Episode Overview:

In this episode, Ryan Hassan and Matt Kay dive into the transformative world of somatic therapy and share practical insights on how to run an effective session. They explore why working with the body—not just the mind—is essential for addressing trauma, emotional imprints, and deep-seated patterns.

Key Topics Covered:

Why traditional cognitive approaches alone often fall short in resolving trauma

Understanding the body’s role in processing emotions, sensations, and trauma imprints

The concept of the “royal road to transformation”—accessing deeper layers of conditioning through the body

How the nervous system, survival responses, and pre-verbal imprints influence our behavior and emotional life

A step-by-step process of an Embodied Processing session:

Resourcing

Exploring the qualities of the experience

Finding the origins of imprints

Processing sensations and emotions

Integration and completion

Insights Shared:

Trauma is stored in the body and nervous system, not just in the mind

Developing the ability to stay present with uncomfortable emotions and sensations is key—rather than trying to fix or remove them

Approaching inner experiences with curiosity, acceptance, and befriending—instead of resistance—is essential for transformation

The body holds invaluable information and access points that cognitive approaches alone cannot reach

Conclusion & Recommendations:
Embodied Processing (EP) is a powerful modality for addressing trauma, emotional imprints, and facilitating lasting transformation. The EP training program provides:

Comprehensive step-by-step training

Ongoing support and mentorship

Lifetime access to materials for continued learning and application

Resources & Links:

Center for Healing: www.thecentreforhealing.com.au 

Embodied Processing (EP) Training Program: Explore EP 

Connect with Us:

Email: [email protected] 

Show Notes Summary

In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Melissa connects with trauma-informed practitioner and author Sonia Skewes to explore her powerful journey from hairdressing and community work to creating a deeply healing practice in Penguin, Tasmania.

Despite waking up with a cold, Melissa followed her higher self’s guidance and went ahead with the interview- resulting in an authentic, soulful exchange about healing, self-worth, and empowerment.

Key Topics Discussed

About Sonia:

Sonia Skewes is a Root-Cause Therapy Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Manifestation Coach, and lifelong creative who began her journey as a hairdresser — working with transformation long before she called it healing.

Now based in Tasmania, she blends lived experience with powerful subconscious tools to help others break cycles and create lives that feel aligned, expressive, and free. With warmth and grounded creativity, Sonia supports those ready to reclaim the parts of themselves that were lost along the way.

Connect with her at www.soniaskewes.com.au
Social media https://www.instagram.com/soniaskewesintegrativetherapy/
Get her book here https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FYNHFW1Q?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

SHOWNOTES

Chronic illness is what set Rosalie on her path to study Embodied processing and Somatic therapy as she spent over 10 years searching for answers and ways to find relief, so as a therapist she has a deep passion for holistic healing and the transformational journey toward wholeness. 

“I’m endlessly fascinated by the complexities of life , how our experiences shape us, how our bodies remember, and how healing becomes possible when we honour all parts of ourselves.

Rooted in a trauma-sensitive approach, my work is deeply informed by an understanding of the nervous system.
I’ve seen firsthand how automatic responses and dysregulation can influence our behaviours, trigger patterns, and even contribute to chronic illness. 

This insight became super personal as I navigated my own difficult path through MCAS and histamine intolerance . Debilitating conditions that challenged me, but ultimately led me home to myself.

Through my own healing journey, I’ve gained profound insight into the mind-body connection, and now, it’s my mission to support others in finding that same freedom. I help people reconnect with their inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and cultivate a sense of peace, acceptance, and safely within.

I believe healing is not just about symptom relief, it’s about transformation, abundance, and coming back to wholeness. My greatest joy is walking alongside others as they reclaim their truth, step back into their power, and return to living in their full capacity 

I work with Chronic illness and specialise in MCAS and hormonal affected conditions such as adrenal fatigue,  perimenopause and menopause”

Website: https://templeofbeing.com.au/ 

Email: [email protected] 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/temple.of.being/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/rosaliemariemason/ 

Show Notes

Guest: Dr. Talia Steed

Author | Coach | Spiritual Teacher | Former Medical Doctor

Dr. Talia Steed supports others through a holistic approach to health — integrating science and spirituality to bring balance to the body, mind, and soul.

