Moving from “What’s Wrong?” To “What’s Right?” with Dr Shawn Ginwright
Release Date: 06/29/2025
Reducing Relationship Issues Through Proactive Design & Planning, with Dr Stan Tatkin and Leila Bahri-Lucas
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes & Leila Bahri-Lucas. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. This episode reminds us that the unconscious processes that drive humans, our memories and survival instincts, often lead to misunderstandings and reactive behaviors. Consequently, most relationship issues, while they may seem personal, actually stem from our innate drives. Stan outlines that rather than being approached casually, successful relationships require deliberate design, shared purpose, defined roles, and agreed-upon principles. We also explore: - The PPPRRR Approach: Couples can...
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Polyamory: Attachment, Trauma & Relational Growth Unpacked, with Jessica Fern, David Cooley & JP Bolhuis
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. This episode introduces Polyamory, a form of consensual non-monogamy, as a relational style involving multiple loving, consensual, romantic partners simultaneously. It emphasizes trust, open communication (as opposed to secretive ‘cheating’) and mutual agreement. Jessica and David, themselves polyamory practitioners and co-authors of two books on Polyamory, are joined by JP Bolhuis, a Psychosocial Therapist, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner and Private Mentor who recently entered the world of polyamory. Jesica and David...
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Rethinking Sex Addiction: Trauma, Shame & Compulsive Sexuality, with Diana Safta & Silva Neves
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by J’aime Rothbard and Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. In this soft and flowing conversation, Silva Neves differentiates the term "sex addiction" from "sexual compulsivity," as addiction is an independent disorder, while compulsion arises from environmental distress. Like food, sex is a primary drive, and has a natural physiological stopping point not present in other addictions. The analogy of food and diverse cuisines to normalize conversations about sexuality, highlighting that different tastes and preferences in food are accepted, but similar...
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Healing Northern Ireland: From Personal Trauma to Societal Change, with Dr Paul Gallagher
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. In this conversation, Kevin introduces us to Dr Paul Gallagher, a lecturer in trauma studies at Cork University who started his formal education at age 40, after a significant "gap" in his life. Born in Belfast in 1972 at the height of "The Troubles," Paul recounts growing up in a war zone, where at 21, his home was invaded and his family held hostage. During this attack, he was shot and paralysed, and while physical and medical care were provided, psychological support was not. Paul highlights: - The crucial roles of...
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Psychedelics, Hakomi, and the Gift of Self-Discovery, with Tony Hoare
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. Tony shares his personal journey, from growing up gay in the 60s, to experiencing sexual trauma and seeking healing in his 50s. He views safety, kindness, and gentleness as essential for healing, as they invite us to lower our shields and ‘just be.’ Having worked in the psychedelic world for 2 decades, Tony stresses that profound psychedelic experiences are only valuable if they lead to a greater sense of ease and conscious awareness with which we can navigate our challenging world. He also recounts: - The development of gentler, more...
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The Trauma of Infertility, with Leila Bahri-Lucas
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. In this gentle, heart-felt conversation, Leila guides us through the emotional landscape of infertility debunking common myths and misconceptions. She also shares her personal story, from 11 rounds of IVF to complete emotional collapse, which led her to agency, freedom, a new beginning and a baby. Leila also addresses: - How Infertility, as a trauma in its own right can unearth feelings of shame and worthlessness - Why trauma-informed support can ease the emotional toll of infertility medical interventions...
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Menopause: From Estrogen Washing to Social Silence, with Dr Aisling Quiery & Rati Roberta Riccardi
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. In this conversation, our guests forge a link between childhood trauma and the severity of menopausal symptoms. Aisling, a GP who is herself experiencing perimenopause, notes that the menopausal women who consult her often carry immense stress from being "sandwiched" between their peak career responsibilities and caring for children, grandchildren and aging parents. Together Aisling and Rati contrast: - "Estrogen Washing" a term Aisling coined to suggest that HRT often serves as a "wash" which may offer temporary relief but is...
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Menopause: From Multitasking Queen to Second Girlhood, with Dr Priya Duggal and Rosio Fuentes
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard Join us for this wide ranging conversation between a Menopausal Naturopathic doctor and a Therapist who lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome while mothering a neurodivergent family and experiencing Menopause. Together, Rosie and Priya address the many physiological, emotional and practical implications of Menopause "tipping points" for women’s health. They highlight that: - Living an inauthentic life (always "doing" for others) can create physical symptoms, likewise addiction patterns may emerge or intensify if unmet...
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Menopause Pruning: Clearing Space for Authenticity, with Inés Zabalaga & Kate Hazlitt, ND
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard This conversation moves from the medicalization of menopause to reclaiming it as a natural process; an important, transformative life stage marked by growth, development, and renewal, not an illness or pathology. Kate and Inés advocate for shifting from symptom management to trusting the body's innate capacity and involving the entire community in understanding this transition. Inés and Kate highlight:: - Brain Pruning which "chops away" old ways of thinking and being, making way for authenticity, new identity, and a...
