What does it take to truly thrive after experiencing trauma? And how does trauma shape us in ways we might not even realize?

These are questions that hit close to home for me, especially as someone who has walked the incredibly challenging healing road after sexual trauma. That’s why I’m especially excited to share this conversation with you.

In this episode I am so honored to share with you an interview I did in 2019 with Dr. Thema Bryant, who’s such an inspiring and powerful voice in the field of trauma recovery. Her approach is a unique blend of psychology, spirituality, and embodied healing practices.

In the conversation, we explore the nuances of interpersonal trauma and why it often impacts survivors differently than other types of trauma. Dr. Thema also emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural context and how oppression plays a significant role in trauma, and the healing process. Her insights on reclaiming sexuality and reconnecting with the body after trauma were especially meaningful to me, and I believe they’ll resonate with many of you who are survivors of sexual trauma. And if you’re not a survivor, but are close to someone that is, especially if you’re in a romantic partnership with them, my hope is that this will help bring more awareness as to how to support your partner and navigate your shared intimacy with greater understanding.

Here’s a sneak peak into the conversation:

• Why interpersonal trauma hits so differently—how it feels like it steals a piece of you and what it takes to heal from that.
• How culture, oppression, and our environments impact healing. (This one is so so important!)
• What it means to truly reclaim your body and sexuality, step by tender step, and how to come home to yourself
• A surprising twist on forgiveness
• How sharing our trauma stories can be a profound and powerful step towards healing and why
• How important it is to address embodied healing as survivors, not just talk therapy

A little bit more about Dr. Thema Bryant:

Dr. Thema Bryant completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Duke University and her post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical Center’s Victims of Violence Program. Upon graduating, she became the Coordinator of the Princeton University SHARE Program, which provides intervention and prevention programming to combat sexual assault, sexual harassment, and harassment based on sexual orientation. She is currently a tenured professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she directs the Culture and Trauma Research Laboratory. Her clinical and research interests center on interpersonal trauma and the societal trauma of oppression. She is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women and a past APA representative to the United Nations. Dr. Thema also served on the APA Committee on International Relations in Psychology and the Committee on Women in Psychology.

Having earned a master’s of divinity, Dr. Thema is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She directs the mental health ministry at First AME Church in South Los Angeles. Dr. Thema also utilizes sacred dance and spoken word in therapy, community forums, and faith communities. A member of the Association of Black Psychologists, she incorporates culturally based interventions in her teaching, research, and practice. Dr. Thema is the host of the Homecoming Podcast, a mental health podcast to facilitate your journey home to your authentic self.

For more info on Dr. Thema Bryant, go to: https://drthema.com/

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In this episode Gabrielli has a session with Angélica, a social justice educator and mother who’s struggling to hold the weight of the world. Together, they explore what it takes for Angélica to take care of herself when she’s holding so many other people, responsibilities, and the immense grief that arises when she realizes that no matter how much time or energy she gives to others, it’s never going to be enough to address all the suffering in the world.

Angélica has had LaChiara Method Sessions in the past and is a certified LaChiara Method Radical Life Coach.

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Just one more week to Register for our From Surviving to Thriving Course! Check it out here: https://lachiaramethod.com/thrive

Or become a certified LaChiara Method Radical Life Coach if you bundle From Surviving to Thriving and Level 2 - Certification Courses! Get 10% off with coupon code: BUNDLE

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In this episode of the Activate Change Podcast, we are thrilled to introduce a new format blending in-depth interviews alongside our powerful healing sessions. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Richard Schwartz, the pioneer behind Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, in a conversation that promises to open new avenues of self-discovery and healing.

What You'll Learn:

• Understanding IFS: Dive into the basics of Internal Family Systems therapy and discover why it's particularly beneficial for those dealing with trauma.
• Exploring Our Inner Parts: Gain insights into the different 'parts' of ourselves, understand their roles, and learn strategies to harmonize these parts for better internal balance.
• The Power of Self: Explore how connecting with your core self can lead to profound emotional and psychological healing.
• Applying IFS in Daily Life: Hear practical advice on how IFS can be applied to challenges like overwhelm, anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic pain and illness, among many other struggles and what steps you can take to start integrating these practices.
• Overcoming Barriers: Learn how to tackle negative beliefs and energies that obstruct your path to wellbeing.

Special Segment:

• Live IFS Demonstration: Experience the power of IFS firsthand as Dr. Schwartz guides our host, Chloë, through a personal session, offering listeners a unique perspective on how the therapy model works in real time.

For more info on Dr. Richard Schwartz and IFS, go to: https://ifs-institute.com/

Sign up for our FREE Masterclass “From Surviving to Thriving: Unravel Your Trauma & Embrace Your True Potential” here: https://lachiaramethod.com/masterclass/

Doors are now open for our From Surviving to Thriving 10-week Course! Check it out here: https://lachiaramethod.com/thrive

Or become a certified LaChiara Method Radical Life Coach if you bundle From Surviving to Thriving and Level 2 - Certification Courses! Get 10% off with coupon code: BUNDLE

Experience or learn more about the method: https://lachiaramethod.com

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Music by Aly Halpert: https://www.alyhalpert.com/

In this episode Gabrielli has a session with Mell, an almost empty nester unsure about her next phase in life. Having an abusive and gaslighting mother, she struggles to trust herself and lives in constant fear that she’s in trouble, or something bad is right around the corner. Listen, as they explore this deep trauma and continue to listen to her Soul’s guidance.

