Transforming Trauma

"It's simple, not always easy—but movement, writing, and a little fresh air changed my life." – Lawrence Chrystopher Harris On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth sits down with Lawrence Chrystopher Harris, a youth empowerment speaker who transforms his lived experience of childhood trauma into practical hope for young people and their supporters. Lawrence reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in Philadelphia, surviving family abuse, and overcoming alienation, offering an inside look at the barriers he faced and the hard-won lessons that now guide his work. The conversation centers on accessible tools for healing—journaling, exercise, and getting outdoors—framed as a "mental, physical, spiritual triangle." Lawrence shares how consistent daily practice of these simple habits helped him learn self-reflection, emotional regulation, and self-love, breaking free from patterns of self-doubt and disconnection. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity in self-inquiry, the courage to acknowledge both shadow and light within, and the profound difference between our feelings and our identity. The episode is a powerful call to caregivers, educators, and youth themselves: transformation is possible when we start with manageable, sustainable steps anchored in agency and imagination. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"Hip hop culture is a fuel for life… an organic healing culture with roots that empower both individuals and communities." – Dr. Raphael Travis On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. Raphael Travis, an educator, researcher, and social worker who has devoted his life to understanding how hip hop culture serves as a powerful tool for individual and collective healing. Dr. Travis traces hip hop's five key elements—MCing, breakdancing, DJing, graffiti, and knowledge of self—and discusses how each contributes to identity reconstruction, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. He reflects on his own lived experiences growing up in New York during the early days of hip hop, and shares stories from his work with youth in clinical and community settings. Listeners will explore how hip hop's expressive arts create vital counter narratives to trauma-induced identity threats and why culturally grounded modalities are essential for trauma transformation. Dr. Travis explains how shifting from a deficit-based to an empowerment-based approach to youth development can catalyze agency, belonging, and social change. He shares practical strategies—ranging from lyric analysis to innovative uses of technology like beat making and haptic devices—for building therapeutic connection and intentional healing within youth and communities. The conversation highlights the importance of relationship, positive development, and the transformative potential of the arts in fostering both individual and community recovery. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC also offers the SPACE Inner Development Program for Therapists, providing a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"We heal not through perfection, but through presence." – Lisa Gillispie, as reflected by Emily Ruth On this special year-end episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, Training Director of the Complex Trauma Training Center, for an intimate conversation on the evolving landscape of trauma therapy practice and community. Together, they look back on a year filled with wisdom from leading voices in the field of complex trauma, and the courage to embrace imperfection. Emily Ruth and Brad reflect on memorable episodes featuring NARM®-trained colleagues and guests innovating across approaches including Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Psychology, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). They explore how practitioners like Lisa Gillispie and Kelly Cook are advancing integrative trauma modalities within schools, clinical supervision, and diverse care settings. The conversation honors stories from therapists working with marginalized groups, such as those impacted by the criminal justice system and LGBTQ+ communities, emphasizing how real transformation unfolds through deep relationships and shared humanity. Brad also shares insights from the inaugural year of the SPACE Inner Development Program, created to support therapists in supporting presence, awareness, connection and embodiment. The dialogue surfaces ongoing growth edges and challenges while celebrating the resilience and creative spirit within the complex trauma therapy field. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"[SPACE] is really a dynamic, alive experience… One person even said, "I could keep doing this for the rest of my life." – Marcia Black On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth reunites with Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black for a heartfelt group reflection on the inaugural year of the SPACE Inner Development Program at the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). Together, they explore the intentions behind creating a professional community where therapists can reconnect with themselves and each other—without judgement or performance—for authentic support, mentorship, personal and professional growth. Hear how the SPACE program emerged as a co-creation not only among facilitators but with participants themselves, deepening into real-time feedback, transparent dialogue, and evolving interests. The conversation highlights key program themes—cultivating greater internal space as therapists, navigating relational enactments with clients, honoring the transpersonal, and embracing healthy vulnerability and support-seeking as mental health professionals. Brad, Stefanie, and Marcia share observations from small groups and triads, discuss the power of naming challenges like asking for help or facing therapeutic enactments, and affirm the value of centering the therapist's own healing journey as vital to trauma-informed care. Enriching personal stories and participant anecdotes illustrate the transformation that occurs when space is held for open exploration and connection. The team also looks ahead to new program offerings from CTTC and their ongoing commitment to building an inclusive, compassionate learning community for those deepening into SPACE, practicing NARM® (NeuroAffective Relational Model®) and other trauma-informed practices. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

