S6 E12: Dr. Claudia Black on Navigating the Complexity of Trauma
Release Date: 02/09/2024
Maddie Corman on Being Accidentally Brave
Beyond Theory
In this special episode of Beyond Theory, host Dominic Lawson sits down with Maddie Corman, creator of the film "Accidentally Brave," to discuss her harrowing experience as the partner of a sex addict. Maddie vulnerably shares her story of the day her world shattered when her husband was arrested for possession of child pornography. She details the trauma, shame, and confusion she and her children faced in the aftermath, and the long journey of recovery and healing her whole family has undertaken. Maddie emphasizes the importance of partners of sex addicts having their voices heard and...
info_outline
S6 E13: Dr. Kevin McCauley on Unraveling the Neuroscience of Addiction
Beyond Theory
In the season finale of Beyond Theory, host Dominic Lawson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Kevin McCauley, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, about the latest findings in the neuroscience of addiction. The conversation delves into the complex interplay between brain chemistry, substance abuse, and the journey to recovery. Dr. McCauley shares his insights on how addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, particularly the dopamine pathways responsible for assessing value and survival importance. He explains that in addiction, this system becomes...
info_outline
S6 E12: Dr. Claudia Black on Navigating the Complexity of Trauma
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory Powered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, host Dominic Lawson engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Claudia Black, a renowned expert in the field of addiction and trauma. The discussion delves into the far-reaching impact of addiction and trauma on families and individuals, offering valuable insights for those seeking to understand and heal from these experiences. Dr. Black emphasizes the importance of addressing the effects of addiction and trauma on the entire family system, rather than focusing solely on the individual. She explains how...
info_outline
S6 E11 Dr. Dr. Tian Dayton on Healing Trauma and Addiction with Sociometrics and Psychodrama
Beyond Theory
In this episode of "Beyond Theory," Dominic Lawson interviews Dr. Tian Dayton, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, about the therapeutic methods of sociometrics and psychodrama in treating trauma and addiction. Dr. Dayton emphasizes the significance of embodied therapy, as feelings are experienced within the body. She developed "floor checks" as a psychoeducational exercise to teach group dynamics and interpersonal skills undermined by trauma. Floor checks enable participants to tolerate challenging emotions, articulate them, share with others, and listen without...
info_outline
S6 E10: Dr. Stefanie Carnes on Compulsive and Addictive Sexual Behavior
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory, Dr. Stephanie Carnes, a leading expert in the field of sexual health and addiction and Senior Fellow at The Meadows, discusses the recently recognized diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and the often-overlooked issue of sexual anorexia. The conversation sheds light on the importance of distinguishing between healthy sexual behaviors and problematic compulsivity, as well as the role of complex trauma in the development of these conditions. Dr. Carnes explains that the World Health Organization's decision to include CSBD in...
info_outline
S6 E9: Sean Walsh on the Future of Behavioral Health
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory, Sean Walsh, CEO of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, discussed the organization's approach to providing comprehensive, specialized behavioral health treatment. The Meadows has a 45-year history of partnering with thought leaders and industry experts to design innovative programs and train staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care. Walsh emphasized the importance of expanding access to behavioral health services by bringing their specialized treatment programs to communities nationwide. The Meadows aims to establish a presence in...
info_outline
Erie Hebert on Navigating Trauma to Redemption (Part 2)
Beyond Theory
In the second installment of a two-part series, the Beyond Theory podcast, powered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, continues the inspiring conversation with Erie Hebert, Director of the Meadows Outpatient Services facility in Austin, Texas. This episode delves deep into Erie's personal journey of resilience and his dedication to helping others heal from mental health challenges and addiction. Key highlights: 1. Overcoming adversity: Erie's story showcases the power of resilience in the face of trauma, substance abuse, and personal loss. His journey from struggling with...
info_outline
S6 E7: Erie Hebert on Navigating Trauma to Redemption (Part 1)
Beyond Theory
In this compelling two-part episode of the Beyond Theory Podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring story of Erie Hebert, a behavioral health professional who has overcome immense adversity to help others heal. Part 1 explores Erie's challenging upbringing in New Orleans, his struggles with addiction and trauma, and his journey towards recovery and resilience. Erie's childhood was marked by limited experiences and unhealthy relationships. Introduced to alcohol and cocaine at a young age by family members, Erie turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for the abuse and lack of...
