Transforming Trauma

Michael Niconchuk, neuroscience researcher and practitioner, discusses culturally competent trauma care in high conflict areas. They explore the shortage of mental health care, tensions between trauma-informed language, and power dynamics in client-caregiver relationships.

Dr. Jonathan Shedler discusses the challenges of real-life psychotherapy and the importance of forming a therapeutic alliance. They explore misconceptions about countertransference and the impact of early relationship patterns on therapy. The chapter also emphasizes the need for meaningful, ongoing therapy and introduces the Psych-Scan test.

Welcome to a special episode of Transforming Trauma featuring NARM creator Dr. Laurence Heller and NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer. This webinar provides a glimpse into the NARM Inner Circle online program and invites clinicians, therapists, and helping professionals to explore the foundation of health and trust upon which NARM is built.  Brad and Larry begin this conversation with a reflective exercise, then zoom out to reveal a link between suboptimal emotional and physical health and the survival patterns acquired in response to developmental trauma. Throughout their conversation, Larry and Brad also identify ways in which this model of health and trust informs the four pillars of NARM––clarifying the therapeutic contract, asking exploratory questions, reinforcing agency, reflecting psychobiological shifts––and impacts client-practitioner interactions. About Dr. Laurence Heller: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Senior Faculty member, International Trainer, and co-author of Healing Developmental Trauma and The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma. About Brad Kammer: Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, is a somatic psychotherapist, consultant, professor, NARM Senior Trainer, and NARM Training Director. He has worked in the field of trauma for over 20 years, specializing in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Brad is the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma. Learn More:  We invite you to explore the NARM Inner Circle online learning program, where we host NARM Topic Webinars like this every month. For further information and to sign up for a free two-week trial, visit:  www.narmtraining.com/freetrial To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.   We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute  

Former NFL player and speaker Gaelin Elmore believes that childhood trauma changes the rules of the game for youth, making interaction with well-intentioned adults difficult. While teachers, therapists, and caregivers are poised to provide the most enduring assistance, the prospect of building sincere, purposeful relationships with children and teens can challenge even the most dedicated professionals.  In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily learns what adults can do to foster an atmosphere of belonging and positively influence the lives of young people. Using his own life as a case study, Gaelin shares his personal history with complex childhood trauma and honors the adults who changed the trajectory of his life for good. The pair also explore parallels between Gaelin's work and the heart-centered approach NARM employs to reignite one's capacity for self-love and strengthen interpersonal connections.  About Gaelin Elmore: Gaelin Elmore experienced complex trauma for most, if not all, of his childhood. Despite extreme childhood adversity, Gaelin played college football, graduated early, with honors, and signed an NFL contract. Now, as a national keynote speaker, trainer, and advocate, Gaelin works with adults and professionals who want to help children overcome trauma and unleash their potential through belonging. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.   We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute

While many spiritual teachers are held in high regard for their wisdom, leadership positions are still overwhelmed by those who’ve failed to address complex trauma in their personal histories.  In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily speaks with Jac O'Keeffe, President and founding member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI), an organization committed to bringing higher levels of integrity to the culture of spiritual leadership. The pair discuss Jac’s educational and spiritual evolution, the role of empathy and accountability within ASI’s anti-authoritarian model, and the link between agency, trauma healing, and personal divinity.  About Jac O’Keeffe:  Jac O’Keeffe is a theology graduate from the Pontificate University of Ireland with postgraduate studies in adult education. Working as an independent spiritual teacher for more than 15 years, she guides people in the unfoldment of their own spiritual journey. In her books, teachings, talks and retreats, she supports the empowerment of individuals who are done with bypassing, done with hiding, done with outsourcing their spiritual awakening to gurus. Her books include Born to Be Free and How to Be a Spiritual Rebel.  Jac is the President and founding member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI), an organization with a mission to bring high levels of integrity to the culture of spiritual leadership. Learn More: Association For Spiritual Integrity Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.   We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute

Donna Jackson Nakazawa, an award-winning journalist, discusses the impact of today's cultural landscape on the mental health of children and young adults. She emphasizes the importance of human connection and storytelling in drawing meaning from our experiences and helping others with complex trauma. Donna also explores the effects of trauma on girls, the power of shifting inner dialogue, and translating emerging science to help those with chronic conditions. She shares her personal origin story and concludes with gratitude for her work in the field.