High control religion is rarely one big wound. It is closer to death by a thousand paper cuts that add up to complex trauma for many people."- Laura Anderson On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. Laura Anderson for a compassionate exploration of religious trauma, its impacts, and the nuanced paths toward healing. Drawing from her personal journey and clinical experience, Laura shares how religious trauma operates much like other forms of complex trauma—emphasizing that overwhelm and harm are deeply subjective and that each person has their own unique experience and story. The conversation highlights Laura's definition of religious trauma, the importance of naming adverse religious experiences, and how healing must center on agency, autonomy, and honoring lived experience. Together, they discuss the limitations of prescriptive healing models, the need for pacing in trauma recovery, and how practices rooted in compassion and connection—such as the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) and other somatic approaches to trauma—help clients rediscover self-trust and resilience. Laura underscores the significance of spaciousness and validation, both in clinical relationships and in communities navigating faith, offering hope for anyone affected by high-control or adverse religious contexts. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"Sometimes children have to disconnect from their hearts just to survive." - Kelly Cook On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes school social worker Kelly Cook for an open-hearted exploration of healing and connection with children, teens, and families facing adversity. Kelly shares how her lifelong sensitivity to those on the margins, shaped by early experiences of compassion and agency in her own childhood, led her into the field of social work and ultimately to trauma-informed practice within schools. Kelly reflects on the profound vulnerability of young people, describing their need for supportive adults who honor their experiences and individuality. She delves into the challenges and hopes of working with children and adolescents navigating adverse childhood experiences, and highlights the critical role school-based interventions play. The conversation centers on the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), with Kelly offering examples of how even a single, agency-focused inquiry—such as "What is it you most want for yourself?"—can spark transformation for students who rarely have that invitation. Emily Ruth and Kelly discuss the necessity of collaborative care with families, the importance of honoring parents' struggles and needs, and the healing that emerges when communities move toward shared growth. Kelly speaks candidly about advocating for resources, building a social work team from the ground up, and the privilege of being welcomed into students' lives as they rediscover connection to themselves. Through personal stories and reflections, this episode illustrates the transformative power of seeing, hearing, and honoring each member of a community on the path to healing. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"Trauma can be a gateway for transformation, and it's one of the things that I am passionate about." – Abi Blakeslee On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth sits down with Dr. Abi Blakeslee, a leader in the field of trauma recovery and somatic psychology recognized for her clinical research and teaching. Dr. Blakeslee shares her deep exploration of implicit memory—the non-conscious processes shaping movement, emotion, and survival patterns—and explains how harnessing implicit memory offers new and practical pathways to healing trauma. Drawing from Somatic Experiencing, neuroscience, and her own research, Dr. Blakeslee breaks down the branches of implicit memory—procedural, priming, associative, and more—and clarifies their relevance in trauma and recovery. The conversation explores how clinicians can support present-moment, embodied "new learning" that rewires automatic responses and fosters positive transformation. Listeners will hear practical strategies to increase clients' interoceptive awareness, cultivate self-compassion, and repair ruptures through embodied, relational experiences. Dr. Blakeslee emphasizes the importance of helping clients reconnect with their essential self, shifting the focus from merely resolving the past to building new implicit memories of agency, connection, and vitality. Together they discuss the flexibility of integrating these neurobiological insights into diverse modalities—including Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Therapy, and beyond—to deepen agency and nurture post-traumatic growth, especially in cases of developmental and complex trauma. Throughout, Dr. Blakeslee underscores the healing power of gentle attention, relational attunement, and compassion—offering a hopeful framework for practitioners and clients alike. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** **SPACE:** SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** **The Complex Trauma Training Center:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com **View upcoming trainings:** https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. *** We want to connect with you! **Facebook ** https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **Instagram ** https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ **LinkedIn** https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ **YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter **X** https://x.com/CTTC_Training