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Unveiling Indian Cultural Trauma, with Mansi Poddar
The Gifts of Trauma
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. This conversation exposes the impact of cultural trauma on Indian mental and emotional well-being and the conflicts these cultural pressures can cause. After outlining how therapeutic approaches can ease the pain, transform lives and begin to shift cultural norms, expectations and beliefs, Mansi asserts that having dreams, desires, and boundaries is an expression of one's wholeness, not a betrayal of others. Cultural dynamics explored include: - The expectation that women will sacrifice their personal happiness for family...
info_outlineHosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J'aime Rothbard.
Young peoples' transformational stories advocate for an expansion of the current Trauma-Informed approach to include the Healing-Centered focus on empowerment, agency & holistic well-being.
In this paradigm shifting conversation, Shawn shares stories of young people who transformed their lives through community support and aspirational goals. Their experiences demonstrate how being recognized as agents in their own healing process, empowered young people to dream and envision futures beyond their trauma. To support this shift, Shawn advocates an expansion of the current trauma-informed approach’s focus on symptoms and individual experiences to include healing-centered engagement’s focus on empowerment, agency and holistic well-being.
In addition, he explains:
- Trauma as political, rooted in systemic issues within disenfranchised and low income communities
- Why a sense of agency is crucial for building optimism and controlling one’s life narrative.
- How the inherent healing qualities of cultural practices within communities can facilitate well-being
- Why the well-being of educators, and others who support youth, is critical for fostering a healthy environment for young people.
Shawn calls for a more integrated approach to trauma that recognizes political systemic issues, the value of community and cultural practices and the cultivation of agency in young people.
Photo of firefighter John and his family : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zWn3V25jIeYBine9GvgMKeMEn1gVrtDL/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=111366718931479540287&rtpof=true&sd=true
About Dr Shawn Ginwright (Dr G)
Author, Professor, Activist and Provocateur
The Jerome T. Murphy Professor of Practice at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Dr G’s groundbreaking work on trauma, healing, and the empowerment of African American youth has been instrumental in reshaping the discourse surrounding youth development.
His introduction of the "healing- centered engagement" concept in 2018 revolutionized the field, providing an asset-based approach to addressing youth trauma and fostering resilience.
Dr G’s work has been cited in the New York Times, and he is a highly sought-after speaker on topics ranging from civic engagement and youth activism to the transformative power of healing.
His contributions extend beyond his academic work. As a seasoned non-profit leader, Dr G serves as the co-founder and CEO of Flourish Agenda, Inc. This pioneer research lab and consulting firm is dedicated to unlocking the power of healing and empowering youth of color, and their adult allies, to drive transformative change in schools and communities.
Dr G has also written numerous highly acclaimed books, including, The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves. And, Hope and Healing in Urban Education: How Urban Activists and Teachers Are Reclaiming Matters of the Heart.
The son of William and May Ginwright (Jacksonville, Florida) he is the father of two amazing young adult children (26 and 24) and the husband of an extraordinary woman for 30 years. He resides between Boston, MA and Oakland, CA and credits his family with supporting his relentless dedication to empowering marginalized youth and creating inclusive spaces for healing and growth.
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If you're a current Compassionate Inquiry Professional Training Program participant or graduate, you're invited to CI's Experiential Intensive Retreat, in the north of Ireland, from September 8 - 12. Deepen your personal and community connections in the beautiful natural setting of Corrymeela, with beautiful views over the Irish sea. Rest, reflect, and partake in workshops, CI-, body- and nature-based practice sessions, plus delightful evening community celebrations, with home-cooked meals, Irish music and dancing. Tap this link to learn more.
Resources:
Websites:
Related Links:
Addicted to Speed and Busyness
Articles:
Books:
Hope and Healing in Urban Education
Quotes:
“Doctor G, why do we always have to come here and talk about the worst thing that happened to us? I'm more than my trauma.” - Marcus
“A healing-centred approach to addressing trauma requires a different question that moves beyond what happened to you to what's right with you.” - Dr Shawn Ginwright
“…we know from research, Hope Theory and Snyder's work, that the ability for… people to see themselves in a possible future... contributes to a sense of control… a sense of agency and a sense of optimism.” - Dr Shawn Ginwright
“Reading this outrageous book feels like the beginning of a social and personal awakening. I can't stop thinking about it.” - Brené Brown’s review of The Four Pivots
“How you gonna win when you ain't right within?” - Lauryn Hill
“…when things happen, we ask ourselves the wrong first question… what should I do? …the first right question is, who should I become?... because oftentimes we can't achieve the outcome that should be in the current versions of ourselves” - Reverend Benjamin McBride,
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