The Trauma & Mental Health Report Podcast

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.

E7: Music Therapy Brings Healing to Inmates

How much do you know about music therapy? Many of us are able to find comfort and enjoyment in listening to, playing, or creating music, yet we don’t often speak about music as a form of professional therapy. In this episode, Trauma Report writer Promise Busulwa interviews Composer and Social Worker Alexandra Pajak about her experience as a music therapist working with women in the American prison system. She also talks about how these experiences influenced her latest album “Mind Electric”, which is made up of classical pieces composed to represent different types of mental illnesses.

E6: Making Sense of ‘Not Criminally Responsible’ as a Defense

In this episode, criminal defence lawyer Raymond Boggs discusses people who use the 'Not Criminally Responsible by Reason of Mental Disorder' (NCRMD) as a defence, and their recidivism rates for future crimes. Tune into this week’s podcast to learn about the legal issues surrounding this specific form of legal defence, as well as the impact it has on the people who use it.

E5: Confronting the Stigma of HIV: The Story of Ashley Rose Murphy

In this episode, Trauma Report writer Emma Bennet speaks with Ashley Rose Murphy, an ambassador for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR). Born with HIV/AIDS, Ashley Rose Murphy uses her story to educate communities about the reality of living with this infamous immune disease. Tune in and to listen to Ashley speak bravely about her past, how she uses her lived experiences to spread positivity and awareness, and how she helps others learn to confront the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

E4: Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Deanna Gisborne speaks with Stephi Lee, who shares her experiences of living with cystic fibrosis and how it has affected her mental health. Stephi describes how her life has changed dramatically since the first treatment for cystic fibrosis, Trikafta, has been released, and how she uses her YouTube channel to share snippets of her life. Tune in to this week’s podcast to hear Stephi’s story.

E3: Compassion and Altruism

Author, neurosurgeon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. James Doty shares his unique story of an encounter with a woman in a magic shop that drastically changed his life, ultimately leading him to where he is today. This week, Trauma Report writer Eleni Neofytou speaks with Dr. Doty about his experiences. Listen to learn more about Dr. Doty’s compelling story, and his research into compassion and altruism.