Trauma Intersections

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, Courtney Copeland sits down with licensed clinical social worker and certified EMDR therapist Liz Gray to explore infertility, birth trauma, postpartum depression, trauma-informed healthcare, and patient advocacy. Liz shares both her professional perspective and her personal experience as a trauma survivor navigating fertility treatment and motherhood.

Together, they discuss trusting your body, advocating for yourself, finding supportive providers, and why choice, consent, and compassion matter in healthcare.

In This Episode: • Infertility & birth trauma • Postpartum depression • Trauma-informed healthcare • Patient advocacy & consent • Finding the right healthcare providers • Turning pain into purpose

Connect with Liz here:

www.maternaltraumasupport.com

www.instagram.com/maternaltraumasupport

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with mental health therapist, author, and keynote speaker Edison A. Jaquez about the intersection of trauma, mental health, and substance use. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the United States, Edison shares how growing up surrounded by trauma shaped his journey and his passion for helping others overcome adversity. They discuss personal responsibility in healing, therapeutic modalities like CBT and Radical Acceptance, and building trust with clients. Edison, the author of four books including A Second Chance: Life Lessons Turned into Living Dreams, also shares his work mentoring youth, strengthening communities, and inspiring others through his speaking and mental health work. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing therapy for yourself, while sharing how faith, family, and resilience continue to guide his purpose.

Timestamps

Introduction to Edison Jaquez (00:00:39) Edison introduces himself, his background in substance use counseling, and his transition into mental health therapy.

Growing Up with Trauma (00:01:06) Edison shares his personal experience of growing up surrounded by community trauma and emphasizes personal responsibility for one's own healing.

Challenges with Family Denial (00:03:25) The discussion covers the difficulty clients face when their family members are in denial about the trauma they have experienced.

Therapy is for You (00:04:18) Edison explains that therapy must be a personal, selfish choice for oneself, not for pleasing others, to be effective.

The Frustrations of Counseling (00:05:05) The speakers discuss the challenges of being a therapist, especially when clients struggle to apply the tools they are given.

Tools for Hard Times (00:08:31) Edison shares helpful tools for clients, such as journaling with pen and paper and using voice recordings to process emotions.

Adjusting Therapy for Men vs. Women (00:10:24) The conversation explores the differences in building trust and a safe space with male clients versus female clients in therapy.

The Importance of Cultural Competency (00:12:01) Courtney discusses the need for therapists to be culturally competent and meet clients where they are to be effective.

When Counselors Do More Harm Than Good (00:14:14) The speakers touch on how some therapists can cause more harm by not being culturally competent or taking things personally.

Therapists Need Therapists (00:15:18) Edison and Courtney stress the importance of therapists having their own therapists to process the heavy work they do.

Beneficial Therapeutic Modalities (00:17:22) Edison shares his preferred therapeutic modalities, including Radical Acceptance for substance use and CBT and Active Listening for mental health.

The Importance of Being Heard and Seen (00:21:18) The discussion highlights how crucial it is for individuals to feel both heard and seen in all types of relationships.

Edison's Motivation to Become a Therapist (00:23:31) Edison shares a personal story about a client that motivated him to go back to school for his mental health license.

Doing the Work Opens Doors (00:26:48) The speakers emphasize that progress in therapy requires active work from the client, which ultimately leads to new opportunities.

How to Find Edison (00:32:07) Edison shares information about his books, including "A Second Chance," and where to find him on social media platforms.

Final Words of Wisdom (00:33:40) Edison offers encouragement to believe in yourself, find your purpose, and remember you don't look like what you've been through.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Edison, "I grew up in an environment where it was surrounded by trauma. We didn't know it was trauma until we got older and understood the effect it had on us as adults."

Edison, "Therapy has to be for you. You can't go into therapy because somebody is pushing you to it."

Edison, "A therapist should have a therapist."

Edison, "One of the biggest things that I hear from clients is that nobody listens to me."

Edison, "Always thank God that you don't look like what you've been through."

