

Notes on Resilience
Manya Chylinski
Conversations about trauma, resilience, and compassion. How do we genuinely support individuals who have experienced trauma and build inclusive and safe environments? Trauma significantly affects the mental and physical health of those who experience it, and personal resiliency is only part of the solution. The rest lies in addressing organizational, systemic, and social determinants of health and wellness, and making the effort to genuinely understand the impact of trauma. Here, we ask and answer the tough questions about how wellness is framed in an organizational context, what supports are available and why, what the barriers are to supporting trauma survivors, and what best practices contribute to mental wellness. These conversations provide a framework to identify areas for change and actionable steps to reshape organizations to be truly trauma sensitive.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2024 • 34min
62: Unveiling Trauma's Impact—The Power of Trauma-Informed Education with Ingrid Cockhren
Send us a textWelcome to episode four in our series Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs. In this episode, we uncover the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma in the education system.With Ingrid Cockhren, the visionary CEO of PACEs Connection, we discuss the hidden costs that reach far beyond financial burdens, shedding light on the loss of human potential and the consequent threat to our global educational standing. This conversation traverses the complex landscape of trauma, from the overt disruptions of aggression and ADHD-like symptoms to the silent battles with depression and anxiety that too many of our "good students" endure. We discuss how these struggles extend far into adulthood, detracting from both personal well-being and workforce integration, and stress the crucial role schools play in fostering secure, growth-oriented environments. The episode is a tribute to the educators who are the frontline warriors, equipped with more than textbooks, tasked with the mission to heal hearts and mold minds.We also discuss the pressing need for a systemic overhaul, urging a shift toward early intervention to nurture our youth, the cornerstone of our future society.Ingrid Cockhren, M.Ed is a child sexual abuse survivor and knows first-hand how impactful trauma and toxic stress can be for children and families. She has dedicated her professional life to investigating and educating the public about the link between early trauma, early adversity, Adverse Childhood experiences (ACEs) and possible negative outcomes across the lifespan. Her experience ranges from juvenile justice, family counseling, early childhood education, professional development, consulting, and community education. She is currently an adjunct professor specializing in Black psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology & personality theory at Tennessee State University and the CEO of PACEs Connection, a social network dedicated to rising awareness of adverse childhood experiences. You can learn more about Ingrid and her work at PACEs Connection or on LinkedIn or email her at ingrid@cockhrenconsulting.com.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Feb 28, 2024 • 30min
61: Unveiling Trauma's Impact—The Transformative Power of Empathy in the Justice System, with David Dawdy and Travis Atkinson
Send us a textWelcome to episode three in our series Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs. In this episode, we uncover the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma in the justice system.Have you ever stopped to consider the remarkable potential hidden within individuals entangled in the justice system? Today, with the guidance of David Dawdy and Travis Atkinson from TBD Solutions, we venture into the profound connections between trauma and criminal justice. We challenge the status quo, shifting the conversation from the deficits to the strengths of those who have faced trauma. We talk about the hidden costs that trauma inflicts on quality of life and societal structures, and unravel the narratives of justice-involved individuals. We also discuss the role of trauma-informed practices, strategies that prevent adverse childhood experiences, and emphasize the ethical necessity of integrating diverse voices in decision-making processes. This conversation is an invitation to embrace an abundance mindset that offers support and inclusion, rather than exclusion—sowing the seeds for a justice system that truly heals and restores. Join us to discover how leadership, informed by compassion and resilience, can transform environments and foster triumph over adversity.David Dawdy is a speaker and trainer, and he held the distinguished role of Mental Health Director for the Michigan Department of Corrections for a decade. His leadership in managing mental health, substance use disorder, and sexual offense treatment services for justice-involved individuals exemplifies his unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive and effective care. You can learn more about David on his website: JDavidDawdy.com or email him at davidd@tbdsolutions.com.Travis Atkinson is a training instructor, coach, meeting facilitator, and conference presenter. He has worked for the past ten years in both clinical and managerial roles in behavioral health. Through these experiences, he espouses the value of a healthy and functioning behavioral healthcare system, the power of data to drive decision‐making, and the importance of asking the right questions. Travis is also the host of The Crisis Podcast and you can email him at travisa@tbdsolutions.com.Learn more about TBD Solutions, where David and Travis both work,Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Feb 21, 2024 • 32min
