Medical Trauma Support
The Medical Trauma Support Podcast explores the human impact of medical experiences for patients, parents, and healthcare professionals. Through human-centered, nervous-system-informed conversations, it examines how medical care can impact the body, trust, and sense of safety. Episodes cover medical trauma, fear, shutdown, compassion in care, provider wellbeing, and the changes needed within healthcare systems. The podcast offers education, reflection, and hope, honoring our shared humanity and the body's responses to medical experiences.
Episodes
Healing Medical Trauma Together: The Power of Group Work with Colette Hart
How can group work help you heal from medical trauma? Psychotherapist Colette Hart shares why connecting with others who truly understand can be so powerful, and why your medical appointment is your time.Colette is a psychotherapist based in Wales who specializes in medical trauma. In this conversation, she shares how her own health experiences led her to this work as a “wounded healer.” We explor
Navigating Medical Trauma with Dr. Michelle Flaum and Dr. Sacha McBain
I am really excited to share this conversation with Dr. Michelle Flaum and Dr. Sacha McBain. They are two of the original researchers and advocates in the field of medical trauma.Michelle shares her personal experience as a patient and how it led her to this work. Sacha explains the concept of "pre-sourcing" and how it helps prepare us for medical events. We talk about their new book, wh
Understanding Our Nervous Systems: A Conversation with Christina Kantzavelos, LCSW
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica sits down with Christina Kantzavelos, a licensed clinical social worker, to delve into the intricate relationship between our nervous systems and our health, especially in the context of chronic illness.We talk about the importance of understanding your Nervous System and how it plays a part in everything you do, essentially, eve
How Self-Compassion Helps Healthcare Professionals with Dr. Sharon Chang
Are you a healthcare professional dealing with stress and burnout? Or a patient who has experienced care from a provider who didn't treat you with the compassion and care that you needed? In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica speaks with Dr. Sharon Chang, a retired surgical oncologist and current mental fitness coach.They discuss the signs of physician burnout, t
How to Avoid Medical Mistakes: A Critical Care Doctor’s Patient Safety Guide
Medical mistakes are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and many are preventable. In this episode, critical care physician and pulmonologist Dr. Gerardo Garza shares how to protect yourself and your loved ones, from finding the right doctor to preparing for appointments, asking better questions, and navigating a safe hospital discharge.We also talk about post-intensive care syndrome (P
What Is EMDR? A Body-Based Approach to Healing Medical Trauma with Ingrid Nishimoto, LCSW
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica sits down with Ingrid Nishimoto, LCSW a certified EMDR therapist who also lives with a genetic cancer condition diagnosed at 17. Together they explore what EMDR actually is, how it helps shift the felt sense of powerlessness after a frightening medical experience, and why grief, collapse, and the long “in-between” after treatment
Post-ICU Syndrome: Why ICU Survivors Struggle Long After They Leave the Hospital
Most ICU survivors are sent home and told they're lucky to be alive. But for millions of people, that's where the real struggle begins.Kali Dayton, nurse practitioner and ICU consultant, joins me to talk about Post-ICU Syndrome (PICS): the physical, cognitive, and psychological aftermath of critical illness that almost no one is warned about. We talk about why medically induced comas cause
When Doctors Don't Believe You: One Woman's Journey Through Medical Gaslighting and Finding Her Way to Healing
You know your body. You've lived in it your whole life. So what happens when you're experiencing 23 different symptoms — some of them truly bizarre — and your doctor looks you in the eye and says, "There is nothing medically wrong with you"?In this episode, I sit down with Pam, who experienced serious, life-altering adverse effects following her COVID vaccines. What followed was
You Can Be Okay: Medical Trauma, Avoidance, and the Path Forward with Dr. Jim Jackson
Medical trauma is real. Millions of people are living with it. And most of them don't even have a name for it yet.In this episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Jim Jackson, neuropsychologist at Vanderbilt University and author of Reclaiming Your Life from Medical Trauma, for a deeply human conversation about what medical trauma actually looks like, why avoidance is so much more dangerous than we r
From Misdiagnosed and Dismissed to Reclaiming Her Voice: Deborah Weed's Medical Trauma Story