In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily is joined by Salman Alawadi, a NARM practitioner and Ph.D. candidate in Research, Measurement, and Evaluation at the University of Miami, for a fascinating discussion about the challenges of developing an evidence-based standard for NARM and distilling that research into accessible data.  In medical terminology, “evidenced-based” is a gold star endorsement awarded to recurrent standards of proof that arise from comparison studies of a specific treatment protocol or prevention. Is it possible to validate NARM’s efficacy using those same evidence-based standards? Should we? Salman calls out psychology’s fixation with the medical model and advocates for creating more rigorous criteria to understand a psychological intervention.  About Salman Alawadi:  Salman Alawadi is a psychotherapist from Kuwait. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Psychometrics from Boston College and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Research, Measurement, and Evaluation at the University of Miami. Salman worked with Dr. Mary Zanarini in the Laboratory for the Study of Adult Development at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. In addition to being a NARM therapist, Salman is also trained in Somatic Experiencing, Integrative Somatic Psychology, Hakomi, Neuroaffective Touch, Mentalization-Based Therapy, and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy. Learn More: LinkedIn To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program: https://www.narmtraining.com/freetrial *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.   We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute

Can the art of horse whispering, a perceptive communication technique, work to heal complex trauma in humans? Isabelle Shook, the founder of Equine Guidance in Sedona, AZ, believes that horses possess an empathetic energy––telegraphed via non-verbal cues––that can resolve symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma in those seeking support.  In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily discovers how Belle fosters this unique therapeutic experience and the approaches she and her herd of four-legged collaborators utilize to encourage client transformation. The case studies referenced by Belle demonstrate NARM’s compatibility with other trauma-informed modalities and its ability to transform the therapeutic process. About Isabelle Shook: Isabelle Shook MC, NBCC, LPC, SEP, NARM, BCC is the founder of Equine Guidance. She is an intuitive therapist, board-certified coach, and licensed counselor focusing on personal growth, leadership development, and trauma-informed care. As a pioneer in Equine Therapy, Belle and her three horses have been working together since 2004 to assist people in developing their potential through healing and fine-tuning their neurobiology.  Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program: https://www.narmtraining.com/freetrial *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.   We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute

Forgiveness can transform lives. In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily explores the holistic practice of restorative justice with Dr. Elaine Leeder, a professor and prolific writer who's worked in mental hospitals, gerontology, foster care, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol counseling as a social worker and psychotherapist.  Elaine's current pro bono work with incarcerated individuals and those they've harmed is remarkable for its progressive approach to redemption. In her 28 years working with prisoners, Elaine has witnessed the devastating effects of early childhood trauma compounded by the consequences of institutionalized mistreatment. She has also experienced the power of collective healing. "People are not the worst things they've done," Elaine insists. Her empathetic statement complements the NARM principle that humans can repair persistent, outdated survival strategies through connection, attunement, trust, and autonomy. About Elaine Leeder:  Elaine (Sneierson) Leeder MSW, MPH, PhD is Dean Emerita and Professor Emerita at Sonoma State University. For the last twenty-eight years, she has worked in prisons in NY and California as a professor and doing restorative justice victim/offender dialogues with people who have been harmed and those who have done the harm. She has seen forgiveness, remorse and transformation that has healed those traumatized by serious crimes. Learn More: Website To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle Sign up for a free preview of The NARM Inner Circle Online Membership Program: https://www.narmtraining.com/freetrial *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.   We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute

Susan Raffo is a cranial therapist, esteemed writer, and cultural worker, sharing her heart’s wisdom with the NARM community and the motivation behind her latest book, Liberated To The Bone. Susan’s professional approach combines NARM’s trauma-informed framework with the nuances of her ancestral lineage as both colonizer and the colonized. In her conversation with NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer, Susan explores the “intersections between healing our physical bodies and healing our social relations” and working towards the end of white supremacy and settler colonialism while preserving the memory of her grandfather’s native line.  About Susan Raffo:  Susan Raffo is a writer, cultural worker, and bodyworker. She is part of the Healing Histories Project, which focuses on transforming the medical-industrial complex and confronting eugenic legacies. She works with REP: Relationship Evolving Possibilities, a Black-led community-based crisis response model grounded in the belief that we have the ability to love and protect one another without giving our agency to systems built to destroy, consume, or commodify us. Author of Queerly Classed (South End Press, 1997) and Restricted Access (Seal Press, 1999), she is published in a range of anthologies and websites. She is based in Minneapolis, MN. Learn More: Website – Susan Raffo Medium Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources visit https://www.narmtraining.com/podcast *** NARM Training Institute https://www.NARMtraining.com View upcoming trainings: https://narmtraining.com/schedule Join the Inner Circle: https://narmtraining.com/online-learning/inner-circle *** The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.   We want to connect with you! Facebook @NARMtraining YouTube Instagram @thenarmtraininginstitute