Transforming Trauma: Episode 179

Each year brings a chance to pause and reflect, and this episode offers a unique window into the evolving landscape of trauma therapy grounded in community and relationship. Instead of fixating on clinical perfection, this conversation circles back to being fully present—both for clients and one another in the CTTC professional community. As the hosts exchange highlights, memorable insights, and personal connections, a deeper picture emerges of healing as a collective, ever-adaptable journey.

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth sits down with Brad Kammer, psychotherapist and Training Director at the Complex Trauma Training Center, for a dynamic, wide-ranging year-end recap of the Transforming Trauma podcast. Together, they revisit powerful episodes and candidly unpack what stood out, from the practical wisdom shared by colleagues to the creativity and courage driving trauma work forward in diverse communities. The conversation touches on the different trainings and programs that CTTC offers, the influence of faculty origin stories, the cross-pollination of spiritual traditions, and the essential role of relational presence, inviting listeners to join in the ongoing evolution of the trauma field.

Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC, serves as Training Director and Senior Trainer at CTTC, where he oversees professional development and mentorship for clinicians working with complex trauma. He’s the co-author of “The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma” and the newly released “Workbook for Healing Developmental Trauma”, the creator of the SPACE Inner Development Program for Therapists, a senior trainer in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), and the executive producer behind Transforming Trauma.

One theme running throughout is the how therapists can embody and model compassionate presence. As Emily recalls, “Therapists don’t heal through perfection. We heal through presence.” Brad echoes the impact of these words, describing how role models and origin stories within the therapist community underscore the value of transparency and shared humanity. The guests also celebrate creativity in applying trauma frameworks: “It’s fun to hear about how people are taking this clinical framework and applying it in different ways,” Brad says, from school settings to the criminal justice system. The dialogue highlights how diverse practitioners, whether coming from spiritual or depth psychological backgrounds, are challenging old paradigms and building more inclusive, adaptive communities of healing. As Emily Ruth notes, “This work is for all of us. It doesn’t matter what model we’re using.”

The discussion moves seamlessly from honoring those who pioneered the field, such as Dr. Judith Herman, to spotlighting therapists active in schools, correctional systems, and social justice initiatives. Whether revisiting formative early career experiences or uplifting marginalized voices, the episode reinforces the central idea that “we heal through presence.”

Deep gratitude for those who have contributed their stories, vulnerability, and mentorship on the podcast in 2025—not just as experts, but as fellow travelers. Emily Ruth and Brad close with appreciation for the production team and an open invitation to the community to keep shaping the podcast as a free, dynamic resource. The spirit of collaboration and curiosity feels stronger than ever, carrying forward the podcast’s mission to make trauma healing accessible and deeply relational to all who need it.