Mell has extensive experience with the work, and has been in training for over 15 years. She is a certified LaChiara Method Radical Life Coach.

At the end of the episode, Chloe speaks about Identities, how and why they’re created and how to begin to untether from their grip on your life.

Claim your FREE GIFT "The Ultimate Self Care Bundle to Clear Your Energy, Boost Your Vitality & Feed Your Soul" Here: https://lachiaramethod.com/podcast-bundle

Doors are now open for our From Surviving to Thriving Course! Check it out here: https://lachiaramethod.com/thrive

Or become a certified LaChiara Method Radical Life Coach if you bundle From Surviving to Thriving and Level 2 - Certification Courses! Get 10% off with coupon code: BUNDLE

Experience or learn more about the method: https://lachiaramethod.com

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Music by Aly Halpert: https://www.alyhalpert.com/

In this episode Gabrielli has a session with Dakota, who’s not wanting to lose herself to her new relationship. Together, they explore what it takes to cultivate self-love, maintain autonomy, and nurture a thriving partnership that evolves without self-sabotage or fear of loss getting in the way. Dakota has had very limited experience of the method, and this is one of the first sessions she’s had with Gabrielli.

After the session, Chloë shares a simple strategy that can completely transform your relationships. You won’t want to miss it!

Ready to move from surviving to thriving in your life? Join us for our FREE Masterclass Sept 17th at 12pm, EST "From Surviving to Thriving: Unravel Your Trauma and Embrace Your True Potential" - To sign up go to: https://lachiaramethod.com/masterclass/ and yes, there will be a replay!

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Doors are now open for our Level 1 Radical Life Coach Training - Learn the essentials of the LaChiara Method and how to hold peer-to-peer coaching sessions! Check it out here: https://lachiaramethod.com/level-1

Experience or learn more about the method: https://lachiaramethod.com

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Music by Aly Halpert: https://www.alyhalpert.com/

What does it take to rehumanize ourselves by recognizing our inherent worth, power, and divine essence?

In this episode, Chloë debunks the myths of belonging and why it's not about trying to fit in everywhere. She explores how the idea of 'normal' is often a distorted concept that creates unnecessary pressure and self-doubt. Instead of striving for constant ease or comfort, she discusses the importance of embracing discomfort and challenges as part of the human experience.

Ready to move from surviving to thriving in your life? Join us for our FREE Masterclass "From Surviving to Thriving: Unravel Your Trauma and Embrace Your True Potential" - To sign up go to: https://lachiaramethod.com/masterclass/

Claim your FREE GIFT "The Ultimate Self Care Bundle to Clear Your Energy, Boost Your Vitality & Feed Your Soul" Here: https://lachiaramethod.com/podcast-bundle

Doors are now open for our Radical Life Coach Training! Check it out here: https://lachiaramethod.com/level-1

Experience or learn more about the method: https://lachiaramethod.com

Follow us on Tiktok: @lachiara_method

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Music by Aly Halpert: https://www.alyhalpert.com/

In this episode, Gabrielli has a session with Caroline, who’s on the precipice of a big life transition. She’s feeling bored and complacent with her life and part of her wishes she could just be “normal”. Together, they explore what it will take to move beyond the feelings of being trapped, address her fear of standing out, and discover how embracing her authenticity and power can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Caroline has had sessions with Gabrielli in the past and is a certified LaChiara Method Radical Life Coach.

After the session, Chloe talks about when fear means stop and when fear means GO and how to know the difference.

Claim your FREE GIFT "The Ultimate Self Care Bundle to Clear Your Energy, Boost Your Vitality & Feed Your Soul" Here: https://lachiaramethod.com/podcast-bundle

Doors are now open for our Radical Life Coach Training! Check it out here: https://lachiaramethod.com/level-1

Experience or learn more about the method: https://lachiaramethod.com
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Music by Aly Halpert: https://www.alyhalpert.com/

In this episode, Gabrielli has a session with Reina, who’s wanting to explore her resistance to having more on every level - more freedom, more energy, more power, more money. As they delve into the underlying reasons for this resistance, they uncover a traumatic experience from Reina's childhood, leading her to do some profound inner child work.

Reina is deeply familiar with the LaChiara Method, having trained with Gabrielli for over 20 years. She has her own private practice, where she blends her expertise in mindfulness, polyvagal theory, and the LaChiara Method, guiding clients through their own journeys of transformation.

After their session, Chloë speaks about the importance of listening to our bodies, and how being somatically aware and curious can be an incredible gateway to healing. She even offers a guided experience to help you tap into deeper somatic listening.

Claim your FREE GIFT "The Ultimate Self Care Bundle to Clear Your Energy, Boost Your Vitality & Feed Your Soul" Here: https://lachiaramethod.com/podcast-bundle

Experience or learn more about the method: https://lachiaramethod.com

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Music by Aly Halpert: https://www.alyhalpert.com/