The Healing Trauma Podcast

Monique Koven
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Aug 8, 2025 • 32min

Healing Trauma: The Body's Role In Recovery With Pat Odgen

In this episode of the Healing Trauma Podcast, host Monique Koven engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Pat Ogden, the founder of Sensory Motor Therapy. They explore the critical role of the body in healing complex trauma, emphasizing that trauma affects not just the mind but also the body. Dr. Ogden discusses how unresolved trauma can manifest in physical responses and the importance of somatic therapies in addressing these issues. The conversation delves into the processes of empowerment through therapy, the complexities of navigating relationships for those with trauma histories, and practical tools for emotional regulation. The episode highlights the ongoing nature of trauma for many individuals and the necessity of understanding and addressing these experiences holistically.takeawaysThe body must be involved in healing complex trauma.Trauma affects the body first, leading to dysregulated responses.Healing requires addressing both cognitive and somatic aspects.Empowerment in therapy is a gradual process.Understanding the freeze response is crucial for trauma recovery.Cognitive understanding alone is insufficient for healing.Ongoing trauma can affect emotional regulation and safety.Therapeutic safety and rapport are essential for effective healing.Mindfulness and body awareness can aid in trauma recovery.Practical tools for regulation vary for each individual.Path to HealingSensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/ Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Aug 1, 2025 • 31min

Healing Trauma: A Journey of Understanding With Estefana Johnson

In this episode of the Healing Trauma Podcast, guest host Dr. Mark McNear speaks with Estefana Johnson, a trauma therapist, about her personal journey and the impact of cultural background on therapy. They discuss the challenges faced by individuals from minority populations, the importance of understanding critical memory integration (CMI) in trauma therapy, and the need for creating safety in therapeutic relationships. Estefana emphasizes the significance of acceptance, compassion, and empowerment through adversity, highlighting that healing is about digesting experiences rather than pathologizing them.Learn More here:https://arisealliance.org/about-us/estefana-johnson/https://arisealliance.org/press/mental-health-spotlight-podcast/https://arisealliance.org/trainings/critical-memory-integration-cmi/ Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Jul 26, 2025 • 37min

The Science Of Safety & The Polyvagal Theory Q & A With Deb Dana

In this enlightening discussion, Deb Dana, a therapist and author with expertise in the Polyvagal Theory, tackles the intricate dynamics of our nervous systems. She unpacks how understanding this theory can help us navigate trauma and enhance emotional resilience. Deb emphasizes co-regulation as vital for healing, details the journey of befriending your nervous system, and offers insights into managing anxiety. The conversation also explores attachment styles and the importance of healthy boundaries in fostering safe connections for emotional growth.
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Jul 18, 2025 • 26min

Healing Trauma & Internal Family Systems With J. Ashley T. Booth

In this engaging discussion, J. Ashley T. Booth, an author and consultant specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, shares her insights on healing trauma. She introduces her book, emphasizing the gentle, non-pathologizing nature of IFS. The conversation highlights the importance of navigating inner conflicts with curiosity and compassion. Ashley discusses the process of unburdening negative emotions from childhood and transforming trauma into beauty, inspiring listeners to embrace personal growth and self-acceptance on their healing journeys.
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Jul 12, 2025 • 35min

The Origins Of Complex PTSD: A Conversation with Dr. Judith Herman

So Honored and thrilled to reshare this conversation with Dr. Judith Herman.In this conversation, renowned trauma expert Dr. Judith Herman and host Monique Koven delve into the complexities of trauma and recovery, particularly focusing on the impact of interpersonal violence and the importance of social movements in validating survivors' experiences. They discuss the challenges faced by survivors within the justice system and the need for community support in the healing process. Dr. Herman introduces her new book, 'Truth and Repair,' which expands on the themes of her previous work, emphasizing the necessity of social healing alongside individual recovery.takeawaysThe book 'Trauma and Recovery' was pivotal for many survivors.Complex PTSD is often misunderstood and under-diagnosed.Interpersonal violence has profound effects on identity and mental health.Social movements play a crucial role in validating survivors' experiences.Recovery involves both individual and social healing processes.Survivors often seek truth and validation over monetary compensation.The justice system can be re-traumatizing for survivors.Community support is essential for healing from trauma.Survivors often want to confront their perpetrators for closure.Empathy and understanding within communities can aid recovery.About our guest:Dr. Judith Herman is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and is a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. 'Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror,' Judith’s second book, is revered as the seminal text on understanding trauma survivors.The conventional retributive process fails to serve most survivors; it was never designed for them. Judith argues that the first step toward a better form of justice is simply to ask survivors what would make things as right as possible for them. In her new book, 'Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice,' she commits the radical act of listening to survivors. Recounting their stories, she offers an alternative vision of justice as healing for survivors and their communities.Deeply researched and compassionately told, Truth and Repair envisions a new path to justice for all.Judith's Books:Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terrorhttps://amzn.to/40d7R2bTruth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice https://amzn.to/40aTmMr Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Jul 3, 2025 • 40min

