The Weekend University

Dr Laurence Heller is the founder of the NeuroAffective Relational Model™ - often referred to as NARM. This is a psychobiological approach known to be highly effective for working with developmental trauma. He is the author of “Healing Developmental Trauma”, which is currently published in more than 10 languages. For the past 20 years, Dr Heller has been conducting seminars in the NARM approach throughout the United States, Europe and soon to be worldwide. In this conversation, we explore: — Why NARM does not see the traumatic event as the primary issue and instead views the adaptations that we make to traumatising experiences as the primary issue — The key differences between treating shock trauma and developmental trauma — Why effective therapy requires much more than just extinguishing symptoms — The NARM core survival styles And more. You can learn more about Dr Heller’s innovative work by going to: https://drlaurenceheller.com/ --- Dr. Laurence Heller is the founder of the NeuroAffective Relational Model© (NARM), a specialized psychobiological approach to working with developmental trauma. He holds a Ph.D in psychology and was in private practice for over 30 years. The NARM Model is presented in the best selling book Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image and the Capacity for Relationship, which is currently published in more than 15 languages. His new book with Brad Kammer is The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma presents the clinical model. He is also the co-author of Crash Course, a book on shock trauma: He speaks several languages fluently and for the past 30 years has been conducting seminars in the NARM approach throughout the United States and Europe. He and his teachers present NARM worldwide. He is currently working on a project led by Christina Bethell, Ph.D , a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and others to bring a trauma-informed understanding to Pediatricians and General Practitioners throughout the U.S. Their first article for this project was published in 2021: Social and Relational Health Risks and Common Mental Health Problems Among US Children Published by Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America co-authored with Christina D. Bethell, PhD, MBA, MPH, (lead) Andrew S. Garner, MD, PhD, Narangerel Gombojav, MD, PhD, Courtney Blackwell, PhD, Tanar Mendelson, PhD --- 3 Books Dr Laurence Heller Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — A General Theory of Love - Sir Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon - https://amzn.to/44DT01L — The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller - https://amzn.to/3WG7NH5 — Healing Development Trauma - Laurence Heller and Aline Lapierre - https://amzn.to/3UJiS7E

Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and author known for his hemispheric hypothesis, and Bernardo Kastrup, a philosopher and scientist focused on metaphysical idealism, dive into the mysteries of consciousness and reality. They discuss the nature of truth as life’s core, examine individual experiences' significance in a purposeful universe, and explore the balance of love and rationality. Their insights challenge conventional perceptions of God and highlight the intricate connections between intelligence and human existence, all while advocating for deeper understanding and meaning.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Francis Lucille, a spiritual teacher steeped in Advaita Vedanta, shares insights on the ultimate purpose of human life and why happiness is our natural state. He explores how the belief in separateness fuels psychological suffering and emphasizes the importance of saying 'yes' to life to align with our true consciousness. Through personal reflections, he contrasts transient joy with deeper interconnected qualities that define our essence and encourages listeners to embrace the inseparable nature of love and existence.

In this interview, I’m joined by Seán ÓLaoire - a clinical psychologist, author, modern day mystic, and former priest with a P.h.D in transpersonal psychology. His book: “Setting God Free” explores the harmful effects our image of God as a judgemental father figure in the sky has had on our psychology - both individually and collectively. In this conversation, we explore: — Seán’s unique approach to creating a “personal cosmology” and how best to create your own — How problems can be a path to self transcendence, if the right steps are taken — What “christ consciousness” is and how to cultivate more of this in your life — How Seán uses the Jungian practice of “seeding dreams” to gain insights and wisdom from a higher intelligence. And more. You can learn more about Seán’s work at https://spiritsinspacesuits.com. --- Seán was awarded a BSc degree (major in Mathematics) from the National University of Ireland. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1972 and spent the next 14 years working among the Kalenjin people of East Africa. He is multi-lingual, speaking six languages. In 1983, Seán authored his first book, written in Kiswahili, "Ukweli ni Nini?" (What is Truth?) Dr. ÓLaoire has a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology and is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Seán lectures and conducts scientific research on the effects of prayer. Fr. Seán is a Co-Founder and Spiritual Director of Companions on the Journey (COJ), a spiritual community which seeks to recognize the God/divinity within each of us and among all of us. COJ is an independent, non-hierarchical Eucharistic community dedicated to aligning itself with God and healing the separations between us. Each individual's spirituality is seen as derived from his/her own experiences of God, immanent and transcendent, and is illuminated by the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of other spiritual traditions. The "We Are One" interview at the left was done in 2003 and gives a good flavor for Seán's thinking and style of teaching. In the "On the Experience of Divine Guidance" video of 1999, Seán discusses seeking, receiving and following Divine guidance from the perspective of the Christian tradition. For an in–depth synopsis of Seán's teachings, please visit his cosmology page. --- Interview Link: — Seán’s website - https://spiritsinspacesuits.com

