Author and radio producer Stephanie Foo discusses healing from Complex PTSD, highlighting differences between trauma types, the concept of 'THE DREAD,' and relational healing. The importance of identifying and coping with triggers, finding resilience, self-discovery, and vulnerability in therapy sessions are key themes. The podcast also explores intimacy in relationships, understanding family dynamics, and the complexities of dissociation for meaningful connections.

Rarely do reporters turn the mic on themselves to divulge the challenges in their own lives. So, when they do, it’s surprising — and refreshing. Stephanie Foo's personal essay, "The Favorite" is an excellent example. In this archive episode, Stephanie provides sage advice for anyone thinking of turning a mic toward themselves. 

Author Stephanie Foo joins Forrest to share her journey with Complex PTSD. They talk about what it was like to receive a diagnosis, the various techniques and modalities she used (and what really helped), the importance of social support, self-acceptance and self-compassion, difficulties with access and cultural competence in the mental healthcare system, intergenerational trauma, and motherhood. About Our Guest: Stephanie is a writer and radio producer whose work has been featured on This American Life, 99% Invisible, and Radiolab among other shows, and she’s the author of the truly wonderful book What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing From Complex Trauma.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube. Key Topics: 0:00: Introduction and disclaimer2:10: Stephanie’s experience in sharing her story6:00: Features of CPTSD7:50: What led Stephanie to seek help, and work as a coping mechanism10:15: “The Dread” and healing through relationship17:40: The effects of receiving diagnosis, and aspects of CPTSD that are helpful25:45: Practices that helped Stephanie and incorporating them practically33:45: Balancing showing up for other people and receiving care35:15: Self-love, gratitude, psychedelics, and relationships38:20: Two way repair and comfort receiving feedback42:55: The need for reform to our mental healthcare system and who it serves49:55: Societal trauma among first generation immigrants53:30: More natural and communal frameworks for healing54:30: Parenthood57:00: Resources available on Stephanie’s website58:15: Recap Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp, and you can join over a million people using the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month!Want to sleep better? Try the Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie Foo, author of the bestseller "What My Bones Know," shares her harrowing journey living with Complex PTSD, stemming from childhood trauma. She discusses how panic attacks became a wake-up call to address her past. Getting into the nuances, Stephanie highlights the differences between traditional and complex PTSD. She explores the vital role of therapy and community support in her healing. Her stories also touch on how ancestral trauma influences present struggles, advocating for realistic expectations in recovery.

Stephanie Foo, a radio producer and author of "What My Bones Know," shares her journey of navigating loneliness after moving from California to New York. She discusses a fascinating technique called mental subtraction, which encourages imagining life without current joys to cultivate gratitude. The conversation highlights research showing how intentional gratitude practices can improve mood and deepen appreciation for life's simple pleasures, making it an essential tool for emotional resilience, especially during challenging times.