Transforming Trauma: Episode 082

In this episode of Transforming Trauma, our host Emily is joined by psychotherapist, NARM Therapist and founder of Resilience Austin, Kimberley Mead. With a personal history that allows her a unique connection with clients, Kimberley uses a relational and somatic framework in working with grief and loss, C-PTSD, and adults of adoption.

Kimberley always knew that she wanted to focus on adults of adoption, and specifically sought out training in how to address grief and trauma, aware that those feelings exist in many adoptees’ experience. It is very important to her to humanize the experience of adoption. She shares the perspective that “Adoption isn’t a villain, but it’s also not a fairytale. It amplifies our childhood environment, our childhood wounds […] No adoptive parent wants to sit with the idea that this child already comes with some type of pain and when they do embrace it, I think it has a better outcome for the child.” 

When Kimberley began studying NARM and applying it in her practice, she experienced a great shift with her clients. Kimberley finds transformative power in the 1st Pillar in NARM.  She says, “This question [about what a client wants for themselves] is challenging. We are asking, you know, something new of you. Which is something that they hadn’t experienced before or had been a trap before, which was for them to really connect to what they most wanted…and say what they wanted and not have it denied, have their voice amplified rather than left alone or othered.” Kimberley finds grounding in these moments by remembering that through this process what matters most is being present and understanding, describing herself as the bumpers on a bowling lane designed to help keep her clients from falling into the gutter. 

We invite you to listen to the full episode to hear more about Kimberley Mead’s work. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have Kimberley share her story and how she uses NARM to help clients reconnect to themselves underneath the wounds of their childhood. 

About:

Kimberley is a therapist in Austin, Texas supporting individuals emerging from trauma and grief. She specializes in working with the complexities and lasting impact of early attachment disruptions and complex developmental trauma. As an adopted person, she is passionate about facilitating an open dialogue about the adoption experience and healing.

Learn More: 

https://kmeadcounseling.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kmeadcounseling