Understanding Complex Trauma and Its Effects With Amber Trejo

In this episode of the Healing Trauma Podcast, guest host Leah Denton interviews Amber Trejoa licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in integrative trauma therapy. Amber shares her personal journey with trauma, her approach to therapy, and the complexities of dealing with complex trauma and its effects on relationships and parenting. The conversation delves into attachment styles, the importance of self-care, and the challenges of navigating grief and loss. Amber emphasizes the significance of finding the right therapist and understanding emotional flashbacks, particularly in the context of parenting. The episode provides valuable insights for trauma survivors and those seeking to understand the impact of trauma on their lives.takeawaysAmber is an integrative trauma therapist who combines various modalities.She emphasizes the importance of understanding complex trauma.Amber's personal experiences with trauma shaped her therapeutic approach.Attachment styles significantly affect relationships for trauma survivors.Self-care is crucial for parents with complex trauma backgrounds.Building safe connections in therapy is essential for healing.Grief and loss can trigger unresolved trauma issues.Finding a trauma-informed therapist is vital for effective healing.Generational trauma impacts parenting styles and emotional responses.Emotional flashbacks can complicate parenting and relationshipsFind Amber Trejo here:https://www.theintegrativetraumathera...  / integrativetraumatherapist  Find Leah Denton:https://www.instagram.com/psycho.therapypodcast/profilecard/?igsh=NW43djFkMGZ2NTliPsycho Therapy Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psycho-therapy/id1728786872?i=1000647241277Show Support by buying me a coffee. @Buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcastTrauma Healing Books & Programs & Resources https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Jun 21, 2025 • 33min

The Power of Memoir in Healing With Dr. Frank Anderson

In this episode of the Healing Trauma Podcast, guest host Dr. Mark McNear interviews Dr. Frank Anderson, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and trauma expert, about his memoir 'To Be Loved.' They discuss the healing journey through writing, the importance of integrating personal trauma experiences, and the impact of shame on adult relationships. Dr. Anderson shares insights on the evolution of trauma treatment and the need for trauma-informed media, emphasizing that healing is possible for everyone.takeawaysDr. Anderson's memoir aims to inspire hope and healing.Writing can be a powerful tool for personal healing.Integration of trauma experiences is crucial for recovery.Shame from childhood can deeply affect adult relationships.Understanding personal trauma can lead to healthier choices.Taking responsibility is key to healing from trauma.The field of trauma treatment has evolved significantly.Trauma-informed media can change societal narratives.Everyone has the capacity to heal from trauma.Healing is a journey that requires compassion and understanding.About the Guest:Frank Anderson, MD, is a world-renowned trauma treatment expert, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and psychotherapist. He is the acclaimed author of Transcending Trauma, a recently released memoir, To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation, and the co-author of the Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual. As a global speaker on the treatment of trauma and dissociation, he’s passionate about teaching brain-based psychotherapy and integrating current neuroscience knowledge with Internal Family Systems (IFS)Dr. Anderson is the co-founder of The Trauma Institute and Trauma Informed Media, organizations that promote trauma awareness, education, integration, and healing. He is a lead trainer at the IFS Institute under Richard Schwartz and has a long affiliation with Bessel van der Kolk and the Trauma Research Foundation. Dr. Anderson maintains a private practice in Harvard, MA, where he lives with his husband and two sons.BooksTo Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation https://amzn.to/3ST15KUTranscending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems https://amzn.to/4l3PPatInternal Family Systems Skills Training Manual: Trauma-Informed Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD & Substance Abuse https://amzn.to/44hQMGF Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Jun 14, 2025 • 33min