RESOURCES:

Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Connect with Edison:

Facebook: Edison Jaquez

Instagram: Edisonjaquezspeaks

Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Edison- Jaquez/e/B07FT8V5DZ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

"Healing begins when you choose to do the work for yourself."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, Courtney Copeland sits down with Lizzie Langston to explore CPTSD, complex trauma, nervous system regulation, emotional flashbacks, parts work, inner child healing, and identity rebirth.

Lizzie shares how her own healing journey challenged the identity she had built and led her to understand what she calls the "sacred art of coming undone"—allowing an old version of yourself to fall away while learning to navigate the space between who you were and who you're becoming.

In This Episode: • CPTSD & complex trauma • Nervous system regulation • Emotional flashbacks • Parts work & inner child healing • Identity loss, ego death & rebirth • Healing through major life transitions

Connect with Lizzie

Kitchen and Cosmos: https://lizzielangston.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielangston

Threshold Keepers

Website / Mystery School: https://www.thresholdkeepers.com/

Substack: https://thresholdkeepers.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thresholdkeepers

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney Copeland speaks with integrative health practitioner and trauma-sensitive yoga teacher Annie Vinje. Annie shares how cumulative experiences — from body shaming to harassment — taught her, like many women, that her body wasn't a safe place. She discusses the mind-body disconnect common among high-achieving women and offers simple grounding techniques to help reconnect with the body. Annie also highlights the healing power of restoring choice and autonomy, and outlines her holistic programs supporting nervous system regulation, nutrition, sleep, and hormonal health.

Timestamps

Introduction to Annie Vinje (00:00:39) Annie introduces herself as an integrative health practitioner and trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, helping high-functioning women who feel burned out.

Trauma and Feeling Unsafe in the Body (00:01:26) Annie discusses how women often don't feel safe in their bodies due to experiences like catcalling, harassment, and assault.

Cumulative Trauma from a Young Age (00:03:21) Annie shares personal experiences of body shaming and harassment starting in sixth grade, leading to a feeling of unsafety.

Living in the Mind vs. the Body (00:05:02) The discussion covers how society rewards masculine traits (the mind, doing) over feminine ones, encouraging disconnection from the body.

Coping Mechanisms and Healing Journey (00:07:05) Annie explains that her healing is ongoing and that practices like meditation and yoga help her become more aware.

Techniques for Reconnecting with Your Body (00:10:24) Annie shares grounding techniques like feeling your feet on the floor and bringing awareness to your heart to feel safe.

The Importance of Choice and Autonomy (00:13:58) The conversation explores how trauma takes away choice and how practices like trauma-sensitive yoga help restore personal autonomy.

Client Experiences with Reclaiming Choice (00:16:45) Annie describes how clients initially struggle with choice but eventually reconnect with their bodies, noticing things like hunger cues again.

Discovering Your True Self (00:20:56) Annie shares how learning about herself through journaling, human design, and other practices helped her heal and reconnect.

Returning to Your Inner Child (00:22:39) The speakers discuss the concept of "walking ourselves home" to our innocent, joyful childhood selves before society imposed expectations.

Holistic Healing and Setting Boundaries (00:25:46) The importance of a holistic approach to wellness is discussed, including how stress impacts physical health and the need for boundaries.

Annie's Programs and Offerings (00:28:05) Annie describes her strategy sessions and 90-day personalized programs that focus on nervous system regulation, nutrition, and overall wellness.

Final Words of Wisdom (00:32:04) Annie encourages listeners to check in with their bodies throughout the day, noticing tension and practicing relaxation when possible.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Annie, "A lot of us don't feel safe in the body."

Annie, "My body is not safe to be in. I need to get out of it now and live in my mind."

Annie, "I didn't even realize I had a choice."

Annie, "A lot of the work I'm doing is walking ourselves home to each other."

Courtney, "Who were you before you were told who to be?"

