In this conversation, Barbara Kanan, a registered drama therapist, discusses the cyclical nature of trauma, healing, and creativity. She shares her personal experiences as a member of the sandwich generation, navigating the challenges of caring for her mother with Alzheimer's while raising her daughters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intergenerational wisdom, the role of creativity in healing, and the need for community support. Barbara highlights the significance of honoring cycles and rituals in life, the body's wisdom in processing emotions, and the transformative power of storytelling and art. The conversation concludes with a focus on future aspirations and the importance of finding joy amidst life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Trauma as a Natural Part of Life

02:00 Navigating the Sandwich Generation

09:35 The Cycles of Grief and Healing

17:55 The Role of Creativity in Healing

28:46 Embracing the Unknown in Life Transitions

36:52 The Importance of Intergenerational Wisdom

46:39 Finding Joy Amidst Pain

55:59 Building Community and Self-Trust

01:06:05 The Body's Role in Healing

01:15:03 Reweaving Our Stories for Resilience

01:21:54 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

Keywords

trauma, healing, creativity, intergenerational wisdom, grief, community, self-trust, motherhood, resilience, life transitions

Summary

In this episode of 'How Did You Get Here?', host Maya Kruger interviews Kurtis Girard, a mental health professional and interventionist. Kurtis shares his journey from early substance use to becoming a beacon of hope in the recovery community. He discusses the challenges of sobriety, the importance of personal responsibility, and the role of mentorship in his life. The conversation delves into the complexities of addiction, the impact of high-THC cannabis on youth, and the transformative power of recovery. Kurtis also reflects on his personal experiences with loss, love, and the anticipation of fatherhood.

About Kurtis Girard

Kurtis Girard is Certified Interventionist & Behavioral Health Professional for 14 years. Struggling with addiction as a teenager and finding recovery at 19 years old. He is an advocate for recovery and the power of love, connection & kindness. He’s poured these principles into founding a new addiction treatment program for adults in Palm Springs, CA.

Chapters

00:01:09 Introduction to Kurtis Girard

00:01:50 The Journey to Recovery

00:02:45 Challenges and Insights in Sobriety

00:04:18 Understanding Resistance in Treatment

00:06:23 The Impact of High-THC Cannabis

00:11:42 Personal Responsibility and Relationships

00:19:08 Kurtis's Early Life and Substance Use

00:26:15 The Turning Point to Sobriety

00:33:26 Mentorship and Personal Growth

00:47:46 Love, Loss, and Moving Forward

Summary

In this episode, Maya Kruger reflects on her experiences as a mother, exploring themes of nostalgia, validation, and the challenges of overstimulation. She discusses the emotional complexities of parenting, the need for self-awareness, and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain personal well-being while supporting her children. Through her candid insights, Maya encourages listeners to consider their own experiences and the societal expectations placed on mothers.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Motherhood and Nostalgia

03:18 The Quest for Validation

06:11 Overstimulation and Parenting Boundaries

Keywords

motherhood, validation, parenting, overstimulation, boundaries, self-awareness, emotional health, kids, personal growth, family dynamics

Summary

In this conversation, Maya Kruger and Stephanie Mara delve into the complexities of eating behaviors, particularly focusing on binge eating and the somatic approach to understanding these behaviors. They explore how trauma, neurodivergence, and cultural influences shape our relationships with food and body image. The discussion emphasizes the importance of safety, both in the body and in relationships, and how generational trauma can perpetuate unhealthy eating patterns. Stephanie shares insights on the somatic eating method, which prioritizes body awareness and emotional regulation over traditional dieting approaches. The conversation concludes with reflections on self-discovery and the journey towards a healthier relationship with food and body.

