The Gifts of Trauma

The Gifts of Trauma is a weekly podcast that features personal stories of trauma healing and the gifts revealed on the path to authenticity. Join us to hear what it was like for our guests to live with the tension of trauma, and what happened when they turned inward with compassionate curiosity. These highly relatable stories illustrate how they transformed their trauma generated fear, anger, pain or shame triggers into understanding, acceptance and love.

Religious Trauma, Addiction and Recovery with Joakim Le Bolloch Appell 07/25/2024

Religious Trauma, Addiction and Recovery with Joakim Le Bolloch Appell Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. Growing up in a highly controlled Jehovah's Witness religious environment, ever-present fear and judgment shaped Joakim’s early life. At home, his father was an intravenous drug user, his stepfather and Grandfather were alcoholics, and his mother was involved in a cult. These childhood experiences fostered a deep sense of fear and a lack of belonging that led Joakim to struggle with low self-esteem and a loss of identity. His journey through addiction and recovery played a crucial role in shaping his current therapeutic approach. He realized that understanding himself and his early environment allowed him to understand the actions of his mother, father, stepfather, and grandfather. This understanding led him to a state of forgiveness, where he no longer felt the need to forgive because he could see their actions through a compassionate lens. Joakim’s personal experiences with addiction and the lack of compassion he encountered in his religious community inspired him to create safe, non-judgmental spaces for others. He emphasizes the importance of treating addicted individuals as human beings and giving them control over their recovery process. His approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and the belief that forgiveness is an internal state achieved through understanding. His work isn't just about addiction recovery; it's about rediscovering your true self, recognizing your innate worth, and unleashing your boundless potential. Joakim’s words will inspire you to get curious, look below surface behaviors and connect with the humanity in all you meet. While his story illuminates the path to true empathy and human connection, the safe spaces Joakim creates invite honesty and healing to flourish. Let Joakim’s perspectives on addiction, recovery, and the importance of non-judgmental support, transform your relationships and revolutionize your approach to self-care. Through his guidance, you'll learn how he: • Embraces the power of forgiveness as a state of being • Broke free from the chains of fear and judgment • Creates safe spaces for healing and growth • Cultivated deep self-awareness and compassion • Empowers others on the path to recovery • Finds strength in vulnerability and authenticity Are you ready to embrace a life of greater compassion, understanding, and true freedom? Join us to experience Joakim’s world, where judgment fades away and true understanding blossoms. His words will move you to access the state of forgiveness in yourself and open to a world of compassion and connection. About Joakim Le Bolloch Appell: Joakim is a Trauma Therapist and Compassionate Inquiry® practitioner whose unique background has profoundly shaped his journey and professional focus. Growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness and facing a childhood with an alcoholic stepfather and a drug addicted father, Joakim has confronted significant challenges that have contributed to his deep understanding of trauma and healing. He has battled and recovered from drug and alcohol dependency, experienced the profound loss of his son, and navigated suicidal ideation. Joakim believes that the body, brain, and mind aligned together hold the answer and the capacity to heal from trauma. As Gabor Maté states, "Trauma created in a relationship can be healed in another relational space when safety, curiosity, and compassion are present." Joakim aims to co-create a safe space with you and guide you to connect with your body in the present moment, fostering a body-mind integration experience. His personal journey of recovery has equipped him with a unique capacity to be present, calm, perceptive, observant, curious, and authentic while meeting clients in their experiences. Joakim cherishes this work, as it has been crucial in his own reconnection to himself. He continues to deepen his skills and professional development by studying the works of Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Dan Siegel, and Peter Levine. Currently, Joakim works in both substance and behavioral addiction projects using Compassionate Inquiry®, and with his partner, Georgina, maintains a private practice both on Zoom and in-person in Stockholm, in Swedish, English, Spanish, Brazilian and Portuguese. Resources: Professional Websites: Joakim is also involved in these detox & harm reduction projects: Instagram: Book: /episode/index/show/4445e113-f122-4786-a677-758bf721ea6c/id/32295057

Reflecting on the Traumas of Northern Ireland's Troubles with Stephen Brown 07/18/2024