RESOURCES:

Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Connect with Annie:

Website:

Linkin:

Facebook:

Instagram:

"Healing begins when we feel safe enough to come back to our bodies."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney interviews Janel Donohue, founder of J. Donohue Leadership and Consulting. Janel shares how 2024 brought multiple traumatic events: her son's injury, a devastating fire destroying their family store, resigning from a 25-year nonprofit career, and her brother's unexpected death. She discusses how faith, therapy, grounding techniques, and positive self-talk helped her cope. Janel also explores trauma-informed leadership, emphasizing vulnerability, empathy, and open communication. She highlights how tools like the Six Types of Working Genius support both personal healing and professional growth.

Timestamps

Introduction to Janel Donohue (00:00:52) Janel introduces herself as a new entrepreneur, wife, and mother, and discusses her passion for helping people grow.

The Six Types of Working Genius (01:43) Janel explains the "Six Types of Working Genius" model by Pat Lencioni, which helps people discover their professional joys.

A Series of Traumatic Events (03:00) Janel recounts a series of traumatic events starting in late 2024, including her son's injury and a store fire.

A Divine Message and Resignation (05:21) Janel shares the story of hearing a voice telling her to resign from her 25-year nonprofit career.

Coping Mechanisms and Support (08:27) Janel discusses leaning on faith, family, friends, and therapy to navigate the recent series of traumatic events.

Dealing with Triggers (10:46) The host and Janel discuss how unexpected things, like a scene in a show, can trigger traumatic memories.

Grounding Techniques and Self-Talk (13:19) Janel shares her techniques for managing triggers, including breathing exercises, self-talk, and grounding herself in the present moment.

Brain Retraining and Neuroplasticity (18:18) The conversation shifts to retraining the brain through positive reinforcement and creating new neural pathways to overcome trauma.

Leadership and Employee Well-being (22:11) Janel discusses the importance of giving grace and having open conversations with employees who may be dealing with personal trauma.

Getting Stuck in Crisis Mode (25:12) The host and guest explore why some people get stuck in a crisis mindset after trauma and how to address it.

Vulnerability in Leadership (32:51) Janel shares a personal story about being vulnerable with her staff about her own grief after her brother's death.

The Power of Language and Communication (36:13) The importance of using clear language to express needs and feelings, especially in professional settings, is discussed.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment (43:01) Janel describes a workplace exercise called "When working with me," designed to foster understanding and support among colleagues.

Understanding Different Work Styles (49:06) Using tools like DISC and Working Genius to understand colleagues' preferences and pet peeves to improve team dynamics.

Assuming Positive Intent (54:16) Janel shares a story about misjudging an employee's refusal of an opportunity, learning the importance of asking more questions.

Upcoming Programs and Contact Information (57:44) Janel announces an upcoming wellness seminar and shares how listeners can connect with her for coaching and her podcast.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Janel, "My mom and I call things that are traumatic... we call them inconveniences."

Janel, "I completely felt like the victim. I completely felt like I had no control over things. I completely felt like my life wasn't mine."

Janel, "I'm grieving. Like, I have to say it out loud. No, I'm not okay."

Janel, "I was always okay as the leader. They turned to me to be the strong one."

Janel, "I was just like, "I'm grieving. I can't give you what you need right now.""

RESOURCES:

Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Connect with Janel:

Website: www.jdonohueleadership.com

Linkin: linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janel.s.donohue

Instagram: janel.s.donohue

Podcast Links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/success-is-an-

iceberg/id1896786580

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/033kvJ5xXNN5f4z6jKTEfj?si=7c6c

e6ea76ab4be9

J Donohue Leadership and Consulting

540-220-7804

Want to schedule a meeting with Janel, check out her Calendly Link

for available times: https://calendly.com/jdonohue211/one-on-one-meeting-time

"Healing means learning to move forward without carrying every hardship alone."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of the Trauma Intersections podcast, host Courtney offers listeners a preview of her upcoming class, "I Just Need a Minute." She guides the audience through a calming mindfulness exercise, including deep breathing techniques and a gentle body scan to identify areas of tension. Courtney encourages self-reflection, asking listeners to consider their needs, accomplishments, and healing progress. She also leads a progressive muscle relaxation exercise. The episode closes with a reminder that healing happens through connection and that every listener's journey matters.

