The Trauma & Mental Health Report Podcast

E17: Making Sense of Madness

In this episode, Trauma Report writer Azin Dastpak interviews Emma Goude, an award winning filmmaker and author of the book “My Beautiful Psychosis: Making Sense of Madness”.  Having been admitted to psychiatric care seven times as a result of psychosis, Emma has written her book to change the perception of psychosis as a stigmatizing illness. Emma has a passion for dancing tango and is currently living in Buenos Aires where she has a weekly Vlog.

E16: How Good Communication Affects Mental Health

In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Alexandra Vesia interviews psychotherapist Loren Harssar from Harssar’s Holistics to learn about effective tools for communication and conflict resolution. A significant topic considered throughout this interview is how communicating our needs to others can strengthen our current relationships and help create healthier relationships in our lives. One factor for managing conflict when it comes to effective communication includes having a sense of compassion and a drive for understanding. Listen to Loren speak about some key skills for communication. 

E15: Healing from a Narcissistic Parent

What are some signs that you might have a narcissistic parent? In today’s episode, Trauma Report Writer Promise Busulwa sat down with narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula to learn about some signs that your parent may be narcissistic, as well as ways to cope with and heal from narcissistic parenting. This engaging conversation will take you on a journey from childhood to adulthood and unpack the story of how the narcissistic dynamic develops.

E14: How Is Trauma Stored In Our Body?

In this episode, Trauma Report writer Fatmah Jahim speaks with Dr. Pat Ogden, a pioneer in Somatic Psychology and a leading expert in working through the body to resolve trauma. She is also the founder of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, an internationally recognized school specializing in somatic-cognitive approaches for PTSD. Dr. Ogden explains the purpose of Sensorimotor therapy and ways to recognize psychological and physical unconscious behaviours and habits which may arise due to traumatic experiences.

E13: Dr. Gabor Mate – The Human Experience

In this episode, Trauma Report writer Eleni Neofytou speaks with renowned speaker and author Dr. Gabor Mate about his new book The Myth of Normal: Illness and Health in an Insane Culture, and his thoughts on the human experience. Dr. Mate explains the importance of looking at the big picture in questions of mental health, including the connection between physiology and relationships, and the effect that our society has on individual well-being.

E12: The Polyvagal Theory’s Rhythm of Regulation in Therapy

In this episode Trauma Report writer Lotus Huyen Vu interviews Deb Dana, a Clinical Social Worker and the creator of the Rhythm of Regulation therapy program.  Sometimes called the Pied Piper of the Polyvagal Theory, Dana adapted the theory into a system for clinical practice.  She is the author of three books on The Polyvagal Theory clinical applications, including “The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation”. The polyvagal theory was founded by Stephen Porges, a researcher on physiology who uses the theory to establish the psychological foundation for the understanding of trauma. This comprehensive theory establishes a scientific basis for the understanding of trauma in human physiology.

E11: How Gut Bacteria Impacts Our Brain and Mental Health

Did you know that the trillions of bacteria in the human gut have a surprisingly big impact on our mental health? This week, Trauma Report writer Sharon Bae speaks with Dr. Ted Dinan - University College Cork professor, psychiatrist, co-author of The Psychobiotic Revolution, and lead investigator at the APC Microbiome Ireland Research Centre. They discuss the microbiome-gut-brain axis, its relationship with mental health, and what the gut-brain connection means for the future of mental health intervention. 

E10: Adapting the Social Work Relationship in Response to COVID-19

In this episode, Trauma Report writer Llewellyn Boggs interviews Wendy Shama, a social worker in the immunology clinic at Sick Kids Hospital. Shama discusses how patients and families are responding to changes in social work practice due to COVID-19. Tune in to find out how social workers are adapting to these unprecedented times, and the progress the community is making despite the challenges.

E9: Intimacy and Dating During the Pandemic

Our methods of relating to others have shifted as we manage the new norms of a world in the midst of a global pandemic. In episode two of the COVID-19 and relationships series, Trauma Report writer Chiara Gianvito interviews Eliza Boquin, a licensed psychotherapist and sex therapist based in Houston, Texas. Tune into this interesting conversation to gain an understanding of the importance of our connections with others.

E8: Relationships During a Global Pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our lives have been altered or changed in some capacity.  So have our relationships with loved ones.  In this episode, Trauma Report writer Chiara Gianvito interviews Liz Earnshaw, a practicing licensed marriage and family therapist and complex grief therapist. The discussion provides insight into different ways in which families have been managing pandemic related stressors.