Transforming Trauma

High control religion is rarely one big wound. It is closer to death by a thousand paper cuts that add up to complex trauma for many people."- Laura Anderson On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. Laura Anderson for a compassionate exploration of religious trauma, its impacts, and the nuanced paths toward healing. Drawing from her personal journey and clinical experience, Laura shares how religious trauma operates much like other forms of complex trauma—emphasizing that overwhelm and harm are deeply subjective and that each person has their own unique experience and story. The conversation highlights Laura's definition of religious trauma, the importance of naming adverse religious experiences, and how healing must center on agency, autonomy, and honoring lived experience. Together, they discuss the limitations of prescriptive healing models, the need for pacing in trauma recovery, and how practices rooted in compassion and connection—such as the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) and other somatic approaches to trauma—help clients rediscover self-trust and resilience. Laura underscores the significance of spaciousness and validation, both in clinical relationships and in communities navigating faith, offering hope for anyone affected by high-control or adverse religious contexts. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"Sometimes children have to disconnect from their hearts just to survive." - Kelly Cook On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes school social worker Kelly Cook for an open-hearted exploration of healing and connection with children, teens, and families facing adversity. Kelly shares how her lifelong sensitivity to those on the margins, shaped by early experiences of compassion and agency in her own childhood, led her into the field of social work and ultimately to trauma-informed practice within schools. Kelly reflects on the profound vulnerability of young people, describing their need for supportive adults who honor their experiences and individuality. She delves into the challenges and hopes of working with children and adolescents navigating adverse childhood experiences, and highlights the critical role school-based interventions play. The conversation centers on the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), with Kelly offering examples of how even a single, agency-focused inquiry—such as "What is it you most want for yourself?"—can spark transformation for students who rarely have that invitation. Emily Ruth and Kelly discuss the necessity of collaborative care with families, the importance of honoring parents' struggles and needs, and the healing that emerges when communities move toward shared growth. Kelly speaks candidly about advocating for resources, building a social work team from the ground up, and the privilege of being welcomed into students' lives as they rediscover connection to themselves. Through personal stories and reflections, this episode illustrates the transformative power of seeing, hearing, and honoring each member of a community on the path to healing. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"Trauma can be a gateway for transformation, and it's one of the things that I am passionate about." – Abi Blakeslee On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth sits down with Dr. Abi Blakeslee, a leader in the field of trauma recovery and somatic psychology recognized for her clinical research and teaching. Dr. Blakeslee shares her deep exploration of implicit memory—the non-conscious processes shaping movement, emotion, and survival patterns—and explains how harnessing implicit memory offers new and practical pathways to healing trauma. Drawing from Somatic Experiencing, neuroscience, and her own research, Dr. Blakeslee breaks down the branches of implicit memory—procedural, priming, associative, and more—and clarifies their relevance in trauma and recovery. The conversation explores how clinicians can support present-moment, embodied "new learning" that rewires automatic responses and fosters positive transformation. Listeners will hear practical strategies to increase clients' interoceptive awareness, cultivate self-compassion, and repair ruptures through embodied, relational experiences. Dr. Blakeslee emphasizes the importance of helping clients reconnect with their essential self, shifting the focus from merely resolving the past to building new implicit memories of agency, connection, and vitality. Together they discuss the flexibility of integrating these neurobiological insights into diverse modalities—including Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Therapy, and beyond—to deepen agency and nurture post-traumatic growth, especially in cases of developmental and complex trauma. Throughout, Dr. Blakeslee underscores the healing power of gentle attention, relational attunement, and compassion—offering a hopeful framework for practitioners and clients alike. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"Our greatest hope is that NARM® can lead to increasing opportunities for connection, healing, and transformation." - Brad Kammer On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Stephanie Klein is joined by Brad Kammer, Training Director at the Complex Trauma Training Center, to discuss the newly released workbook for healing developmental trauma—an accessible resource distilling the core principles and clinical tools of the NeuroAffective Relational Model®. Brad shares the intention behind this third book in the NARM canon: creating a user-friendly, desk-side reference for clinicians and individuals seeking to understand and apply the NARM approach to complex and developmental trauma. The conversation traces the evolution from the original "Healing Developmental Trauma" text—introducing the theoretical basis of NARM—through to the more clinical "Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma," and now to this practical workbook designed for everyday integration. Brad explains how the new workbook balances clinical exercises for practitioners with reflective prompts for personal growth, making it suitable for therapists, clients, and any individual interested in self-healing. Together, Stephanie and Brad reflect on how these resources support both professional development and inner exploration, highlighting the ripple effects of personal transformation in broader contexts. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter X https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"The work we do is meaningful, sometimes difficult, but it's the best work to do." - Dr. David Puder On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. David Puder to explore the clinical realities of complex trauma and the slow, often gritty path toward healing. Drawing on decades of hospital and outpatient experience, Dr. Puder offers candor and practical wisdom for clinicians and caring professionals who feel the weight of this work. The pair discuss how complex developmental trauma shows up as dissociation and psychogenic symptoms rather than classic shock-based PTSD, how medical identities can eclipse a person's strengths, and ways to help families shift out of illness-based roles. You'll hear how dreams and creative writing can reveal disavowed material, why rare countertransference reactions are clinical clues, and how therapist reflective function — the ability to make meaning of inner reactions — predicts treatment impact. Dr. Puder also explains practical tools he developed, including a Connection Index for clinical teams, and offers concrete examples of converting medical patients into psychotherapy patients so they can reclaim agency and a life beyond diagnosis. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter X https://x.com/CTTC_Training

