia.
Community Shapes Recovery
- Relationships and community profoundly affect trauma recovery outcomes.
- Responses to disclosure (belief, support, blame) can either protect or compound trauma.
