Critical Memory Integration: Unlocking the Body’s Wisdom for Healing Trauma with Estefana Johnson
Release Date: 10/04/2025
Where It All Began: Endings, Beginnings, and the First Authentic Parenting Episode
Authentic Parenting
To close the 10-year anniversary series, I’m sharing the very first episode of the Authentic Parenting podcast, recorded in 2015 and lost for many years. Listening back, I was surprised that it began with such a humble and honest conversation about overwhelm in the lives of busy mothers. Thank you for being part of the Authentic Parenting global community. Here are the other episodes in the 10-year anniversary series: LINKS AND RESOURCES call to leave a voicemail.
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How I Almost Quit the Podcast, Resented the Show, and What Made Me Come Back
Authentic Parenting
A 10-Year Anniversary Interview with Anna Seewald, Hosted by Laura Froyen In this special 10-year anniversary interview, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Laura Froyen, to share the story behind the Authentic Parenting podcast. I open up about the times I almost quit the show, the moments I resented it, and what ultimately made me come back and keep going. We dive into the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the podcast over the past decade. This conversation is honest, reflective, and full of...
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Episode 400: The Listeners Put Me on the Spot - 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Continues
Authentic Parenting
In this special 400th episode, Anna is joined by three longtime listeners and friends from the Authentic Parenting community. Together they laugh, reflect, and turn the tables in an honest conversation about connection, growth, and what makes this podcast so meaningful. Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes: LINKS AND RESOURCES call to leave a voicemail.
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10 Years of Authentic Parenting: A Monthly Special Episode with Real Parenting Stories
Authentic Parenting
As part of the Authentic Parenting 10-year anniversary, I’m revisiting a classic monthly special episode. We answer listener questions, share favorite resources, and reflect on real parenting moments from our own homes—honest, relatable, and timeless. Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes: LINKS AND RESOURCES call to leave a voicemail. Podcast Production by Aminur:
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Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
Authentic Parenting
Celebrate 10 years of the Authentic Parenting Podcast with this special re-release of episode 300. I reflect on the podcast’s evolution, share listener voicemails that are honest and heartwarming, and give you a peek behind the scenes—how episodes come together, special moments from live events, and the stories that make the podcast what it is. Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes: LINKS AND RESOURCES call to leave a voicemail. Podcast Production by Aminur:
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Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast
Authentic Parenting
Reflections, Top Episodes, and Behind-the-Scenes Growth As part of the January 10-year anniversary of the Authentic Parenting podcast, I’m revisiting meaningful milestone episodes from the archives. This throwback to my 2017 year-end reflection highlights key traditions and transitions, behind-the-scenes moments, and the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the year. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode invites you to pause, reflect on your own year, and notice how the podcast and parenting has evolved over time. LINKS AND RESOURCES call to leave a...
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Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old
Authentic Parenting
This episode is such a sweet throwback. We recorded this short, 10-minute conversation with my daughter seven years ago when she was turning 10—and honestly, I had completely forgotten about it. The title says “Two Productivity Secrets from a 10-Year-Old,” but what surprised me most wasn’t just her insights—it was hearing her sweet voice and noticing how I talked to her. The way I spoke to her then is the way I still speak to her now. Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes:
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10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment
Authentic Parenting
Revisiting the 200th Episode of Authentic Parenting. Longtime listener Lauren Thomas interviews Anna about parenting, podcasting, and the unforgettable “green stroller” moment—an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the show. Lauren asks about some of my most favorite guests, the top three most impactful episodes, and the most authentic moment of the podcast. We talk about interviews that went off the rails, guests who caught me off guard, and moments that challenged me as a parent and host. You’ll hear about the most difficult age with my kid, the ways I keep a “go-with-the-flow”...
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10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode
Authentic Parenting
What did it really mean to reach 100 episodes in the early days of podcasting? As part of our 10-year podcast anniversary, we’re revisiting the 100th episode—a major podcast milestone at a time when most shows didn’t last beyond a few episodes. This special throwback episode includes listener participation, the original podcast intro, and early production from the show’s beginnings. A meaningful look back at how this podcast started, what it was built on, and why honoring the past matters as we continue to grow. LINKS AND RESOURCES call to leave a voicemail. Podcast...
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Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026
Authentic Parenting
As the podcast marks its 10-year anniversary, I’m sharing a personal message about the lessons, growth, and moments that shaped this journey. I’ll also let you know what’s coming up in January as we begin a new year together. LINKS AND RESOURCES call to leave a voicemail. Podcast Production by Aminur:
info_outlineLicensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma therapist Estefana Johnson shares what makes CMI unique, how it differs from other trauma modalities like EMDR, why our nervous system often overrides logic, and how tuning into ‘signals’ — rather than symptoms — can transform healing.
- (00:00) Introduction to CMI — what Critical Memory Integration is and how it reframes “symptoms” as “signals.”
- (03:45) Difference Between CMI and EMDR — how CMI diverges from EMDR in theory, process, and focus on organic experience processing.
- (08:20) The Roots and Creation of CMI — how the model emerged from integrating multiple trauma modalities into one cohesive approach.
- (11:10) Present-Day Focus — why CMI starts with current discomfort rather than diving directly into past memories.
- (14:25) The Mind vs. the Nervous System — why mindset alone isn’t enough and how the nervous system shapes perception and healing.
- (18:40) Understanding “Critical Memories” — what makes some memories so influential and how they form lifelong behavioral patterns.
- (22:15) Beyond “Big T” and “Small T” Trauma — why trauma categories are subjective and how CMI honors each person’s lived experience.
- (26:00) The CMI Process — how clinicians assess tolerance for discomfort and guide clients through following body-based signals.
- (33:10) A Self-Guided CMI Practice — a simple exercise for tuning into sensations and emotions with curiosity and compassion.
- (40:00) Integration, Compassion, and Regulation — the role of self-compassion, co-regulation, and practical tools like breathwork in healing.
- (45:30) Closing Reflections — trusting your body’s wisdom and learning more about CMI training through Arise Alliance.
Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/