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Decoding the Mental Prison: Are Your Defenses Also Your Downfall?
In this powerful episode of Soma Says, host Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Michelle Smith, LPC, LMHC, LCMHC, a trauma-informed psychotherapist who helps women move from survival mode to self-trust.
Michelle shares her personal journey into psychotherapy and unpacks the deep connection between the brain, body, and emotional healing. Together, they explore what it truly means to heal from the inside out—addressing the impact of trauma on the brain, the difference between coping and healing, and how self-compassion, mindfulness, and body awareness can transform mental health.
Listeners will walk away with practical tools for grounding, understanding the nervous system, and recognizing that real healing begins when we stop trying to “fix” ourselves and start listening to our inner wisdom.
This conversation offers insight, hope, and clarity for anyone navigating anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm—especially during the midlife transition.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Smith and Her Work
00:40 Michelle’s Journey into Psychotherapy
01:22 The Mind-Body Connection in Therapy
02:00 Healing from the Inside Out
03:07 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
04:39 Identifying and Rewiring Hidden Patterns
05:30 Coping vs. Healing
08:12 The Role of the Nervous System in Emotional Regulation
09:29 Building Safety and Awareness in Therapy
10:38 Mindfulness and Body-Based Awareness
11:49 Addressing Perfectionism and Guilt
14:42 Returning to the Authentic Self
16:03 Common Myths About Mental Health and Trauma
17:04 Favorite Grounding Techniques
18:10 Finding the Right Therapist for Trauma and Anxiety
19:15 Integrating Evidence-Based Practices with Intuitive Tools
20:20 The Role of AI in Therapy
23:38 Human Resilience and the Power of Therapy
26:22 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck in Their Healing Journey
27:44 Inspiring Patient Journeys and the Importance of Self-Care
31:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Connect with Michelle Smith
🌐 Website: www.michellesmithlmhc.com
📲 Instagram: www.somamandalmd.com
🏥 Upcoming Medical Director of Women’s Health, Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center
📚 Book: Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub
🎧 Listen to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube @SomaSays
📲 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd
💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD
Support the Podcast
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Soma Says on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women discover empowering, science-based conversations on healing, resilience, and thriving through midlife.
View all episodes
By Soma Mandal, MDIn this powerful episode of Soma Says, host Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Michelle Smith, LPC, LMHC, LCMHC, a trauma-informed psychotherapist who helps women move from survival mode to self-trust.
Michelle shares her personal journey into psychotherapy and unpacks the deep connection between the brain, body, and emotional healing. Together, they explore what it truly means to heal from the inside out—addressing the impact of trauma on the brain, the difference between coping and healing, and how self-compassion, mindfulness, and body awareness can transform mental health.
Listeners will walk away with practical tools for grounding, understanding the nervous system, and recognizing that real healing begins when we stop trying to “fix” ourselves and start listening to our inner wisdom.
This conversation offers insight, hope, and clarity for anyone navigating anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm—especially during the midlife transition.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Smith and Her Work
00:40 Michelle’s Journey into Psychotherapy
01:22 The Mind-Body Connection in Therapy
02:00 Healing from the Inside Out
03:07 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
04:39 Identifying and Rewiring Hidden Patterns
05:30 Coping vs. Healing
08:12 The Role of the Nervous System in Emotional Regulation
09:29 Building Safety and Awareness in Therapy
10:38 Mindfulness and Body-Based Awareness
11:49 Addressing Perfectionism and Guilt
14:42 Returning to the Authentic Self
16:03 Common Myths About Mental Health and Trauma
17:04 Favorite Grounding Techniques
18:10 Finding the Right Therapist for Trauma and Anxiety
19:15 Integrating Evidence-Based Practices with Intuitive Tools
20:20 The Role of AI in Therapy
23:38 Human Resilience and the Power of Therapy
26:22 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck in Their Healing Journey
27:44 Inspiring Patient Journeys and the Importance of Self-Care
31:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Connect with Michelle Smith
🌐 Website: www.michellesmithlmhc.com
📲 Instagram: www.somamandalmd.com
🏥 Upcoming Medical Director of Women’s Health, Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center
📚 Book: Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub
🎧 Listen to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube @SomaSays
📲 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd
💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD
Support the Podcast
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Soma Says on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women discover empowering, science-based conversations on healing, resilience, and thriving through midlife.