Trauma isn't just an event—it's a complex, living pattern woven through our bodies, minds, and relationships. What if the path to healing isn't about breaking down defenses or pushing past resistance, but about honoring those very protections as parts of our whole self? Shai Lavie's journey illuminates this radical shift. As a Hakomi and Somatic Experiencing therapist, Shai learned that trauma work flourishes when we stop battling our clients' "barriers" and instead bring curiosity and compassion to every part of their experience—even the parts that resist change. Imagine your nervous system not as a malfunctioning engine to be fixed, but as a profound intelligence signaling what it needs to survive and adapt. In practice, this means holding space for a client's "resistance", listening deeply to these "barriers" with genuine inquiry: "What wisdom might be present here? What story is this body telling me?" Such an approach transforms therapy from a power struggle into a collaborative voyage, where client and therapist become co-captains rowing in harmony, not opposition. This relational, respectful method aligns beautifully with the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) principles—where healing happens in connection, at the client's pace, and through mindful presence. It invites us all, as therapists and healers, to recalibrate our role: to cultivate safety not by conquering defenses, but by embracing them, fostering agency within the authentic self. If you're a mental health professional eager to deepen your understanding of complex trauma and transform your therapeutic practice, we invite you to explore the upcoming NARM Therapist Trainings at the Complex Trauma Training Center. Join a community committed to growing both professionally and personally—where we learn that healing is not about fighting against our adaptive Self, but reconnecting with the resilient, compassionate, authentic Self.

Chances are, you may be familiar with Dr. Judith Lewis Herman, the legendary psychiatrist, researcher, teacher, and author. Five decades into her esteemed career, Dr. Herman continues to produce innovative work in sexual trauma and Complex PTSD. But you might not know Judith Herman, the daughter, mother, grandmother, and activist. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , Emily Ruth is honored to welcome back Dr. Judith Lewis Herman for an illuminating conversation on the life experiences and enduring connections that have shaped her public and private life. The pair also explores the positive impact that activism and affiliation with others can have on those who've experienced trauma, and why adopting an active coping strategy is one of the best predictors of recovery. About Judith Lewis Herman, M.D.: Judith Lewis Herman, M.D. , is Professor of Psychiatry (part time) at Harvard Medical School. For thirty years, until she retired, she was Director of Training at the Victims of Violence Program at The Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, MA. Dr. Herman is the author of the award-winning books: Father-Daughter Incest (Harvard University Press, 1981) and Trauma and Recovery (Basic Books, 1992). To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

