24 min

Holistic Healing III: How to shake off trauma like a zebra Therapists Off the Clock

    • Mental Health

Picture this - a zebra, narrowly escaping the jaws of a lion, shaking out the fear that moments ago consumed it, then moving on with its life. Could we, as humans, learn from this natural mechanism to heal from our own traumas? Join Stephanie Dinsmore and Jodie Lockey-Duesling as we venture through the riveting world of somatic experiencing and therapy. This episode is a deep dive into understanding trauma cycles, a journey illuminated by profound insights from the renowned physician Gabor Maté. Our exploration doesn't stop there. We also introduce you to the orienting exercise - a practical method that can help you regain a sense of safety and security in your surroundings. We'll delve into the importance of seeking professional help for trauma and the crucial role of attachment and attunement during our early years. 
Jodie and Stephanie attempt to answer questions like:
Are animals better than humans at processing trauma?
When it comes to trauma, why can't we just distract ourselves for the rest of our life and just move on?
Can you practice somatic experiencing on yourself?
Why is a trauma-informed intake important and what does it include?

Chapters:
(00:01) - Somatic Experiencing and Therapy
We highlight how animals naturally complete their trauma cycles by physically shaking out stress, while humans often remain stuck in a state of hypervigilance. We introduce the orienting exercise, which helps clients feel more embodied and safe in their surroundings. The importance of completing the trauma cycle and releasing stored tension in the body is emphasized.
(05:02) - Complete Trauma Cycle Through Somatic Work
We discuss the importance of integrating the brain, body, and soul to release trapped trauma. The Embody Lab is introduced as a resource for therapists and providers to learn about somatic experiencing. We reference the work of physician Gabor Maté, who emphasizes that trauma is not just external events, but also the internal impact. The concept of being "locked" or "lost" within one's psyche is discussed, highlighting the need for a bottom-up approach to trauma recovery. 
(17:00) - Understanding Trauma and Somatic Experiencing
We discuss how trauma can manifest in various ways, such as hypervigilance or dissociation, and how it can impact our daily lives. We also explore the concept of somatic experiencing and how it can help individuals process and heal from trauma. We emphasize the importance of seeking professional help and creating a safe space for processing trauma. We also touch on the trauma-informed intake process and the significance of attachment and attunement in our formative years. 

Resources:
Book Recommendation: “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” by Robert M. Sapolsky
We do not make any money from the purchasing of this book. We are simply sharing the easiest link. This book should be available at bookstores and libraries around the world.
Book Recommendation: "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in...

Picture this - a zebra, narrowly escaping the jaws of a lion, shaking out the fear that moments ago consumed it, then moving on with its life. Could we, as humans, learn from this natural mechanism to heal from our own traumas? Join Stephanie Dinsmore and Jodie Lockey-Duesling as we venture through the riveting world of somatic experiencing and therapy. This episode is a deep dive into understanding trauma cycles, a journey illuminated by profound insights from the renowned physician Gabor Maté. Our exploration doesn't stop there. We also introduce you to the orienting exercise - a practical method that can help you regain a sense of safety and security in your surroundings. We'll delve into the importance of seeking professional help for trauma and the crucial role of attachment and attunement during our early years. 
Jodie and Stephanie attempt to answer questions like:
Are animals better than humans at processing trauma?
When it comes to trauma, why can't we just distract ourselves for the rest of our life and just move on?
Can you practice somatic experiencing on yourself?
Why is a trauma-informed intake important and what does it include?

Chapters:
(00:01) - Somatic Experiencing and Therapy
We highlight how animals naturally complete their trauma cycles by physically shaking out stress, while humans often remain stuck in a state of hypervigilance. We introduce the orienting exercise, which helps clients feel more embodied and safe in their surroundings. The importance of completing the trauma cycle and releasing stored tension in the body is emphasized.
(05:02) - Complete Trauma Cycle Through Somatic Work
We discuss the importance of integrating the brain, body, and soul to release trapped trauma. The Embody Lab is introduced as a resource for therapists and providers to learn about somatic experiencing. We reference the work of physician Gabor Maté, who emphasizes that trauma is not just external events, but also the internal impact. The concept of being "locked" or "lost" within one's psyche is discussed, highlighting the need for a bottom-up approach to trauma recovery. 
(17:00) - Understanding Trauma and Somatic Experiencing
We discuss how trauma can manifest in various ways, such as hypervigilance or dissociation, and how it can impact our daily lives. We also explore the concept of somatic experiencing and how it can help individuals process and heal from trauma. We emphasize the importance of seeking professional help and creating a safe space for processing trauma. We also touch on the trauma-informed intake process and the significance of attachment and attunement in our formative years. 

Resources:
Book Recommendation: “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” by Robert M. Sapolsky
We do not make any money from the purchasing of this book. We are simply sharing the easiest link. This book should be available at bookstores and libraries around the world.
Book Recommendation: "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in...

24 min