Category: Transforming Trauma Podcast

Context is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by those in recovery from complex trauma perpetuated by religious leaders and authoritarian systems of spirituality. That’s especially true regarding former members of Black Christian communities where the church represents more than just a home for shared worship. How do we support folks extricating themselves from patriarchal traditions, initially adopted as a survival mechanism, so that they may reclaim a life and spiritual practice based on agency?

In this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth invites Vanessa R. Brooks, MA, a doctoral candidate studying the efficacy of mental health training intervention for African American clergy, to reflect on her experiences in and out of the Black church. The pair also discuss the stigma and disparities that marginalized communities must navigate to access culturally competent mental health resources. 

“Institutionally and systemically, Black people don’t have anywhere else to go,” Vanessa explains. “We have the church; it’s the one place where we feel like we are not the minority, where our culture is embraced, and we can be ourselves.” The generational ties that bind Black communities to mostly Evangelical Christian traditions go back to the earliest days of slavery in America. Enslaved people took the religion forced upon them by enslavers and reshaped it into an outlet for their own unspeakable trauma. 

While Christianity provided some solace, Vanassa points out that enslaved people were still worshiping within an authoritarian framework. “As African American believers, we still have that trauma in our DNA that makes us more inclined to focus on oppression to where it’s almost glorified.” Deliverance ministry and prosperity gospel are two such principles within the Black church, says Vanessa, that preach fault with zeal rather than compassion and mental well-being. “I’m trying to stop the cycle.”

Fortunately, Vanessa has witnessed a gradual shift towards mental health support. “The stigma is so deeply ingrained within us as African American people.” She remains hopeful as more folks recoup their agency from patriarchal congregations and embark on journeys of self-realization. “I don’t think people understand the importance of just being able to make decisions for yourself, using your intuition, autonomy, and self-governance. It’s so rewarding!”

Transforming Trauma appreciates Vanessa’s role in reconnecting folks to their divine.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Darren M. Slade, PhD

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Vanessa R. Brooks, MA, is a Doctoral Candidate completing a research study on mental health & the Black Church and the lack of evidence-based mental health counseling methods that can be integrated with biblical counseling.

Here’s a challenge that all mental professionals face: no provider is immune to misdiagnosing a client. This likelihood increases if that client presents with symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Even an accurate, timely diagnosis and treatment of DID isn’t without its complications. Treating the disorder requires therapists to confront the often disturbing realities of a client’s trauma and the possibility of countertransference. But rather than become mired in self-doubt, or helplessness in the face of lack of understanding and available treatment and referral options, one therapist encourages her fellow clinicians to expand their curiosity and learning of DID. She invites the NARM principles of consent, relational attunement, and agency to guide this complex therapeutic relationship.

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes back Erin Lewis-Gibson, MS, LCMHC. In addition to being a NARM Master Therapist and educator, Erin is CFO and co-owner of NC Cutting Edge Counseling, PLLC, a North Carolina-based practice specializing in dissociative disorders. Together, they explore the evolution of DID as a diagnosis and its treatment, the effects of social media on fictive personalities within a client’s organizing system, and Erin’s desire to reduce the global stigma attached to DID. Emily and Erin also discuss the positive impact that NARM has on creating a more consensual, relational and effective therapeutic environment, thus providing folks with DID the support they need to ensure their best quality of life.

“We’ve all misdiagnosed DID. While that can and does cause harm, I think we need to have compassion around this. I have DID, and I’ve misdiagnosed this before,” Erin confides, adding, “I mean, I’ve missed it completely!” As a result, she’s dedicated much of her career to providing clinicians with the practical knowledge they need to more accurately diagnose DID.

Erin favors a NARM-informed approach to treating DID because the modality provides clinicians with a framework by which they can hold space for self-inquiry without forcing agendas and outcomes onto the client. “[DID] is a complicated problem,” she concedes. “NARM is really great, here, to not pressure yourself to be everything for these clients. You just can’t.” 

