Science of the Soul

Why Some Clients Stay Stuck | Trauma, Culture & Meaning

In this episode of Science of the Soul, I sit down with fellow counsellor and podcast host Brodie Read from The Best Approach Podcast for a deep, reflective conversation on transcultural therapy, trauma, and the therapeutic journey. With his thoughtful and curious lens as a mental health professional, Brodie invites me to unpack how culture, identity, and meaning-making influence the way we understand and process pain.

Together, we explore the complexities of working with grief, trauma, and “stuckness” in clients, as well as the philosophical underpinnings that guide my practice—such as Heidegger’s concept of “thrownness” and the mind-body divide in healing. We also dive into what it means to support clients who have lost hope, and why sometimes, simply being present is the most radical act of care.

Whether you're a therapist, social worker, psychologist, or someone on a healing path, this conversation offers rich insights into culturally informed practice, the emotional weight of trauma, and the everyday courage it takes to sit with suffering.

Tune in for a grounded and soulful dialogue on what it really means to walk beside someone in their darkest moments—and how culture, compassion, and curiosity can light the way forward.

Contact Brodie Read through via LinkedIn

Storytelling, Trauma & Resilience | With Dr. Daryl Sparks

In this episode of Science of the Soul, I engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. Daryl Sparks, a seasoned lecturer at an Australian university with a diverse background in film, anthropology, journalism, and more. Dr. Sparks shares insights into his idyllic and trauma-free upbringing, contrasting it with the experiences of many who face significant challenges in life. Together, we explore the importance of human connection, resilience, and how one's life experiences shape perspectives on trauma and adversity.

The discussion touches on the therapeutic process, the power of empathy, and the role of relationships in navigating life's complexities. Dr. Sparks reflects on his extensive career in media and academia, offering a unique perspective on the human psyche and the extraordinary stories he has encountered along the way.

So, join us as we delve into the nuances of resilience, the societal shifts in understanding trauma, and the lessons learned from a life seemingly untouched by hardship. Whether you're keen on psychological insights or simply enjoy a good story, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Exploring Art, Architecture, and Emotional Connections with Dr. Guillermo Aranda-Mena

Welcome to Science of the Soul, where Dr. Guillermo Aranda-Mena and
I traverse through his journey from architecture to art.

Dr. Aranda-Mena, a university professor and artist, shares his experiences teaching architecture in Italy, the creative process of his art exhibitions, and how his artwork has reconnected him with communities.

Dive into the discussion about the impact of art on mental health, emotional intelligence, and optimizing spaces within workplaces to foster well-being and creativity. We talk about the psychology of space, the role of nature and art, technology and mental health, optimizing workplaces for wellbeing and so much more!

We also discuss his book published in 2019 with his colleague Edward Finch called Creating Emotionally Intelligent Workspaces: A Design Guide to Office Chemistry.

With anecdotes from his travels and the personal story of his 50 paintings exhibition celebrating each year of his life, this episode is a touching exploration of art's transformative power.

Facilitating Trauma Recovery: The Culturally Informed Trauma Workbook

In this episode of "Science of the Soul," join host myself and my podcast editor Will as we delve into the creation and impact of my latest publication, "The Culturally Informed Trauma Workbook." This digital resource is designed to support individuals in therapy by providing a culturally relevant lens to understanding and healing from trauma.

We explain the significance of integrating cultural contexts into trauma work, highlighting how this approach can enhance healing and personal growth. The workbook, tailored for individuals familiar with therapy and mental health practitioners, offers a blend of psychoeducation (videos, texts, quizzes, images) and interactive exercises that acknowledge the diverse cultural backgrounds of Australia's transcultural society.

Discover how this innovative resource empowers people to draw on their cultural strengths and unique blends, fostering a more inclusive and supportive therapeutic environment. I also share insights into the upcoming modules of the workbook, which will focus on present and future growth, promising to guide users toward a more content and meaningful life.

Tune in to learn more about how this valuable resource scaffolds trauma healing and find out how you can access it to enhance your clients' or your own journey of self-discovery and recovery.

Exploring Virtue and Growth: Journeying with A Therapist, Teacher & Researcher

Join me as I delve into the intricacies of mental health, therapy, and the human psyche. In this episode, I welcome Jim Schirmer, a therapist, lecturer, and writer with a unique blended background in psychology, counselling, philosophy, ethics, and theology. 

