In this final chapter of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, we conclude our exploration of healthy relationships with the self, the very first relationship each of us has before we connect with others.

Tonya Octave, LCSW, reflects on how the mind often goes outward; toward other people and relationships, when in truth, the deepest healing begins by returning inward. Our first social relationship is with ourselves, then with our primary caregivers. This foundational truth is where transformation starts.

KJ shares curiosity about the challenges people face in relationships, and how the OCTAVES Method was developed through over 20 years of lived experience, reflection, and practice. Tonya offers a powerful testimony on how this integrative method helped her heal and restore her body, mind, and spirit from a diseased state and how it can offer the same pathway to others.

🌱 In this episode, we cover:

• Reflective questions for building a healthy relationship with self

• Why self-compassion is essential for healing

• How early caregiver relationships shape our patterns

• The 20+ year journey of developing the OCTAVES Method

• How integration leads to wholeness and freedom from cycles of trauma

✨ This episode brings the book and series to a close, reminding us that healing is possible for everyone; beginning with the relationship we nurture within ourselves.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, trauma recovery, and holistic healing through the OCTAVES Method.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #selfhealingjourney, #healthyrelationships, #traumarecovery, #mentalhealthmatters, #mindbodyspirit, #hypnotherapy, #psychotherapy, #traumainformedcare, #blacktherapistsmatter, #healingfromwithin, #emotionalwellness, #integration

In this episode of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, Tonya Octave, LCSW, and KJ Alexander explore the realities of relationships, how we show up, how we grow, and how we sometimes repeat negative cycles when healing hasn’t begun.

KJ shares his curiosity about what healthy relationships look like and what steps we can take when relationships are not moving in a positive direction. Tonya expands the perspective by reflecting on the relationship with oneself as the foundation for every other connection.

🌱 Key insights from this episode include:

• How to honor your needs with kindness and compassion

• Why self-care at work matters (taking breaks, breathing, positive self-talk)

• Reframing difficult jobs or experiences as opportunities for growth and resilience

• Building boundaries in relationships, and the unique challenges men and women may face

• Recognizing when patterns repeat and how to choose healing instead

💡 Healthy relationships begin with the one you have with yourself. When you practice compassion, set boundaries, and honor your needs, you create space for growth in every relationship, personal or professional.

🎧 Subscribe for more trauma-informed, heart-centered conversations that blend psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and holistic healing through the OCTAVES Method.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #healthyrelationships, #boundaries, #selfcompassion, #traumainformedcare, #mentalhealthmatters, #relationshiphealth, #selfhealingjourney, #blacktherapistsmatter, #emotionalwellness, #motherandsonpodcast, #growthmindset

In Episode 44 of Trauma & Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, Tonya Octave (LCSW, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Coach) and KJ Alexander explore S for Socialize in the OCTAVE’s Method.

This conversation dives deep into the impact of cognitive distortions and negative self-talk on mental health. KJ openly shares his struggles with inner criticism and patterns of thinking that held him back. Tonya explains how psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can reframe these thought patterns, helping people step into healthier relationships with themselves and others.

💡 Key Insights:

• What negative self-talk really does to the mind and body

• Practical ways to challenge cognitive distortions

• How hypnosis and therapy uncover subconscious beliefs

• Why healing starts with building a relationship within

• How social connection and self-compassion support recovery

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or trauma, this episode reminds you that change begins with your inner dialogue—and the relationship you cultivate with yourself.

🔗 Subscribe for more conversations blending mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic healing.

👉 Free Consultation: www.tonyaoctave-lcsw.com
👉 Watch Tonya’s YouTube on Supplements: https://youtu.be/GqVAZrRdMMM

📲 Stay Connected:

• Instagram: @TonyaOctaveLCSW | @KJ_Alexander

• Podcast on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/tonya-octave

#MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #Psychotherapy #Hypnotherapy #NegativeSelfTalk #OCTAVEsMethod #Socialize #HealingJourney #SelfCompassion #MindBodyHealing #TraumaTherapy #HolisticHealing

In this episode of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, we begin the next chapter in the OCTAVES Method: S is for Socialize,with a powerful reflection on the quote:

🗣️ "A healthy relationship begins with the relationship you have with yourself."