"Our greatest hope is that NARM® can lead to increasing opportunities for connection, healing, and transformation." - Brad Kammer On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Stephanie Klein is joined by Brad Kammer, Training Director at the Complex Trauma Training Center, to discuss the newly released workbook for healing developmental trauma—an accessible resource distilling the core principles and clinical tools of the NeuroAffective Relational Model®. Brad shares the intention behind this third book in the NARM canon: creating a user-friendly, desk-side reference for clinicians and individuals seeking to understand and apply the NARM approach to complex and developmental trauma. The conversation traces the evolution from the original "Healing Developmental Trauma" text—introducing the theoretical basis of NARM—through to the more clinical "Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma," and now to this practical workbook designed for everyday integration. Brad explains how the new workbook balances clinical exercises for practitioners with reflective prompts for personal growth, making it suitable for therapists, clients, and any individual interested in self-healing. Together, Stephanie and Brad reflect on how these resources support both professional development and inner exploration, highlighting the ripple effects of personal transformation in broader contexts. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter X https://x.com/CTTC_Training

“The work we do is meaningful, sometimes difficult, but it's the best work to do.” - Dr. David Puder On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. David Puder to explore the clinical realities of complex trauma and the slow, often gritty path toward healing. Drawing on decades of hospital and outpatient experience, Dr. Puder offers candor and practical wisdom for clinicians and caring professionals who feel the weight of this work. The pair discuss how complex developmental trauma shows up as dissociation and psychogenic symptoms rather than classic shock-based PTSD, how medical identities can eclipse a person’s strengths, and ways to help families shift out of illness-based roles. You’ll hear how dreams and creative writing can reveal disavowed material, why rare countertransference reactions are clinical clues, and how therapist reflective function — the ability to make meaning of inner reactions — predicts treatment impact. Dr. Puder also explains practical tools he developed, including a Connection Index for clinical teams, and offers concrete examples of converting medical patients into psychotherapy patients so they can reclaim agency and a life beyond diagnosis. We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/complextraumatrainingcenter/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/complex-trauma-training-center/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ComplexTraumaTrainingCenter X https://x.com/CTTC_Training

Trauma isn't just an event—it’s a complex, living pattern woven through our bodies, minds, and relationships. What if the path to healing isn’t about breaking down defenses or pushing past resistance, but about honoring those very protections as parts of our whole self? Shai Lavie’s journey illuminates this radical shift. As a Hakomi and Somatic Experiencing therapist, Shai learned that trauma work flourishes when we stop battling our clients’ “barriers” and instead bring curiosity and compassion to every part of their experience—even the parts that resist change. Imagine your nervous system not as a malfunctioning engine to be fixed, but as a profound intelligence signaling what it needs to survive and adapt. In practice, this means holding space for a client’s “resistance”, listening deeply to these “barriers” with genuine inquiry: “What wisdom might be present here? What story is this body telling me?” Such an approach transforms therapy from a power struggle into a collaborative voyage, where client and therapist become co-captains rowing in harmony, not opposition. This relational, respectful method aligns beautifully with the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) principles—where healing happens in connection, at the client’s pace, and through mindful presence. It invites us all, as therapists and healers, to recalibrate our role: to cultivate safety not by conquering defenses, but by embracing them, fostering agency within the authentic self. If you’re a mental health professional eager to deepen your understanding of complex trauma and transform your therapeutic practice, we invite you to explore the upcoming NARM Therapist Trainings at the Complex Trauma Training Center. Join a community committed to growing both professionally and personally—where we learn that healing is not about fighting against our adaptive Self, but reconnecting with the resilient, compassionate, authentic Self.

Chances are, you may be familiar with Dr. Judith Lewis Herman, the legendary psychiatrist, researcher, teacher, and author. Five decades into her esteemed career, Dr. Herman continues to produce innovative work in sexual trauma and Complex PTSD. But you might not know Judith Herman, the daughter, mother, grandmother, and activist. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth is honored to welcome back Dr. Judith Lewis Herman for an illuminating conversation on the life experiences and enduring connections that have shaped her public and private life. The pair also explores the positive impact that activism and affiliation with others can have on those who’ve experienced trauma, and why adopting an active coping strategy is one of the best predictors of recovery. About Judith Lewis Herman, M.D.: Judith Lewis Herman, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry (part time) at Harvard Medical School. For thirty years, until she retired, she was Director of Training at the Victims of Violence Program at The Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, MA. Dr. Herman is the author of the award-winning books: Father-Daughter Incest (Harvard University Press, 1981) and Trauma and Recovery (Basic Books, 1992). To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