At the core of Jungian psychology lies the concept of individuation, a lifelong journey of growing into one's whole self. It's a process of self-discovery that can feel both inspiring and challenging as each layer of inauthenticity or protective strategy surfaces, then sloughs away. One therapist combines her Jungian background with NARM's spirit of inquiry to help her clients embrace the nature of individuation and reconnect to their unique selves. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Megan Holm (LMFT), NARM® Master Therapist, and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner to discuss the beautiful and unsettling unfolding that can occur when we commit to exploring depth within ourselves. The pair also explores where NARM and Jungian psychology overlap––developing the capacity to hold tension that arises with deeper self-exploration and creating space for noticing rather than judging. About Megan Holm: Megan Holm is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), NARM® Master Therapist, and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner in private practice. She has served as a training assistant in NARM Therapist and Master Therapist Trainings. Megan is currently a training candidate at the International School of Analytical Psychology (ISAP) in Zurich, Switzerland. She continues to see clients in the US, working on themes of relationship patterns, belonging, grief and loss, and self-discovery. Megan is most interested in what Carl Jung calls Individuation: the lifelong process of becoming one's own unique and whole self. It is a process of self-realization and discovery, seeing ourselves as we are rather than as we wish to be. Our symptoms are a door for this work – they invite us to look inwards, to listen to what has gone untended or under-nourished. Fantasy, imagination, and dreams offer further guidance, helping us to see more clearly who we are and what we uniquely bring to the world. Knowing oneself is an undertaking – a humbling journey that Megan feels honored to take together. Learn More: https://meganholm.com/ *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth invites Alexander Vesely, award-winning documentary filmmaker, psychotherapist, and the grandson of Dr. Viktor Frankl, to share anecdotes about his grandfather and the evolution of Logotherapy. The pair recalls Viktor's deportation to a Nazi concentration camp and his heartbreaking experiences there. The devastation eventually informed Viktor's theory, known as Logotherapy, which posits that those who are oriented towards finding meaning even in the most dire circumstances are more likely to feel fulfilled. Alexander also discusses his film Viktor & I, an intimate portrait of his grandfather as revealed by those who worked with, studied under, and loved him. About Alexander Vesely: Alexander Vesely, M.Sc., Dr. h.c. , is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, licensed psychotherapist specializing in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, and the grandson of Dr. Viktor Frankl, author of the classic Man's Search for Meaning. Vesely serves as Director of the Viktor Frankl Media Archives in Vienna, Co-Founder of the Viktor Frankl Institute of America, and Director of the Online Academy for Logotherapy at the Elisabeth Lukas Archive. His work uniquely bridges the worlds of psychology and cinema, carrying forward his grandfather's legacy through both film and therapeutic practice. Vesely's films – such as the acclaimed Viktor & I and Wizard of the Desert – explore the lives and philosophies of influential figures in psychology, earning international awards and recognition. Beyond the screen, he is a sought-after speaker on meaning-centered psychotherapy, teaching and lecturing worldwide. Vesely lives in Vienna with his wife and son, where he also maintains a private psychotherapy practice. Learn More: Viktor Frankl Institute of America Online Academy for Logotherapy at the Elisabeth Lukas Archive *** To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE : SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