Timestamps

Introduction and Class Preview (00:00:02) Host Courtney introduces the podcast and previews the "I Just Need a Minute" class, inviting listeners to relax.

Mindful Breathing and Body Scan (00:01:09) A guided exercise to notice your breath and scan your body for areas of tension or comfort.

Deep Breathing for Tension Release (00:02:36) A specific breathing technique (in for six, hold for two, out for eight) to release physical tension.

Gentle Movement and Vocal Release (00:04:08) Encouragement to wiggle fingers and toes, shift weight, and release sound with an audible sigh to relax further.

Self-Reflection and Needs Assessment (00:05:16) A prompt to consider what you need today, where you can ask for help, and areas you're proud of.

Integrating Healing into Daily Life (00:06:16) Thinking about how to make healing practices a part of daily life, not just a coping mechanism.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (00:07:21) A guided muscle tension and release exercise, moving from the feet up to the head and back down.

Closing Thoughts and Encouragement (00:08:36) A final encouragement to carry the peace from the exercise throughout the rest of the day.

Podcast Outro (00:08:53) A call to subscribe, review, and share the podcast, emphasizing the importance of connection and safe spaces for healing.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

'Today, we're just going to take a minute to really relax, focus our intention on ourselves, and just be.'

'There could be things that, oh, I am completely relaxed; I love how my body feels in this state.'

'You might feel like you're ready to let other things out, and that's perfectly fine.'

'This isn't a time to beat yourself up or think about a to-do list; this is a time to think about you.'

'I just want you to take the peace of this moment through the rest of your day.'

RESOURCES:

Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

"Sometimes, healing begins with simply giving yourself a moment to breathe."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney welcomes Dr. Diane Ortega, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Certified Nurse-Midwife, and mother of four. With nearly 20 years of experience as a midwife, Diane has built three birth centers from scratch while single-parenting through divorce. After those centers closed, she created her own framework for rebuilding identity and purpose in her fifties: Root, Reclaim, Rise, now taught through her Rebirth Journey program and podcast, The Midwife Life. Diane shares her personal journey through miscarriage and the often-dismissed grief of early pregnancy loss, emphasizing the importance of emotional support alongside physical care. She also discusses healing through journaling, breathwork, grounding, singing, and dancing, while encouraging women to reclaim joy, release the armor trauma creates, and embrace meaningful transformation.

Timestamps

Introduction to Diane Ortega (00:00:39) Diane Ortega, a midwife of nearly 20 years, introduces herself and her work supporting women through life's transitions.

Diane's Path to Midwifery (00:01:25) Diane shares her personal story of a transformative experience with a midwife, which inspired her midlife career change.

Trauma and Miscarriage (00:03:28) Diane discusses her personal and professional experiences with miscarriage, highlighting how society often minimizes the grief of early pregnancy loss.

The Physical and Emotional Impact of Loss (00:05:24) The conversation covers the often-overlooked physical and emotional toll of miscarriage and the lack of societal and workplace support.

Supporting Women Through Grief (00:06:48) Diane explains how she provides emotional and psychological support to women, emphasizing community and filling gaps in traditional healthcare.

Personal Healing Journey (00:09:51) Diane shares her own healing methods after her losses, which included support from friends who understood and consistent journaling.

Healing Modalities for Clients (00:11:48) Diane discusses her approach to helping clients, using tools like storytelling, breathwork, and grounding to meet them where they are.

The Power of Getting Outside and Finding Joy (00:14:35) The importance of reconnecting with nature and rediscovering joyful activities from childhood, like playing outside, is explored.

Simple Ways to Reclaim Joy (00:17:26) Diane suggests simple, accessible ways to find joy, such as singing loudly, dancing in the kitchen, and engaging in crafts.