60: Unveiling Trauma's Impact--Bridging Gaps in Healthcare, with Sheila Phicil
Send us a textWelcome to episode two in our series Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs. In this episode, we uncover the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma in the healthcare system.Sheila Phicil, a social innovator and equity architect, joins us to discuss how our backgrounds and traumas influence the care we receive, the personal and collective journey of healing, and how trauma shows up in our healthcare system. We also talk about the transformative potential of placing patient experiences at the forefront, the intersection of trauma, identity, and the response from the medical community, and looking to a future where policies and practices align more closely with patient needs and well-being.We also discuss innovative policy approaches that consider social determinants of health and the 'crossing guard effect'—a metaphor for community-led initiatives that protect societal health. Join us as we explore these critical issues and envision a healthcare system that embodies equity and compassion.Sheila Phicil is a visionary leader and transformational change agent with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, where she has spearheaded initiatives in policy, strategy, operations, and the elimination of health disparities. Additionally, as the CEO and founder of Phicil-itate Change, she champions social innovation through systems thinking, intelligent operations, and human-centered design, demonstrating her commitment to creating impactful and sustainable change.You can reach Sheila on LinkedIn and her website SheilaPhicil.com or via email at Hello@SheilaPhicil.com. Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Feb 14, 2024 • 26min
59: Unveiling Trauma's Impact -The Unseen Costs and the Path to Healing, with Dr. Ted Miller
Send us a textWelcome to the first episode in our series: Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs., uncovering the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma and delving into its far-reaching effects. In our first episode, Ted Miller, a distinguished senior research scientist, unravels the extensive and often hidden economic and emotional toll of trauma. We examine the staggering $10.5 billion healthcare price tag associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in California for just a single year. We discussed the methodologies used to quantify the financial and human impact of trauma and gained perspective on the profound implications trauma has on health and society.As we look at the potential for real-world change, Ted highlights the power of individual stories in shaping policy, and we conclude with a message of hope, recognizing that the courageous act of sharing one's own trauma can light a fire that contribute to societal movements and policy reforms. Dr. Ted Miller is an internationally recognized health economist. He is a Principal Research Scientist at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation with decades of experience analyzing the costs of societal ills. The Washington Post once called him a national oracle on the financial damage caused by substance abuse and injuries.Read the article: Adult health burden and costs in California during 2013 associated with prior adverse childhood experiences.You can reach Ted via email at miller@pire.org or visit the PIRE website to learn more about his work.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Feb 7, 2024 • 26min
58: Resilient Hearts--Understanding and Healing From Post-Traumatic Anxiety with Dr. Kevin Becker
Send us a textWelcome to the last of the 5-episode series Resilient Hearts: Navigating Emotions After Tragedy, delving into the intricate paths of those who have experienced life-altering challenges. In this episode, we explore anxiety.With Dr. Kevin Becker, a clinical psychologist with vast experience in trauma, we examine how our bodies and minds can be ensnared by anxiety long after the danger has passed, and we look at the role of anxiety as a response. We discussed how your body remembers what happened (it's what the body is supposed to do) and how when you have a fear that is so overwhelming, your body can take a while to feel safe again. Then we talked about how body-based interventions can offer solace and strength for those dealing with post-traumatic anxiety and how to be gentle with trauma survivors as you help them deal with their complex feelings.Thanks to the concept of trauma-informed care and how our culture has grown in awareness of trauma, we now talk to people who are struggling, and we ask: What happened? and not: What is wrong with you? We don't have it all figured out