In this special Transforming Trauma series, we will be exploring the "origin stories" of influential therapists. These episodes offer a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and understand what inspired these therapists to pursue healing work, and how they have brought their life experiences into their professional work, impacting and inspiring many people along the way. By learning from seasoned master therapists who openly share their professional journeys, as well as the painful personal life lessons along the way, we gain valuable insights to support our own growth, both professionally and personally. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth is thrilled to welcome back Brad Kammer, Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) Director, Senior Trainer in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) Senior Trainer, author, and executive producer of this podcast, to discuss his eclectic personal and professional journeys. Brad also details the experiences that have shaped his approach to the treatment of trauma and informed the creation of CTTC. About Brad Kammer: Brad Kammer , LMFT, LPCC, is the Training Director and Senior Trainer for the Complex Trauma Training Center. Brad is responsible for the creation of the CTTC professional development programs, including the SPACE Inner Development Program for Therapists. He also is a Senior Trainer in the NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Training Programs offered through CTTC. Brad guides the mentorship programs involving CTTC faculty, training assistants and participants; the diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) efforts; and is the executive producer of the Transforming Trauma podcast. Brad has a passion for cultivating a professional learning community that provides ongoing training opportunities and mentorship to a diverse group of mental health professionals in their work with complex trauma. Brad is also the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma and the upcoming Workbook for Healing Developmental Trauma . Learn More: Complex Trauma Training Center To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

In this special Transforming Trauma series, we are exploring the "origin stories" of influential therapists. These episodes offer a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and understand what inspired these therapists to pursue healing work - and how they have brought their life experiences into their professional work, impacting and inspiring many people along the way. By learning from seasoned master therapists who openly share their professional journeys, as well as the painful personal life lessons along the way, we gain valuable insights to support our own growth, both professionally and personally. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes back Marcia Black, a licensed psychologist, faculty member at the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC), and a trainer and master therapist in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®). Marcia shares defining moments from her remarkable 40+ year career and reminiscences about the generous mentors who have shaped her professional life. The pair also explore the role that curiosity plays in forming meaningful relationships with clients, colleagues, and the broader professional community. About Marcia Black: Marcia Black , PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and CTTC Faculty member. Marcia has a passion for mentoring students and Training Assistants in NARM® Trainings and the SPACE Inner Development Program for Therapists. She enjoys nurturing the growth of the CTTC professional community who are committed to ongoing learning. Marcia is also a NARM Master Therapist and has been in private practice for over 40 years in San Francisco and the East Bay, specializing in treating complex and developmental trauma. Coming from a background in Attachment, Relational and Intersubjective approaches, as well as experience as a Somatic Experiencing practitioner and SE Assistant, Marcia's mentorship is based in a relational approach that invites an exploration into the therapist's inner experience and growth, alongside that of the client's. Marcia is excited about supporting ongoing training, consultation, and mentorship in her role at CTTC. Learn More: Complex Trauma Training Center To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

In this special Transforming Trauma series, we will be exploring the "origin stories" of influential therapists. These episodes offer a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and understand what inspired these therapists to pursue healing work - and how they have brought their life experiences into their professional work, impacting and inspiring many people along the way. By learning from seasoned master therapists who openly share their professional journeys, as well as the painful personal life lessons along the way, we gain valuable insights to support our own growth, both professionally and personally. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth re-introduces Stefanie Klein, a licensed clinical social worker who is Faculty and Assistant Training Director for the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). Stefanie shares the pivotal a-ha! moments that guided her path to becoming a therapist, her post-graduate placement trajectory, and the healing modalities that have most influenced her life and professional work. About Stefanie Klein: Stefanie Klein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who serves as the Assistant Training Director for the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) where she is also a consultant and faculty in NARM® Trainings and the new SPACE program for psychotherapists. Stefanie has 30 years of experience practicing psychotherapy with adults in her Los Angeles private practice and has specialized in treating trauma and anxiety for the past 20 years. In her role as a mentor and teacher of psychotherapists working with complex trauma, she is most inspired by the desire to support other therapists to not only feel more effective in their work with clients, but to also experience more ease and fulfillment in their professional roles. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE : SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

