Transforming Trauma
In-depth conversations about how to help individuals and communities thrive after Complex Trauma. In a modern world beset by trauma and a legacy of suffering, conflict and disconnection, healing trauma can serve as a vehicle for personal and social transformation. Interviews with mental health and other helping professionals who are using the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), as well as other prominent trauma specialists, will highlight the current efforts to address the legacy of childhood, relational, cultural and intergenerational trauma. These leaders in the Trauma-Informed Care movement will guide listeners through the diverse ways they are supporting individuals, couples, families and communities in order to actualize Post-Traumatic Growth.
Episodes
Raising Neurodivergent Kids Without Shame with Amanda Losch, NARM® Master Therapist
How do you parent a neurodivergent family without constantly feeling like you're failing? You create your own supportive network. One therapist wasn't content with simply curating reviews of sensory-friendly playgroups and neighborhood events. Instead, she sought out somatic knowledge and a heart-centered way of being. What she found was a trauma-informed modality and a community of like-minded pr
Beyond Attachment Styles: Secure Relating & Trauma Healing with Dr. Ann Kelley, Therapist Uncensored
Attachment styles aren't your identity. Dr. Ann Kelley explains secure relating, modern attachment theory, trauma healing, nervous system regulation, relationship repair, shame reduction, and why emotional security is something we actively practice—not something we permanently achieve. How can we, as therapists, help people better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and reduce the
Therapy for Neurodivergent Clients with Dr. Sean Inderbitzen, author Neural Exercises for Autism
How can therapists avoid the "diagnosis-as-identity" trap with neurodivergent clients? Working with autistic clients can feel incomplete at times. Newer clinicians or those who aren't neurodivergent may struggle with the dynamics of this unique client/therapist alliance, even as they collaborate on issues related to relationships and empathy. But one autistic psychotherapist and Mayo Clinic resea
Living Alongside Grief: Boundaries, Love and What Doesn't Resolve with Samantha Montemayor
How do therapists and survivors live alongside grief that never fully ends? Some grief doesn't resolve. It doesn't end when a relationship does, when someone gets sober, or when you finally set the boundary you'd been avoiding. Instead, we can learn to live alongside grief in ways that lead to healthier relationships and genuine intimacy. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth we
What If Narcissism Is a Trauma Adaptation? with Dr. Mark Ettensohn
Dr. Mark Ettensohn explains why narcissistic personality disorder is often misunderstood online—and how complex trauma, shame, attachment wounds, and identity shape pathological narcissism. Narcissism has become a buzz word on social media. It has moved from a psychological understanding to a term that is used for blaming, scapegoating, and other emotionally charged narratives. This polarization h
Healing Shame and Guilt using NARM® with Dr. Laurence Heller
Why shame isn't an emotion—but an adaptive survival process. Dr. Laurence Heller unpacks how the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) reframes shame, identity, and developmental trauma for more effective clinical work. How do you define shame? Would you describe shame as an unproductive emotion or self-reproach? Or, would you dive headlong into examples, chronicling instances when you felt des
Music, Connection and Community with Tracy Rae Clark
From altered states to embodied presence: Tracy Rae Clark on healing, music, and therapist development. We share stories to inform, inspire, and connect. They also serve as maps, helping people commemorate life experiences that have shaped their journeys. One NARM® practitioner inspires others by putting her stories into poems and lyrics, helping guide others in their own path to healing. Host Emi
Dissociation Isn't What You Think: DID, Structural Dissociation & Therapist Confidence with Kathy Steele
Have you ever slipped so far into a daydream that you felt detached from reality, your emotions, or your sense of self? Brief moments of dissociation are understandable and can even preserve our mental well-being in times of intense stress. Persistent dissociation, however, is something else entirely. It's a maladaptation that often hints at layers of complex trauma—and that can intimidate therapi
Narcissism and Borderline Dynamics from the Inside-Out with Brad Kammer, CTTC Training Director & Faculty
Today's clinicians have access to more advanced theories, protocols, and clinical models than at any other time in our profession's history. Yet, despite all that learning, something essential is often missing: our own humanity. Many therapists enter this field wanting to grow and heal alongside others. But most of the training focuses almost entirely on the client. The result? A profession suffer
