Wisdom for Wellbeing: Mind-Body Psychology and Somatic Skills for Healing and Growth

This World Mental Health Day, I wanted to share something a little more personal.

In this episode, I talk about my own journey, including the challenges that first drew me to psychology and how somatic approaches became the integration point for so many things I’d been seeking in my own healing.

I also reflect on what it means to be with ourselves in moments of struggle, when asking for help feels impossibly hard, and when the parts of us that carry shame or fear feel especially loud.

This isn’t a clinical episode; it’s a human one. You’ll hear about the realities that shaped my path, why The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management is so close to my heart, and how the process of connecting body, mind, and compassion can help us move toward healing.

We also explore the difference between self-soothing and self-care, and how both can open the door to deeper work, the kind that supports real integration and long-term regulation.

Listen in if you’ve ever wondered why caring for your nervous system matters, or if you simply need a gentle reminder that you’re not alone on your journey.

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📘 Pre-order The Somatic Workbook and get the bonus bundle: drkaitlin.com/somaticworkbook

Have you ever noticed that you tend to get sick right after a stressful period, like finishing a big project or navigating emotional upheaval? In this episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing, Dr. Kaitlin explores the science behind self-compassion and how somatic practices (like soothing touch, breathwork, and gentle movement)can reduce stress, boost vagal tone, and support immune function. Drawing on psychoneuroimmunology and Dr. Kristen Neff’s three components of self-compassion (mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness), she explains practical, embodied steps to interrupt the stress-illness cycle and cultivate resilience.

You’ll learn:

Dr. Kaitlin also shares a personal story about preparing for the upcoming book launch and having to lean on the very tools we teach when things didn’t go as planned.

If you’ve ever wondered how emotions “get under the skin,” this episode will help you understand the science behind self-compassion and how tending to your body’s signals can nurture both mental and physical wellbeing.

Resources & Links:

Pre-launch bonus bundle available for a limited time:

Pre-order now and go in the draw to win a Shakti mat. There will be one giveaway in Adelaide and another open to any English-speaking country. Draws will happen October 18th. Head to drkaitlin.com/somaticworkbook for more details.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast for more conversations on nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and embodied psychology.

Follow along:

Have you ever had a “gut feeling” or noticed your heart racing before a big event? Those are examples of interoception, your body’s ability to sense what’s happening inside.

In this episode, Dr. Kaitlin Harkess explores interoception, the fascinating inner sense that helps us notice signals like hunger, thirst, heart rate, and emotional states. Understanding and strengthening this skill can help us manage stress, regulate emotions, and connect more deeply with ourselves.

We’ll cover:

What interoception is and how it influences physical and emotional wellbeing

The link between interoception and alexithymia (difficulty identifying and describing feelings)

How trauma and stress can disrupt body awareness, and how to begin restoring connection

Simple, practical strategies to tune into your body’s cues, from mindful breathing to everyday check-ins

Ways interoceptive awareness can improve sleep, relationships, and decision-making

Whether you’re new to the concept or curious to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical guidance for listening to your body and responding with compassion rather than judgment.

✨ Resources:

Connect with me on Instagram: @drkaitlin

💌 If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or leave a review — it really helps others discover the podcast.

And before you move on with your day, take a moment to pause… What is your body telling you right now?

Anxiety can feel like racing thoughts, a pounding heart, or even a sense of shutting down completely. But what if these experiences aren’t personal flaws? What if they’re your nervous system working to protect you?

In this episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing, Dr. Kaitlin N. Harkess introduces a compassionate, body-based way of understanding anxiety through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. Together, we’ll explore how your nervous system shifts between states of safety, fight-or-flight, and shutdown; and why awareness of these shifts is the first step toward resilience.

You’ll also be guided through a gentle grounding practice and learn everyday strategies to support your nervous system, from breathwork and movement to co-regulation and lifestyle anchors inspired by yoga philosophy.

Whether you’ve experienced anxiety personally, support others in your work, or simply want to better understand your own body’s wisdom, this episode offers practical tools and compassionate insights to help you navigate overwhelm with greater ease.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why anxiety is a protective nervous system response, not a flaw

The basics of the autonomic nervous system: fight, flight, freeze, and rest

How Polyvagal Theory explains three key states: ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal

A guided reflection to notice and shift your state in the moment

Practical strategies to regulate and build resilience: breath, movement, connection, and lifestyle anchors

📖 Mentioned in this episode: The Somatic Workbook — pre-order now!

💌 Stay connected with Kaitlin:

Website: @drkaitlin

After a two-year pause, Wisdom for Wellbeing is back! Yey! We’re kicking off with a brand-new series: Somatic Sessions. In this first episode, you'll learn what’s been happening behind the scenes and why we're dedicating an entire season to exploring the mind–body connection.

You’ll learn:

What somatics really means (and why it’s more than just a wellness buzzword)

How interoception acts as your inner compass for self-awareness and regulation

The basics of polyvagal theory and how it maps your nervous system states

A simple guided practice to help you tune into your body right now

Whether you’re a practitioner, a wellbeing enthusiast, or simply curious about why our bodies hold on to certain patterns, this episode offers research-backed insights and practical tools you can use straight away.

Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance. 

"So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing." If that sounded like you, I would appreciate it if you'd take a moment to offer a review for the show. It really helps me to support more folks to access education and inspiration on their journey to creating a life of meaning. Keen? Just click here and scroll to the bottom: you can highlight the five stars and then click "Write a review." I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this episode!

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