Tonya Octave, LCSW, and KJ Alexander explore what it really means to build meaningful connections, starting with the foundation of self-awareness, self-respect, and inner reflection.

We discuss:

• What defines a healthy relationship (beyond romance)

• How trauma, attachment wounds, and social conditioning impact how we relate to others

• Why inner dialogue shapes how we communicate, trust, and connect

• Tools for building stronger emotional boundaries, self-love, and relational insight

• How learning to be childlike, not childish, opens space for play, healing, and deeper bonds

This episode marks a shift into understanding socialization as a healing process, not just social activity.
Because healing relationships with others begins with coming home to yourself.

🎧 Tune in to explore how Socialize in the OCTAVES Method helps you transform connection from the inside out.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #healthymind, #traumainformedcare, #emotionalwellness, #healthyrelationships, #selflovejourney, #attachmenthealing, #blacktherapistsmatter, #socialconnection, #mentalhealthmatters, #innerchildhealing, #selfreflection, #selfawareness, #motherandsonpodcast

In Episode 42 of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, we complete our chapter on E for Exercise from the OCTAVES Method, bringing it all together through the lens of trauma recovery, movement, and mental wellness.

Tonya Octave, LCSW, shares powerful insights about how moving the body supports healing on a cellular and emotional level, and how trauma-sensitive movement practices like yoga can calm the nervous system and rebuild trust in the body. She explores how exercise supports ego strength, offering a sense of structure, confidence, and regulation, especially for survivors of trauma.

KJ Alexander reflects on the value of being childlike vs. childish, noting how joyful movement, rest, and even naps are essential parts of holistic wellness. Together, they explore how movement and stillness both contribute to rebuilding a sense of safety, identity, and inner strength.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

• How exercise aids trauma healing at the cellular level

• The benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga backed by research

• Building emotional resilience and ego strength through movement

• Why childlike joy and rest are vital to mental health

• Tips for balancing action and rest in your daily routine

🎧 Whether you're rebuilding from burnout, trauma, or just looking for a deeper relationship with your body, this episode offers grounded, compassionate insight to guide your path.

📢 Subscribe and follow for more healing conversations grounded in the OCTAVES Method.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #traumarecovery, #mentalhealthmatters, #traumainformedcare, #healingthroughmovement, #traumasensitiveyoga, #egohealth, #emotionalresilience, #selfhealingjourney, #blacktherapistsmatter, #bodyawareness, #innerchildhealing, #mindbodyspirit, #restisproductive, #wellnesspodcast, #therapytools, #motherandsonpodcast

In Episode 41 of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, we continue our OCTAVES Method series with a focus on E for Exercise—and we’re joined by a very special guest: Makeda McGill, certified fitness coach, personal trainer, barre instructor, and health entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience helping people move, heal, and transform.Together, we dive into a heart-opening conversation about the emotional and psychological benefits of movement. From walking and strength training to dance and community fitness, this episode explores how exercise supports trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and mental clarity.Tonya Octave, LCSW shares clinical insights on movement and trauma, while KJ Alexander opens up about seasonal shifts in routine and using walks as a tool for stress relief. Makeda offers empowering advice for creating sustainable habits, avoiding burnout, and finding joy in movement—whether you're a beginner or restarting your journey.💡 Topics We Cover:How walking helps manage anxiety and depressionExercise as a trauma release practiceTips for staying consistent when life gets busyHow to encourage others without judgmentWhy joy and connection matter more than perfection🌿 Makeda McGill is available for online and in-person coaching.📩 Email: [email protected]📱 Instagram: @makedamc🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on healing, mental health, and holistic wellness through the OCTAVES Method.#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #exerciseandmentalhealth, #traumainformedcare, #movementismedicine, #healingthroughfitness, #walkingforwellness, #blacktherapistsmatter, #barreinstructor, #emotionalresilience, #motherandsonpodcast, #makedamcgill, #mentalhealthmatters, #traumarecoveryjourney, #fitnessforhealing, #onlinefitnesscoach

In Episode 40 of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, we begin a new chapter in the OCTAVES Method: E is for Exercise, exploring the profound link between movement, trauma release, and mental wellness.

Tonya Octave, LCSW, shares trauma-informed insights on how moving the body, especially before verbal processing, helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and increase emotional resilience. Whether it’s basketball, walking, or creative play, movement becomes a pathway to healing.

