The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie

“I said to my body, ‘I want to be your friend.’ And it took a deep breath and said, ‘I’ve been waiting our whole life for this.’” – Katie Wells Doing the inner work isn’t just emotional, it’s biological. In this episode, Dr. Aimie is joined by Wellness Mama founder and health journalist Katie Wells to talk about the high-impact habits with light, sleep, and movement can help support nervous system regulation and emotional healing In this conversation, you’ll learn why trauma is actually an energy problem, how your environment may be silently working against your healing, and how small, daily habits can dramatically impact your capacity for rest, resilience, and recovery. Together, Dr. Aimie and Katie dive into the misunderstood connection between light exposure, sleep quality, nutrition, and trauma recovery. They explain why pushing yourself, without creating safety and energy, can backfire, and how to finally work with your biology rather than against it. You’ll hear more on: Why trauma is an energy problem  How your nervous system responds to light, sleep, and environmental signs Why rest and safety signals are essential to healing How to listen to your body’s cues without overwhelm Why doing more won’t help you heal, and what your nervous system actually needs instead And more! Katie Wells is a mom of six with a background in journalism. She took health into her own hands and started researching to find answers to her own health struggles. Her research turned into a blog and podcast that turned into an amazing community, Wellness Mama. She is one of the 100 most influential people in health and wellness and is considered a thought leader for the current generation of moms.   Guides, Tools & Resources: Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal - at the time of this recording, The Insider’s Circle Book Club is open and pre-orders have gone live. You will receive over $400 worth of bonuses if you pre-order now. And if you’ve already pre-ordered it on Amazon head over here to receive your bonuses! The 21 Day Journey - If you're ready to create a felt sense of safety in your body, increase your energy, and build the foundation for deeper trauma healing, join me inside the 21-Day Journey. Over the course of 21 days, I’ll guide you through a sequence of gentle, somatic-based practices designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your nervous system, and begin healing from the inside out. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 68: Struggling with Sleep How to Regain Restful Nights with Suzi Senk Episode 82: Using Biological Rhythms to Recover From Trauma with Dr. Leslie Korn Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.  

Did you know that your body could literally be "rusting from the inside out" when stuck in trauma? This biological reality explains why so many develop chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and other mysterious health conditions. In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why trauma creates chronic illness, building on her discussion from Episode 122 about addressing trauma stored in the body. She answers a listener’s question about why her clients seem to struggle with chronic health issues and what can actually be done about it. You’ll learn more on: What oxidative stress is (and how being in survival state can cause it to accumulate) Why chronic illness can show up decades after traumatic experiences  Specific steps you can take to reduce oxidative stress A simple technique to shift out of shutdown throughout the day Why talk therapy alone isn't enough If you're struggling with chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, or other unexplained health issues, this episode offers practical insights for addressing these symptoms at the cellular level. Ready to address trauma at the cellular level? Head over to  Episode 122: Shutdown Before Stress for the complete trauma healing sequence, and grab Dr. Aimie's essential resources.

Healing begins when we stop pushing and start listening to what our body is trying to tell us. In this episode, Dr. Aimie walks through the science of how trauma is stored in the body and what that means for the sequence of healing, and what can go wrong when we don’t follow the steps in the right order.. You’ll learn the key differences between stress and trauma responses, why therapy can sometimes leave you feeling worse, and how to work with your body’s natural healing process instead of against it.  Dr. Aimie breaks down why attempting to process trauma without following the correct steps can make you feel worse. She'll guide you through the steps for trauma healing, explaining why addressing shutdown responses in the body must happen before working with the stress response. Skipping this order often leads to frustration and can even retraumatize you. What You’ll Learn: Why over 90% of people live “in their heads” (and what that means for healing) How to tell if the body is in trauma shutdown vs. stress What the Critical Line of Overwhelm is and its link to chronic illness How stored trauma may be behind chronic symptoms The essential healing sequence that works with the nervous system for lasting trauma recovery And more! Whether you’re a practitioner or someone navigating your own healing journey, this episode provides insights and practical tools to help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom and begin the path to healing.   Guides, Tools & Resources: Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal - at the time of this recording, The book Insider’s Circle is open and pre-orders have gone live. You will receive over $400 worth of bonuses if you pre-order now. And if you’ve already pre-ordered it on Amazon head over here to receive your bonuses! The Essential Sequence - my free guide that maps out the 3 steps for safely opening up stored trauma in the body, whether that is presenting as health issues, patterns of a chronic functional freeze or frequent triggers. 21 Day Journey - Let me guide you through The Essential Sequence with 21 days of structured somatic self-practices that you can learn for yourself, or apply in your work in those you help. It allows you access to do the deeper work with me because you have these skills of immediately creating inner safety. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 33: When Trauma Is Hijacking Your Body: The 3 Essential Pillars For The Healing Journey with Jude Weber Episode 108: How The Body Stores Emotional Trauma in the Fascia and Lymphatic System with Dr. Christine Schaffner   Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.

