In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica and Jenn Wooten discuss the profound impact of medical trauma on the nervous system and the importance of understanding this relationship for healing. There is so much wisdom in the body but it takes nervous system capacity to be able to turn toward the body. When we can increase our nervous system capacity, it allows us to turn in and befriend the body.

Jenn shares her expertise in somatic practices to heal the nervous system and the Via Somatic methodology, emphasizing self-regulation, resilience, and the significance of community support in navigating medical trauma. They explore practical techniques for managing stress responses, the role of deep rest in recovery, and the necessity of advocating for trauma-informed care in healthcare settings.

Jenn and Sarah also discuss the journey of post-traumatic growth and the power of lived experience in fostering compassion and understanding in both practitioners and patients.

You can learn more about Jenn and her work at:

Viasomatic.com

Keywords for this episode: medical trauma, nervous system, trauma-informed care, somatic practices, healing, resilience, self-regulation, post-traumatic growth, peer support, yoga therapy

In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I speak with Dr. Sasha McBain about medical trauma and the emotions that often go along with it. We particularly focus on anger because it is such a common experience for those of us who have experienced medical trauma. We discuss Sasha's journey into this field, the psychological impact of medical experiences, and the importance of addressing trauma in healthcare settings. We also address the need for systemic change in healthcare to better support patients and their families. In this conversation, Sacha McBain, PhD, and I explore the complex emotions surrounding medical trauma, particularly focusing on anger and its underlying causes. We discuss how ableism affects perceptions of illness and recovery, the importance of recognizing and processing anger, and the role of self-compassion in healing. The conversation emphasizes that while anger can be a protective emotion, it is crucial to understand its roots and transform it into constructive actions. We also highlight the significance of acceptance and the various coping strategies available for individuals navigating these challenges.

In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Humphrey, an Austin based speech therapist, yoga teacher, sound healer and all around magic person, about her personal journey through medical trauma and how it led her to healing practices that she now shares with others. Kim shares her medical trauma experiences and the emotional toll of her medical journey, and we talked about the importance of finding words to describe medical trauma. We explored the role of yoga in healing, how yoga nidra helps with finding peace, and the connection between emotions and somatic experiences. Kim and I talked a lot about the importance of connecting with one's body to uncover deep-seated beliefs and emotions and the wisdom that the body holds. We explored Kim's transition from personal healing to teaching others, and the significance of lived experience in guiding others through their struggles.

In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I welcome back Christen Mullane to discuss her new book, Medical Stress and Trauma: A Mindfulness-Based Approach To Reclaiming Safety And Empowerment. Our conversation explores the themes of safety, empowerment, and the importance of understanding medical stress for patients, caregivers, and providers. Christen shares insights on how her workbook can serve as a tool for healing and reflection, and everyone can benefit from its content, regardless of their role in medical trauma or stage in the healing journey. The episode also includes an experiential exercise on safety, highlighting the significance of building authentic relationships and emotional safety in the healing process. In this conversation, Christen Mullane and I explore the complexities of medical trauma, emphasizing the importance of safety, empowerment, and mindfulness in healthcare settings. We discuss how caregivers and medical providers can navigate their own experiences of trauma while supporting patients. Our conversation really highlights the significance of trauma-informed care and the need for personalized mindfulness practices that cater to individual experiences and challenges. I hope you enjoy this episode and that you buy Christen's workbook as a companion on your healing journey!

In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I’m joined by Shelley Freeman, MS, LCMHC, to explore three transformative pathways to heal from birth trauma: building a supportive community, engaging in somatic practices, and exploring therapy.

Together, we discuss the power of connecting with others who truly understand your experience, how somatic practices can help regulate your nervous system and create a sense of safety in your body, and why therapy can be a powerful tool for processing and releasing trauma.

Whether you're in the thick of postpartum struggles or reflecting on your own birth story, this episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable steps to support your healing journey.

In this engaging conversation with Shelley Freeman, we delve into the often-overlooked postpartum period following birth trauma. We explore the emotional toll of trauma and shame and how they contribute to postpartum mood disorders. We also emphasize the vital need for “mothering the mother”—providing compassionate, gentle care to support recovery and emotional well-being. Whether your birth experience was recent or many years ago, this episode offers an insightful look into the hidden struggles of postpartum life and the power of nurturing support systems.

Join us for episode one of a three part series on birth trauma. I talk with Shelley, a therapist who works with moms, about the prevalence of birth trauma, some factors that increase the likelihood of birth trauma and how healing is possible. Birth Trauma is more common than you may realize and can have a significant impact on the postpartum period, the mother’s mental health and the baby’s attachment. Becoming aware of what birth trauma is, the symptoms of birth trauma and how to reduce the risks of birth trauma is so important for pregnant people as well as those who care for them.