In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
Once bedbound with chronic pain and told she'd be disabled for life, Samphire Hayes transformed her health not through surgery, but by embracing natural, ancestral practices—like ground sitting, mindfulness, and movement. In this powerful conversation with Mark Groves, she shares how reconnecting with her body and nature helped her go from mobility aids to walking marathons. Now a psychotherapist and natural lifestyle coach, Samphire helps others break free from chronic pain by tuning into the body’s wisdom and healing from the inside out. Her story is a moving reminder that we’re not broken—we just need to listen.
Samphire Hayes is a psychotherapist and natural lifestyle coach who overcame over a decade of chronic pain and limited mobility—at times requiring a mobility scooter—to now go on to complete marathons and live an active, vibrant life. Her personal healing journey sparked a deep commitment to holistic health, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms, and recognizing the body as an interconnected system. Through practices such as natural movement, ground sitting, mindfulness, nature immersion, and whole-food nutrition, Sam reconnected with the wisdom of human biology and the healing power of nature. Today, she leads The Holistic Pain Clinic, where she supports clients with chronic pain using integrative, nature-based strategies that empower physical, mental, and emotional recovery, with a mission to inspire resilience, hope, and lasting well-being.
This episode is sponsored by:
—Cozy Earth: Use code MARK for 40% off sitewide at http://www.cozyearth.com
—Mighty Networks: Go to http://www.markgroves.com/mightynetworks to learn how to create your own community!
—Have a question For Mark to answer on the podcast? https://www.speakpipe.com/TheMarkGrovesPodcast
—Have a question for Mark and want an immediate answer? Mark's Dexa page: https://ask.markgroves.com
—How are your Nervous System + Attachment Style connected? https://markgroves.com/connectthedots
—Subscribe to Mark’s Substack to receive his weekly reflections and insights straight from his heart to your inbox. https://markgroves.substack.com/
—Contact us at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, or just to say hello!
Advertising Inquiries:
https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out:
https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Mark Groves Podcast 