Hereditary Cancer Testing: Grief, Identity, and Self-Connection with Sarah Champie, LCSW
"I'm so concerned about that being a fracturing of our psyche, in which we only allow empowerment... Can we just have someone to stand with us in that space? So that the process, no matter what we choose, is a process of self connection." - Sarah Champie On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Sarah Champie (LCSW), a licensed trauma therapist and NeuroAffective Relationa
From Music to Trauma Therapy with Elizabeth Remic Simonian, Integrative and Somatic Therapist
"NARM® opened a whole new world to me... it's not just something you put on. NARM is, for me, a way of life. It's not just something you throw at somebody." - Elizabeth Remic Simonian On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Elizabeth Remic Simonian, an integrative and somatic therapist based in Rotterdam, Somatic Experiencing practitioner, and trained jazz vocalist, for
From White Supremacy to Radical Human Connection with Frank Meeink
"Whatever your trauma is, just know that somehow, some way it could be used to help another human being." On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Frank Meeink, former white supremacist turned peer support specialist and recovery advocate, for a candid conversation about how honesty, humility, and service transformed his relationship with himself and others. Frank shares
Reimagining Trauma Healing for Refugees with Yukako Sortino
"Healing is not about improvement of daily functionalities or reduction of symptoms. Healing is deeply relational, cultural, and it's a political act." - Yukako Sortino On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Yukako Sortino, Manager of the Refugee Behavioral Wellness Program at Heartland Alliance Health, for a profoundly moving dialogue on trauma, resilience, and relatio
From Surviving to Belonging—Building Self-Love through Daily Practices with Lawrence Chrystopher Harris
"It's simple, not always easy—but movement, writing, and a little fresh air changed my life." – Lawrence Chrystopher Harris On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth sits down with Lawrence Chrystopher Harris, a youth empowerment speaker who transforms his lived experience of childhood trauma into practical hope for young people and their supporters. Lawrence reflects on growing up
Hip Hop Culture as a Healing Modality for Trauma and Empowerment with Dr. Raphael Travis
"Hip hop culture is a fuel for life… an organic healing culture with roots that empower both individuals and communities." – Dr. Raphael Travis On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. Raphael Travis, an educator, researcher, and social worker who has devoted his life to understanding how hip hop culture serves as a powerful tool for individual and collective healing.
Healing Through Community: End of Year Reflection on Transforming Trauma with Brad Kammer and Emily Ruth
"We heal not through perfection, but through presence." – Lisa Gillispie, as reflected by Emily Ruth On this special year-end episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, Training Director of the Complex Trauma Training Center, for an intimate conversation on the evolving landscape of trauma therapy practice and community. Together, they look back on a year f
Inside-Out Learning and the SPACE Inner Development Program with CTTC Faculty Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black
"[SPACE] is really a dynamic, alive experience… One person even said, "I could keep doing this for the rest of my life." – Marcia Black On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth reunites with Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black for a heartfelt group reflection on the inaugural year of the SPACE Inner Development Program at the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). Togeth
Healing and Recovery from Religious Trauma with Laura Anderson
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
Helping Children and Teens Reconnect to their Hearts through NARM® with Kelly Cook
"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 comp
Harnessing Implicit Memory for Trauma Healing with Dr. Abi Blakeslee
"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-consciou
Celebrating Agency, Therapist Self-Care, and the new NARM Workbook with Brad Kammer, CTTC Training Director
"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 princip
Beyond Disorder: Redefining Identity, Meaning, and Healing with Dr. David Puder
"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 pra
Honoring Resistance: The Wisdom of Defenses in Somatic & Hakomi-Informed Trauma Healing with Shai Lavie, LMFT
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 w
How Activism Helps Us Recover From Trauma With Dr. Judith Herman
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 we
Integrating Jungian Psychology and NARM with Megan Holm, LMFT
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 o
Viktor Frankl's Legacy of Self-Transcendence with Alexander Vesely
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 Vikto
Therapist Origin Story Series with Brad Kammer, CTTC Training Director & Faculty
