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 in and befriend the body.

Jenn shares her expertise in somatic practices to heal the nervous system and the Via Somatic methodology, emphasizing self-regulation, resilience, and the significance of community support in navigating medical trauma. They explore practical techniques for managing stress responses, the role of deep rest in recovery, and the necessity of advocating for trauma-informed care in healthcare settings.

Jenn and Sarah also discuss the journey of post-traumatic growth and the power of lived experience in fostering compassion and understanding in both practitioners and patients.

You can learn more about Jenn and her work at:

Viasomatic.com

Keywords for this episode: medical trauma, nervous system, trauma-informed care, somatic practices, healing, resilience, self-regulation, post-traumatic growth, peer support, yoga therapy

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 addressing trauma in healthcare settings. We also address the need for systemic change in healthcare to better support patients and their families. In this conversation, Sacha McBain, PhD, and I explore the complex emotions surrounding medical trauma, particularly focusing on anger and its underlying causes. We discuss how ableism affects perceptions of illness and recovery, the importance of recognizing and processing anger, and the role of self-compassion in healing. The conversation emphasizes that while anger can be a protective emotion, it is crucial to understand its roots and transform it into constructive actions. We also highlight the significance of acceptance and the various coping strategies available for individuals navigating these challenges.

Medical Trauma Support Podcast

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 journey, and we talked about the importance of finding words to describe medical trauma. We explored the role of yoga in healing, how yoga nidra helps with finding peace, and the connection between emotions and somatic experiences. Kim and I talked a lot about the importance of connecting with one's body to uncover deep-seated beliefs and emotions and the wisdom that the body holds. We explored Kim's transition from personal healing to teaching others, and the significance of lived experience in guiding others through their struggles. She shared a lot of resources during the episode, you can find links to those resources here:

Vibrational Body (Kim's Business)

iRest Yoga Nidra

Jenn Wooten Via Somatic

Peter Levine

Bessel Van Der Kolk

Holographic Memory Resolution

Atma Buti School

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 workbook can serve as a tool for healing and reflection, and everyone can benefit from its content, regardless of their role in medical trauma or stage in the healing journey. The episode also includes an experiential exercise on safety, highlighting the significance of building authentic relationships and emotional safety in the healing process. In this conversation, Christen Mullane and I explore the complexities of medical trauma, emphasizing the importance of safety, empowerment, and mindfulness in healthcare settings. We discuss how caregivers and medical providers can navigate their own experiences of trauma while supporting patients. Our conversation really highlights the significance of trauma-informed care and the need for personalized mindfulness practices that cater to individual experiences and challenges. I hope you enjoy this episode and that you buy Christen's workbook as a companion on your healing journey! Please follow and review our podcast.

Show Links:

Click here to order Christen's book

Ginko Leaf Health - Christen's practice

Caregivers Support Group

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 system and create a sense of safety in your body, and why therapy can be a powerful tool for processing and releasing trauma.

Whether you're in the thick of postpartum struggles or reflecting on your own birth story, this episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable steps to support your healing journey.

Links:

Shelley Freeman's Website

Postpartum Support International

Touchstone Institute

Peanut App for Moms

Birth Trauma Support Group

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 experience was recent or many years ago, this episode offers an insightful look into the hidden struggles of postpartum life and the power of nurturing support systems.

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 Support website

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 conversation is the sense of empowerment and agency that Susan was able to tap into on her journey of healing. I hope that this episode is helpful to you and please share it with anyone who might benefit from it. Together we can spread awareness of medical trauma as well as the tools to heal.

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 out more about Erin and Healthcare Revolution Collective here.

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 families navigate resources, and what friends and loved ones can do to offer meaningful support during such an isolating time. Whether you're a parent in the thick of it or want to better support someone you love, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.

🎧 Keywords: pediatric cancer, childhood cancer support, parenting through cancer, caregiver support, childhood medical trauma, pediatric oncology social worker, emotional support for parents, trauma-informed cancer care, cancer diagnosis child, support for families

🔗 Free Resource:
Download the free guide, 8 Steps to Help Your Child Feel Safe Before a Medical Procedure — designed to support nervous system regulation for children and caregivers navigating medical trauma:Eight Steps to Help Your Child Feel Safe Before a Medical Procedure Guide