Reflecting on the Traumas of Northern Ireland's Troubles with Stephen Brown Hosted by Kevin Young Produced by J’aime Rothbard Have you been impacted by a complex and turbulent environment? Are you seeking deeper understanding, healing and growth from those experiences? Look no further than Stephen Brown - an expert guide well-versed in trauma and divisions. Drawing from his first-hand experiences growing up amidst the complex divisions of Northern Ireland, Stephen provides profound insights into overcoming trauma, finding inner peace, and embracing compassion. As an adoptee raised in a predominantly Catholic nationalist area, Stephen attended both Catholic and integrated schools - giving him a unique perspective on the region's deep-rooted tensions. He went on to do extensive community work, using outdoor activities and experiential learning to help marginalized youth from all backgrounds find common ground. Today, Stephen combines his lived wisdom with cutting-edge techniques like Compassionate Inquiry, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Gestalt therapy. His powerful programs integrate mind, body and spirit through practices like firewalking, cold water immersion, and nature exploration. Whether you're seeking to heal from past wounds, cultivate greater self-awareness, or simply live a more authentic and fulfilling life, Stephen Brown offers an extraordinary journey of personal transformation. His methods have helped countless individuals transcend societal divides and tap into their innate capacity for growth. Listen in to learn about the life-changing impact of Stephen Brown's compassionate, experiential approach to not only healing internal and external divisions, but gaining personal liberation. About Stephen Brown: Stephen Brown is an Irish Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Level 3 Internal Family Systems Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Gestaltist. In private practice, he combines all these modalities and approaches with the people he sits with. With a passion for working with groups, Stephen utilizes what he calls the Four Pillars of Connection – Connection with Self, Connection with Community, Connection with Environment, and Connection with “something greater than”. This work often takes place on Retreat, in Ireland, the Sahara Desert and Bali. Stephen’s Retreats involve nature, adventure, ceremony, and ritual, utilizing his therapeutic skills as well as those of a Master Firewalking Instructor and Experiential Educator. Group work with Stephen also extends into the corporate and community sectors providing training, retreats, and team development experiences for businesses, charities, and sport teams. This has led to extensive travels throughout Europe and beyond for companies such as Google, Hugo Boss, Barnardo’s, TKMaxx, Queen’s University Belfast, Special Olympics, and The Tamer Group. Stephen is a member of the Faculty for Compassionate Inquiry, facilitating the learning of students in the professional year-long training. He additionally mentors students as they prepare for certification as Compassionate Inquiry Practitioners, he trains new mentors and facilitates the Mentor Support Program. Resources: Books: by Websites: /episode/index/show/4445e113-f122-4786-a677-758bf721ea6c/id/32189942

Unlocking Deep Connections Through Compassion with Priya Duggal 07/11/2024

Unlocking Deep Connections Through Compassion with Priya Duggal Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes Produced by J’aime Rothbard In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel disconnected – from ourselves and from others. But for Priya Duggal, fostering profound connections is the heart of her holistic approach to healing. As a trained medical doctor, Priya mastered the technical aspects of healthcare. However, her journey has been one of continuous growth and self-discovery, and her transition into naturopathic medicine opened her eyes to the profound power of holistic healing. But it wasn't until she discovered Compassionate Inquiry that she truly learned to connect with her patients on a soul-to-soul level. Today, Compassionate Inquiry and mindfulness take center stage in Priya’s practice. Through her mastery of Kundalini yoga and other ancient modalities, Priya has honed the ability to help people understand themselves on a deeper level – their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This profound self-awareness is the key to unlocking their full potential and living in alignment with their authentic selves. But Priya's work is about more than just understanding; it's about empowerment. By cultivating body awareness and embracing a spirit of curiosity, her clients learn to engage with their own experiences in profoundly compassionate ways. The lasting transformative power of this approach is undeniable. Listen to this episode to hear her describe how, through gentle exploration and deep listening, Priya uncovers the root causes of her patients' issues, whether stubborn habits, emotional blockages, or self-doubt. Learn how Priya's guidance has equipped clients to access deeper self-understanding and holistic healing. If you are ready to unlock the insights and inner wisdom needed to achieve optimal physical and emotional well-being, you won’t want to miss this episode. About Priya Duggal: Dr. Priya Duggal ND is a registered naturopathic doctor practicing in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. The areas of focus in her practice are women’s health, breast cancer, autoimmune conditions, addictions, and mental health. She is also a Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Facilitator, Educator, Mentor and Circle Leader. Dr. Priya is the Vice President of MammAlive foundation, a non-profit organization run by volunteers who are passionate about women’s health and breast health education globally. Dr.Priya was born and raised in India where she was trained as a medical doctor. She added to her skills and obtained a degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She took the Healthy Breast Program with Sat Dharam Kaur, ND. Her quest for personal and professional growth continued by training in Kundalini Yoga, Beyond Addiction and Compassionate Inquiry. Through Gabor Mate’s teachings and trauma work, she learnt that physical and mental symptoms have a deep and often hidden psychological component especially when it comes to chronic diseases, cancer, mental health and autoimmune conditions She invites those of you affected by chronic health conditions to explore the mind- body component of illness. Dr. Priya’s long-term vision is to create a trauma-informed society that provides a safe, nurturing environment which is conducive to health and wellness. She spends her time between both Canada and India. She enjoys nature walks, traveling the world exploring different cultures, painting, spending quality time with her husband, their two adult children and adorable labrador-Kaju. Resources: Website: Books: Videos: Articles: /episode/index/show/4445e113-f122-4786-a677-758bf721ea6c/id/32096857