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 sea
Therapist Origin Story Series with Marcia Black, CTTC Faculty
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 season
Therapist Origin Story Series with Stefanie Klein, CTTC Faculty
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 s
Integrating NARM Into Meditation Spaces with Alli Malnik
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 healt
Bridging Graduate School and Depth Oriented Therapy with Caleb McNaughton
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, on
Reclaiming Life for Women After Prison with Samantha Garcia Pennell, Arouet Foundation
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
Self-Discovery as a NARM Therapist with Alex White & Sabrena Ness
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 pe
No Bad Parts and the Self in Healing with Dr. Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems
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,
From the Cult of NXIVM to "The Narcissist's Playbook" with Filmmaker Mark Vicente
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 Vi
Letting Go of Shame That Isn't Yours with Dr. Laurence Heller
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
The Benefits of Integrating Spirituality and Mental Health with Dr. David Rosmarin
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 w
How to Trust Your Inner Voice and Transcend Shame and Self-Doubt with Dr. Samra Zafar
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.
Allowing the Real Self to Emerge with William Griffith, The International Masterson Institute
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, Dir
Humanizing the Trans Experience with Brianna Wu of Dollcast
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
Creating Healthier Relationships by Identifying Your Personality Patterns with Steven Kessler
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 an
Finding Belonging in the Heart of Grief with Karen Ihrig
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
How Relating to Ourselves as Complex Humans Makes us Better Therapists with Lisa Gillispie, NARM Master Therapist and CTTC Lead Training Assistant
Connection and healing often happen amid our messiest, most vulnerable moments. The rawness of our experiences can create the space we need to welcome a new way of living, loving, and even learning. One clinical counselor has witnessed this truth repeatedly throughout her multifaceted career and personal life. Her ability to stay with discomfort and lend intuitive support has made her an effective
Supporting Presence, Awareness, Connection, and Embodiment for Mental Health Professionals with Brad Kammer and Stefanie Klein of the Complex Trauma Training Center
Cultivating a culture of transparency is a challenge for any organization. Recording it for posterity on a podcast is a lesson in embodied connection. Transforming Trauma host Emily Ruth welcomes back Brad Kammer, Training Director and Senior Trainer at Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC), and Stefanie Klein, CTTC's Assistant Training Director and Trainer, for a heartfelt and candid year-end con
Celebrating 5 Years and 150 Episodes of Transforming Trauma with Brad Kammer and Emily Ruth
Milestones have a way of inviting reflection, and this one is no exception. This year-end review of Transforming Trauma also happens to be our 150th episode. CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer joins host Emily Ruth to reminisce about the incredible guests who have graced our current season and the many heartfelt conversations that have shaped the show since its inception in January
Effective Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder With Mark L. Ruffalo
Did you know that the diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) has remained the same since it was officially added to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders in 1980? Forty years later, BPD remains deeply misunderstood by the public and isolating for those who live with the condition. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ru
How to Be an Adult in Relationships with Dr. David Richo
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. David Richo, PhD, MFT, psychotherapist, teacher, and writer to share wisdom from his 50+ years of helping people identify and resolve relationship challenges that often mirror issues from their childhood. Dr. Richo points to growth that arrives in the form of triggers – adverse emotional responses that blur the distinction betwee
Exploring Sexuality with Curiosity and Openness with Rikke Pristed
Sex is one of the most complex barriers to true intimacy in a relationship. It's also one of the least-discussed topics in therapy. Therapists often avoid discussing sex due to their perceived lack of subject knowledge or confidence in their therapeutic skills. Clinical Sexologist and Psychologist Rikke Pristed believes that therapists have already developed a baseline competency in sex-related i
An Adventure in Consciousness Through the Diamond Approach with Jessica Britt