“I was more afraid of regret than I was of failing.” — Dr. Eric Arzubi   Imagine having a corner office on Wall Street by age 30, but feeling like something important was missing. In this episode, Dr. Aimie sits down with Dr. Eric Arzubi, who had this exact experience. Despite his success, he felt a deep pull toward something more meaningful. That pull eventually led him to leave finance behind, become a psychiatrist, and take on the challenge of transforming mental health care in Montana through trauma-informed telehealth.  Dr. Arzubi shares his inspiring journey of walking away from financial security to follow a calling, revealing how the fear of lifelong regret ultimately outweighed the fear of change. Through his story, you'll discover why the search for meaningful work can be driven by different emotions and how creating "safe enough" spaces provides the foundation for career change.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How to know if fear is trauma or just healthy caution when facing change Why nervous system safety is key for successful career changes Steps for transitioning into a meaningful career Solving mental health access gaps with innovative telehealth solutions How to navigate pushback when changing careers or implementing new ideas And more! Whether you or someone you know is contemplating a career change, this episode offers practical advice for recognizing whether your anxiety is a trauma response or a signal that it's time to move toward a more meaningful path.   Guides, Tools & Resources: Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal - at the time of this recording, The Insider’s Circle Book Club is open and pre-orders have gone live. You will receive over $400 worth of bonuses if you pre-order now. And if you’ve already pre-ordered it on Amazon head over here to receive your bonuses! The Essential Sequence Guide - A guide that provides step-by-step instructions for creating safety in your nervous system while making significant life changes, like career transitions, without triggering trauma responses. It’ll give you the insights you need to make lasting change. A Guide For The Chronic Freeze Response - A guide that helps you recognize when your nervous system is stuck in “safe" mode and provides specific ways on how to support your body and create the change you want to create.  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 20: The Connection Between Money, Loneliness, And Trauma Episode 116: The Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System with Bessel van der Kolk  Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.  

Did you know that, according to research, only 50% of people experience relief from antidepressants? Why could this be? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores why antidepressants often fail to provide relief for many people, expanding on her discussion in Episode 120. She answers a listener's question about what may be causing her to continue to experience brain fog and feeling flat despite increased medication dosage. You'll hear more on: What is really driving the mental health epidemic The five steps of how the body experiences a trauma response The missing piece in depression treatment (it’s NOT what you think!) How stored trauma and persistent depression symptoms are connected What can create brain inflammation How lifestyle factors like poor sleep can trigger the same response as emotional trauma If you're taking antidepressants but still struggling with symptoms, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the underlying biology and practical strategies to address brain inflammation for more effective healing. To hear the full episode and grab the links Dr. Aimie mentioned, head over to Episode 120: Why Antidepressants Don’t Work for Everyone to find out more!  

Are you or those you work with struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or emotional numbness, even when lab tests come back “normal”? In this episode, Dr. Aimie looks at how unresolved trauma stored in the nervous system can drive physical and emotional symptoms which are often mistaken for depression, anxiety, or autoimmune issues. Through the real life story of Michelle, a teacher who no longer felt like herself, you’ll learn about the five-step trauma response everyone follows, and why conventional approaches often miss the mark. Whether you’re a practitioner seeking deeper insight into trauma-informed care, or someone navigating your own healing, this episode reveals why trauma is not just psychological, but biological. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on your or your clients  symptoms and allow you to begin exploring more effective, long-term paths to healing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How stored trauma leads to chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and gut issues Why emotional disconnection and brain fog are signs of a stuck trauma response What your body does in the first moments of threat The biological difference between stress and trauma Why antidepressants may not work for trauma-driven conditions And more! Guides, Tools & Resources: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma: A Roadmap for Healing - Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. It’s great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey The Essential Sequence - free guide that shows you the difference between stress and trauma states of our nervous system. In just 3 steps, it walks you through what your body needs when it has stored trauma or is in a freeze response. Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal - at the time of this recording, The Insider’s Circle Book Club is open and pre-orders are going live soon.  Brain Inflammation Protocol – The complete protocol for if you have anxiety, depression, prior head injuries and want to address the brain inflammation that’s keeping you stuck.   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 29 : What Is The Physiology And Neurobiology Of The Trauma Response? Episode 32: What Are The Ways The Body Communicates Stored Trauma?   Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.  

How can a single moment impact your life? Can that moment still affect you not only emotionally but physically years later? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind how trauma gets physically stored in the body, expanding on her conversation with Gregg Ward from Episode 119. She unpacks Greg's story of accidentally causing a fatal car accident at age 18 and how this moment shaped his entire life path and physical health. You’ll hear more on: How trauma physically show ups in the body during the freeze response The 3 defense strategies that are triggered by trauma  What moral injury is and how it affects the nervous system  Practical steps for moving through grief and regret And more! If you're carrying regret, grief, or trauma that is staying in your body, this episode offers hope and practical insights for moving through these experiences toward healing. To hear the full episode listen to Episode 119: Transforming Trauma into Joy & Purpose with Gregg Ward  