Masculinity, Porn Addiction & True Intimacy with Luke Sniewski 07/03/2024

Masculinity, Porn Addiction & True Intimacy with Luke Sniewski Hosted by Kevin Young Produced by J’aime Rothbard Are you tired of living life on autopilot, disconnected from the present moment? Imagine waking up each day feeling grounded, centered, and truly alive. Through his unique approach, Luke helps individuals reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies, creating a profound shift in how they experience life and engage with the people around them. By exploring mindfulness practices and cultivating a deeper awareness of your physical sensations, you'll learn to let go of the mental chatter that keeps you trapped in the past or worrying about the future. Luke's teachings are rooted in his own powerful journey of overcoming the challenges of living disconnected from the present moment, trapped in murky waters of porn addiction. With deep compassion, he unveils the truths he uncovered in his PhD research: porn addiction distorts our perception of healthy relationships, robbing us of the ability to truly connect with our partners on a profound level. He witnessed firsthand how this disconnection eroded his relationships and diminished his overall well-being. But by embracing the power of presence and embodied awareness, he found a path to greater joy, peace, and fulfillment. Through his transformative journey, Luke describes his path of self-discovery, unraveling the root causes of his addiction and learning to cultivate genuine intimacy. Imagine a world where you are no longer compelled to pursue fleeting pleasures, but able to foster deep, meaningful connections that enrich your life. Listen in as Luke Sniewski unlocks the life-changing benefits of living a life of authentic intimacy, enjoying true fulfillment and genuine connection in the present moment. About Luke Sniewski: Wellbeing Coach and Somatic Therapist As a Wellbeing Coach and Somatic Therapist, Luke Sniewski has integrated a wealth of personal, academic, and professional experiences into a distinctive methodology for helping others. Utilizing Compassionate Inquiry, somatic practices, and healthy lifestyle strategies, Luke helps clients achieve greater vitality, authenticity, and inner peace in their daily lives. Influenced by a meditation practice and esteemed teachers such as Gabor Maté, Rupert Spira, and Graham Mead, Luke has learned that true transformation begins with silence, stillness, and the courage to look inward. While this introspection may sometimes reveal uncomfortable truths, Luke believes that genuine change happens through engaging deeply with one's body. ‘The Inner Work’ is central to Luke’s approach, fundamentally altering how clients relate to their minds, bodies, and the world around them. This process demands radical self-acceptance, ruthless honesty, and extraordinary patience. However, the awareness of the present moment remains the greatest asset one can bring to any relationship. Currently, Luke is a dedicated practitioner, mentor, facilitator, and lifelong learner of Compassionate Inquiry, a therapeutic approach pioneered by Gabor Maté and Sat Dharam Kaur. This method helps individuals uncover the root causes of their suffering and break free from self-destructive cycles. Resources: Websites: Book: Studies Referenced in Intro: /episode/index/show/4445e113-f122-4786-a677-758bf721ea6c/id/31993377