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Jessica Britt, Training Director of The Diamond Approach, to share wisdom from her decades-long journey of personal healing and professional development. Jessica says that creating more depth in the field requires therapists to do the hard internal work of self-healing. She invites us to feel our wa
Honoring Neurodivergence With Curiosity and Humility With Daniel Morehead, MD
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is joined by Daniel Morehead, MD., a leading voice for mental health advocacy and author of Science Over Stigma: Education and Advocacy for Mental Health. Emily Ruth and Daniel examine what it means to be neurodivergent, the role variation plays in evolution, and the radical act of greeting neurodivergence with curiosity and humility. The pa
Post-Traumatic Growth for Women Leaving Prison with Alison Rapping
It's no secret that incarcerated folks lack access to adequate mental health care while in prison. Reintegration support is even harder to come by once they are released. Sadly, women face even more significant challenges than men on both counts. But what if more trauma-informed professionals got involved in supporting formerly incarcerated women on both the individual and community levels? On thi
What Good Psychotherapy Looks Like With Dr. Jonathan Shedler
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back Dr. Jonathan Shedler, renowned psychologist, author, consultant, researcher, and clinical educator. In their conversation, they are delving deeper into the elements that make up good psychotherapy and the importance of connection between therapist and client. Dr. Shedler and Emily Ruth also explore critical flaws in the Diagnost
Creating SPACE for Self-Discovery and Community Support for Therapists
When was the last time you took a break from learning new professional skills and, instead, carved out space to pursue self-discovery and community support? On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back the faculty of the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC)––Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black––to introduce SPACE, an innovative inner development program for the
How NARM Expands the Psychotherapeutic Landscape With Tobias Konermann
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Brad Kammer, CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer, invites Tobias Konermann, Ph.D., NARM Therapist, to share insights from his recent article: How the NeuroAffective Relational Model Expands the Psychotherapeutic Landscape. Together, they discuss a broad range of topics, including what sets the developmentally-oriented, mindfulness-based aspects of NARM a
A New Model for Addiction Treatment with NARM-AC with James McNinch
Most addiction treatment models focus on behavioral change. And yet, many of these models fail at helping people fully recover from their addiction. Perhaps it is time to try something different? Applying NARM® to addiction brings focus to areas that behavioral interventions miss, like understanding the role of trauma, attachment, relationships, and shame. Addressing these areas has a profound imp
Integrating NARM into Group Therapy with Pamela Kraus
While many clinical modalities are designed for helping clients in individual therapy, trauma therapists are often looking for modalities that can better support their groups. One therapist was inspired to take NARM principles and apply them to group therapy. Her experience transformed how she thinks about the therapeutic group dynamic and the expanded role the NeuroAffective Relational Model pl
Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting for Strength, Confidence and Healing with Mariah Rooney
There's a growing body of evidence suggesting that practices like weight lifting can support trauma-affected individuals on their healing journeys. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily is joined by Mariah Rooney, LCSW, co-founder of Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting, the one-of-a-kind non-profit program dedicated to the training and education of trauma-informed movement practitioners as well
Empowering Adolescent Females in Residential Treatment With Kami Black of ROOTs Transition
We often discuss the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) as it relates to the adult journey of healing from complex trauma, but what about younger clients? On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is joined by Kami Black, LCSW, founder of ROOTs Transitions, a program that supports adolescent females ages 15 to 18 and their families by blending elements of outdoor therapy and resi
Addiction Recovery within a Trauma-Informed Community with Laura Sorte of Release Recovery
Clinicians treating clients with complex trauma already understand the value of using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) in 1:1 settings. Imagine, then, the transformative healing that might occur when applying NARM in group recovery and transitional living environments. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Laura Sorte, LCSW, NARM Therapist and Executive Direct
Emotional Engagement in the Therapeutic Relationship With Dr. Karen Maroda
