Healing Conversations for Men Who Have Sex with Men Bringing Body Awareness Into Healing with Regina McCarthy, LCSW
Regina McCarthy, LCSW, is a clinical social worker, Holistic Psychotherapist, and author of Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog. Everyone, but especially gay, bisexual and transgender men, will find that both Gilbert's experiences and the solutions he discovers are directly applicable to their lives. Regina joins the show to discuss why she decided to write Courageous Gilbert, and the impact it has been having on both her own life and the lives of children and adults that read it and put the practical tips into use. Regina discusses why the book features a groundhog star, and how it serves to help people of all ages identify, observe, and process their emotions in a healthy and positive way.
TAKEAWAYS:
[2:28] Regina works with her clients from a holistic perspective, which means she works in the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual all in one.
[4:41] Regina never thought of herself as an author, but the idea came to her in a dream and she knew she needed to put it out there. She saw a groundhog in her yard and found it to be a symbol of digging up her truth so others can do the same. Courageous Gilbert may have won 14 awards, but the biggest thrill for Regina is the way it has resonated and helped others.
[5:51] Gilbert is a shy groundhog who gets bullied and is afraid of public speaking. He finds an oak tree mentor who teaches about emotions, and that it’s okay to feel and express them.
[8:00] Activity that releases stuck energy helps us get out of our head and into our body, and in turn will let us respond calmly and thoughtfully instead of reacting.
[9:42] Many of us walk around with a shame that we aren’t enough, or that there is something wrong with us. As a result we play small and don’t ask others for help.
[11:28] Building self confidence and self worth takes time, and it’s not a perfect path at every moment. It’s important to realize that there is no rush, and even small wins are worth celebrating.
[13:09] Breathing for relaxation is free, available to us at any time, and has profound effects. Regina walks us through a 4:7:8 breath pattern.
[15:39] In the book, Gilbert learns to deep breathe, and locate where emotions are stuck in the body such as fear, sadness and anger.
[19:29] In times of great stress and trauma, our brain will send us into fight, flight, or freeze. When we freeze it is common to go into shock, and on a small scale dissociate using numbing or negative habits.
[27:02] Regina’s next book will be focused on how the character Peter Possum got to be a bully, and will feature some grounding techniques to feel calmer and more in control.
RESOURCES:
National Association of Social Workers Conference
Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog
QUOTES:
● “I only have control over me, and I’m the only person I can change.”
● “We have to practice expressing our feelings.”
● “Practice makes permanent, not perfect.”
● “We are incredible human beings, just the way we are.”