The Trauma Nerd

Helen Billows
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

The Trauma Nerd is for anyone who wants to understand trauma and the nervous system without needing a psychology degree (or a dictionary).  Hosted by Helen Billows, psychologist, trauma therapist, EMDR consultant, and self-professed nerd. The show breaks down big concepts into helpful episodes encompassing clinical honesty, dry humour, and zero shortcuts. Think rigour, but make it cute. Each episode is under 30 minutes and offers evidence-based insights, thoughtful reflections, and the occasional laugh.  Whether you're navigating your own trauma history, trying to understand why you are the way you are, or you're a clinician seeking digestible, well-informed discussions, this podcast is for you. You’ll hear about trauma, memory, attachment, EMDR, and the messy, very human parts of healing in a way that is digestible, practical and dare we say... funny. This is clear, compassionate psychology -  from someone who seriously knows what she’s talking about. New episodes drop every fortnight.

Episodes

  1. 3 MAR

    “I didn’t mean it like that!”—Why You Still Owe an Apology

    You've heard it. You've probably said it. I didn't mean it like that. And maybe that's true. But here's the thing — it doesn't actually matter as much as you think it does. In this episode, Helen unpacks one of the most common and subtly damaging patterns in relationships: confusing intention with responsibility. Good intentions are real and important. But they don't erase harm. They don't replace an apology. And when "I didn't mean it" becomes the default response to someone's hurt, it stops being a clarification and starts being a dismissal. This one is the close relative of Episode 2. If you haven't listened to that one yet, start there. Find more evidence-based trauma education and honest takes on what actually happens in therapy: Instagram: @thetraumanerdpodcast | @helenbillows New episodes fortnightly.

    13 min

  2. 17 FEB

    "Hurt People Hurt People", Okay... Now What?

    You've seen it everywhere. On social media, in the comments, maybe even from people who should probably know better. Hurt people hurt people. And sure — the spirit behind it is solid. But somewhere along the way, it became a get-out-of-jail-free card. And that's where Helen has a problem with it. In this episode, Helen unpacks why understanding someone's pain and excusing their behaviour are not the same thing — and why conflating them causes real harm. She makes the case that accountability isn't the opposite of compassion. It's actually part of it. Find more evidence-based trauma education and honest takes on what actually happens in therapy: Instagram: @thetraumanerdpodcast | @helenbillows New episodes fortnightly.

    27 min

  3. 3 FEB

    WTF is EMDR?

    You've heard of EMDR. Maybe your therapist mentioned it, maybe you're on a waitlist for it, maybe you just keep seeing it online and wondering if it's actually legit or just another wellness trend with good branding. This episode is the honest, no-shortcuts explanation you've been looking for. Helen Billows — registered psychologist, EMDR therapist, and EMDR supervisor — breaks down what EMDR actually is, how it works neurologically, and what happens in the room during a session. She covers the Adaptive Information Processing model, why trauma memories get stuck in the first place, and what a processed memory actually feels like from the inside. No finger-waggling mysticism. Just a clear, evidence-based explanation from someone who does this work every day. If you're considering EMDR, currently in it, or just tired of not understanding what people mean when they talk about trauma processing — start here. Find more trauma education, psychology made simple, and honest takes on what really happens in the therapy room: Instagram: @thetraumanerdpodcast | @helenbillows New episodes fortnightly.

    26 min

  4. 6 JAN

    Welcome to The Trauma Nerd Podcast

    Some people knit. Helen reads trauma research for funsies. And now you get the good bits, without spending your nights googling. The Trauma Nerd podcast is where evidence-based psychology meets the real-world experience of trauma, EMDR, and what actually happens inside the therapy room. Hosted by psychologist and EMDR consultant Helen Billows, this show turns complex concepts into warm, clear, “finally-makes-sense” conversations. Expect episodes under 30 minutes, grounded in science but never boring. Just smart psychology made simple, with care, context, and a healthy sense of humour. If you’re craving trauma education that feels human, real, and actually enjoyable, hit follow and join us!

    1 min
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Trauma Nerd is for anyone who wants to understand trauma and the nervous system without needing a psychology degree (or a dictionary).  Hosted by Helen Billows, psychologist, trauma therapist, EMDR consultant, and self-professed nerd. The show breaks down big concepts into helpful episodes encompassing clinical honesty, dry humour, and zero shortcuts. Think rigour, but make it cute. Each episode is under 30 minutes and offers evidence-based insights, thoughtful reflections, and the occasional laugh.  Whether you're navigating your own trauma history, trying to understand why you are the way you are, or you're a clinician seeking digestible, well-informed discussions, this podcast is for you. You’ll hear about trauma, memory, attachment, EMDR, and the messy, very human parts of healing in a way that is digestible, practical and dare we say... funny. This is clear, compassionate psychology -  from someone who seriously knows what she’s talking about. New episodes drop every fortnight.

Information

  • Creator
    Helen Billows
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Helen Billows
  • Show Website
    The Trauma Nerd