The Trauma Doc (Wednesdays With Watson)

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Let's embark on a profound journey together to explore the interconnection of faith and trauma framed within the context of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Inspired by Psalm 42 and the poignant song "Storm" by Lifehouse, we shed light on how faith can offer solace amidst the storm of abuse and violence. Our guest, the inspirational Crissy Loughride, joins us to share her insights and personal stories that resonate with strength, resiliency, and faith.

As the conversation unfolds, we dive deeper into the concept of 'not yet', reflecting on how Crissy's mother's faith and fervor for shaped our perspectives. We invite you to find solace in the power of faith and music as we discuss the comforting influence of the song 'Storm'. With a raw and honest portrayal of our struggles and healing, we extend the hopeful message that our lives should glorify God despite challenging circumstances. Emphasizing the omnipresence of God, we navigate the inner and external taunts that life throws at us. So, prepare to draw strength and solace from our enlightening and heartfelt exchange.

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Journey with us into the realm of childhood trauma as we take a hard look at its persistent shadows in our adult lives. Our insightful guest, therapist and EMDR consultant Jeremy Fox, aka The Trauma Tamer, is back on the show to guide us through this complex yet crucial terrain. Jeremy drops the powerful nugget, "Your trauma is not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility", setting the tone for this searing exploration into how the healing process begins with acknowledging our traumas, and the importance of seeking professional aid.

Navigating our way forward, we delve into the intricacies of our nervous system with Dr. Fox. We dissect the integral role of emotions, busting the myth that they rule us, and explore how they could, in fact, be signaling a dysregulated nervous system. The episode is rich with discussions on tools to calm your nervous system, and we get into detail on why those grappling with complex post-traumatic stress need to be extra vigilant. 

We also unfold the connective threads between Internal Family Systems (IFS) and healing childhood trauma. Diving into our conscious self, we explore its different units and distinguish it from dissociative identity disorder. We decode the three parts of IFS - exiles, managers, and firefighters, along with the 8 C's of IFS - compassion, curiosity, calm, clarity, courage, connectedness, confidence, and creativity. To round off, we discuss acknowledging trauma, the role of EMDR, and how social media can bolster support for EMDR therapy. Remember, your healing journey starts when you are ready. It's never too late to start healing!

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Can you feel the weight of the world's weariness pressing down on you? Together with my dear friend and fellow podcast curator, Amber Coulomb, we unpack the ways in which this pervasive weariness is affecting us all and explore the profound yearning of the human heart for relief from pain and suffering. We delve into the concept of benevolent detachment, a tool for maintaining mental and emotional health amidst the overflow of information around us, and discuss how we can care for our world and those in it without losing ourselves in the process.

The world's weariness isn't just a product of information overload - it's also due to the hardships and tragedies we face. During these times, it's easy to become overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. But what if there was an anchor that could hold us steady? Amber and I traverse the comforting promises of God, as seen in the Bible verses and breath prayers we share, with Psalm 27 acting as a beacon of hope during times of distress. We discuss the strength we can find in God's promises, and the relief that comes from knowing we're not alone in our fear.

But this journey doesn't end there. We also explore the powerful and transformative potential that comes from choosing hope and Jesus. The act of dwelling in God's shelter during moments of joy, sadness, or hurt is discussed, providing a roadmap to engage with Him and find peace. As we wrap up, we extend an invitation for you to join us in two weeks when we continue exploring the gift of freedom provided by Jesus. So, tune in with us - let's find our freedom together.

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Ever wonder how the kingdom of God is subtly yet profoundly impacting our world? Does the collision of theology and politics leave you grappling with questions? Join me this week as I converse with Eric Nevins, founder of the Christian Podcasts Association and his own podcast, Halfway There, as we traverse the journey of spiritual growth, discipleship, and the kingdom of God.

Eric, a spiritual seeker from his early years, leads us through his life's journey, sharing his experiences in college, seminary, and beyond. We delve into the power dynamics of Jesus' interactions, the subtle omnipresence of the Kingdom of God and its contrast to earthly power structures. We also discuss the potential for discord in the convergence of theology and politics and how we can strive for unity in our Christian walk. Eric shares his insights on wielding our online platforms as tools for the Kingdom, reflecting the teachings of Jesus.

As we wrap up our enlightening discussion, we journey back in time to the early church's example of caring for the vulnerable and promoting respect and unity. We share thoughts on the critical role of the Church in advancing the Kingdom of God and encouraging love and acceptance of those different from us. In these trying times, let's take Eric's reflections as a gentle reminder to love and respect people, even in their differences, as this is what truly advances the Kingdom of God. Join us on this journey as we learn, grow, and inspire each other in our walk with Christ.

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Special message to WWW listeners from our guest, James Early

Are you ready for a journey into the deep waters of faith and trauma? This week, we're privileged to host James, the profound voice behind the Bible Speaks to You podcast. Together, we navigate the turbulent emotional seas portrayed in David's Psalm 22, drawing intriguing parallels between the Psalmist's journey and the experiences of trauma survivors.

Through the course of our conversation, we attempt to unpack the seismic shift from despair to trust in God as portrayed in the psalm. We grapple with deep questions about the nature of divine love and take comfort in the unwavering strength that comes from a relationship with God. We realize that, like the psalmist, trauma survivors too alternate between feelings of despair and moments of profound faith and gratitude. 

As we navigate these turbulent waters, we hope to shed light on the healing power of God's love and the profound hope found in the kingdom of heaven. We want to remind all our listeners that no matter how dark your situation may seem, you are never alone. We conclude the conversation with an invitation to explore the comfort and healing found in the presence of Jesus. So join us, in this exploration of faith, hope, and love, as we remind you that you are seen, known, heard, loved, and valued.

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Sherrie's episode on Psalm 23

What happens when the path you were walking suddenly disappears, and you find yourself in a freefall of sorrow and pain? In response to unexpected loss, Sherrie Pilkington, founder of the podcast 'Finding God in Our Pain,' embarked on a journey to discover God's message in her darkness. Sherrie shares her story of loss and subsequent healing, the inspiration behind her podcast, and the experiences of others who've walked a similar path. 

Throughout her journey, Sherrie discovered the tenderness with which God shepherds us in our darkest hours, providing comfort, guidance, and peace. Using the metaphor of a shepherd and their sheep, she sheds light on how God gently guides us through the valley of the shadow of death. We examine Psalm 23 with her, reflecting on God's unending faithfulness and His enduring goodness and mercy. 

In the midst of our suffering, God's presence serves as a beacon of hope that can transform our lives. Sherrie discusses her ongoing journey as a widow and how the awareness of God's presence has helped her face the future fearlessly. Her experience offers a testament to the healing power of God, rewriting lies and dismantling fears even in our darkest moments. Sherrie's story, filled with wisdom and insight, promises comfort and inspiration to all navigating the choppy waters of loss and pain.

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Ever felt so exhausted that it seems like your faith is slipping through your fingers? Ever questioned if anyone has been more faithful and a steadier help in times of trouble than God? Join me as we walk through the darkness together, reminding ourselves of God's unwavering love and faithfulness. Inspired by David Crowder's 'My Everything', we'll reflect upon relevant passages from Psalms that serve as a beacon of hope in our darkest hours and reassure us of God's constant presence.

Have you experienced the profound power of prayer? When hope appears to be fading, God's love and faithfulness remain our steady compass. This episode encourages us to embrace our struggles, cease our battles, and instead let our lives glorify God. It's time to challenge ourselves, to strive to adopt His grace and love into our everyday lives. Let's explore the depths of His faithfulness together and emerge with renewed strength and resolve. Brace yourselves for an invigorating journey of faith and resilience.

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Cue the confetti and the cheers - we've reached a monumental milestone with our 100th episode of Wednesdays with Watson! To mark the occasion, I am joined by the ever-inspiring Chrissy Loughridge, my memory keeper, as we journey through the powerful verses of Psalm 100. We embark on this exploration to shed light on faith, gratitude, and the bond of community and shed light on the value of church, counseling, and a steadfast focus on Jesus, the star of the story.

Taking refuge in worship, Crissy and I find solace in the rich imagery of Psalm 100, unfurling the potent message behind serving the Lord with gladness. We discuss the comforting notion of the Lord as a nurturing shepherd, caring for us, his sheep, and a vigilant eagle safeguarding its eaglets. This analogy becomes a beacon of comfort and security to those grappling with hurt, heartache, and hardship. It prompts us to reflect on how we can honor the Lord through our worship, harmonious songs, and joyous cries.

As we raise a toast to gratitude and celebration, we reminisce about our journey, encapsulated with moments of humility and profound transformations. This journey has revealed that gratitude can thrive even amidst adversity, leading to a deep-seated sense of joy and fulfillment. Together, we recount stories of trials and triumphs, underlining the pivotal role of faith and gratitude in our lives. So, join us as we celebrate this journey, our supportive community, and the wisdom we've gleaned from scripture. As we set our sights on the next hundred episodes, let's remember the comforting words of Jesus: We are known, we are loved, and we are so valued. Tune in to share in the celebration and to find comfort, hope, and strength from the messages in Psalm 100.

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Can you imagine living a life that so beautifully mirrors the message of Psalm 23? That's precisely how Dad McGowan lived, a man who profoundly impacted many lives through his generous spirit, unfailing work ethic, and unwavering love for Jesus. Join me as I share touching stories from family and friends about his remarkable life that was marked with faith and service. As we journey through the comfort of the good shepherd, we explore how this Psalm aligns with the faithfulness of God and how Dad McGowan's life and love continue to light our way.

Fasten your seatbelts, folks, as we gear up for our 100th podcast episode! But, before that, we'll dive into Dad McGowan's  story, a compelling testament to his love for Jesus and mankind. Expect to hear how his life has been an embodiment of Psalm 23, and how his legacy continues to influence us. On a more personal note, I'll share how God's faithfulness has been a constant source of strength during my darkest hours, and how Dad McGowan's life served as an awe-inspiring example. Stay tuned for the upcoming special episode, as we host a special guest to reflect on Psalm 100 and continue to honor the legacy of love and faith left by Dad McGowan.

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We honor PTSD Awareness Month and its warriors with this special episode featuring two generations of PTSD patients. Join Amy as she and Rachel Marhefka talk about loving Jesus and living with PTSD.  Generation X meets Generation Z in this rich conversation about how each generation deals with PTSD and trauma. 


#ptsd #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #trauma #mentalhealthawareness #cptsd #healing #mentalhealthmatters #recovery #mentalillness #ptsdawareness #selfcare #love #bipolar #therapy #selflove #ptsdrecovery #survivor #bpd #suicideprevention #abuse #emotionalabuse #domesticviolence #narcissist #traumarecovery #psychology #stress #veterans #narcissisticabuse

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