yet, but we are improving. This conversation with Dr. Becker is an essential listen for anyone looking to grasp the complexities of anxiety in the aftermath of trauma.Dr. Kevin Becker is a clinical psychologist who has specialized in the study and treatment of trauma for 30 years. He is the former Director of The Trauma Center in Boston, where he worked with Bessel van der Kolk for 14 years; Served as Program Director for the Massachusetts Resiliency Center following the Boston Marathon Bombings. And responded to many of the largest tragedies across the globe; including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the South Asian tsunami, Newtown school shooting and many more. He has written numerous articles and manuals on the treatment of trauma and vicarious trauma, which have been distributed globally. He has helped governments, businesses, and communities around the world prepare for, respond to, and recover from traumatic events. He is the founder of Organizational Resilience International, a global crisis consulting firm.You can reach him on his website, ORI Consulting or via email at kevin@oriconsulting.comGo to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Jan 31, 2024 • 29min
57: Resilient Hearts--Transforming Anger, with Suzette Bravo
Send us a textWelcome to episode 4 of the 5-episode series Resilient Hearts: Navigating Emotions After Tragedy, delving into the intricate paths of those who have experienced life-altering challenges. In this episode, we explore anger.Anger often follows tragedy. Suzette Bravo, a transformational coach, helps us unravel the layers of anger and sheds light on the dangers of dismissing this potent emotion. We also talk about the importance of facing our emotions head-on. Navigating anger and the grief that often accompanies it is no easy feat, yet it's a voyage we must undertake to foster resilience within ourselves. We examine the therapeutic value of expressing anger through physical release and the significance of cultivating a space where one can be vulnerable without fear of judgment. As we extend our support to those around us who are dealing with similar battles, Suzette imparts her wisdom on the intricacies of emotional support. We delve into the profound journey of self-discovery and the role self-love and grace play in this process. For listeners seeking to embrace these teachings within their personal or professional lives, this episode promises that there are ways to thrive in the wake of life’s inevitable challenges.Suzette Bravo is an empowerment coach, motivational speaker, and podcast host. Her mission is to help clients flame their inner fire, remind them just who they are and what they have to offer, and guide them on a journey to the greatest version of themselves. You can find her on her website: SuzetteBravo.com, or on Instagram or LinkedIn. And make sure to listen to her podcast Bravo Unscripted.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Jan 24, 2024 • 37min
56: Resilient Hearts -- Transforming Shame into Resilience with Wen Peetes
Send us a textWelcome to episode 3 of the 5-episode series Resilient Hearts: Navigating Emotions After Tragedy, delving into the intricate paths of those who have experienced life-altering challenges. In this episode, we explore shame.Healing from shame and embracing resilience isn't a journey to rush; it's a path to walk with gentle strides, as guest Wen Peetes, an intuitive healing coach, reveals. Shame has profound teachings to offer us when we are able to shift our perspective from self-critique to self-compassion. Wen helps us learn the art of patience, the power of nurturing our inner child, and how tapping into our intuition and body awareness can be the salve for our deepest wounds. Wen also sheds light on the significance of acknowledging every emotion that courses through us, as they are the architects of our actions and, ultimately, our lives. We're not just talking about healing from childhood trauma but embracing the versions of ourselves that emerge in the wake of life's most impactful events. Listen in on our conversation as we affirm that each step you take is a celebration of your unyielding spirit and your quest towards wholeness.Wen Peetes is an intuitive healing coach, mentor and speaker who helps women become powerful decision makers, so they never have to doubt themselves again. As a survivor of childhood abuse, Wen found herself trying to break free from the negative cycle that left her feeling stuck, helpless, and hopeless. Through a series of life-changing events, she found the courage to embrace her darkest secret and the resilience to turn pain into purpose.The first five listeners to contact Wen about her new book will receive a free copy. Email Wen or Manya or post on Wen's social and mention that you heard about her book on this podcast (we'll use the time stamps to identify the first five listeners to reply).Learn more about Wen on her website, Instagram, or Facebook, or via email at bornworthy@rebelforaspell.com Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Jan 17, 2024 • 30min
55: Resilient Hearts--Navigating Grief with Dr. Dan Franz
