This week on The Listening Field, Rev. Charlotte Cramer sits down with Morgan Penberthy, clinical psychology PhD candidate at Pacific University, to explore how mindfulness-based interventions can support survivors of sexual coercion and trauma.
Morgan discusses her research on post-traumatic growth, nervous system regulation, and the integration of contemplative practices—such as body scans, loving-kindness meditation, and intentional self-compassion—into trauma recovery. She shares the heart behind her new intervention, RISE (Regulation and Intentional Self-Compassion for Empowerment), which centers compassion, community, and empowerment rather than re-traumatization.
The conversation moves beyond clinical language into deeper spiritual terrain: What does it mean to “grow through” trauma? How do we cultivate self-compassion when self-hatred feels overwhelming? Is mindfulness secular—or inherently spiritual? And how can community become one of the most sacred healing spaces we have?
Together, Charlotte and Morgan explore tenderness, courage, spirituality, nervous system regulation, and the possibility of transformation after trauma.