Meditation is a practice that intimidates many people. Silence, coupled with the act of observing rather than acting, often evokes emotions such as despair and loneliness. But what if we applied the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM©) to the experience of meditative silence? On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth is in conversation with Alli Malnik, a NARM-trained mental health counselor who frequently assists with large meditation events held worldwide. The pair discuss Alli's professional journey and the role that NARM played in her personal healing. Alli also shares observations from her event work on efforting and discomfort and explains how she incorporates NARM themes of connection, curiosity, and trust to extend the meditative benefits beyond these organized gatherings. About Alli Malnik: Alli Malnik , MS, LMHC, is a NARM-trained therapist licensed in Florida and Colorado. Her current specialties focus on complex trauma, relational aspects, attachment difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She's also trained in EMDR and assists her clients by creating a safe space to explore effective ways to relate to others. Originally from Miami Beach, Alli attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a master's in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2016, after working as a fourth-grade teacher. In her free time, Alli enjoys the beach, hiking, football, meditation, her dogs, and spending time with her three children. Learn More: AM Counseling Instagram To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

Many graduate students in psychology, counseling, and social work struggle to find their theoretical and clinical footing. As graduate students get closer to graduation, many feel under-prepared and ill-equipped to provide effective therapy to clients. Despite the differences between training in a depth-oriented model like NARM and studying traditional coursework required for a clinical degree, one student celebrates bridging these two different modes of learning to become a more confident and effective beginning therapist. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Caleb McNaughton, a graduate student currently seeking licensure in Tennessee. The pair discuss Caleb's path that led him to enroll in the NARM Therapist Training as a graduate student. They also explore the friction that developed as Caleb began bringing back into his graduate program what he was learning in the NeuroAffective Relational Model, leading him to question, and at times push back on, his graduate school education and training. About Caleb McNaughton: Caleb McNaughton , a graduate student, is currently seeking licensure in Chattanooga, Tennessee, alongside training in complex developmental trauma. Caleb received his undergrad in Sports Management from Covenant College. After graduation, Caleb spent a year as a missionary in Mexico. It was during this time that he felt led to pursue a degree in counseling. Caleb was introduced to the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) through his father Jason McNaughton and his colleague Heather Parker, both NARM Master Therapists in Birmingham, AL. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

For women exiting the US correctional system, support is limited while the hurdles set in front of them seem endless. The post-carceral ecosystem is changing, however, bolstered by nonprofits that elevate rather than penalize people for their time served. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Samantha Garcia Pennell, Manager of Workforce Partnerships at Arouet Foundation, in Phoenix, AZ, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering women impacted by the justice system, helping them lead successful lives and build stronger communities. Samatha shares her personal journey from traumatic childhood to challenging adulthood to prison with our audience, and the alternative path to reintegration that Arouet afforded her. The pair also explores Arouet's programs, including mentorship, job skills, and reentry simulation. About Samantha Garcia Pennell: Samantha Garcia Pennell is Manager of Workforce Partnerships at Arouet Foundation. She is dedicated to empowering others by sharing her journey and encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths. With more than a decade of experience in training, she specializes in helping individuals rebrand themselves through education and support. Samantha holds a bachelor's degree in Career and Technical Education from Northern Arizona University, which she applies to create strategic pathways for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into their communities. Her passion lies in nonprofit work, where she is committed to providing services that open doors for women impacted by the criminal justice system,fostering connections, and supporting their successful reintegration into society. Learn More: Arouet Foundation To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