Send us a textWelcome to episode 2 of the 5-episode series Resilient Hearts: Navigating Emotions After Tragedy, delving into the intricate paths of those who have experienced life-altering challenges. In this episode, we explore the layers of grief.In my conversation with Dr. Dan Franz, we navigate through the tumultuous journey of loss and the silence that often surrounds sorrow. We tackle the intertwined threads of anger, sadness, and guilt, all companions on the road to healing. And we talk about finding meaning through suffering, address the heaviness of heartache, and offer support to those navigating grief after tragedy.Whether you're searching for comfort, understanding, or ways to help others in distress, we hope you find solace in knowing that you are not alone on this journey.Find Dr. Dan on his website DanielAFranz.com, and listen to The Meaning Project podcast where he discusses topics related to mental health and meaning through the lens of logotherapy and existential analysis. Also learn more about The Viktor Frankl Meaning Academy, and listen to The Meaning Academy Podcast to get insights and inspiration of all things meaning, purpose and resilience.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Jan 10, 2024 • 29min
54: Resilient Hearts--The Weight of Guilt, with Amy O'Neill
Send us a textWelcome to episode 1 of the 5-episode series Resilient Hearts: Navigating Emotions After Tragedy, delving into the intricate paths of those who have experienced life-altering challenges. In this episode, we explore the complexities of guilt.When the smoke cleared after the Boston Marathon bombing, therapist Amy O'Neill experienced a maze of emotions as a survivor. We discussed the struggle with guilt that often shadows the path to recovery. It's a silent battle that can cripple resilience or become the very thing that propels you forward. Throughout this episode, we share our contrasting journeys and expose the raw complexities of healing. You'll hear about unexpected emotional twists that can even catch seasoned mental health professionals off guard. Whether you're a leader seeking to nurture trauma-sensitive environments or someone walking the delicate path of healing, our experiences testify to the resilience of the human spirit.This episode is an invitation to listen, learn, and find the support you need on your journey. Discover the role of guilt in the healing process and gain insights on navigating these complex emotions after adversity.Amy C. O’Neill, MS, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor working in mental health for the last 30 years. She is a consultant for the VOCA-NCJA and OVC TTAC Office of Justice Programs and has provided support in multiple communities impacted by mass violence. She is a steering committee member for the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center and a survivor of the Boston Marathon Bombing, blending lived and learned experiences. She serves on the Crisis Emotional Care Team for Vibrant Emotional Health, the Disaster Distress Helpline peer support task force, the Disaster Mental Health Team for the American Red Cross, and the Survivors of Tragedy Outreach Program for Tuesday’s Children. Ms. O’Neill maintains a private counseling practice and is an Adjunct Instructor for the graduate Counseling Psychology Program at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA. She is completing her doctoral degree in Health Sciences at Bay Path University in Massachusetts.You can learn more about Amy aon her website: https://amyconeill.com or on LinkedIn. Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor

Jan 3, 2024 • 31min
53: Rewiring for Recovery: Insights on Resilience from Michelle Steffes
Send us a textWith guest Michelle Steffes, we explore the art of resilience and pull back the curtain on how our brains can be sculpted by our experiences, to either hinder or help our ability to recover from life's setbacks. With Michelle's expertise in neuroscience and neuroplasticity, we dispel misconceptions and look into how daily habits and routines can fortify our mental muscles.We also discuss the ripple effects of mindful morning practices, such as gratitude and cognitive exercises, which can help rewire a brain plagued by PTSD or other traumas. And discuss how persistent actions cultivate a robust mindset, challenging listeners to consider what exchange game they're playing with their daily choices, inspired by the strategies from Atomic Habits by James Clear.Michelle L. Steffes is the CEO and cofounder of IPV Consulting, a speaker, and the author of two books: Reframe and Rewire: Greatness Through Daily Routine and a children’s book The Machine Inside Me: How to change your brain and discover the power within you! Both are written from over 10,000 hours of study in the science of habits and human achievement. She is also host of the podcast, Reframe and Rewire.You can learn more about Michelle and contact her on her website: IPV Consulting.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Support the show__________ Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in well-being, resilience, and trauma sensitivity.Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your listening platform of choice. It really helps others find us.#trauma #resilience #compassion #MentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #leadership #survivor