Together, we explore the intersection of these fields with psychotherapy and discuss the importance of virtues in therapeutic practice. He highlights the significant impact of the therapist's personality on therapy outcomes, noting that therapist effects can influence up to 10% of therapy success. 

Jim shares his journey from youth work to academia, highlighting the rewarding experiences of teaching and practicing counseling. He reflects on the significant role of virtues like honesty, courage, and compassion in therapy, as well as their broader application in daily life. The conversation also touches on the challenges and complexities of ethical dilemmas and how virtues can guide practitioners and individuals alike.

We then further discuss the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth and the nuanced understanding of trauma and adversity. We examine the concept of virtues as ideals that regulate behavior and how they can help navigate life's perplexities.

This insightful episode offers a fresh perspective on personal and professional development, encouraging listeners to embrace the transformative power of virtues.

Weddings and Funerals: A Celebrant's Insight into Love and Life

Join me with Stacey Morris, a seasoned marriage and funeral celebrant, as she shares her inspiring 16-year journey into celebrancy, sparked by her own wedding experience.

Stacey tells us about her unique profession as we dive deep into the art of personalizing ceremonies, building connections, and compares her approaches between weddings and funerals.

She reflects on the sanctity of marriage, the impact of mental health, and the crucial role of self-care for supporters. 

Stacey shed her insight on:
- Differences between the emotional landscapes of weddings and funerals in terms of love and loss
- Navigating mental health challenges within marriage, including PTSD and postnatal depression (PND)
- Offers practical advice for early-stage couples on maintaining a healthy, evolving relationship, and
- Highlights the essential role of community, communication, and support systems in marriage.

We also:

- Explore the impact of past experiences on current relationships, and

- Reflect on the different experiences of couples who get married early versus later in life.

Finally, Stacey and I explore the importance of community, open communication, and evolving with your partner to sustain a healthy relationship.

 

You can find Stacey on:

Instagram - @sunny_coast_celebrant

Facebook – @staceymorriscelebrant

Website – www.staceymorriscelebrant.com.au

Grief as a VERB: Healing Through the Power of Movement

In this episode, I’m excited to introduce Richmond, a pioneering physiotherapist and founder of TRE Australia. Richmond is at the forefront of neurogenic or spontaneous movement, boasting a background in mental health, youth suicide prevention, and an Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal Studies. He's also the creator of the world's first online TRE course. 

In this insightful conversation, we delve into the world of TRE, which stands for Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises. Richmond explains how simple exercises can lead to muscle fatigue, triggering natural shaking and trembling. These neurogenic tremors are not signs of weakness but the body’s way of dissipating tension and stress, aiding in calming the nervous system.

We also explore the cultural perspectives on shaking and trembling, contrasting Western stigmatization with the acceptance and utilization of these natural processes in other cultures. Richmond shares fascinating examples from the Kalahari Bushmen to traditional Swahili midwives, highlighting the importance of allowing the body to release stress naturally.

Join us as we discuss:

- the balance between control and surrender

- the physiological aspects of grief and loss

- integrating grief and trauma

- the role of movement when processing emotions

- grief and psychedelics

- grief as a verb

- the physiology of laughter and crying

- and how practices like TRE can help us reconnect with our bodies, move through trauma, and embrace life's inevitable challenges.

Tune in for a deep dive into the body's natural healing processes and learn how to flow through life’s ups and downs.

 

To reach Richmond and access his free courses and podcasts:

Free online TRE course

www.trecourse.com

Free podcasts & presentations from Richmond https://www.treaustralia.com/free-resources/

Contact Richmond 

www.treaustralia.com

 

 

Wholeness: The Role of spirituality in Mental Wellbeing

In this podcast I talk to Tom Schmidt, a university Chaplain Coordinator. Tom studied theology, and sheds light on how spirituality influences one’s mental health. We discuss a contemplative meditation practice, Lectio Divina and the role of spirituality in mental wellbeing. 

Tom takes us through a perspective shift, highlighting the function of faith in one’s sense of self, and purposefulness in life. Together, we discuss how various other wisdom traditions informs our spirituality and subsequently mental health.