info_outline
S6 E6: Jack Register on Confronting Toxic Masculinity
Beyond Theory
In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, host Dominic Lawson and guest Jack Register dive deep into the impact of toxic masculinity on men's mental health and emotional well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and his work as a clinical director in addiction recovery, Register highlights the harmful effects of rigid gender roles and societal pressures that prevent men from expressing vulnerability and seeking help. Lawson shares a poignant story from his childhood, illustrating how the pressure to "man up" can lead to physical and emotional trauma. Register, who grew up with...
info_outline
S6 E5: Mike Gurr on the Role of Parents in Teen Mental Health
Beyond Theory
In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, host Dominic Lawson interviews Mike Gurr, Executive Director of the Meadows Adolescent Center (TMAC), about the escalating mental health crisis among teenagers and the crucial role of specialized treatment programs in providing hope and healing for struggling adolescents and their families. The conversation delves into the unique challenges of parenting teens with mental health issues, including the painful reality of watching a child make poor decisions and feeling powerless to help. Mike shares key signs that a teen may require a higher...
info_outlineIn this episode of Beyond Theory Powered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, host Dominic Lawson engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Claudia Black, a renowned expert in the field of addiction and trauma. The discussion delves into the far-reaching impact of addiction and trauma on families and individuals, offering valuable insights for those seeking to understand and heal from these experiences.
Dr. Black emphasizes the importance of addressing the effects of addiction and trauma on the entire family system, rather than focusing solely on the individual. She explains how growing up in a family with substance abuse disorders can lead to chronic emotional dysregulation, behavioral problems, and difficulties in intimate relationships and work environments later in life. These impacts may not fully manifest until adulthood, as people learn to compartmentalize and mask their underlying trauma responses.
The conversation explores the concept of resilience in the face of trauma, with Dr. Black noting that while trauma history influences individuals, it does not necessarily dictate a life of misery. Factors such as additional trauma, age of onset, and external support can impact one's resilience. She stresses the importance of exploring trauma history not to blame others, but to undo denial and address how it affects one's life today, ultimately learning new skills and beliefs to facilitate healing.
Dr. Black also shares her gift for storytelling, which she uses to illustrate complex psychological concepts through relatable human experiences. This approach makes her insights accessible to both lay people and professionals in the behavioral health field. She discusses her upcoming book, Undaunted Hope, which features diverse personal stories that showcase the courage and resilience of the recovery process, offering a message of hope to those struggling with addiction and trauma.
Key Takeaways:
1. Addiction and Trauma Impact the Entire Family System
Dr. Claudia Black emphasizes the importance of addressing how addiction and trauma affect not just the individual, but the entire family system. Family members can experience chronic emotional dysregulation, behavioral problems, and difficulties in relationships as a result of growing up in a family with substance abuse disorders.
2. The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma in Adult Lives
The impact of childhood trauma on adult lives may not fully manifest until an individual's 20s-50s. Adults who have experienced trauma may struggle with intimacy, relationships, and work environments, often learning to compartmentalize and mask their underlying trauma responses.
3. Resilience and Recovery in the Face of Trauma
While trauma history influences individuals, it does not necessarily dictate a life of misery. Resilience depends on factors such as additional trauma, age of onset, and external support. Exploring trauma history is not about blaming others, but about undoing denial and addressing how it impacts one's life today.
4. The Power of Storytelling in Healing from Addiction and Trauma
Dr. Black uses storytelling to illustrate complex psychological concepts through relatable human experiences, making insights accessible to both lay people and professionals. Her upcoming book, Undaunted Hope, features diverse personal stories that showcase the courage and resilience of the recovery process.
5. The Importance of Acknowledging and Sharing Personal Stories
Dr. Black underscores the importance of acknowledging that every individual's story deserves to be heard and that there are people available to listen and provide support. Sharing these stories can benefit both those seeking help and the clinicians working to support them in their recovery journey.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Black underscores the importance of acknowledging that every individual's story deserves to be heard and that there are people available to listen and provide support. By sharing these stories and insights, she aims to benefit both those seeking help and the clinicians working to support them in their recovery journey.