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This episode is filled with practical insights, real-life transformation stories, and inspiration for anyone interested in trauma recovery, mental health, or personal growth.
Therapist and educator in the mental health field, Michelle Gay, shares her journey into trauma therapy, the importance of therapists doing their own self-work, and how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) support clients in healing and reclaiming their lives.
#TraumaHealing #EMDR #IFS #MichelleGay #TherapyTools #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #ChildhoodTrauma #SelfWorth #SomaticTherapy #Mindfulness #PauseToElevate #DrKassimAlmaha
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can contact Michelle Gay by visiting https://arippleaffect.com/
📚 Books that might be of interest:
📚 "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk M.D - https://amzn.to/4iKEZ7R
📚 "EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma" by Francine Shapiro and Margot Silk Forrest - https://amzn.to/4d9qlpz
Note: We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel. We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
Join Dr. Kasim Al-mashat in this insightful episode of 'Pause to Elevate' as he engages in a deeply enriching conversation with Frances Mican, a marriage and family therapist.
Frances shares her journey into therapy, grounded in relational trauma-informed and intersectional feminist views. They explore various topics such as the pervasive nature of oppression, the importance of safety in therapy, and effective tools for trauma work, including EMDR. This episode provides valuable perspectives on building trust, managing self-doubt, and fostering personal healing in a complicated world.
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can contact Frances Mican by visiting https://francesmican.com/
📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest:
📚 "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk M.D - https://amzn.to/4iKEZ7R
📚 "Roe v. Wade: The Abortion Rights Controversy in American History" by Peter Charles Hoffer - https://amzn.to/4m4xvj8
Note: We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel. We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
In this deeply insightful episode of Pause to Elevate, explore loneliness, fulfillment, emotional intelligence, and the journey to rediscovering the innate self. Drawing from Jules Kuroda's work in education and refugee resettlement, Jules shares the inspiration behind her book "N8 Self: You Are More Than Your Mind, Body, and Emotions" and how we can reclaim meaning in an increasingly disconnected world.
Dive into topics like the impact of technology, the healing power of nature, cognitive creativity, and the essential role of gratitude, character, and alignment with core values in living a fulfilled life. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be fully alive.
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can contact Jules Kuroda on IG @n8coach or by visiting https://then8self.myshopify.com/
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
Join Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat and licensed professional counselor Anita Sandoval in this powerful episode as they unpack the psychology of people-pleasing, its connection to trauma, and the path toward healing and authenticity. This conversation reveals how survival instincts, childhood neglect, and societal expectations can condition us to seek approval at the cost of our truth.
Anita shares her deeply personal story of breaking free from abuse, offering practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, reclaiming your voice, and building relationships rooted in self-respect and resilience. Whether you're someone who constantly puts others first or want to support someone who does, this episode is a guide to becoming empowered through self-awareness and learning to say no without guilt.
#PeoplePleasing #MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #Authenticity #Boundaries #SelfAwareness #Relationships #Podcast #AnitaSandoval #DrKasimAlMashat #PauseToElevate
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can contact Anita Sandoval by visiting https://www.anitasandoval.com/ or by IG@anita__sandoval
📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest:
📚 "Broken Chains: How I Broke the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect and Went from Victim to Survivor" by Anita Sandoval - (Get your copy by visiting https://www.anitasandoval.com/storefront)
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
Can laughter truly change your life? In this eye-opening episode, Kelly Podlubny shares how he went from battling deep mental struggles to discovering a powerful, intentional way to invite joy into his life—Laughter Yoga. Learn how laughter, even without reason, can shift your mindset, reduce stress, and open the door to a more fulfilling, positive life. If you’re looking for a fresh start or a new perspective, this episode will inspire you to embrace the power of laughter and take charge of your happiness. 🎙️😂 #LaughterYoga #ChangeYourLife #IntentionalHappiness
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can contact Kelly Podlupny by visiting https://laughteryoga.ca/leaders/kelly-podlubny/
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
In this episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, discover why so many people experience birthday blues, the underlying reasons behind it, and how to overcome it. Tamar shares her insights on the importance of celebrating oneself, planning a fulfilling birthday, and overcoming the challenges of aging with grace.
Birthdays are often tied to expectations—big parties, forced celebrations, and toxic positivity. But what if your birthday became a personal ritual of self-reflection, rest, and joy? In this episode, we explore how to reclaim your birthday as a day to pause, be selfish in the best way, and do what truly makes you happy. Whether it’s solitude, adventure, or deep reflection, your birthday is yours to celebrate—on your terms.