About Our Guest:

Stephanie Mara Fox, PhD in progress, MA, CMBEC, CHC, CYT, is a Somatic Nutritional Counselor and Mentor with a Master’s Degree in Somatic Psychotherapy. She is the creator of Somatic Eating®, a body-oriented, sensation focused therapeutic approach to eating. She’s supported women, coaches, and wellness professionals all over the world, helping them to heal from disordered eating patterns, binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, and body image concerns. She has been working for over the past decade to guide women in feeling empowered in their relationship with their food and body. Stephanie is published in the International Body Psychotherapy Journal, featured in Somatic Psychotherapy Today, VoyageDenver, Authority Magazine, and the Nutritional Wellness Summit and Somatic Healing Super Summit. She has supervised thousands of coaches, counselors, wellness practitioners, and therapists. Stephanie is on a mission to guide others into a safe and regulated relationship with food so they can go out and create their Satiated Life.  

5-part Somatically Transform Your Emotional Eating Experiences: https://www.stephaniemara.com/subscribe

Websites: https://www.stephaniemara.com/

https://www.somaticeating.com/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Fight or Flight Response in Eating Behaviors

02:59 The Somatic Eating Method: A New Approach

05:41 The Impact of Trauma and Neurodivergence on Eating

08:46 Cravings as Body Information

11:53 Binge Eating: A Protective Measure

15:01 The Role of Safety in Eating Behaviors

18:06 Generational Trauma and Food Relationships

21:02 Cultural Influences on Body Image and Eating

23:55 The Intersection of Body Image and Safety

27:05 Finding Neutrality in Somatic Work

29:42 The Role of Family and Generational Patterns

32:44 Exploring GLP-1s and Body Image

35:50 The Complexity of Body Image and Self-Worth

39:05 Navigating Relationships and Food Choices

41:43 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

44:52 Closing Thoughts on Food, Body, and Safety

Keywords

somatic eating, binge eating, trauma, body image, cravings, generational trauma, safety, neurodivergence, intuitive eating, food relationships

You can reach Maya at: https://www.overturetherapy.com

Summary:

Join Maya Kruger in this thought-provoking episode of "Themes of the Week" as she explores the intricate dynamics of emotional protection and the unseen audience in our lives. Discover how past traumas create emotional barriers, likened to a "sleeping bag," that shield us from pain but also limit our capacity for joy and connection. Maya also delves into the concept of performing for an internalized audience, urging listeners to reclaim their authenticity and live for themselves. Tune in for insights and strategies to unzip your emotional barriers and silence the critics in your mind.

Find Maya at: https://linktr.ee/overturetherapy

Find Peter Lazar at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/peter-e-lazar-rye-ny/183357

Summary

In this conversation, Peter Lazar and Maya Kruger explore the complexities of grief, loss, and resilience, particularly in the context of suicide and its impact on families. They discuss the challenges of navigating faith and spirituality after loss, the importance of parenting through trauma, and the role of technology in modern relationships. The conversation also touches on personal stories of resilience and the transformative power of music in healing.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss

01:59 Understanding Suicide and Its Impact

07:50 Faith, Forgiveness, and Jewish Perspectives

13:41 Reconnecting with God and Spirituality

16:44 Coping with Death and Mourning Rituals

19:36 Dreams, Memories, and the Afterlife

23:56 Parenting Through Trauma and Resilience

29:45 The Role of Technology in Modern Parenting

33:29 The Journey of Divorce and Co-Parenting

39:19 Family Resilience and Personal Stories

45:19 Music, Healing, and Personal Transformation

Peter Lazar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 30 years of experience in mental health and addictions treatment. In addition to maintaining a private psychotherapy practice in New York City and Westchester County, NY, as Clinical Director, Peter provides clinical and ethics oversight for Adventure Recovery clinicians and guides, and works with the executive team on clinical training, programming, and development. Over the course of his career, Peter has served as a clinician at Silver Hill Hospital and Hall-Brooke/St. Vincent’s Behavior Health. Peter worked for several years in marketing and business development in mental health residential treatment space, and is the former chair of the NY Provider Liaison Association. He recently served on the leadership and clinical teams at Freedom Institute. Peter has been a visiting lecturer at Columbia University Medical Center—Addiction Rounds, Boston College, Adelphi University’s Graduate Schools of Social Work, and the Institute for Addiction Studies at the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. He also served as adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. He lives in Westchester County, NY, with his wife and their rescue dog, Izzy; they have two beautiful young adult children.