Have you ever been dismissed by a doctor, told your pain wasn't real, or watched the people you love begin to doubt you? You are not alone — and this episode is for you.Sarah sits down with Deborah Weed, founder of the Self Worth Initiative, author, artist, and creator of the upcoming musical Paisley: The Fashion Forest — a story born directly out of her own experience with medical trauma. Deb
When the System That's Supposed to Help You Causes Harm: Medical Trauma, Endometriosis, and Healing
If you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling worse than when you walked in — not from the news you received, but from how you were treated — this episode is for you.I sat down with Casey Berna, licensed clinical social worker, endometriosis advocate, and author of Endometriosis: From Harm to Hope, A Chronic Illness Guide, for a deeply honest conversation about medical trauma, the ner
“I’m Proud of You for Coming In Today”: How Compassion Changes Healthcare
In this episode, I talk with family nurse practitioner Alec Bradbury about compassionate care, chronic pain, street medicine, and what it really means to make patients feel heard.We talk about the power of simple human connection in healthcare — eye contact, listening, validation, and even saying something as simple as, “I’m proud of you for coming in today.”If you have experienced medical trauma,
From Clinician to Patient: A Nurse Practitioner’s Journey Through Medical Trauma
Disclaimer - This episode shares one individual’s personal medical experience. It is not intended as medical advice. The goal of this conversation is to explore the human experience of illness and the importance of compassionate care within healthcare systems.In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah speaks with family nurse practitioner Shaun Barcavage about what happens when a
Grief, Legacy & Gratitude: Healing Conversations After Medical Trauma with Ellie Vincent
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I’m joined by licensed clinical social worker Ellie Vincent, founder of Manna Moments conversation cards.Ellie shares how working with patients and families facing end-of-life moments inspired her to create prompts that help people talk about grief, legacy, values, and gratitude — before it’s too late.Together, we walk through three powerful p
“You Are Not Broken.” Healing After Medical Trauma with Kim Black
In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Sarah Stasica sits down with Kim Black, founder of Scarred and Fabulous, to talk honestly about healing after medical trauma and surgery.Kim shares her story of childhood surgery, nervous system survival responses, and the long journey of learning how to feel safe in her body again. Together, Sarah and Kim explore why medical experiences can feel tra
Medical Trauma in Children: Why Supporting Parents Matters
When a child experiences medical trauma, parents are often overlooked—but their role is powerful.In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I’m joined by neuropsychologist and founder of Parenting Kids with CHD, Dawn Ilardi, who has spent over 16 years working in pediatric healthcare. Together, we explore how parents’ nervous systems, emotional responses, and sense of agency directly s
Post-ICU PTSD (PICS) + Healing After Medical Trauma: Danielle’s Story
In this episode, Sarah sits down with Danielle Ford, who opens up about a life-altering medical crisis: after an MS diagnosis and years on a high-efficacy disease-modifying treatment, Danielle developed a “run-of-the-mill” infection that rapidly became life-threatening—resulting in 97 days in the ICU, 12 surgeries, months of wounds and recovery, and a permanent colostomy.Together, we explore what
Supporting the Healers: How Support and Care for Nurses Changes Patient Outcomes
What happens when healthcare providers are truly supported—and how does that ripple out to patient care?In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I’m joined by three heart failure nurses from Christ Hospital Health Network who are quietly transforming what compassionate, trauma-informed care can look like from the inside of the system.Together, we talk about:Why medical trauma can occur even
Medical Trauma, Chronic Illness, and the Reality of Returning to Care — with Emma Tynan
What happens when the place that caused trauma is also the place you must return to for care?In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica is joined by Irish psychotherapist and former emergency department nurse Emma Tynan for a deeply compassionate conversation about medical trauma, chronic illness, and the nervous system.Emma shares her journey from working in emergency ca
Finding Light After Catastrophic Trauma: A Conversation with Seantae Jackson of the Sandal Blue Foundation