What happens when a single moment changes the direction of your entire life? Can regret become a force for good?  In this episode, we’ll hear one man’s journey through the aftermath of accidentally causing his high school sweetheart's death in a car accident at 18 years old and how that trauma has shaped his entire life. Dr. Aimie is joined by Gregg Ward who shares how this terrible accident caused his greatest pain while also pushing him to become a better person. He describes how the trauma showed up in his body, his methods for trying to cope, and the path that eventually led him toward healing and purpose. This conversation goes deeper into how trauma lives in the body, how moral injury can affect someone, and how finding purpose can eventually transform regret and grief into meaning, purpose and joy. We'll discuss: What happens to the body right after trauma occurs What moral injury is and its role in trauma    How trauma can disrupt your life but also give it new direction Finding purpose by honoring what was lost instead of just trying to feel better How trauma stays in your body for years Connecting with others who have experienced similar traumatic events Why physical movement helps heal trauma when talking about it isn't enough How finding happiness after trauma is possible – even when you think it’s hopeless And more! Whether you're living with regret, supporting someone through their grief, or working professionally with those carrying hidden pain, this episode shows you how one can move through seemingly unbearable experiences and eventually find peace, joy and purpose on the other side.   Gregg Ward is the founder of the Center for Respectful Leadership, an award-winning best-selling author, TEDx Speaker, executive coach, and master facilitator & culture change consultant. Guides, Tools & Resources: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma: A Roadmap for Healing Trauma - Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. It’s great for anyone who wants to understand trauma better or support others on their healing journey. Biology of Trauma book - How the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal. At the time of this recording, you can join us in The Insider’s Circle Book Club and pre-orders are now available!   Foundational Journey - If you want to be safely guided through The Essential Sequence, and lay your foundation of regulation in this online 6 week course, join me and my team of mentors for this journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices.   Related Podcast Episode: Episode 117: Movement for Healing Stored Grief and Emotions with Paul Denniston Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.  

Are you a practitioner struggling to balance patient care with your own health needs? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie looks at the biology behind the Spoon Theory and how practitioners can manage their own health while helping others heal. She answers a listener’s question about why she feels drained after certain client sessions and the actionable steps she can take to keep her energy levels up.  Dr. Aimie’s will build on her conversation with Helga Byrne from Episode 118, where they discussed navigating professional responsibilities while managing personal health challenges. You’ll hear more on: What the Spoon Theory is  How trauma impacts the body’s mitochondria What happens to the your cells when you go into overwhelm  Why practitioners experience brain fog and fatigue while helping others How your nervous system sends signals to either boost or reduce your energy levels throughout the day Practical ways to manage your “spoons” of every daily  If you're struggling to manage your energy while caring for others, this episode will provide insights on how to maintain energy levels while still being an effective practitioner. If you’d like to go deeper into this topic, listen to the full conversation with Helga Byrne on Episode 118: How Practitioners Can Navigate Their Own Chronic Illness & Healing Journey.

Are you trying to work caring for others while navigating your own chronic health symptoms? In this episode, we’ll take a look at one woman's decade-long battle with a chronic illness and the actions she took to build and maintain her practice.  Helga Byrne, worked years in corporate, but wanted a more meaningful life. Becoming a licensed therapist, she spent years struggling with a chronic health issue without having an answer. Eventually, it was discovered it was chronic Lyme disease, but that didn’t bring an overnight solution.  How do we manage being a professional in the healing field when we have our own chronic health issues? What happens when our physical health issues get triggered by long days or difficult clients?  In this conversation, Helga joins Dr. Aimie to share the struggles and strategies Helga implemented to effectively run her business while navigating brain fog and extreme fatigue. She’ll also share insights on common identity challenges, the challenge of finding practitioners who believed her symptoms, how to identify what gives you energy, and changes you can make to your life, relationships and work. They’ll discuss: How trauma can be created by medical rejection How chronic illness can create isolation Using the "spoon theory" for managing energy  Creating different ways to earn income when you can't see clients full-time The healing power of accepting your illness instead of waiting to "get better someday" Why working with clients can be energizing even during chronic illness Why learning to say "no" can protect your limited time and energy How finding a supportive community can change your outlook on your illness How your own health struggles can help you better understand and connect with clients And more! Whether you are a practitioner, parent or other caregiver, this episode will give you great insights into how you can structure your life, work and schedule around your body's needs while showing up for others effectively.   Guides, Tools & Resources: The Essential Sequence - free guide that shows you the difference between stress and trauma states of our nervous system. In just 3 steps, it walks you through what your body needs when it has stored trauma or is in a freeze response. Foundational Journey - If you want to be safely guided through The Essential Sequence, and lay your foundation of regulation in this online 6 week course, join me and my team of mentors for this journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices.   Brain Inflammation Protocol – The complete protocol for if you have anxiety, depression, prior head injuries and want to address the brain inflammation that’s keeping you stuck. Tackling Brain Inflammation [Video Library] – 27 videos from experts on how to recognize brain inflammation, how to get tested and what nutrients and supplements can support you   Related Podcast Episodes for Practitioners: Episode 67: Healing Trauma and Chronic Illness Through Connection with Gabor Mate Episode 99: Stress In The Body: Trauma-Informed Medicine & Why Dysregulation Should Be Included In Assessments Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.