This week, we welcome Alexis Dean to the show. Alexis is the founder of Dovetail Community—a global network for female entrepreneurs dedicated to fostering authentic connections and mutual support. This episode explores her journey of building an intentional community and the transformative impact this can have on personal and professional life. Expect to learn: — Why building an authentic community is critical for entrepreneurs. — The principles behind creating psychological safety in groups. — How to overcome isolation and build meaningful connections from scratch. — Why Alexis believes that "exclusively inclusive" communities are key to thriving. And more. You can learn more about Alexis and the Dovetail Community at https://dovetail.community. --- Alexis Dean is the Founder and Lead Facilitator of Two Roads, established in 2015. With over 12 years of experience as a facilitator, trainer, speaker, and educator, Alexis has worked with more than 200 corporate teams and school faculties across 21 countries. Her expertise is rooted in a robust academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Education in Experiential Education from Queen's University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Adult Training and Development from the University of Toronto. Additionally, Alexis is trained in the XCHANGE facilitation methodology, based on Appreciative Inquiry, which informs her distinctive approach to fostering and scaling exceptional organizational cultures within diverse groups. Beyond her professional endeavors, Alexis is the host of the Dovetail Community for Women Entrepreneurs. In her personal time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, including trail running, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing, alongside her partner, Scott, and their dog, Albi. --- Interview Links: — Alexis' website - https://dovetail.community

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Martha Beck, a Harvard-trained sociologist and bestselling author, shares her transformative insights on tapping into the right hemisphere of the brain for creativity and connection. She discusses the impact of anxiety in today's society and how to break free from its grasp. Martha emphasizes creating a personal sanctuary for peace, and highlights the need to reframe fear into curiosity. With her practical tips and heartfelt anecdotes, she unveils the path to purpose rooted in joy and self-expression.

Johnathan Bi, a FinTech entrepreneur and philosopher with a focus on René Girard, dives into the fascinating world of mimetic theory. He explains how our desires are often shaped by societal comparisons, revealing ways to cultivate genuine fulfillment. The conversation touches on the scapegoat mechanism and its historical relevance, contrasting physical with metaphysical desires. Bi emphasizes the importance of pursuing interests for their own sake, and how our social dynamics can subtly steer our decision-making processes.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Natalie Fraser, a counseling psychologist and the founder of the Global Existential Summit, dives deep into the transformative power of existential philosophy. She highlights how philosophy can enhance personal quality of life and urges listeners to question mainstream thinkers. Natalie introduces her HEALINGS framework for reducing suffering and emphasizes the dangers of idolizing philosophical figures. With her commitment to decolonizing existential thought, she invites a broader, more inclusive view of human experience.

Aodhán Moran, an executive coach blending tech with psychology, and Brant Elwood, a therapeutic consultant and expert in archetypal theory, dive into the intricacies of group relations. They explore archetypes like the scapegoat and the absence of the wise king in society. Strong emotional responses often reveal deeper projections, while personal narratives shed light on hidden dynamics within groups. The discussion emphasizes experiential learning and provides insightful resources to understand interpersonal relationships better.

Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and acclaimed author, engages listeners with profound insights on consciousness and reality. He challenges the notion of the 'unconscious,' advocating for the term 'superconscious' instead. Delving into the philosophy of life, he argues that our values are inherent to existence itself. McGilchrist counters skepticism about life's meaning while addressing humanity's ecological crises. He emphasizes the power of personal transformation and the co-creative role we play in shaping our reality, ultimately calling for a reconnection with fundamental human values.