At the core of Jungian psychology lies the concept of individuation, a lifelong journey of growing into one’s whole self. It’s a process of self-discovery that can feel both inspiring and challenging as each layer of inauthenticity or protective strategy surfaces, then sloughs away. One therapist combines her Jungian background with NARM’s spirit of inquiry to help her clients embrace the nature of individuation and reconnect to their unique selves. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Megan Holm (LMFT), NARM® Master Therapist, and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner to discuss the beautiful and unsettling unfolding that can occur when we commit to exploring depth within ourselves. The pair also explores where NARM and Jungian psychology overlap––developing the capacity to hold tension that arises with deeper self-exploration and creating space for noticing rather than judging. About Megan Holm: Megan Holm is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), NARM® Master Therapist, and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner in private practice. She has served as a training assistant in NARM Therapist and Master Therapist Trainings. Megan is currently a training candidate at the International School of Analytical Psychology (ISAP) in Zurich, Switzerland. She continues to see clients in the US, working on themes of relationship patterns, belonging, grief and loss, and self-discovery. Megan is most interested in what Carl Jung calls Individuation: the lifelong process of becoming one’s own unique and whole self. It is a process of self-realization and discovery, seeing ourselves as we are rather than as we wish to be. Our symptoms are a door for this work – they invite us to look inwards, to listen to what has gone untended or under-nourished. Fantasy, imagination, and dreams offer further guidance, helping us to see more clearly who we are and what we uniquely bring to the world. Knowing oneself is an undertaking – a humbling journey that Megan feels honored to take together. Learn More: https://meganholm.com/ *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth invites Alexander Vesely, award-winning documentary filmmaker, psychotherapist, and the grandson of Dr. Viktor Frankl, to share anecdotes about his grandfather and the evolution of Logotherapy. The pair recalls Viktor’s deportation to a Nazi concentration camp and his heartbreaking experiences there. The devastation eventually informed Viktor’s theory, known as Logotherapy, which posits that those who are oriented towards finding meaning even in the most dire circumstances are more likely to feel fulfilled. Alexander also discusses his film Viktor & I, an intimate portrait of his grandfather as revealed by those who worked with, studied under, and loved him. About Alexander Vesely: Alexander Vesely, M.Sc., Dr. h.c., is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, licensed psychotherapist specializing in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, and the grandson of Dr. Viktor Frankl, author of the classic Man’s Search for Meaning. Vesely serves as Director of the Viktor Frankl Media Archives in Vienna, Co-Founder of the Viktor Frankl Institute of America, and Director of the Online Academy for Logotherapy at the Elisabeth Lukas Archive. His work uniquely bridges the worlds of psychology and cinema, carrying forward his grandfather’s legacy through both film and therapeutic practice. Vesely’s films – such as the acclaimed Viktor & I and Wizard of the Desert – explore the lives and philosophies of influential figures in psychology, earning international awards and recognition. Beyond the screen, he is a sought-after speaker on meaning-centered psychotherapy, teaching and lecturing worldwide. Vesely lives in Vienna with his wife and son, where he also maintains a private psychotherapy practice. Learn More: Viktor Frankl Institute of America Online Academy for Logotherapy at the Elisabeth Lukas Archive *** To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

In this special Transforming Trauma series, we will be exploring the “origin stories” of influential therapists. These episodes offer a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and understand what inspired these therapists to pursue healing work, and how they have brought their life experiences into their professional work, impacting and inspiring many people along the way. By learning from seasoned master therapists who openly share their professional journeys, as well as the painful personal life lessons along the way, we gain valuable insights to support our own growth, both professionally and personally. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is thrilled to welcome back Brad Kammer, Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) Director, Senior Trainer in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) Senior Trainer, author, and executive producer of this podcast, to discuss his eclectic personal and professional journeys. Brad also details the experiences that have shaped his approach to the treatment of trauma and informed the creation of CTTC. About Brad Kammer: Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, is the Training Director and Senior Trainer for the Complex Trauma Training Center. Brad is responsible for the creation of the CTTC professional development programs, including the SPACE Inner Development Program for Therapists. He also is a Senior Trainer in the NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Training Programs offered through CTTC. Brad guides the mentorship programs involving CTTC faculty, training assistants and participants; the diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) efforts; and is the executive producer of the Transforming Trauma podcast. Brad has a passion for cultivating a professional learning community that provides ongoing training opportunities and mentorship to a diverse group of mental health professionals in their work with complex trauma. Brad is also the co-author of The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma and the upcoming Workbook for Healing Developmental Trauma. Learn More: Complex Trauma Training Center To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