Memories, Stories & Beliefs with Rhonda Nelson 06/16/2024

Memories, Stories & Beliefs with Rhonda Nelson Hosted and produced by J'aime Rothbard If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or yearn for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, Rhonda's transformative journey is a powerful testament to both the power of self-discovery and the healing potential that lies within each of us. Her story is a compelling reminder that by confronting our fears, embracing self-compassion, and seeking support, we can unlock our true potential and live authentically. The deeply personal experiences she shares with grace and deep vulnerability, ignite a beacon of hope, inspiring us to embark on our own journeys of self-discovery and healing. Inspired by the teaching of Dr. Gabor Maté, Rhonda embarked on a profound exploration of her inner self, uncovering the root causes of her emotional pain and discovering the coping mechanisms that she had developed to deal with that pain. Through this courageous process, Rhonda realized that true transformation begins with self-recognition, a pivotal moment when she saw herself for who she truly is. This self-awareness allowed her to explore her diagnosis of CMS, a neuromuscular disorder and permanent disability, and confront the intense fear that had been running her life. With curiosity and non-judgment she was able to unveil the origins of her emotional barriers and deep-seated beliefs, which led to a movement of emotional healing. Rhonda's journey was not a solitary one. She learned the invaluable lesson of asking for help and sharing her experiences with others, learning to be with her emotions, and fostering a sense of support. Plant medicine served as a powerful tool for internal exploration, helping her confront those emotions and facilitate her awareness and healing process. Perhaps most profoundly, Rhonda realized that her true beauty and worth were not defined by her physical appearance, ability, and disability, but by her capacity to connect with others from a place of inner beauty and compassion. This connection to herself empowers her to embrace her authentic self while navigating the challenges of disease, societal expectations (and her own), and experience liberation from the constraints that these expectations impose. As a practicing psychotherapist, Rhonda’s approach is rooted in her own profound experience of uncovering the implicit memories, stories, and beliefs that unconsciously drove her behavior. By courageously delving into her own inner world, she realized the power of self-recognition in catalyzing lasting change. If you're seeking a path to self-acceptance and emotional liberation, Rhonda Nelson's story is a shining example of the transformative power that lies within each of us. It invites us to embrace the courage to confront our own inner barriers, and uncover our own authenticity, connection, and inner beauty. Rhonda is a Psychotherapist | Master Practitioner in Clinical Counseling and Qualified Clinical Supervisor. She is also a Plant Medicine Integration Specialist, Compassionate Inquiry founding facilitator, private mentor, and certification reviewer. Compassionate Inquiry is the foundation upon which she works, integrating other somatic modalities in which she is fully trained including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic EMDR Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). She also draws from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Hakomi and the Polyvagal Theory. In 2014 she came across the work of Dr. Gabor Maté and began a dedicated self-exploration using his books, teachings, and recommended readings. With these and an introduction to plant medicine work she journeyed toward physical, mental, and emotional transformation. In 2017, she joined Gabor’s original team of plant medicine practitioners to provide processing and integration support to retreat participants abroad. She continues this profound work in groups and with individual clients. Publicly hailed by Gabor as one of his best students Rhonda covers a range of therapeutic support including addiction, stress, illness, sexual abuse, and childhood development. As a supervisor and speaker she provides trauma-informed talks and workshops to communities and organizations. In collaboration with the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, Rhonda co-led and authored a province-wide research project on addiction in a booked entitled Mothers, Addiction, and Recovery; Finding Meaning Through the Journey. Her equally passionate and recent contributions include collaborating on the development of the delivery and launch of the CI Professional Online Training and Internship/Mentorship Programs. Her love of creating continues in her work and personally with fellow writing enthusiasts, music-making, journaling, and songwriting. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband and their dog. Resources: Website: Book: Poem: Services: Gabor's Article: Podcasts: /episode/index/show/4445e113-f122-4786-a677-758bf721ea6c/id/31759945

Podcast Inspiration & Origin Story: A Conversation with Dr Gabor Maté 06/13/2024

Podcast Inspiration & Origin Story: A Conversation with Dr Gabor Maté Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes and Kevin Young Produced by J'aime Rothbard “Nobody should believe that they are damaged goods or beyond healing... there's nothing wrong with you fundamentally. Everything you feel or believe is wrong with you is actually a response to life experiences and the wounds that you carry can be healed.” These words from renowned trauma expert Gabor Maté conclude a profound and enlightening discussion. For over 25 years, Gabor has been on a mission to educate the world about the profound impact of trauma. From his roots as a medical doctor to his work with addicts in Vancouver's Downtown East Side, his journey has been one of unwavering dedication to understanding and healing the wounds of the human experience. In this exclusive interview, you'll have a front-row seat as Gabor shares his unique perspective, honed through decades of hands-on experience and tireless research. Discover the wisdom that has captivated audiences around the globe, from sold-out conferences in London to intimate gatherings of therapists seeking to deepen their practice. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a trauma survivor, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition, this interview will challenge your assumptions and open your eyes to the transformative power of compassionate inquiry. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened by Gabor's compelling perspectives in this inaugural episode of The Gifts of Trauma Podcast. Gabor Maté is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of five books published in nearly 40 languages, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. For his ground-breaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. His most recent book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture is a New York Times and international bestseller. His next book, co-written with his son Daniel, will be Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Adult Children and Their Parents, based on their popular workshop. Listener Resources Website: Books: Movies: Podcast: Courses: /episode/index/show/4445e113-f122-4786-a677-758bf721ea6c/id/31726767

Teaser Episode with Luke Sniewski 06/13/2024

Episode teaser with Stephen Brown 06/13/2024

Announcing the Gifts of Trauma Podcast from Compassionate Inquiry 06/11/2024

The Gifts of Trauma

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