In this episode, I’m joined by Seantae Jackson, speaker and co-founder of the Sandal Blue Foundation, who shares the life-changing story of the catastrophic car accident that reshaped her family’s world — and how that moment led to the creation of a nonprofit supporting survivors after severe crashes.We talk about:• Navigating medical trauma and long-term recovery• Parenting a child with a severe
Medical Trauma, Endometriosis, and Finding Healing Through Community with Shakira O’Garro
In this episode, Sarah sits down with therapist and founder Shakira (Kira) O’Garro to talk about her powerful journey through endometriosis, medical gaslighting, and reclaiming trust in her body. Together, they explore how trauma responses like shutdown and fawning show up in medical settings, the importance of somatic healing, and the transformative power of community and faith.Whether you’ve exp
Helping Kids Feel Safe During Medical Care: How Play Can Prevent Fear and Anxiety with Mary Jenner, RN, BSN
Many kids feel anxious or afraid during medical visits — and parents often feel helpless watching it happen. In this powerful conversation, Sarah talks with Mary A. Jenner, pediatric nurse and founder of The Butterfly Pig, about how medical play can help children feel safe, brave, and confident during medical care.They explore how fear, anxiety, and even trauma can develop from medical experiences
Children Remember: The Lasting Impact of Childhood Medical Trauma
Many children experience medical procedures that leave lasting emotional wounds — even when everyone involved had the best intentions. In this episode, Sarah talks with Christina Gonzalez, MSW, who wrote her graduate thesis on childhood medical trauma. Christina shares her own story of growing up chronically ill and what her research revealed about how forced procedures, lack of informed consent,
Medical Trauma and Chronic Illness with Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC
In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah sits down with licensed professional counselor and chronic illness therapist Destiny Davis to explore what happens when medical systems fail to see, believe, or support you.Together, they unpack the layers of medical trauma, chronic illness, and the emotional toll of being dismissed or disbelieved. Destiny shares her lived experience growing up with parents wh
Humanizing Healthcare: Dr. Laura Vater on Medical Trauma, Compassion, and Changing the System
In this powerful episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica is joined by Dr. Laura Vater, oncologist, writer, and advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. Vater shares her journey into medicine, the personal story that inspired her to become a physician, and her work to bring humanity back into healthcare.Together, they explore:The impact of medical trauma on patien
Navigating the Journey of Congenital Melanocytic Nevi with Nevus Outreach
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah speaks with Lauren Isbell and Whitney Casal from Nevis Outreach, a patient advocacy organization focused on Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN). They discuss their personal connections to CMN, the challenges families face when navigating medical decisions, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the medical ris
What Does It Mean to Befriend Your Body?
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support podcast, Sarah talks about what Befriending Your Body really means. She also responds to the question, "how can I become friends with a body I am disconnected from or a body that I hate?". And the answer is that it isn't an overnight process, it is a slow, gentle way of being with yourself after learning about your nervous system and buil
From ICU to Lifelong Bond: A Doctor and Patient’s Story of Healing, Humanity & Hope
In this deeply moving episode, we bring together patient Vanessa Abraham and her ICU doctor, Dr. Jared Rosen, for an honest, tender conversation about what it means to show up with humanity in medicine.Vanessa shares how Dr. Rosen’s attunement, compassion, and presence helped her through one of the scariest moments of her life. Dr. Rosen opens up about how this experience shaped his entire medical
Parenting Through Medical Trauma: Surviving the ICU and Finding Your Way Back
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support podcast, Sarah speaks to Vanessa Abraham, a mother and medical trauma survivor, about the untold impact of ICU hospitalization, medical PTSD, and parenting during and after illness. From the shock of sudden critical illness to the emotional pain of being separated from her young daughter and the worry that she would not live to raise her daughter, Vane
ICU Survivor Shares the Truth About Medical Trauma, Grief & PICS
What happens after you survive the ICU? For Vanessa Abraham — a speech pathologist, author, and ICU survivor — the real trauma began after she came home.In this powerful episode, we talk about:Vanessa’s sudden illness that left her paralyzed and unable to speakThe grief, identity loss, and depression she faced after ICUThe emotional cost of being a caregiver and navigating life after medical traum
