

System Speak: Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders
Emma Sunshaw
Diagnosed with Complex Trauma and a Dissociative Disorder, Emma and her system share what they learn along the way about complex trauma, dissociation (CPTSD, OSDD, DID, Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality), etc.), and mental health. Educational, supportive, inclusive, and inspiring, System Speak documents her healing journey through the best and worst of life in recovery through insights, conversations, and collaborations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 31, 2025 • 35min
Emails
We read emails from listeners, including one about us being doxed again.Link to BOOKS — System SpeakNOTE: We also talked in the community about how the year of the horse does not start until later in the winter due to following the lunar calendar. For me/us, that coincides with my "new year" (birthday, actual, not when celebrated) as well as our "new year" from when we moved last time (which brought the celebration back to actual). That led to a greater discussion about other cultures that also follow the lunar calendar, including both indigenous and Jewish calendars (with a new year in the fall instead of winter). We talked about how sometimes “jumping calendars” can be helpful when dealing with hard days or anniversaries.Article about Hebrew calendar: Hebrew calendar - WikipediaArticle about Indigenous calendar: Samish 13 MoonsOur website is HERE: System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general. Content descriptors are generally given in each episode. Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse. Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience. Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity. While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice. Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you. Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency. This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services.
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Dec 22, 2025 • 49min
Islands Unbanished
We share a therapy update about reconnecting to ourselves, and how that reconnects our timeline, too.Our website is HERE: System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE. Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine. We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes. Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general. Content descriptors are generally given in each episode. Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse. Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience. Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity. While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice. Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you. Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency. This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dec 18, 2025 • 21min
Fantastic Bees
Flood.
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Dec 15, 2025 • 35min
Too Late
We share a therapy update about learning we are the only ones who can rescue our inner children (littles).Our website is HERE: System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE. Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine. We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes. Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general. Content descriptors are generally given in each episode. Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse. Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience. Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity. While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice. Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you. Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency. This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dec 8, 2025 • 29min
Not the Price, Chapter 6
We read and respond to chapter 6 of Not the Price of Admission by Laura Brown.Our website is HERE: System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE. Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine. We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes. Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general. Content descriptors are generally given in each episode. Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse. Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience. Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity. While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice. Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you. Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency. This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dec 5, 2025 • 1h
Guest: Wendy Lemke
In this engaging discussion, Wendy Lemke, a seasoned psychologist specializing in hypnosis and trauma therapy, shares her insights from over 30 years of experience. She emphasizes tailoring therapy to individual needs, particularly how to work with trauma and dissociation. Wendy explains the concepts of ego states and their roles in healing, while also delving into how trance can be an automatic response to stress. Listeners will learn about the importance of internal authority and listening to their bodily cues in recovery.

Dec 3, 2025 • 40min
Emails - Hot Topic: News Cycle Response
We share a response to the current news cycle.Our website is HERE: System Speak Podcast.You can submit an email to the podcast HERE.You can JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE. Once you are in, you can use a non-Apple device or non-safari browser to join groups HERE. Once you are set up, then the website and app work on any device just fine. We have peer support check-in groups, an art group, movie groups, social events, and classes. Additional zoom groups are optional, but only available by joining the groups. Join us!Content Note: Content on this website and in the podcasts is assumed to be trauma and/or dissociative related due to the nature of what is being shared here in general. Content descriptors are generally given in each episode. Specific trigger warnings are not given due to research reporting this makes triggers worse. Please use appropriate self-care and your own safety plan while exploring this website and during your listening experience. Natural pauses due to dissociation have not been edited out of the podcast, and have been left for authenticity. While some professional material may be referenced for educational purposes, Emma and her system are not your therapist nor offering professional advice. Any informational material shared or referenced is simply part of our own learning process, and not guaranteed to be the latest research or best method for you. Please contact your therapist or nearest emergency room in case of any emergency. This website does not provide any medical, mental health, or social support services.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Nov 28, 2025 • 57min
Guests: Matt Robinson & Milissa Kaufman from McLean
Matt Robinson, a psychologist and program director at McLean Hospital, and Milissa Kaufman, a psychiatrist and director of their Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Research Program, share insights on trauma and dissociation. They discuss their personal journeys into trauma research and the evolution of McLean's programs. The duo highlights the importance of neuroimaging in understanding dissociation, addressing misdiagnosis, and the necessity of relational care to prevent re-traumatization. They emphasize how biological findings offer comfort and foster compassion for individuals affected by dissociative disorders.

Nov 27, 2025 • 49min
IndigeQueer
The podcast explores the Canoe Journey, emphasizing its cultural significance and the importance of reclaiming indigenous waters. Emma discusses canoe family structures, hosting rituals, and the spiritual connection to nature. The conversation highlights the nuances of the Two-Spirit identity, its historical misuse, and the emergence of the term 'indigiqueer.' Emma shares insights on communal meals, camp life, and the significance of drumming in connecting with heritage, weaving together themes of identity, healing, and community support.

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
Guest: Sandra Simpson
In this insightful conversation, Sandra Simpson, a passionate advocate living with dissociative identity disorder, delves into the challenges and triumphs of her journey. She shares her experiences with misdiagnosis and child sex trafficking and highlights the important work of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel at McLean Hospital. Sandra discusses her advocacy goals, the innovative PhotoVoice project, and the powerful impact of lived-experience research. They also explore the balance of public vulnerability, family safety, and the transformative nature of learning about neuroplasticity.