Many therapists are conflicted about how to show up with their clients. While there is lots of training to be highly emotionally engaged with clients, there is also training that therapists should be more distant in sessions to avoid possible countertransference––which is the evoking of emotions and reactions within the therapist. What if, instead of attempting to be overly engaged or maintaining
Ecotherapy: How to Embody the Relationship Between the Nature Within and the Wildness Around Us With Joseph McCaffrey
A vital tenet of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is that, no matter how withdrawn or isolated one becomes due to complex trauma, humans remain instinctively and spontaneously drawn towards connection, just as plants are drawn towards the sun. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth is joined by Joseph McCaffrey, LPC, LMHC, an Arizona-based NARM therapist specializing in ecoth
The Power of Creative Expression in Healing Trauma with Jeanette LeBlanc
Telling our story––to a trusted friend, a therapist, or ourselves––is a continuous unfolding. Each layer shed is an opportunity to re-engage with the past and assess its significance on the present. If the subject matter includes trauma, the process of exposure requires extra care. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is joined by the inimitable writer and writing coach Jeanette
Protect, Provide, Prepare: A New Perspective on Black Fatherhood With Dr. Michael Hannon
All parents face challenges. Black fathers, however, navigate a unique combination of social and intrapersonal pressures, often without the benefit of culturally nuanced support. That's changing as more Black fathers, some of whom are also mental health clinicians, educators, or adjacent professionals, speak out about their experiences, create networks of knowledgeable care, and inspire others to
Self-Acceptance in the Aftermath of Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back trauma bond expert and author Nadine Macaluso, LMFT, Ph.D., to introduce her latest book, Run Like Hell, A Therapist's Guide To Recognizing, Escaping, Healing From Trauma Bonds. The pair also discuss the markers of a trauma-bonded relationship and how to use NARM to address the complex PTSD that routinely develops as a result of
A Compassionate Approach to Incarceration and Reentry with Christine Marallen
The "goal" of incarceration varies depending on who you ask. Whether you consider prison fair retribution for engaging in criminal activity or an opportunity at redemption, most people agree that the punitive nature of the US criminal justice system neither rehabilitates nor curbs recidivism rates. Emily Ruth invites Christine Marallen to share her extensive insight into the criminal justice reha
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Shifting the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems With David and Katya Dow
Without early-stage therapeutic intervention, many at-risk youth face a higher likelihood of becoming adult inmates within the ill-equipped and wildly expensive US prison system. Two advocates, operating at opposite ends of the institutional spectrum, believe that change is possible, especially when we extend trauma-informed support to the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society. In t
Reclaiming Spiritual Agency through Understanding the Roots of Generational Trauma With Vanessa R. Brooks
Context is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by those in recovery from complex trauma perpetuated by religious leaders and authoritarian systems of spirituality. That's especially true regarding former members of Black Christian communities where the church represents more than just a home for shared worship. In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth invites Vanessa R. Brooks
Compassion and Consent in Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder With Erin Lewis-Gibson
Here's a challenge that all mental professionals face: no provider is immune to misdiagnosing a client. This likelihood increases if that client presents with symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Even an accurate, timely diagnosis and treatment of DID isn't without its complications. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes back Erin Lewis-Gibson, MS, LCMHC. Togeth
Trauma-Proofing Corporate Culture and Work Environments with Adriana Leigh
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth has the pleasure of chatting with Adriana Leigh, founder and principal consultant at Adriana Leigh Group Consulting (ALG). The pair discuss Adriana's own struggles with generational trauma and institutionalized trauma, trauma in the workplace, and Adriana's work in gender-based violence prevention. Adriana also shares observations from her roles a
Introducing The Complex Trauma Training Center with Training Director Brad Kammer
On this bonus episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Brad Kammer, NARM® Senior Trainer and executive producer of this podcast, to introduce the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). CTTC is a professional organization providing therapist training, consultation, mentorship, and community for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with Adverse Childhood Experienc