Areas of Expertise

Mind–Body Symptoms / Chronic and Unresolved Health Issues

Empaths & Highly Sensitive People

Women’s Health — from PMS to Pregnancy to Menopause

Mental Health — Anxiety, OCD, and Major Life Transitions

Career & Relationship Counselling

Spiritual Awakening — Guidance for those on the path of higher consciousness

About Her Book: Choosing the Witness Self

“In this way of being, we can make contact with pure awareness — awareness beyond thoughts, beyond feelings, beyond sensations in the body.
This is the essence of spirituality: discovering that you are the witness to the experiences of your life. Nothing more, and nothing less.”
— Dr. Talia Steed, Choosing the Witness Self

Episode Highlights

Dr. Talia’s journey from medical doctor to spiritual teacher — and what led her to question the limitations of the Western medical model.

The power of taking responsibility for your own healing rather than waiting for others to “fix” you.

Understanding the Witness Self — the observing awareness beyond thoughts and emotions.

How to integrate the Witness Self with the human ego mind.

Dr. Talia’s personal experience with OCD and depression, and the lessons learned through her own healing process.

The role of meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices in cultivating deeper self-awareness.

Exploring a holistic approach to wellbeing — recognising the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit.

Connect with Dr. Talia Steed

Website: www.drtaliasteed.com 

Instagram: @bodi_alchemy 

Facebook: Bodi Alchemy 

Her Book

Choosing the Witness Self: Illuminating the Illusions of the Ego Mind
Available now — learn more on her website.

Episode Title: Healing from Burnout with Neena Saith

Shownotes

In this episode, we sit down with Neena Saith, a nervous system-informed mind-body practitioner who helps high-achieving individuals untangle the hidden patterns of long-term stress, burnout, and emotional suppression.

With a corporate background herself, Neena knows first-hand what it’s like to look successful on the outside while quietly unraveling on the inside. Today, she shares how burnout manifests in the body, why traditional “push through it” approaches don’t work, and what it really takes to restore balance and return to yourself.

You’ll learn:

The nervous system’s role in burnout and recovery

How emotional suppression keeps you stuck in stress cycles

Practical ways to regulate and find stillness without “performing” relaxation

Why true healing isn’t about doing more, but about creating space to come back to who you are

Neena’s approach is powerful, grounded, and deeply personal—helping people regulate, restore, and reclaim their inner calm after years of living in survival mode.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly “on,” even in stillness, this conversation will meet you where you are.

Connect with Neena:
✨ Contact: https://www.neenasaith.com/contact 
✨ Free Resources: https://www.neenasaith.com/free-resources

In this episode, Ryan and Matt dive deep into the world of developmental trauma — exploring how early life experiences shape our nervous system, relationships, and sense of self.

They break down what developmental trauma looks like, why it’s not officially recognised in the DSM, and how it can show up in subtle yet powerful ways throughout life. Matt also shares personal reflections, giving a lived perspective on the impact and healing process.

1. Introduction to Developmental Trauma

Different types of trauma: acute, developmental, pre-conscious, genealogical, and collective

Why developmental trauma deserves more attention

2. The Importance of Developmental Trauma

Matt’s personal journey and experiences

The gap in formal recognition despite its widespread impact

3. Attachment & Authenticity

Why attachment is a survival instinct

How children adapt — often at the cost of authenticity — to maintain connection

The role of rupture and repair in building resilience

4. Stages of Developmental Trauma

Infancy (0–3 years): Safety vs. danger through attachment

Early Childhood (3–7 years): Core beliefs about self and the world

Socialisation (7–18 years): School, peers, and relational experiences

5. Symptoms of Developmental Trauma

Relational patterns: people-pleasing, over-independence

Emotional dysregulation: shutdown or overwhelm

Difficulty trusting self and others

Struggles with identity, being alone, or accepting emotions like anger and sadness

6. Healing Developmental Trauma

Creating healthy relational dynamics

Building capacity and a sense of safety

Exploring identity and early attachment wounds

Somatic processing and stress release

The importance of finding the right practitioner

More info on the Somatic Therapy EP here:
https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing

Presenters:
- Ryan Hassan, Co-founder at the Centre for Healing and Co-creator of Embodied Processing
- Gemma Carroll, Holistic Counsellor and Embodied Processing Practitioner

Key Points:

1. Importance of Holding Space
- Holding a safe, attuned, present space is crucial, regardless of modality or techniques used
- The therapeutic relationship and alliance is the most healing aspect

2. What is Holding Space?
- Creating a "healing bubble" - a non-judgmental, regulated, attuned space
- Establishing safety, trust and confidentiality

3. The Practitioner's Role
- Regulating your own nervous system before and after sessions
- Developing rituals and practices to enter and exit the space
- Meeting the client halfway, reducing effort

4. Elements of Holding Space
- Deep listening and observation
- Constant checking in and permission-seeking
- Validation and normalization of the client's experience

5. Barriers to Holding Space
- Agenda over intention
- Practitioner's own triggers and biases
- Lack of self-knowledge and perfectionism

6. Orientation for Holding Space
- "All is welcome here"
- "I'm not here to fix you; you're not broken"
- Curiosity and compassion towards uncomfortable emotions/sensations

7. Developing Resources
- Internal regulation practices
- External support systems and mentors
- Keeping client notes and debriefing

Key Takeaways:
- Safety and trust are foundational for healing
- Holding space is an ongoing practice for the practitioner
- Less effort, more presence and attunement is key
- Continuous self-work and resource-building is essential

Connect with Gemma Carroll:

📸 Instagram: @gemmacarrollnz

👍 Facebook: The MindBody Guru

💼 LinkedIn: Gemma Carroll

📰 Substack: The MindBody Guru

Show Notes

Title: Deb Mackay and Melissa Hiemann discuss the various aspects of health, wellness, and parenting, particularly in relation to neurodiversity.

Summary

Deb's journey to healing and supporting others

Deb shares how her experience with her three children diagnosed on the autism spectrum led her to explore alternative healing modalities beyond traditional therapies. She discovered the importance of addressing the nervous system and taking a whole-body approach to wellness. This journey ultimately transformed Deb's own life and inspired her to help others, particularly women and parents, through her work in root cause therapy, somatic processing, and nutrition.

The limitations of diagnostic labels and the need for holistic care

Deb discusses her concerns about the overuse of diagnostic labels, particularly for neurodevelopmental conditions like autism. She believes that many children are misunderstood and mislabeled due to a lack of understanding about the role of the nervous system, environment, trauma, and other underlying factors. Deb advocates for a more comprehensive, integrative approach that looks at the whole person rather than just treating symptoms.

Incorporating scent, spirituality, and somatic practices

Deb explains how she integrates the use of scent, her Christian faith, and somatic practices in her work. She discusses the powerful way that scent can bypass the conscious mind and access the subconscious, helping to create "glimmers" of safety and comfort. Deb also shares how her spiritual beliefs have deepened through her healing journey and how she helps Christian women address limiting beliefs through practices like breath work, prayer, and tapping.

Generational healing and breaking cycles

Deb emphasises the importance of doing inner work to break generational patterns and cycles, both for herself and for the children and families she supports. She shares how her own healing journey has allowed her to respond to her children and parenting situations with more compassion, presence, and flexibility, modelling the change she wants to see.

Upcoming programs and resources

Deb provides an overview of the various programs and resources available through her Soul Roots Therapy practice, including self-paced and live courses, as well as specialised offerings for Christian women and parents of neurodiverse children. She encourages listeners to explore the options that best suit their needs.

Recap and closing thoughts

Deb and Melissa conclude the conversation by emphasizing the importance of allowing the healing process to unfold naturally, without forcing it. Deb encourages listeners to focus on building the foundational skills and capacity to sit with themselves, as the rewards and transformations that follow can be profound and lasting.

Bio

Deb Mackay is the founder of Soulroots Therapy, where she helps women worldwide reconnect with themselves and heal on every level body, mind, and spirit grounded in her Christian faith. As a Root-Cause Therapy Practitioner, Somatic Embodied-Processing Facilitator, Natural Perfumer, and Psychiatric Nutrition Coach, Deb takes a whole-body approach that embraces the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

She blends the power of scent with somatic practices, frequency medicine, and nutritional support to help break generational cycles, release limiting beliefs, and build lasting emotional and spiritual resilience rooted in Christ.