The Power of Parts in Healing Trauma With Robin Shapiro

In this episode, Monique re-releases a conversation with trauma therapist Robin Shapiro, focusing on the concept of ego states and their role in trauma therapy. Robin explains how ego state therapy differentiates various parts of the self, particularly in individuals with trauma histories. The discussion covers the importance of understanding these parts, the role of dissociation, and the integration of different therapeutic approaches to facilitate healing. Robin also shares techniques for creating safe healing spaces and nurturing inner child parts, emphasizing the need for therapists to have a multifaceted approach to treatment.takeawaysEgo state therapy helps differentiate parts of the self.Understanding ego states is crucial for trauma recovery.Dissociation can lead to a lack of control over ego states.Therapists must be creative in their approach to therapy.Building safe spaces is essential for healing.Integrating various therapeutic modalities enhances treatment effectiveness.The adult self plays a vital role in therapy.Imaginal nurturing can help heal early attachment trauma.Therapists should be aware of their clients' different needs.Healing is possible at any stage of life.Robin's book:Easy Ego State Interventions: Strategies for Working With Parts https://amzn.to/43F9MicRobin's Website: https://www.emdrsolutions.com/ Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Jun 6, 2025 • 32min

Your Story: A Roadmap to Healing With Adam Young

In this episode of The Healing Trauma Podcast, Guest host, Dr. Mark McNear interviews Adam Young, a licensed clinical social worker and author, about the importance of storytelling in healing from trauma. Adam shares insights on how personal stories shape our lives, the significance of engaging with our past, and the role of kindness in self-discovery. The conversation delves into family dynamics, the neuroscience of memory, and practical steps for individuals to begin their journey of healing through storytelling.takeawaysUnderstanding your story can lead to freedom and release.Symptoms are linked to past experiences and should be explored.Engaging with your story requires curiosity and kindness.Family dynamics can create emotional triangles that affect relationships.Trauma is often compounded by a lack of care and witness.The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and requires multiple passes.Witnessing others' stories is crucial for healing.Neuroscience shows that coherent storytelling aids in trauma recovery.Bringing kindness to your past can transform your present.The end goal of story work is to become more fully yourself.Thank you to our guest:Adam Young - https://adamyoungcounseling.com/Adam's New Book: Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything https://amzn.to/4kRN9wyGuest Host: Dr. Mark McNearhttps://markmcnear.com/ Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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May 31, 2025 • 33min

How Internal family Systems Can Help with Shame With Dr. Laryssa Creswell

In this episode of the Healing Trauma Podcast, Monique and her guest Dr. Laryssa Creswell discuss the impact of trauma and the importance of understanding our internal family systems (IFS) in healing. Laryssa emphasizes the role of shame, self-energy, and the need for self-compassion in navigating our emotional landscape. The conversation explores the significance of reparenting our younger parts and the journey of self-discovery in therapy. Dr. Creswell encourages listeners to trust themselves and recognize their own expertise in their healing journey.About The Guest: Dr. Laryssa Creswell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Music Therapist with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She is the owner of Fearlessly Inspired Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, a private practice devoted to helping women and teen girls heal from trauma. Dr. Creswell’s past research focused on developing creative arts therapies for women experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is the author of The Invisible Weight We Carry, a powerful guide to setting down generational burdens and reclaiming one’s voice.Laryssa's website: https://fearlesslyinspiredsolutions.com Find Her book here: The Invisible Weight We Carry: Breaking Free from Generational Burdens and Emotional Baggagehttps://amzn.to/4jpgygJConnect with Monique on IG https://www.instagram.com/thehealingtraumapodcast/Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lfbuk_xv7j8 Find a list of trauma recovery books + resources for the healing trauma journey. https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/resources/ SUPPORT this podcast for the cost of a coffee. Your support is appreciated! When you buy me a coffee, your support goes towards keeping the podcast running. HERE: https://buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Subscribe and watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJy4f23JvtdFuQGadOqy3PA Disclaimer: This episode and website may contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-healing-trauma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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