What No One Tells You About Medical Trauma
Medical trauma is real — and you are not alone.In this podcast, we talk about the emotional and nervous system impact of medical procedures, ICU stays, chronic illness, and caregiving. Whether you’re healing from your own experience or supporting someone else, these conversations will help you feel seen, supported, and less alone.Hosted by Sarah from Medical Trauma Support, each episode offers gen
From Psychologist to Patient: What Medical Trauma Taught Me About Healing with Dr. Rachel Allen
In this deeply personal and validating episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, host Sarah Stasica welcomes psychologist Rachel Allen for a heartfelt conversation about healing from medical trauma—both as a professional and as someone with lived experience.Rachel shares her journey through a traumatic birth and her role as a caregiver during her husband’s cancer diagnosis, highlighting the e
Childhood Medical Trauma: Consent, Nervous System Healing & Community Support with Kelsey Wesley
In this powerful episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica is joined by leadership and wellness consultant Kelsey Wesley for an honest conversation about the emotional complexities of childhood medical trauma.Kelsey shares her lived experience of undergoing multiple childhood surgeries and how those early medical experiences significantly impacted her. Together, Kelsey and Sarah
The Power of Owning Your Story: Dana’s Path Through Scleroderma and Into Advocacy
In this powerful episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I’m joined by Dana Hammerstrom, a journalism student at USC, who shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, as a child. Dana opens up about the medical trauma she experienced — from frightening medical experiences and painful treatments to the emotional impact of being a young chil
Healing After Infant Loss: A Mother's Journey Through Grief, Movement, and Medical Trauma
In this heartfelt episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, host Sarah Stasica speaks with dancer and choreographer Allison Thomas about her powerful healing journey after the devastating loss of her infant. Together, they explore the deep layers of medical trauma, infant loss, and the complex emotions of grief, and how movement—especially dance—became a transformative outlet for Allison'
Infertility & Medical Trauma: Finding Healing Through Mindfulness and Support with Dr. Emily Guarnotta
In this powerful episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica is joined by Emily Guarnotta, clinical psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health, for an honest conversation about the often-unspoken emotional and medical trauma of infertility. Emily shares her personal experience with postpartum depression and how it led her to create a supportive space for others navigating infertil
Detoxing Stress: Lymphatic Support for Trauma Healing with Leah Levitan
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, host Sarah Stasica welcomes Leah Levitan, certified lymphatic therapist and founder of Lymph Love Club, for an empowering conversation about lymphatic system health and its vital role in healing after medical trauma.Leah shares her personal story of how her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis led her to explore the world of lymphatic drainage, so
Tapping into the Wisdom of Your Body to Heal with Devon Hornby
In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, we explore the wisdom of the body with Devon Hornby, a manual therapist and Chinese medicine practitioner at Tao Health Clinic in Austin, TX. We discuss how somatic awareness, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed healing can help rebuild trust and safety within the body. Learn why there is no wrong place to start your healing journey
Befriending the Body with Jenn Wooten of Via Somatic
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
Medical Trauma and Anger with Dr. Sacha McBain
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 addres
Holistic Healing for Medical Trauma with Kim Humphrey of Vibrational Body
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 jo
Dr. Christen Mullane's Medical Stress and Trauma Workbook Release!
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 workb
How to Heal from Birth Trauma with Shelley Freeman, MS, LCMHC
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
Birth Trauma and Postpartum Mental Health with Shelley Freeman
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 exper
Birth Trauma Part One with Shelley Freeman, MS, LCMHC
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.
Click here to learn more about the four week birth trauma group.
Shelley's website.
Shelley's IG page
Medical Trauma Support on Instagram.