While most clinicians are seeking effective clinical skills to bring back to their clients, NARM® therapists are often surprised to experience such profound personal transformation for themselves through training in NARM. In learning more about themselves and their own healing process, the result is a better understanding of their client's healing process. Self-discovery can be a vehicle toward personal and relational change. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth invites NARM Master Therapists Alex White and Sabrena Ness to share their professional experiences as members of the NARM training community and personal journeys of self-discovery. The trio also discusses the mentorship programs that support ongoing professional development and personal growth hosted by the Complex Trauma Training Center, as well as opportunities for stronger community engagement and support. About Sabrena Ness: Sabrena Ness is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) in Utah and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wyoming. Sabrena is the Clinical Director at LifeStance Health in Utah and has been with LifeStance since 2021. She also serves as a Co-Chair for the Pacific Northwest region of LifeStance's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) chapter, where she focuses on fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Sabrena specializes in complex developmental trauma and complex PTSD, working with individuals and couples across the lifespan. She is particularly dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent populations, creating affirming and effective therapeutic spaces. She is a NARM Therapist and participates as a Training Assistant in NARM Trainings, reinforcing her commitment to advancing trauma-informed care. Her work emphasizes innovative leadership, continuous improvement, and a deep dedication to mental health advocacy. Learn More: Lifestance Health About Alex White: Alex White's career spans more than 15 years in the mental health field, throughout which he has been continually inspired by the transformative power of the therapeutic process. A NARM Master Therapist, Alex first joined the NARM community in 2020 and has served as a Training Assistant in NARM Trainings since 2022. Alex has worked with diverse populations across various settings, with a particular focus on the unique complexities of trauma work with adults (18+). He currently runs a private practice in Salt Lake City, Utah, focusing on issues such as religious trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, compassion fatigue, burnout, shame, relationship difficulties, and masculinity. He is also an adjunct faculty in the MS Counseling Program at Westminster University. Learn More: Alex White Counseling & Consulting To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

Many of us hold the convenient belief that we possess a single identity. Dr. Richard Schwartz began challenging the flatness of that assumption in the early 1980s. His curiosity led to the creation of the Internal Family Systems Model (IFS), which recognizes the role of internal "parts" or subpersonalities that resemble a family structure. Forty years later, Dick continues to expand on the model, exploring its capacity to resolve interpersonal conflicts, address broader societal issues, and reconnect us to our innate humanity. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth and Dr. Schwartz discuss how IFS helps clients reclaim their agency, restore inner harmony between their diverse parts, and strengthen their capacity to reveal their true self. About Dr. Richard Schwartz: Richard C. Schwartz, PhD , is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic model that de-pathologizes the multi-part personality. His IFS Institute offers training for professionals and the general public. He is currently on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, and has published five books, including No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Dick lives with his wife Jeanne near Chicago, close to his three daughters and his growing number of grandchildren. Learn More: IFS Institute LinkedIn *** To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

Narcissists have a canny ability to repackage traits like arrogance, self-importance, and a lack of empathy and sell them as charm, intelligence, or sensitivity. This "playbook" of calculated behaviors allows them to avoid detection and continue manipulating close relations or entire groups. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Mark Vicente, the award-winning writer, director, podcaster, and producer, to discuss the personal awakening that eventually prompted him to leave the NXIVM cult and contribute to HBO's documentary series The Vow and create the feature-length documentary The Narcissist's Playbook (currently in production). The pair delve into the role that narcissism plays in constructing cults and other high-control groups, as well as explore common narcissistic traits that impact individuals, groups, and societies. About Mark Vicente: Mark Vicente is an author, speaker, and award-winning writer/director/producer from Johannesburg, South Africa. Growing up amid the atrocities in South Africa, he began questioning fundamental beliefs about human behavior, morality, cosmology, existentialism and mysticism at an early age. Unifying his love for science, philosophy, and film, Mark's vision took shape with "What the BLEEP Do We Know!?". He later released "Encender el Corazón", a powerful film about Mexico's kidnapping crisis. While the film touched many people deeply, it was by association supporting the criminal enterprise NXIVM. Mark withdrew the film and, alongside fellow whistleblowers, exposed the group, resulting in multiple arrests and prosecutions. His journey is chronicled in HBO's 15-part documentary series "The Vow". Mark has since focused on exposing the manipulative dynamics of high-control groups. He's currently finishing "The Narcissist's Playbook", a feature documentary on narcissism, told through the unflinching accounts of four self-aware malignant narcissists, alongside insights from survivors, scientists, and mental health experts, filmed across seven countries. Learn More: Website Instagram Podcast To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