You can connect with Deb here;

Website - https://www.soulrootstherapy.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soulrootstherapy

Courses mentioned - Renew your mind https://www.soulrootstherapy.com/renewingyourmind, Scent somatics, https://www.soulrootstherapy.com/scents-somatics

Embodied Processing - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing

Root-Cause Therapy - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/root-cause-therapy-certification-1

Guest: Jem Williams – somatic guide, holistic counsellor, and self-trust mentor for women

Bio:
Jem is a somatic guide, holistic counsellor, and self-trust mentor for women who are reconnecting to their truth and power.

Episode Highlights:

Jem shares her personal healing journey and how her work with the Centre for Healing helped her peel back layers of shame and addiction inherited from her family.

She opens up about moving past codependent relationships and addictive behaviors in her 20s, and how choosing sobriety allowed her to invest in herself and plan for a meaningful future.

The episode explores how spirituality and practices like mantra singing provided Jem with the connection and community she was craving.

Jem recounts a major leg injury as a “loud” message from her body, highlighting the importance of listening to our physical and emotional cues.

She emphasizes the power of self-compassion and cultivating a different relationship with internal parts of ourselves, like the inner critic, rather than trying to eliminate them.

Jem shares her current self-care practices, including self-touch, journaling dialogues with different parts of herself, and intentionally living life at a slower pace.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with Jem on Instagram if her story resonates or inspires them.

Main Themes:

Personal healing and transformation

Understanding the body as a communicator of emotional and energetic needs

The value of self-compassion and embodied practices

Connect with Jem:

Instagram: @soul.and.soma.with.jem 

Website: https://jemlee.my.canva.site/holistichealing

🎙 TCFH Podcast — Episode 27
Topic: Integrating Suppressed Anger with Ryan & Matt

In this episode, Ryan and Matt unpack the truth about anger: why it’s a vital emotional signal, how society’s fear of it keeps us stuck, and what happens when it’s buried for too long. You’ll learn how anger often hides beneath sadness, fear, or shutdown — and how to safely explore and integrate it so it becomes a source of personal power, healthy boundaries, and authenticity.

Whether you’re a practitioner or on your own healing journey, this conversation will shift the way you relate to anger — and yourself.

Show Notes:

What Anger Really Is (and Why We Need It)

Anger is a vital emotional feedback mechanism, signalling when boundaries have been crossed.

It’s a sympathetic nervous system response that mobilises energy and action.

When repressed, anger can manifest as depression, anxiety, or physical health issues.

Why Society Gets Anger Wrong

Many people associate anger only with destructive, harmful behaviour — creating fear and shame around expressing it.

Early childhood experiences often taught us that anger was unacceptable, leading to suppression or avoidance.

This suppression can build up until it “explodes,” reinforcing the belief that anger is dangerous.

How Anger Gets Entangled with Other Emotions

Anger often couples with fear, sadness, hurt, or shutdown responses.

Untangling these emotional dynamics allows us to work with anger directly.

Practitioners must first explore and integrate their own relationship with anger to hold safe space for clients.

Practical Tools for Regulating and Integrating Anger

Titration — gently approaching the sensation without overwhelm.

Movement & resistance — releasing energy through the body.

Writing & inquiry — reflecting on the story and meaning behind the anger.

The aim: stay present and conscious with the experience, rather than suppressing or acting it out.

When integrated, anger becomes a source of personal power, clear boundaries, and authentic “yes” and “no” responses.

About the Embodied Processing Practitioner Training

A comprehensive training program designed to teach the Embodied Processing modality while deepening your own personal work.

Includes self-paced learning modules, a supportive community, and regular live calls.

Currently available at a special sale price.

Key Takeaways:

Anger is not the enemy — it’s a natural, healthy emotion when expressed and integrated well.

Suppression leads to emotional and physical strain, while integration leads to empowerment.

Working with anger requires presence, compassion, and self-awareness.

Embodied Processing offers the tools and support to help both practitioners and clients integrate suppressed anger for greater authenticity and wellbeing.