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can contact Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming by visiting https://tamartamar.com/
📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest:
📚 "How To Have A Happy Birthday" by Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming - https://amzn.to/41Rz5LP
Note: We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel. We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
With over 20 years of experience in mindfulness meditation and Iyengar yoga, Hazim Hassan shares his personal journey, exploring the importance of mindfulness in stressful healthcare settings. This episode delves into the significance of self-care for physicians, the role of curiosity and kindness in mindfulness, and the critical need for collective support within healthcare environments. Hazim also discusses his current doctoral research focused on integrating mindfulness into healthcare systems to promote well-being for both providers and patients.
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can contact Hazim Hassan at linkedin.com/in/hazim-hassan-34bba7a
📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest:
📚 "Full Catastrophe Living" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/40k5tYv
📚 "Wherever you go, There you are" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/4hA89G5
Note: We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel. We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
In this eye-opening episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, Dr. Kasim Al Mashat dives deep into the transformative journey of Heidi Barkwell, a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and author of 'Laughing Wellness: Play Your Way Every Day.' Heidi shares how laughter became a pivotal tool in her healing process and how it can do the same for you. Learn about the profound benefits of laughter, engaging exercises, and the powerful concepts of promoting longevity, accountability, and young-heartedness. Don’t miss the laughter exercises at the end—join us for a session that promises to leave you smiling from ear to ear.
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can learn about Heidi Barkwell by visiting https://laughingwellness.com/ or
https://www.calgarylaughteryoga.com/
📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest:
📚 Grab Heidi’s book, Laughing Wellness: Play Your Way Every Day: [https://amzn.to/4hMURaj]
Note: We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel. We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
In this episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, Dr. Kasim Al Mashat sits down with Sue Genest, trauma and EMDR expert and Director of Life Journeys Counseling and Training. Sue shares her extensive expertise in mental health, healing trauma, and explains how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help individuals overcome past traumas. Tune in to learn about the impact of childhood trauma, how somatic therapy works, and the power of identifying core beliefs through EMDR. Sue also shares powerful metaphors and exercises to connect with your true self and explains the importance of balancing our 'diet of hope' in the face of overwhelming life events. Join us for an enriching conversation that offers practical insights into improving mental health and well-being.
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can learn about Sue Genest by visiting https://www.suegenest.ca/
📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest:
📚 "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World" by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams - https://amzn.to/4im5rov
📚 "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times"
by Jane Goodall - https://amzn.to/3Dia445
📚 "When pain is the Doorway" by Pema Chodron - https://amzn.to/3F05ZSG
Note: We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel. We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
In this episode of Pause to Elevate, join the host in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tazuko Shibusawa, an expert in social work and mindfulness. Dr. Shibusawa shares her personal and professional journey, exploring the impact of Buddhism, teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh, and the power of mindfulness in navigating aging, anger, and social justice. She delves into how mindfulness fosters fearlessness, compassion, and deeper connections while challenging the mental health field’s tendency toward pathologization. Tune in to discover how pausing with intention can elevate your well-being and strengthen your sense of community. #Mindfulness #MentalHealth #AngerManagement #Compassion #SocialJustice #PauseToElevate
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
You can learn about Tazuko Shibusawa https://www.linkedin.com/in/tazuko-shibusawa-21032514/
📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest:
📗 "The world could be otherwise" by Norman Fisher - https://amzn.to/3CT1msS
📕 "Full Catastrophe Living" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/40k5tYv
📗 "Heal Thyself" by Saki Santorelli - https://amzn.to/41io872
Note: We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel. We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
🌿 Stay Connected
Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/
About Pause to Elevate
Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.
Disclaimer
Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/
If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...
From the publisher's feed
Discover your mind’s inner working to transform and elevate your life. Dr. Kasim shares his experiences and invites experts in their fields as well as everyday people who have created…
You can listen to insights and tips shared so that you can learn to be more present, mange overwhelm and stress, find calm and inner peace, enhance resilience, gain new perspective to live healthier and happier life, be more compassionate, enhance your mind to reach the success you want, and create a more fulfilling life.
Dr. Kasim’s mission is to elevate our lives on a personal, professional, and global level to a healthier, more compassionate and caring world through mindfulness. This podcast also shares principles in psychology and mindset that leads to success and a more fulfilling life.
Hit subscribe and get ready for a Pause To Elevate now!
Learn more and join free mindfulness and laughter sessions , and give aways by joining our newsletter by visiting www.drkasimalmashat.com or www.centreformindfulness.ca.

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