Overcoming Self-Consciousness (00:20:32) The speakers discuss how self-consciousness develops around age eight and the importance of letting go of what others think.

Diane's Transformational Work with Women (00:22:10) Diane explains how she helps women shed their "armor" and survival mode, giving them permission to rediscover their true selves.

The Rebirth Journey Program (00:25:49) Diane describes her 12-week program designed to guide women through deep transformation and self-discovery after trauma or major life changes.

Final Words of Wisdom (00:28:10) Diane encourages listeners to view trauma as a portal for growth and to seek help to discover who they are becoming.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Diane, "When you have a moment that I'm going to be a mother and then that gets taken away, it's really devastating."

Diane, "Until I reached past that point of the loss, I just couldn't exhale."

Diane, "Trauma really is an identity loss."

Diane, "Not just asking, "How do I heal?" but also, "Who am I becoming on the other side?""

Diane, "Let go of the armor, put it down and, oh my gosh, it's so freeing to do that. There literally is a weight lifted."

RESOURCES:

Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Connect with Diane

Instagram: instagram.com/diane.ortega

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sdhv4Fa7dOeqvWoQUnree?si=425d88f39eec4e4c

Website: themidwifelife.co

Free workshop, Aug 26: themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass

"Trauma really is an identity loss."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney welcomes entrepreneur Diane Prince, who shares her journey through success, trauma, and healing. Diane built a $50 million business, exited for $28 million, but later went bankrupt after her divorce. She discusses how Al-Anon transformed her life, helping her find peace, self-awareness, and kindness. Diane also opens up about shame, adoption trauma, and shifting from a hustle mentality to prioritizing well-being. Now a business coach, she helps entrepreneurs build teams using remote workers from the Philippines, creating opportunities globally while encouraging others to keep moving forward one step at a time.

Timestamps

Introduction to Diane Prince (00:00:43) Diane introduces herself and explains she's just starting to share her story of trauma and recovery more openly.

Early Entrepreneurial Success (01:36) Diane discusses her first business, started at 27, which grew to $50 million in revenue and exited for $28 million.

The Downfall and Divorce (04:10) After retiring in her 30s, Diane's life changed. She got divorced and began operating on autopilot, just going through motions.

Discovering Al-Anon (05:28) Diane shares how she found Al-Anon, a 12-step program for people affected by alcoholism, which completely changed her life.

The Impact of Al-Anon (07:35) Al-Anon taught Diane to focus on what she can control, leading to a spiritual awakening and improved life perspective.

From Riches to Rags (09:43) Diane describes losing her fortune, going from a $10 million net worth to having no money and eventually going bankrupt.

Finding Peace and Kindness (12:10) Through her journey, Diane's priorities shifted to peace, serenity, and kindness, leading to better relationships and self-forgiveness.

Overcoming Shame (14:09) Diane talks about the immense shame she carried around her bankruptcy and how she eventually let it go.

Self-Imposed Pressure (16:42) Diane reflects on the pressure she put on herself, influenced by peers, which led to risky business decisions.

Exploring Personal Trauma and Adoption (20:04) Diane opens up about being adopted and how she's now starting to heal the wound from that early life experience.

Bringing Trauma to Work (22:13) The host and Diane discuss how unresolved childhood issues and trauma inevitably show up in the workplace and business.

How to Process Triggers (24:47) The host explains various methods for processing emotional triggers, including somatic work, parts work, and therapy, when they arise.

Honoring Personal Boundaries (29:10) Diane shares a recent experience of canceling a speaking engagement to honor her body's need for rest and avoid burnout.

A New Approach to Business (32:20) Diane contrasts her old "hustle" mentality with her current, more mellow approach, enjoying her work without constant pressure.

Diane's Current Business (34:26) Diane explains her business, which provides remote operators from the Philippines to help founders increase their leadership capacity.