Summary

In this reflection, Maya Kruger explores the complex relationship between parental influence and personal healing, emphasizing the importance of recognizing parental flaws without blame. She connects this to the phenomenon of radical transformation in individuals, suggesting that such shifts often stem from unmet psychological needs rather than dormant identities. The discussion encourages listeners to seek clarity in their own narratives and build resilience against external influences.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Parental Influence and Wounding

Keywords

parental influence, healing, radical transformation, identity, psychological needs, self-compassion, clarity, generational wounds

You can find Maya Kruger at: https://www.overturetherapy.com

You can Briana McWilliam at: https://brianamacwilliam.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Maya Kruger and Brianna McWilliam explore the intricate dynamics of relationships, attachment styles, and the impact of generational trauma on personal growth. Brianna shares her journey through grief, healing, and the transformative power of spirituality and plant medicine. They discuss the importance of self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and the challenges of finding healthy relationships. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's life themes and the ongoing process of personal evolution.

Chapters

00:00 Reflections on Romantic Relationships and Self-Perception

02:53 The Journey of Attachment and Personal Growth

05:44 Navigating Grief and Finding Love

08:50 The Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships

11:51 Celibacy and Self-Discovery

14:46 Plant Medicine and Healing Trauma

17:59 Spirituality and Intergenerational Healing

31:30 Embodiment and Self-Discovery

34:12 The Transformative Power of Plant Medicine

36:10 Understanding Generational Trauma

41:05 The Impact of Attachment Styles

45:57 Finding Love and Self-Acceptance

51:43 Exploring Energies and Emotional Intelligence

54:41 Life Themes and Personal Growth

58:46 Future Aspirations and Self-Reflection

Keywords

relationships, attachment, generational trauma, healing, spirituality, plant medicine, personal growth, emotional intelligence, self-discovery, love

Summary

In this reflection, Maya Kruger explores the themes of confirmation bias and the importance of embracing blank spaces for creativity. She discusses how individuals often prioritize being right over feeling better, leading to a cycle of negative self-confirmation. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for boredom and empty spaces in life to foster creativity and personal growth, encouraging listeners to reflect on their habits and make room for new ideas.

Chapters

00:00 The Desire to Be Right Over Feeling Better

02:57 Embracing Blank Spaces for Creativity

Keywords

confirmation bias, creativity, self-awareness, personal growth, boredom, mental health, emotional safety, therapy, self-discovery, mindfulness

Thank you for listening!

Contact Maya:

[email protected]

https://www.overturetherapy.com

Contact Ben Mushlin, LMSW:

https://www.searchlighttherapy.com

Book: Primal Wound

https://www.amazon.com/Primal-Wound-Understanding-Adopted-Child/dp/0963648004

Summary

In this episode, Ben Mushlin shares his journey from addiction to recovery, exploring the complexities of his identity as an adopted individual and the impact of generational trauma. He discusses the challenges of healing the inner adolescent, the importance of community in recovery, and the ongoing process of self-compassion. The conversation delves into the nuances of addiction as a coping mechanism and the significance of understanding one's past to build a healthier future.

Chapters

00:00 Healing the Inner Child and Adolescent

01:52 Ben's Journey: From Addiction to Recovery

09:36 The Impact of Adoption on Identity

19:12 Navigating Relationships and Parenting

28:30 Understanding Addiction as a Coping Mechanism

38:29 The Role of Community in Recovery

48:01 Finding Compassion for the Inner Adolescent

57:27 Generational Trauma and Resilience

Keywords

addiction, recovery, inner child, generational trauma, psychotherapy, mental health, resilience, attachment, parenting, self-compassion