KJ opens up about his own routines and how taking walks when he feels stressed has become a powerful tool for mental clarity. He also inquires about seasonal shifts in exercise routines and why it's beneficial to adapt movement practices based on changes in weather, energy, and life rhythm.

Tonya offers encouragement and guidance on incorporating walking, jogging, or running to support stress reduction and emotional balance, emphasizing that movement doesn’t have to be intense. It just needs to be intentional.

🎧 Tune in for a grounded, inspiring conversation about reconnecting to your body, honoring your unique rhythm, and making movement part of your healing journey.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #mentalhealthmatters, #traumainformedcare, #healingthroughmovement, #walkitout, #seasonalwellness, #exerciseformind, #motherandsonpodcast, #emotionalresilience, #stressrelief, #movementismedicine, #wellnessjourney

In Episode 39 of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, Tonya Octave, LCSW, and KJ Alexander wrap up Chapter 5 on Victuals, continuing their insightful conversation on nutritional healing, hydration, and the essential role of supplements.

Tonya reframes our relationship with water, reminding us that it is not just hydration, but vibrational energy for the body, mind, and spirit. Together, she and KJ expose the tricks of the marketing industry, which often sells convenience over nourishment.

KJ shares his personal experience with black seed oil and his curiosity about expanding his supplement routine. Tonya encourages listeners to work with an expert and start with baseline testing to understand their body’s specific needs.

📺 Tonya also emphasizes that supplements are vital tools for long-term health, not optional add-ons.
🎥 For a deeper dive into the topic, watch her full-length YouTube video:
“Let’s Talk Supplements: Your Body, Your Healing”
👉 https://youtu.be/GqVAZrRdMMM

🎧 This episode is for anyone looking to reclaim their health through empowered nutrition, hydration, and healing support beyond the supermarket shelf.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #healthymind, #supplementsforhealing, #blackseedoil, #cleanwater, #nutritionalhealth, #traumainformedcare, #mentalhealthnutrition, #selfhealingjourney, #emotionalwellness, #motherandsonpodcast, #guthealth, #hydrationmatters, #wellnessempowerment, #ditchthemarketing

In Episode 38 of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, Tonya Octave, LCSW, and KJ Alexander explore the everyday choices that impact our mental, physical, and emotional wellness, starting with what’s on our plate and in our cup.

Tonya offers powerful insights on how processed sugar affects the nervous system, how it disrupts healing, and shares whole-food alternatives like fruits and dates that nourish the body without causing crashes or inflammation.

KJ asks important questions about dairy and meat consumption, wondering if small amounts can still be a part of a healthy lifestyle. Tonya breaks down the science and shares how these foods can influence inflammation, hormone balance, and emotional health.

They also dive into the importance of clean water with KJ sharing his journey of cutting down on sodas and energy drinks and replacing them with hydration habits that support clarity, energy, and digestion.

This is a real, relatable conversation about food, healing, and everyday changes that support mental and emotional wellness from the inside out.

🎧 Listen in and reflect on what you’re feeding your body—and what your body is asking you to release.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #healthymind, #healingjourney, #traumaandsocialwork, #sugarfree, #plantbasedhealing, #cleanwater, #mentalhealthnutrition, #ditchdairy, #blacktherapistsmatter, #gutbrainhealth, #emotionalwellness, #hydrationmatters, #motherandsonpodcast

In Part Two of this special kitchen conversation on Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, KJ Alexander asks the questions many are curious about:
Is raw vegan better than cooked vegan? How do you properly combine foods for optimal digestion?

Tonya Octave, LCSW, shares her insights on the difference between raw and cooked vegan eating, explaining how both can support health depending on your body’s needs, the seasons, and your emotional state.

We also explore the healing power of fruits—how their hydration, fiber, and phytonutrients nourish the body, support digestion, and uplift the mind.

This episode offers simple guidance on how to listen to your body, honor its needs, and make food choices that truly nourish from the inside out.

#octavemethod, #holisticclinician, #healthymind, #rawvegan, #plantbasednutrition, #traumainformedcare, #emotionalwellness, #foodcombining, #fruitforhealing, #gutbrainconnection, #veganhealing, #motherandsonpodcast