For all its popularity as a talking point, shame remains one of the least-documented human emotions. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth is pleased to welcome back Dr. Laurence Heller, Ph.D., author, international trainer, and creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®). The pair discuss the psychology of shame and its significant role in protecting attachments (or relationships) starting at a young age. This conversation also explores the benefits of a NARM-focused approach to shame and its impact on patients' personal agency, relationships, and quality of life. They also examine how shame, the emotion, informs behavioral patterns and how accessing anger can ultimately diffuse shame-based orientations. About Dr. Laurence Heller: Dr. Laurence Heller is the creator of the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), international trainer, and co-author of Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image and the Capacity for Relationship and Crash Course: A Self-Healing Guide to Auto Accident Trauma and Recovery. Dr. Heller co-authored, with CTTC Training Director Brad Kammer, The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma which presents one of the first comprehensive therapeutic models for addressing complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), introducing an integrated mind-body approach for treating attachment, relational, cultural and intergenerational trauma. Dr. Heller's forthcoming book, co-authored with Stephan Konrad Niederwieser, is untitled at the time of this podcast's release. Dr. Heller is the Founder & Director of the NARM Training Institute and teaches regularly in the US and Europe. Learn More: NARM Training Institute Facebook To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

For many mental health professionals, exploration into a client's relationship with spirituality is often left out or actively avoided. Could honest and open discussions about a client's spiritual perspective help them reconnect to themselves and others while also alleviating their symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression? On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth is honored to welcome Harvard psychologist, author, and educator David Rosmarin, PhD., to explore the connection between spirituality and mental health, modern psychology's aversion to the topic, and the ancient Jewish wisdom behind the connections paradigm. About David Rosmarin: Dr. David H. Rosmarin is the director of the Spirituality and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital and an associate professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He earned his PhD in clinical psychology from Bowling Green State University, completed a predoctoral internship, and then pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital. Dr. Rosmarin studies the relevance of spirituality to mental health, and he innovates methods for clinicians to address this area of life. He has published over a hundred manuscripts, editorials, and chapters and served as co-editor of the Handbook of Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Health. Dr. Rosmarin's work is regularly featured by the media and has appeared on CNN, NPR, Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Learn More: Center For Anxiety To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

One of the many consequences of complex trauma is a loss of self-confidence leading to self-doubt and difficulty trusting in one's intuition. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth invites international speaker, author, and resident psychiatrist Dr. Samra Zafar to share her inspirational journey from an isolated teen bride to a courageous, intuitive, and powerful agent of change. The pair explore Samra's practice of reconnecting to her inner voice and lean into its guidance after years of self-doubt. They also discuss how practitioners can apply their lived experience to therapeutic relationships and invite clients to access reserves of profound healing intuition. About Samra Zafar: Dr. Samra Zafar is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, and resident psychiatrist. After escaping a decade of abuse as a child bride in Canada, she went on to pursue her education and became a global advocate for progress. Recognized amongst Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Samra is a trailblazer, spearheading belonging and wellness in organizations across the world. She combines scientific research with hard-earned life lessons to share courageous strategies that lead to bold results. Her speaking portfolio includes four TEDx Talks and speeches to leading corporations, non-profits, governmental agencies, and educational institutions. Samra's work has been extensively featured in both Canadian and International media. Learn More: Website Instagram To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

Within psychology, there is an ongoing debate about the relationship between complex trauma and personality. Developed by Dr. James Masterson, the Masterson Approach focuses on the development of personality, and introduced innovative treatment for schizoid, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. William Griffith, Director of The International Masterson Institute in Cape Town, South Africa. The pair discuss foundational aspects of the Masterson Approach, and specifically how trauma affects a client's persistent dependence on "the false self." About William Griffith: William Griffith is a clinical psychologist, with over 25 years of experience in practice and extensive research. Having succeeded Dr. Judith Pearson as Director of the International Masterson Institute, Griffith now continues to build on her legacy, ensuring the Institute's continued leadership in the treatment of personality disorders. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Griffith combines his leadership role at the Institute with an active clinical practice, offering expertise in working with patients who exhibit high-risk behaviors. Griffith has also served on the teaching faculty of multiple South African universities, delivering lectures and workshops globally. William Griffith is grateful to be doing this work and is still humbled by humanity on a daily basis. Learn More: The International Masterson Institute *** To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