Transforming Trauma appreciates Erin’s openness, compassion, and commitment to educating clinicians on DID. 

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

We’re also pleased to announce NARM & Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder, Part 2: Exploring Relationships Between Self, Parts and NARM Therapist, an in-depth webinar featuring Erin Lewis-Gibson and hosted by CTTC Training Director Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC.

Register to join us live on Zoom:

February 29, 2024 

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time

If you found this episode AFTER February 29, please click here to learn how you can access the recording.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Sheppard Pratt

McLean Hospital

Sanare

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TT043: Using NARM to Decrease the Stigma of Dissociative Identity Disorder with Erin Lewis

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Erin Lewis-Gibson, MS, LCMHC, CFO, NARM Master Therapist is a dissociative disorders specialist living and working in North Carolina. She aims to educate therapists on how to diagnose and treat dissociative disorders and to reduce the global stigma of DID.

What comes to mind when someone mentions military trauma? Brian Peter Monson, a veteran and graduate student pursuing his clinical mental health counseling degree, observes that many active duty military personnel enter into the armed services navigating the same aspects of complex trauma as civilians ––familial, religious, disaster, childhood–– while also confronting the short and long-term effects of combat stress.   

In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily invites Brian Peter to share his experience serving in the military with unresolved developmental trauma and the paradox of observing one’s faith while carrying out methods of interrogation. The pair also discuss the overwhelming somatic events that led Brian Peter to NARM training and a more fulfilling career assisting others with complex trauma.

Brian Peter’s story is a complicated one to tell, made more so by the presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in his life and its influence on his commitment to service. Brian Peter’s seamless transition from overseas LDS mission trips to military intelligence – and specifically, interrogation – came courtesy of his strong interpersonal skills and aptitude for languages.

But the often disturbing realities of interrogation work wore on Brian Peter’s morals and mental health. “It was easier for me to be doing this nasty interrogation spy work because it was that little boy trying to survive,” he admits. “The shift came from getting out of the military where those survival skills were no longer useful.”

Brian Peter now considers himself in full “re-survival” mode. He credits NARM with helping him reconnect with his authentic self, recommit to his community, and respond to the needs of those with military combat and religious traumas. Brian Peter says that NARM fits like glue between all other modalities. “If somebody’s considering taking NARM, the focus is on how NARM produces folks with the tools that they can go out and help people in the most effective and kind ways.”

Transforming Trauma is humbled by Brian Peter’s honesty and vulnerability. His story represents the radical intra- and interpersonal shifts that can occur when NARM is included as a treatment option for trauma-informed care, regardless of setting. 

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Brian Peter Monson is completing his Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Degree after switching careers from years in public service and non-profit work. Peter specializes particularly in military/combat and religious trauma work.

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Strong Hope 

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Michael Niconchuk, a neuroscience researcher, practitioner, and author working at the intersection of forced migration, trauma recovery, and peacebuilding. The pair discuss the critical shortage of culturally competent mental health care in conflict areas, using laypeople to close that gap, and addressing power dynamics in the client-caregiver relationship. They also explore tensions between the gatekeeping of trauma-informed language by professionals and its overuse by social media influencers and underskilled providers.

Michael and Brad reflect on and discuss their experiences working in humanitarian efforts around the world.  “I’ve been slapped in the face with the cold hand of humility quite a few times,” admits Michael, describing the challenges he’s faced while advocating for increased accessibility to culturally aware trauma-focused care for persons affected by violent conflicts in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkans. “The depth of difference between how a young Muslim refugee understands the self, the soul, the heart, and suffering compared to the average secular American therapist,” he says, “is really significant.”

Michael and Brad challenge the Western and American-centric perspectives that often permeate international aid, and how in their work they both focused on human to human relationships, as opposed to imposing principles and methods that may not be aligned with the local people they are in relationship with.  Michael expresses dissatisfaction over the reluctance of aid groups to utilize local laypeople in some circumstances as a way to alleviate the provider shortage. “I understand the deep ethical obligation of rigorous training, but even the WHO is moving towards adequate training of lay providers to provide certain subclinical interventions in environments where there’s a scarcity of professionals,” he says––a sentiment that closely mirrors NARM’s commitment to expanding trauma-informed training access.

