68. Finding Joy, Sensuality & Pleasure in Recovery with Nina Pick

In what ways does the discovery of self contribute to a more prosperous recovery journey?

In this episode, Amanda Kuda interviews Nina, a somatic healer and author of "The Mindbody Guide to the Twelve Steps," about her journey from inherited trauma and addiction to healing. Nina delves into her experiences with depression and addiction and how the 12-step program transformed her life despite initial reservations. The discussion underscores the significance of personalized healing methods and the transformative power of self-awareness in recovery. Listen to an inspiring episode that sheds light on how one can take control of one's life through understanding oneself better!

Nina Pick is a somatic healing practitioner who offers a trauma-informed, heart-centered, and attachment-based approach. She offers sessions for individuals and couples and a Somatics of Recovery course based on her book.

[00:01 - 07:57] Opening Segment

• Amanda introduces Nina, author of the new book "The Mind-Body Guide to the Twelve Steps"

• Nina experienced chronic depression and turned to alcohol and marijuana as self-medication

• How her journey led her to sobriety

• How to navigate sensory stimuli in a healthy way

[07:58 - 15:47] Navigating Recovery: Exploring the Power of 12-Steps

• How Nina felt fundamentally weird or different and wanted to be normal

• She chose alcohol and drugs to shut off the sensory things

• People don't learn coping mechanisms to manage emotions and extra-sensory things

• How a therapist helped Nina find healing through 12-step meetings

[15:48 - 23:25] Finding the Right Fit: The Healing Power of Softness

• Why Nina found Overeaters Anonymous more comfortable and resonant than AA

• How it provided a more gentle, feminine approach and community

• Additional support beyond therapy is essential for recovery

• The importance of being in the right place

[23:26 - 32:29] The Connection Between Somatics and Spirituality

• How Nina got healthy in her relationship with her body and food, stopped smoking weed, and got sober

• Dreaming of a unified field of body, mind, spirit, and soul

• Why Nina decided to go to grad school for counseling to help others on their journey

• Trauma manifests in disconnect from the body

[32:30 - 41:28] How Somatics Can Help Us Connect with Ourselves and the Earth

• Somatics is about helping us come back to living inside ourselves and connecting with the earth

• It honors all of our survival strategies and helps us re-inhabit ourselves
• It allows for spiritual connection, empathy, and vulnerability

• How somatics has tools that bring a sense of safety and connection

[41:29 - 49:28] Bridging Talk and Touch for Deep Safety and Connection

• Anchoring of the sit bones can be helpful to connect with our source of power and knowing

• Self-directed touch is a valuable resource for somatic practitioners and clients

• Frustration and loneliness can be cues to activate self-soothing tools

• You can use compassion and gentleness to honor the need for connection in a relationship

[49:29 - 55:39] Closing Segment

• Make sure to have the necessary support to thrive on your journey

• Finding joy, sensuality, and pleasure in recovery

Want to connect with Nina? Visit her website and honor the body's innate capacity for wisdom, healing, and transformation!