Cultivating Hope and Healing Through Community-Focused Somatic Resiliency Training With Elaine Miller-Karas
What if we could dispatch somatic resiliency skills to under-resourced neighborhoods, disaster areas, and conflict zones via the same community-focused networks that deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies? Emily Ruth has the privilege of speaking with Elaine Miller-Karas, co-founder and executive director emeriti at the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI), a nonprofit organization culti
A Pathway to Peace in the Fight Against Oppression and Religious Trauma with Yasmine Mohammed
NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer invites human rights campaigner Yasmine Mohammed to share her experiences growing up in a fundamentalist Islamic household, including her arranged marriage to a member of Al-Qaeda and her subsequent work as founder and president of Free Hearts Free Minds, an organization providing mental health support to free thinkers and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are una
Reflections for the New Year on Connection and Continued Growth for The NARM Training Institute with Faculty Members Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black
It's that time of year again! On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes esteemed NARM faculty members Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black to reflect on developments within the NARM training community in 2023 and offer insight into their goals for the year ahead. It's a joyful and self-aware discussion, offering a transparent assessment of the program's challenges while
2023: The Podcast Year In Review with NARM Training Director Brad Kammer and Host Emily Ruth
Emily and NARM Training Director Brad Kammer reflect on podcast highlights from 2023, a season filled with vital voices and inspiring ideas. It's the perfect playlist to close out this year or begin the next! Emily and Brad were thrilled to share the mic with influential practitioners, industry luminaries, researchers, thought leaders and more. Conversations traversed a wide range of topics: the m
From Pain to Purpose: Navigating the Pressures of Fatherhood, Isolation and Loss with Adam Angel
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth chats with Adam Angel, LCSW-C, LICSW, the founder of Dads With Wisdom, a series of virtual and hybrid groups that provide a welcoming environment where men can navigate the complex pressures of fatherhood. Adam has 15+ years of experience and is uniquely qualified to facilitate conversations around paternal mental health. He suffered a perinatal l
BONUS: NARM Online Basics Training - A Guide to Our Accessible Trauma-Informed Training With Stefanie Klein
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily is joined by Stefanie Klein, LCSW, Faculty and Assistant Training Director at the NARM Training Institute, to preview the Level 1 NARM Online Basics Training (OBT), the live experiential-focused introductory series for helping professionals working in the field of trauma. In addition to sharing subject matter highlights, personal insights, and practic
Listening to What Survivors Need to Address Sexual Trauma and Complex PTSD with Dr. Judith Herman
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth is honored to welcome psychiatrist, researcher, teacher, and author Dr. Judith Herman for a heartfelt discussion centering on the needs of victims of sexual trauma and society's role in individual and collective trauma healing. In her latest book, Truth And Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice, Dr. Herman introduces us to a "fourth stage
Addressing C-PTSD In and Out of the Military With Brian Peter Monson
In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth invites Brian Peter Monson, a veteran and graduate student pursuing his clinical mental health counseling degree. Brian Peter shares about his experience serving in the military with unresolved developmental trauma and the paradox of observing one's faith while carrying out methods of interrogation. From a military standpoint, trauma isn't confin
Addiction, Attachment, and the Myth of Normal With Dr. Gabor Maté
Emily is delighted to welcome back Gabor Maté, MD, the esteemed physician and author best known for his breakthrough analysis of addiction as a psychophysiological response to childhood trauma and emotional loss. Gabor co-wrote his latest work, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, alongside his son Daniel Maté. It became an instant New York Times bestseller, and t
Culturally Competent Trauma Care in High Conflict Areas With Michael Niconchuk
NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Michael Niconchuk, a neuroscience researcher, practitioner, and author working at the intersection of forced migration, trauma recovery, and peacebuilding. Michael and Brad discuss the critical shortage of culturally competent mental health care in conflict areas, using laypeople to close that gap, and addressing power dynamics in the client-caregiver rela