Parting Words of Wisdom (37:11) Diane advises listeners to keep going through tough times, do the next right thing, and know they're not alone.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Diane, "What I did realize is I can change how I tell my story, and I can change my perspective on the past."

Diane, "My life today, the most important thing to me is peace and serenity and kindness. I am so much nicer than I used to be."

Diane, "I'm so much more at peace. I have better relationships. I forgive myself for a lot of mistakes I made."

Diane, "I also really let go of the shame. I'm like, who cares? I'm an entrepreneur. I'm kind of a badass."

Diane, "Whatever you're going through, there are probably people who've gone through it too. If you keep going, there is another side."

RESOURCES:

Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

"You can't change the past, but you can change the story you tell about it."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Bob, a 20-year law enforcement veteran from southeastern Virginia. Bob shares how trauma has been a constant presence throughout his career, from critical incidents to officer-involved shootings. He discusses the cultural stigma around mental health in policing, the "warrior mindset," and his personal struggle with self-medication. Bob highlights how improved peer counseling and culturally competent support changed his outlook. He also shares how playing bagpipes became an unexpected therapeutic outlet. The episode closes with Bob encouraging listeners to seek help, stay persistent, and find purpose amid their struggles.

Timestamps

Introduction to Bob (00:00:35) The host introduces Bob, a police officer with 20 years of experience in southeastern Virginia.

A Career in Law Enforcement (01:06) Bob discusses his 20-year career, working the midnight shift, and joining the SWAT team early on.

The Nature of Police Work and Trauma (02:38) Bob explains that police often encounter people on their worst days and discusses the high number of critical incidents.

Managing Back-to-Back Trauma (04:17) The conversation covers the challenge of handling consecutive traumatic calls without a break and the need for a clean mental break.

A Navy SEAL's Perspective (05:11) Bob shares a neighbor's insight on how police officers face continuous trauma without the decompression periods military personnel receive.

The Old-School Mentality (07:04) Bob describes the "suck it up" culture that existed when he started, discouraging officers from seeking mental health support.

Changes in Mental Health Support (08:52) Bob contrasts the handling of his first officer-involved shooting with his second, highlighting the evolution of mental health attitudes.

Fear of Seeking Help (09:53) Bob explains the past fear of using Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), believing it would end an officer's street career.

The "Warrior Mindset" and Its Flaws (11:31) Bob discusses developing a "warrior mindset" to cope, which led to unhealthy habits like sleep deprivation and self-medication.

The Shift Towards Better Support (13:37) Bob describes the department's new approach, including a more developed peer counselor program and better mental health resources.

The Importance of Cultural Competency (16:02) Bob praises the host's ability to connect with officers by understanding their culture, humor, and workplace nuances.

The Need for Compartmentalization (19:55) Bob explains using compartmentalization to manage trauma, describing it as shoving bad experiences into a mental box.

When the "Box" Overflows (21:06) Bob shares how a critical incident in 2022 caused his mental "box" to overflow, bringing up past traumas.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefs (21:23) The value of post-incident debriefs is discussed, allowing officers, dispatchers, and medics to share perspectives and process events.

The Role of Dispatchers (23:38) Bob highlights the immense stress dispatchers endure, hearing critical incidents unfold over the radio without seeing the outcome.

First Responder Solidarity (25:01) The strong bond between police, fire, and medics is discussed, noting how they support each other during crises.

Modern Therapeutic Approaches (28:20) The conversation touches on the availability of newer therapies like EMDR and organizations like the Virginia Law Enforcement Assistance Program (VALeep).

The Holistic Approach to Wellness (33:58) Bob explains his holistic approach to healing, combining mental, physical, and spiritual practices like massage, chiropractic, and prayer.

Healing Through Bagpipes (37:07) Bob discusses his hobby of playing the bagpipes as a non-job-related outlet and a way to honor fallen officers.

The Public Perception of Police (43:17) Bob reflects on the changing public perception of law enforcement and the importance of community involvement to show their humanity.