Living an authentic life has always required a fair amount of courage. But the online world has created an environment in which targeted intimidation and persecution are accepted, and even encouraged too often. Virtual bullying is especially vicious when directed at folks with marginalized identities. One woman has worked hard to thrive online and off, despite the risks involved. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Brianna Wu to discuss her journey to wholeness following abuses she suffered as a result of the high-profile hate-infused hashtag campaign known as Gamergate, as well as coming out publicly as a trans woman. Brianna shares candid insights regarding the challenge of maintaining equanimity amid the ongoing barrage of hostilities, the nonlinear work of healing from childhood trauma, and the rewards of living with integrity. About Brianna Wu: Brianna Wu is a former videogame developer turned politico. Best known for the 2014 Gamergate scandal where women in the game industry were targeted with extreme harassment, Wu ran for congress and is the host of Dollcast. Learn More: Dollcast Rebellion Pac X To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

On this episode of Transforming Trauma , CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes psychologist, author, and trainer Steven Kessler, MFT, to discuss the role that personality patterns play in our communication styles and how those patterns impact our relationships. The pair delve into the origins of these patterns and the unconscious "safety" tactics associated with each. Brad and Steven also examine strategies for developing an ability to listen and respond to one another in a more holistic and conscious manner. About Steven Kessler: After a stint studying physics at MIT, followed by an undergraduate degree in acting from Boston University, and four years at the New England Repertory Theatre, Steven Kessler's deep interest in the human psyche led him to earn an MA in Transpersonal Psychology. For over 30 years, he has been a licensed psychotherapist. Steven has been studying different healing modalities and maps of personality, including Character Structure, the Enneagram, NLP, energy work, Thought Field Therapy, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). He is a certified EFT Expert & Trainer. For over three decades, Steven has also pursued spiritual and meditation practices, including 16 years in the Diamond Heart meditation school. For over 15 years, he has been a student of Lynda Caesara, studying Character Structure, the direct perception of energy, and shamanism in the lineage of Grandfather Two Bears and the Southern Seers tradition. Steven has taught hundreds of groups and workshops in the US and internationally, and recently has trained other therapists in the use of EFT. His bestselling book, The 5 Personality Patterns, deepens the insights of character structure and introduces its map of the human personality to the general public. In his latest book, How To Have Better Relationships, Steven outlines techniques for deepening interpersonal relationships based on the five personality patterns. Learn More: The Five Personality Patterns To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

Grief is a natural response to loss that all of us will encounter. For all its universality, however, our society has grown increasingly grief-adverse and avoidant. One grief specialist relies on her NARM® training to reacquaint clients with their agency. In doing so, she invites their sorrow to coexist with curiosity, compassion, and gentleness. On this episode of Transforming Trauma , host Emily Ruth welcomes Karen Ihrig, LCSW, to share her experiences working with bereaved clients while tending to her own grief. The pair discuss the differences between grief and traumatic bereavement and the speed with which our current mental health system pathologizes rather than embraces the bereavement process. About Karen Ihrig: Karen Ihrig (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a NeuroQueer artist, griever and psychotherapist, who began practicing therapy after completing her Masters in Social Work in 2012. Karen has an eclectic approach to therapy, specializing in traumatic grief, expressive arts, and complex trauma. Her practice, Here With You Therapy, has a niche providing therapy to the neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, consensually non-monogamous, and non-traditional communities. Her work is rooted in the intention to co-create an anti-oppressive, compassionate and secure relational space, with her expansive clients, who have often endured marginalization, complex trauma and traumatic bereavement. Karen believes in the transformative healing power of intersubjective presence. She is truly honored to be together with her clients, colleagues, and communities, in shared humanity. Learn More: Here With You Therapy To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth , connection , and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube