The Trauma Therapist

Today on the podcast I am joined by Josh Aronson and Julie Sayres, the filmmakers of the film To Be Of Service, a documentary film about war veterans who are paired with service dogs to help them regain their lives. 

"[T]he big picture is clear, and its overriding point well made: These dogs are saving the lives of those who’ve sacrificed so much. Every person profiled here deserves an immense amount of respect. Every animal, too."​ - Ken Jaworowski, New York Times

Josh Aronson directed To Be Of Service. He has been producing and directing documentary films since 2000. He was nominated for an Oscar for his film, Sound and Fury, and has made award-winning films on disability, the search for identity, classical music, and history. 

Julie Sayres produced To Be Of Service. She is an award-winning screenwriter working in Los Angeles. Her credits include the film Reaching for the Moon (aka Flores Raras) for which she won the best adapted screenplay award by the Brazilian Academy of Letters and was also nominated for best adapted screenplay by the Brazilian Academy of Cinema. Aside from her work as a screenwriter, she’s also an adjunct professor of screenwriting at USC School of Cinematic Arts and the MFA program at Antioch University, Santa Barbara. She has a B.A. from New York University and an MFA from Goddard College.

In This Episode

• To Be of Service
• Josh's website
• Julie’s website
• To Be of Service on Facebook

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Christina Kantzavelos is a neurodivergent, and first-generation (third culture) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), life coach, writer, and chronic illness warrior. She specializes in treating clients with chronic health conditions (aka spoonies and medical refugees) and trauma (including medical trauma). She is also a writer, and an award-winning gluten-free and health-conscious travel and lifestyle blogger, @buenqamino. She currently sits on the board for Ride Out Lyme, an organization that provides grant funding for patients with Lyme disease, and volunteers as a facilitator and sits on the board for San Diego Lyme Alliance (Bay Area Lyme Foundation affiliate).

Genevieve Gonzales is a licensed Holistic Psychotherapist, Board Certified Hypnotherapist, Neuro Shamanic Medicine Practitioner and the founder of Modern Mind Medicine. She specializes in resolving the painful effects of trauma, heartbreak and grief through utilizing the power of intention, transformational speech and gentle hypnotic processes that activate the subconscious and restorative nervous system. Through her sessions she creates a safe and comfortable space for people to connect with the healing potential of their own body and mind through bridging the medicine of ancient wisdom with the power of modern day emotional healing.

In This Episode

• Christina’s website
  • IG: @beginwithintoday
• Genevieve's website
  • IG: @modern_mind_medicine

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What’s new with The Trauma Therapist Project!

• The Trauma 5: gold nuggets from my 700+ interviews
• The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: a monthly resource of information and inspiration dedicated to trauma therapists.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

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Natasha Helfer is the owner and founder of Symmetry Counseling. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Kansas and Utah, and also an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) certified sex therapist and sex therapist supervisor.

Natasha has been in practice as a mental health professional for over 20 years, primarily working with a Mormon clientele around issues of relational health, faith transitions and journeys, and sexuality. She hosts The Natasha Helfer Podcast and has a membership platform providing resources, groups, and training.

Natasha is an international speaker and presents in both professional and public settings. She has been invited as a guest speaker at several national events and is available for speaking engagements. Natasha has been interviewed for many podcasts, TV news programs, and newspaper articles.

In This Episode

• Natasha Helfer's Website
• LearnReligionTherapy
• Natasha’s podcast

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If you’d like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

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Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.

Manuela Mischke-Reeds, MA, MFT is a licensed Somatic Psychotherapist. She is an International teacher of psychology and trains health professionals in California, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Europe, and China.

Manuela co-directs and teaches at the Hakomi Institute of California that hosts her trauma training: From Trauma to Dharma. This training integrates current neuroscience of trauma theory, somatic and mindfulness-based interventions with dharmic teachings and embodied meditation practices. In addition Manuela has trained in various methods of working with trauma (e.g. Somatic Experiencing) and counseled survivors of political oppression, torture and trauma for the past 25 years.

In This Episode

• 8 Keys to Practicing Mindfulness: Practical Strategies for Emotional Health and Wellbeing

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If you’d like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.

Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

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Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.

Dr. Jamie Marich is the author of over fifteen books and manuals in the field of trauma, recovery, and expressive arts. With her work increasingly appealing to wider audiences than just her clinical colleagues, Jamie seeks to create material that facilitates transformation for the reader.

She currently has many projects in the works with her primary publisher, North Atlantic Books, and she also generates many of her own outside-the-box publications through her own company, Creative Mindfulness Media.

Dr. Marich is particularly excited about her latest release, You Lied to Me About God–A Memoir. In this project, she shares her lived experience with spiritual abuse and how she found a path to recovery and healthy spirituality.

Learn more about the book: You Lied To Me About God, by Jamie Marich PHD

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

Jane App - use code GUY1MO at Jane (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)


Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.

Julie Stevens grew up in Southern California and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area at 13 to live with her two moms during a time of profound social change, marked by the Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, and LGBTQ movements. Amidst this vibrant atmosphere, Julie struggled with her identity and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with early family turbulence. However, her community, including her moms, grandmother, and mentors, played a crucial role in helping her find confidence and purpose. 

Sarah Knapik is a student and teacher of spirituality. She teaches yoga, she is a medicine woman, and a mother to 2 boys.

In This Episode

• The Urban Retreat Center (URC)
• Julie's IG: @therealjuliestevens
• Sarah's website
• Sarah's IG: @sarahmoneyvibes
• Altar of the Heart IG: @altaroftheheartchurch

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If you’d like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.

Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

Jane App - use code GUY1MO at Jane (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)


Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.

Ryan is an experienced leader with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health administration. He currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer of Sierra Tucson, a residential and outpatient treatment center which provides care to adults ages 18 and older of all genders who are struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. 

In addition, Ryan is a consultant with the Mara Group, which focus on  organizational efficiency, company morale, leadership training, and clinical excellence.

In This Episode

• Sierra Tucson

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If you’d like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.

Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

Jane App - use code GUY1MO at Jane (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)


Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.

Mary Jo Barrett is the Executive Director and co-founder of The Center for Contextual Change, Ltd. 

She holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois Jane Addams School of Social Work and is currently on the faculties of University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, The Chicago Center For Family Health, and the Family Institute of Northwestern University. Previously, Ms. Barrett was the Director of Midwest Family Resource and has been working in the field of family violence since 1974.

Ms. Barrett has authored the book, Treating Complex Trauma: (Psychosocial Stress Series), and has coauthored two books with Dr. Terry Trepper: Incest: A Multiple Systems Perspective, and The Systemic Treatment of Incest: A Therapeutic Handbook.

She co-created the Collaborative Change Model (CCM), a highly successful contextual model of therapy used to transform the lives of those impacted by abuse and/or traumatic events.

In This Episode

• Center for Contextual Change

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If you’d like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.

Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

Jane App - use code GUY1MO at Jane (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)


Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.

Sophie Scott is a practicing transpersonal psychotherapist and the founder of Balance, where she was also the Editor-in-Chief for seven years, bringing mindfulness and mental health topics to the mainstream.

She has written for Forbes, Wired, Sheer Luxe and Thrive Global, as well as speaking at a variety of events and festivals, including Live Well Festival.

Whether you’re worrying about a partner struggling with depression or witnessing a friend spiral into addiction, many of us feel helpless when someone we love faces mental health challenges.

In her groundbreaking book, You Are Not Alone In This: Supporting a Loved One’s Mental Health Without Losing Your Own, Sophie draws on moving client stories, proven therapeutic techniques and her own personal journey to help you navigate the emotional complexities of caring for someone with mental illness – while still taking care of yourself.

Learn more about the book: You Are Not Alone In This by Sophie Scott

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

Jane App - use code GUY1MO at Jane (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)


Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.

Resh Joseph is the Clinical Director of Highlands Recovery, and he specializes in the treatment of complex psychological trauma, PTSD, addictions and other trauma-related disorders.

Resh commenced his career as a Doctor in the UK, ceased practicing medicine in 2005, and then fully retrained as a counseling psychotherapist obtaining a Masters in Psychology and the Neuroscience of Mental Health (MSc) from prestigious Kings College in London. For the past 15 years he has practiced exclusively as a psychological professional working in Singapore, Indonesia, Switzerland and now, Australia.

Resh's trauma related work experience includes working within the criminal justice system in Singapore as part of the prison psychiatric team, treating individuals with a wide range of serious psychiatric illnesses and severe personality and behavioral disorders. More recently, he has spent time working in the private sector with The Cabin Addiction Services Group as a substance abuse and trauma therapist at Asia’s largest inpatient rehabilitation center in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Resh set up The Cabins’ outpatient facility in Singapore as Head Counsellor in 2015 which included the only fully dedicated intensive outpatient program for psychological trauma in Asia.

Resh’s experience in the field of addiction and psychological trauma also extends to teaching, speaking at international conferences and lecturing on addiction medicine and trauma-related subjects. In 2022, he published his first book, “Trauma a Beginners guide” to enable Trauma sufferers and their families to understand the psychological and neurological impacts of trauma, and how to recover from these.

In This Episode

• www.highlandsrecovery.com.au

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If you’d like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.

Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

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Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Beducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beducate.me/traumatherapist 
Introducing the code traumatherapist at the checkout after taking the 2-min quiz gives you a 50% off

Jane App - use code GUY1MO at Jane (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)


Novo - Head to novo.co, use code TRAUMATHERAPIST for a $50 bonus for qualified applicants. Novo - more time building, less time banking.