No Regrets and Finding Purpose (47:58) Bob states he wouldn't change his career experiences, as they shaped who he is and provided a sense of purpose.

Advice for Listeners (49:37) Bob encourages listeners dealing with trauma to keep taking steps, find someone to talk to, and never give up.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Bob, "One day I woke up and I said, 'I'm drinking almost a pint of hard liquor a night just to go to sleep, and that's not me.' There's got to be a better way to do this."

Bob, "Inside your head is a big box with a lid. Every time you have something bad happen, you just pop the lid up, shove it down in there, and shut the lid. I'll deal with it later."

Bob, "Stuff that I had seen and experienced years and years ago was suddenly coming up to visit again, and that made it tough."

Bob, "All these experiences, good and bad, made me who I am. I'm very comfortable with who I am, and I'm happy for it."

Bob, "Just find a reason to win. That's all you need to do, and then eventually it's going to happen."

RESOURCES:

Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

"True strength isn't carrying trauma alone—it's having the courage to ask for help."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney Copeland interviews her longtime friend Mariangela Saavedra, a theater professional and older adult activity coordinator from Philadelphia living with multiple sclerosis and uterine cancer. Mariangela shares her difficult journey through misdiagnosis, medical trauma, and back-to-back health crises. She discusses the emotional toll of chronic illness, the importance of recognizing medical experiences as trauma, and the coping strategies that helped her heal, including breathing exercises, mindfulness, and therapy. Her story highlights the need for emotional acknowledgment alongside physical treatment.

Timestamps

Introduction to Mariangela (00:00:26) Host Courtney Copeland introduces her high school friend, Mariangela Saavedra, a theater professional and older adult activity coordinator.

The Onset of Mysterious Symptoms (00:02:36) Mariangela describes the traumatic process of seeking a diagnosis for MS, starting with vertigo and numbness around her 40th birthday.

A Frightening Escalation (00:06:15) While on jury duty, Mariangela experiences sudden partial blindness, leading to an emergency room visit and her first MRI.

The Frustrating Search for a Diagnosis (00:10:04) After a botched spinal tap and an inconclusive diagnosis, Mariangela is left without answers or treatment for months.

An Advocate Steps In (00:15:24) An endocrinologist recognizes the signs of MS from Mariangela's scans and fights to get her an immediate hospital admission.

A Second Medical Crisis (00:22:39) Shortly after her MS diagnosis, Mariangela is diagnosed with uterine cancer after a sudden hemorrhage and emergency surgery.

Navigating MS Treatment Options (00:27:43) After recovering from cancer surgery, Mariangela faces the overwhelming task of choosing a disease-modifying therapy for her MS.

A Year of Flares and Steroids (00:31:20) Despite starting treatment, Mariangela endures four MS flares in one year, including a painful bout of optic neuritis.

The Unpacking of Suppressed Trauma (00:34:05) Years later, a change in medication triggers a severe anxiety crisis, forcing Mariangela to confront her unprocessed medical trauma.

Realizing the Impact of Medical Trauma (00:45:06) A therapist helps Mariangela connect her anxiety to her past medical experiences, finally giving a name to her trauma.

Coping Strategies for Chronic Illness (00:56:14) Mariangela shares her coping mechanisms, including breathing exercises, "parts work," and allowing herself time to just be.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Mariangela, "When the trauma is happening, that's often when you don't feel it. It's when you have that moment of release that it all runs over you."

Mariangela, "Suddenly, everything I had been feeling and squishing down just came all up to the surface, and I was completely unprepared with how to deal with that."

Mariangela, "I have MS, but it doesn't have me."

Mariangela, "Once I started really talking about it, understanding how it affected my life, and accepting it as traumatic, that's when things really got better."

Mariangela, "I can acknowledge that, accept it, and accept that I will be upset about that. I'm going to let myself feel that because I don't want what happened in 2021 to ever happen to me again."

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Connect With Me:

Courtney Copeland

Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

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"Healing begins when we stop minimizing our pain and start honoring our story."

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

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