In this special Transforming Trauma series, we are exploring the “origin stories” of influential therapists. These episodes offer a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and understand what inspired these therapists to pursue healing work - and how they have brought their life experiences into their professional work, impacting and inspiring many people along the way. By learning from seasoned master therapists who openly share their professional journeys, as well as the painful personal life lessons along the way, we gain valuable insights to support our own growth, both professionally and personally. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back Marcia Black, a licensed psychologist, faculty member at the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC), and a trainer and master therapist in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®). Marcia shares defining moments from her remarkable 40+ year career and reminiscences about the generous mentors who have shaped her professional life. The pair also explore the role that curiosity plays in forming meaningful relationships with clients, colleagues, and the broader professional community. About Marcia Black: Marcia Black, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and CTTC Faculty member. Marcia has a passion for mentoring students and Training Assistants in NARM® Trainings and the SPACE Inner Development Program for Therapists. She enjoys nurturing the growth of the CTTC professional community who are committed to ongoing learning. Marcia is also a NARM Master Therapist and has been in private practice for over 40 years in San Francisco and the East Bay, specializing in treating complex and developmental trauma. Coming from a background in Attachment, Relational and Intersubjective approaches, as well as experience as a Somatic Experiencing practitioner and SE Assistant, Marcia’s mentorship is based in a relational approach that invites an exploration into the therapist’s inner experience and growth, alongside that of the client’s. Marcia is excited about supporting ongoing training, consultation, and mentorship in her role at CTTC. Learn More: Complex Trauma Training Center To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

In this special Transforming Trauma series, we will be exploring the “origin stories” of influential therapists. These episodes offer a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and understand what inspired these therapists to pursue healing work - and how they have brought their life experiences into their professional work, impacting and inspiring many people along the way. By learning from seasoned master therapists who openly share their professional journeys, as well as the painful personal life lessons along the way, we gain valuable insights to support our own growth, both professionally and personally. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth re-introduces Stefanie Klein, a licensed clinical social worker who is Faculty and Assistant Training Director for the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). Stefanie shares the pivotal a-ha! moments that guided her path to becoming a therapist, her post-graduate placement trajectory, and the healing modalities that have most influenced her life and professional work. About Stefanie Klein: Stefanie Klein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who serves as the Assistant Training Director for the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) where she is also a consultant and faculty in NARM® Trainings and the new SPACE program for psychotherapists. Stefanie has 30 years of experience practicing psychotherapy with adults in her Los Angeles private practice and has specialized in treating trauma and anxiety for the past 20 years. In her role as a mentor and teacher of psychotherapists working with complex trauma, she is most inspired by the desire to support other therapists to not only feel more effective in their work with clients, but to also experience more ease and fulfillment in their professional roles. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube

Meditation is a practice that intimidates many people. Silence, coupled with the act of observing rather than acting, often evokes emotions such as despair and loneliness. But what if we applied the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM©) to the experience of meditative silence? On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth is in conversation with Alli Malnik, a NARM-trained mental health counselor who frequently assists with large meditation events held worldwide. The pair discuss Alli’s professional journey and the role that NARM played in her personal healing. Alli also shares observations from her event work on efforting and discomfort and explains how she incorporates NARM themes of connection, curiosity, and trust to extend the meditative benefits beyond these organized gatherings. About Alli Malnik: Alli Malnik, MS, LMHC, is a NARM-trained therapist licensed in Florida and Colorado. Her current specialties focus on complex trauma, relational aspects, attachment difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She’s also trained in EMDR and assists her clients by creating a safe space to explore effective ways to relate to others. Originally from Miami Beach, Alli attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2016, after working as a fourth-grade teacher. In her free time, Alli enjoys the beach, hiking, football, meditation, her dogs, and spending time with her three children. Learn More: AM Counseling Instagram To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