After spending years on the frontline, Michael is transitioning to a more strategic role, shaping global trauma care policy on a larger scale. “I’m deeply committed to how we understand what healing means,” he says, noting that the generational effects of conflict are significant and must be identified and addressed. Members of his family suffered under guerrilla intimidation during the Guatemalan Civil War. Years later, Michael worked with folks who identified as combatants in that conflict, activating familial triggers while galvanizing his professional focus. “That experience confirmed that I wanted to work on the long-term political, social, and personal implications of conflict-related trauma.”

Transforming Trauma is inspired by Michael’s dedication to providing effective trauma-informed support to those affected by violent conflict, extremism, and displacement. We thank him for chronicling the challenges of treating complex trauma within conflict zones and championing the training of culturally aware lay persons.

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Beyond Conflict

Questscope

The Field Guide For Barefoot Psychology

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Michael Niconchuk is a researcher and practitioner at the intersection of psychological trauma recovery, migration, and violence prevention. Trained in security studies, international relations, and social cognition, Michael has worked for more than a decade in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans to support local capacities to offer evidence-based care for persons affected by violent conflict, extremism, and displacement. This includes extensive work on innovative community programs and policy to support the healing and wholeness of folks affected by the Syrian conflict as well as the return and rehabilitation of the families of foreign terrorist fighters in the Middle East. He is the author of The Field Guide for Barefoot Psychology and numerous publications on mental health, identity-based violence, and migration.

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Former NFL player and speaker Gaelin Elmore believes that childhood trauma changes the rules of the game for youth, making interaction with well-intentioned adults difficult. While teachers, therapists, and caregivers of all sorts are poised to provide the most enduring assistance, the prospect of building sincere, purposeful relationships with children and teens can challenge even the most dedicated professionals. 

In this episode of Transforming Trauma, Gaelin and Emily Ruth reflect on ways adults can foster atmospheres of belonging thereby positively influencing the lives of young people. Using his own life as a case study, Gaelin shares his personal history with complex childhood trauma and honors the adults who changed the trajectory of his life for good. The pair also explore parallels between Gaelin’s work and the heart-centered approach NARM employs to reignite one’s capacity for self-love and strengthen interpersonal connections. 

“The neuroscience of trauma lessons are: it lowers our brain’s ability to think of an extended future; it changes how we process and understand the things happening right in front of us.” Gaelin experienced complex trauma for much of his childhood. Despite this extreme adversity, he went on to play college football, graduated early with honors, and signed an NFL contract. Today, Gaelin is a national keynote speaker, trainer, and advocate working with adults and professionals who want to help children overcome trauma and unleash their potential through belonging. 

As Gaelin explains, belonging is the central driver of transformational healing, a fundamental need in all humans to find acceptance, and a portal through which we discover meaning. “Football became a primary pathway for me to experience belonging,” Gaelin says. But smaller everyday interactions with teachers, janitors, and bus drivers also had an effect on his development. Unfortunately, too many adults give up on children before ever forging that connection, becoming reactive to and discouraged by layers of protection that a child with C-PTSD might assume to keep themselves safe. Gaelin helps adults understand the child’s perspective and encourages environments where all parties can co-define what it means to belong.

Transforming Trauma is grateful to Gaelin for his openness and commitment to educating those who serve children with C-PTSD. 

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Gaelin Elmore experienced complex trauma for most, if not all, of his childhood. Despite extreme childhood adversity, Gaelin played college football, graduated early, with honors, and signed an NFL contract. Now, as a national keynote speaker, trainer, and advocate, Gaelin works with adults and professionals who want to help children overcome trauma and unleash their potential through belonging.

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