Medical Trauma
How Susan's Medical Trauma Led to Post Traumatic Growth
In this episode, Susan shares her medical trauma healing journey. She has so many beautiful strategies that I think could be helpful to the many people who are really struggling with medical trauma. We discuss Somatic Experiencing, re-entering the medical system after trauma, the importance of support and gratitude filled medication rituals. One of the biggest things that stood out to me in this c
Naming Medical Trauma as a Part of the Healing Journey with Erin Bradshaw of Healthcare Revolution Collective
I was so lucky to get to talk with Erin Bradshaw of Healthcare Revolution Collective and talk about how just being able to name medical trauma is an important part of healing. We also discuss protective factors to prevent medical trauma and how important it is to validate someone's experience of trauma. We also offer ideas for how to support yourself and others in the medical system.
You can find
Supporting Parents When a Child Has Cancer: A Conversation with Pediatric Oncology Social Worker Ellie
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family enters a world of fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty. In this powerful episode, I talk with Ellie, a pediatric oncology social worker, about what emotional support really looks like for parents and caregivers during their child’s cancer treatment.We explore the vital role of caregiver support in pediatric cancer care, how social workers help f
How Deborah's Near Death Experience Impacted her Healing from Medical Trauma
Deborah shares her medical trauma story and how her near death experience impacted her journey to healing and how she lives her life. This was such a beautiful experience that really felt like it was all about the importance of love and sharing love and how that can be so incredibly healing. Deborah has also started a support group in Canada for people with ostomy bags. Click here if you would lik
My Medical Trauma Support Journey
In this powerful episode, Matt Maxwell interviews Sarah Stasica, founder of Medical Trauma Support, about her personal journey through medical trauma as a mother—and how it led her to create a healing space for others navigating similar paths.Sarah shares how her child’s medical diagnosis and the overwhelming experience of medical procedures revealed the deep emotional and somatic impact of medica
What Parents Need During Their Child’s Medical Journey: A Conversation with a Mom Who’s Been There
In this heartfelt episode, I talk with a mother whose child has undergone multiple surgeries starting at just eight months old. She shares the emotional toll of navigating pediatric medical interventions and the crucial (but often overlooked) need for parental support during these experiences.We explore how hard it is to care for yourself while you're also advocating for your child, managing a
Preventing Medical Trauma with Integrated Healthcare
In this episode I speak with Nic Schmoyer-Edmiston, Ph.D., NCC an asistant professor in the department of counseling at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, about Integrated Behavioral Healthcare and the Enduring Somatic Threat Model and how these two topics can significantly reduce and medical trauma! You will hear a concrete call to action to help move us more towards a supportive integ
Transforming Trauma with Matt Maxwell
It was so moving to talk with Matt Maxwell about his experience of medical trauma and how he processed it and found hope and beauty. Matt is a professional life coach, a meditation teacher, and author of How to Hold a Cockroach: A book for those who are free and don't know it. He shares his experience with cancer as a teenager and his transformative healing journey. You can find out more about Mat
Supporting Families Through Pediatric Medical Hardships with Operation Bliss Founder Jessica Jessee
In this episode, I speak with Jessica Jessee, founder of Operation Bliss, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families whose children are facing difficult medical journeys. Jessica shares how Operation Bliss provides joy, comfort, and practical support to families navigating hospital stays, chronic illness, and medical trauma.We talk about what it means to walk alongside families duri
Medical Stress and Trauma with Christen Mullane of Gingko Leaf Health
I discuss many different aspects of medical trauma with Christen Mullane of Gingko Leaf Health. We cover topics on systemic causes of medical trauma, the grief that so many of us have to process as part of the recovery process from medical trauma and the financial implications of engaging with the medical system in the U.S.
Gingko Leaf Health
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation
National Physician S
Medical Trauma Support Introduction
This short trailer gives an introduction to the Medical Trauma Support podcast and what to expect for future episodes. Find out more at our Medical Trauma Support website. We offer peer support groups as well as one on one peer support and nervous system focused trauma informed yoga with somatic practices.