Many graduate students in psychology, counseling, and social work struggle to find their theoretical and clinical footing. As graduate students get closer to graduation, many feel under-prepared and ill-equipped to provide effective therapy to clients. Despite the differences between training in a depth-oriented model like NARM and studying traditional coursework required for a clinical degree, one student celebrates bridging these two different modes of learning to become a more confident and effective beginning therapist. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Caleb McNaughton, a graduate student currently seeking licensure in Tennessee. The pair discuss Caleb's path that led him to enroll in the NARM Therapist Training as a graduate student. They also explore the friction that developed as Caleb began bringing back into his graduate program what he was learning in the NeuroAffective Relational Model, leading him to question, and at times push back on, his graduate school education and training. About Caleb McNaughton: Caleb McNaughton, a graduate student, is currently seeking licensure in Chattanooga, Tennessee, alongside training in complex developmental trauma. Caleb received his undergrad in Sports Management from Covenant College. After graduation, Caleb spent a year as a missionary in Mexico. It was during this time that he felt led to pursue a degree in counseling. Caleb was introduced to the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) through his father Jason McNaughton and his colleague Heather Parker, both NARM Master Therapists in Birmingham, AL. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

For women exiting the US correctional system, support is limited while the hurdles set in front of them seem endless. The post-carceral ecosystem is changing, however, bolstered by nonprofits that elevate rather than penalize people for their time served. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Samantha Garcia Pennell, Manager of Workforce Partnerships at Arouet Foundation, in Phoenix, AZ, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering women impacted by the justice system, helping them lead successful lives and build stronger communities. Samatha shares her personal journey from traumatic childhood to challenging adulthood to prison with our audience, and the alternative path to reintegration that Arouet afforded her. The pair also explores Arouet's programs, including mentorship, job skills, and reentry simulation. About Samantha Garcia Pennell: Samantha Garcia Pennell is Manager of Workforce Partnerships at Arouet Foundation. She is dedicated to empowering others by sharing her journey and encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths. With more than a decade of experience in training, she specializes in helping individuals rebrand themselves through education and support. Samantha holds a bachelor's degree in Career and Technical Education from Northern Arizona University, which she applies to create strategic pathways for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into their communities. Her passion lies in nonprofit work, where she is committed to providing services that open doors for women impacted by the criminal justice system,fostering connections, and supporting their successful reintegration into society. Learn More: Arouet Foundation To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma *** SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter LinkedIn YouTube

While most clinicians are seeking effective clinical skills to bring back to their clients, NARM® therapists are often surprised to experience such profound personal transformation for themselves through training in NARM. In learning more about themselves and their own healing process, the result is a better understanding of their client’s healing process. Self-discovery can be a vehicle toward personal and relational change. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth invites NARM Master Therapists Alex White and Sabrena Ness to share their professional experiences as members of the NARM training community and personal journeys of self-discovery. The trio also discusses the mentorship programs that support ongoing professional development and personal growth hosted by the Complex Trauma Training Center, as well as opportunities for stronger community engagement and support. About Sabrena Ness: Sabrena Ness is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) in Utah and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wyoming. Sabrena is the Clinical Director at LifeStance Health in Utah and has been with LifeStance since 2021. She also serves as a Co-Chair for the Pacific Northwest region of LifeStance’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) chapter, where she focuses on fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Sabrena specializes in complex developmental trauma and complex PTSD, working with individuals and couples across the lifespan. She is particularly dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent populations, creating affirming and effective therapeutic spaces. She is a NARM Therapist and participates as a Training Assistant in NARM Trainings, reinforcing her commitment to advancing trauma-informed care. Her work emphasizes innovative leadership, continuous improvement, and a deep dedication to mental health advocacy. Learn More: Lifestance Health About Alex White: Alex White’s career spans more than 15 years in the mental health field, throughout which he has been continually inspired by the transformative power of the therapeutic process. A NARM Master Therapist, Alex first joined the NARM community in 2020 and has served as a Training Assistant in NARM Trainings since 2022. Alex has worked with diverse populations across various settings, with a particular focus on the unique complexities of trauma work with adults (18+). He currently runs a private practice in Salt Lake City, Utah, focusing on issues such as religious trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, compassion fatigue, burnout, shame, relationship difficulties, and masculinity. He is also an adjunct faculty in the MS Counseling Program at Westminster University. Learn More: Alex White Counseling & Consulting To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in...