Trauma and PTSD leave a lasting imprint on how we see ourselves and navigate the world, which is why Debbie sits down with returning guest Dr. Robyn Walser for this episode, a clinical psychologist and expert in evidence-based treatment for PTSD, to explore the path to trauma recovery. 

Robyn unpacks the principles of exposure therapy, the importance of processing traumatic experiences, and insights from her new book, which she co-authored with Darrah Westrup, You Are Not Your Trauma. 

This conversation offers a deep understanding of PTSD, the wide-ranging effects of trauma, and how healing involves redefining one’s relationship to past events rather than being retraumatized by them.

Listen and Learn:

• Breaking free from trauma’s grip and reconnecting with the deeper, fuller self beyond it
• Why understanding the true meaning of trauma matters and how misusing the word can impact healing
• Understanding how trauma, whether single events or complex, can cause avoidance, disrupt life, and impact relationships
• How trauma’s fear cycle traps you and how changing your relationship to thoughts frees you to live again
• Reclaiming your life by embracing fear and living your values fully through trauma recovery in ACT
• Embracing the natural flow of trauma memories helps you process and regain freedom
• Using written exposure therapy helps you safely process trauma by revisiting and writing about it
• How structured, flexible exposure therapy in Robyn and Darrah’s new book, You Are Not Your Trauma, helps you process trauma and build lasting resilience

Resources: 

• Coming Soon—You Are Not Your Trauma: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Guide for Healing from Within by Robyn Walser and Darrah Westrup: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781462557899
• Robyn’s Website: https://robynwalser.com/
• Connect with Robyn on Social Media: 

https://www.instagram.com/walser.robyn/

https://www.facebook.com/theheartofact

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynwalser 

About Robyn D. Walser

Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, educator, and author. She is the Director of Trauma and Life Consultation and Psychology Services, Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of Research at Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services. Dr. Walser has contributed significantly to the dissemination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and holds a pivotal role in implementing ACT in one of the US's largest national healthcare systems. She also works at the National Center for PTSD, where her work focus is on trauma recovery, depression, and moral injury. A writer and scholar, Dr. Walser has co-authored nine influential books on ACT, including the widely respected The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible, Process-Based, and Client-Centered Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her research and clinical expertise have made her a sought-after voice in advancing the application of ACT to address a variety of complex psychological challenges. Since 1997, Dr. Walser has led ACT workshops worldwide, bringing her passion for process-based, experiential learning to therapists and clinicians. Known for her compassionate and client-centered approach, Dr. Walser’s teaching emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practices with human connection and flexibility. Whether through her books, articles, or live training, Dr. Walser continues to influence the evolution of ACT and inspire professionals in their pursuit of effective, transformative therapy. To learn more about her work, visit robynwalser.com.

Book: You Are Not Your Trauma: An ACT Guide for Healing from Within by Robyn D. Walser and Darrah Westrup

Related Episodes: 

• 383. What My Bones Know: C-PTSD with Stephanie Foo
• 279. ACT for Healing Black Racial Trauma with Jennifer Shepard Payne 
• 313. ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety with Brian Pilecki and Brian Thompson
• 355. What is EMDR with Jamie Marich 
• 77. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Jill Stoddard   
• 320. Anger and Forgiveness with Robyn Walser 
• 106. Therapy from “The Heart of ACT” with Robyn Walser
• 98. Narcissism with Avigail Lev and Robyn Walser  
• 49. Empowering Women with Robyn Walser
• 345. Writing for Personal Growth with Maureen Murdock 

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