Tom insightfully uses various metaphors to illuminate topics of: 

• The spiritual practice of Lectio Divina
• Bargaining with God as a result of purely dogmatic spiritual practice
• The concept of Wholeness
• The function of Wholeness
• Relationships with self and the divine
• Science and Faith

Lifestyle Medicine & Embracing Transculturalism

Lisa Hoy-Chiang is a university counsellor and project manager, in charge of embedding mental wellness and wellbeing in university curriculum across various courses. She supervises research students, and authored a book for young people titled "Restful Adventures: A Guide to Deliberate Rest for Children." Lisa is a Certified Nutritionist and also holds Board Certification and Fellowship for Lifestyle Medicine. 

 

Lisa explains to us what Lifestyle Medicine is, what it looks like in community, and how it has been in practice throughout human history, as observed in the Blue Zones. 

 

We delve into the importance of fostering authentic relationships in our communities for our wellbeing. We explored cultural messages and norms around vulnerabilities, stigmas, and discussed the role of food in strengthening social connections. 

 

We talked about cultural love languages and how food and acts of service have been an integral expression of love for many collectivist cultures. We addressed the blending cultures, drawing the valuable traditions of various cultures into our way of being as a transcultural person. 

 

Lisa and I shared our ancestry and how they colour our approaches in life, and our paradigms. We also delved into the functions of virtues such as compassion, intentionality, and humility in order to bridge cultural differences and improve psychological wellbeing. 

 

The second half of the podcast addressed more practical strategies for wellbeing such as exercise, sleep, socialisation, and diet. Lisa shed light upon some surprising research on exercise:

- autonomy on exercise (negatively geared)

- types of exercises that benefit different genders

- traditional group exercises

 

Lisa and I also speak to the importance of sleep, and how it affects our emotional and psychological wellbeing. 

 

We also impart other actionable nuggets of wisdom such as:

- an ancient premeditation practice for anxiety management,

- rituals to shift spatial spaces and maintain psychological clarity,

- disciplining the mind around work and rest, 

- setting boundaries within the home

 

We hope you found this episode enlightening, engaging, and applicable. 

 

You can find Lisa Hoy-Chiang on all social media platforms: 

linktr.ee/wellmind.insight

Her book, Restful Adventures, can be found on Amazon and is available in print and eBook.

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CW2YJFLR?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_7CZE3A13CKK90A80C8QY

Appreciating People with Disabilities & Demystifying Narcissism

Dr Karenne Hills was once a registered nurse before switching over to a career in counselling. She has been a counsellor for 25 years, a lecturer of counselling for 11 years, and her areas of expertise and interest are in children and adults with disabilities. 

 

In this podcast, Dr Karenne Hills provided a deeply empathetic and educated exploration two major issues: Making meaning with people with disabilities and demystifying narcissism. The initial part of the podcast explored:

how she conducted research with non-verbal poets,

her journey as a mother raising two children with disabilities, 

how she made meaning from her struggles, and

how she recognised the gifts and value of people with disabilities. 

 

The rest of the podcast dives into the clinical definitions of narcissism, the types of narcissism, the psychological makeup of people with narcissistic personality disorders, how narcissism develops, and how it manifests. 

 

Dr Karenne speculated over how narcissism manifests due to gender differences, highlights how strongly narcissism impacts the family, influences of family of origin, and lead to the development of codependency in intimate partners. She also talks about:

the patterns that develop within the individuals and families living with a narcissistic personality,

what couple counselling looks like,  

growing up with narcissistic parents, and

the general consensus amongst experts on such relationships. 

 

Our conversation later delves into whether psychedelics would be able to attain ego dissolution for people with narcissistic personality disorders, as well as how intimate partners psychologically and emotionally suffer from an ever-shifting reality.

 

Finally, Dr Karenne Hills leaves us with sound advice drawn from lived experience and evidence-based research on how to deal with narcissistic partners.

 

To learn more about how to navigate your communication with family members who you suspect have narcissistic personality disorders, visit the podcast link below by Rick Hanson & Forrest Hanson: 

Being Well Podcast: Understanding Narcissism and Narcissistic Traits with Dr. Craig Malkin

https://rickhanson.com/being-well-podcast-understanding-narcissism-and-narcissistic-traits-with-dr-craig-malkin/