In episode 13 of the podcast, I talk with Carissa Rodgers, a heart-centred Somatic Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Stress & Trauma Therapist, and Self-Compassion Coach. She is also the Co-Founder & Director of Wide Bay Counselling & Psychotherapy. . In this rich and powerful conversation, we talk about embodiment and its importance in healing trauma and grief. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.

:: The journey of trauma work

:: Feelings and embodiment

:: Nervous system

:: Seeking meaning and purpose

:: Trauma as a sacred gateway

:: Finding our deepest gifts through our trauma

:: Deep inner longing

:: Holding space for others particularly in grief

:: Unpacking and finding a place for grief in life

:: Grief as an everyday transitional change

:: Reconnecting with community to process grief

:: Connecting with our grief blueprint

:: How to feel supported in grief

:: The mystery and treasures of grief

Carissa holds qualifications in community services and completed her Master's degree in Gestalt Psychotherapy. She is also a Somatic Experiencing and Somatic Practice (touch for trauma) practitioner. All these methods are based deeply on neuroscience and the science of the nervous system to heal and move toward wellbeing.

Before entering private practice, Carissa spent over 12 years as a Counsellor and Community Educator serving a diverse range of people in community services. Of particular note, she played an instrumental role in helping her community recover from the trauma of successive floods through the development of workshops and the creation of a workbook for women to support their recovery process.

Through Wide Bay Counselling & Psychotherapy Carissa supports workplaces and organisations with Employee Assistance Programs, critical incident response and supervision for counsellors and helping professionals. Her specialised contracts include providing counselling, supervising and training for the Queensland Ambulance and Queensland Fire services.