The Centre for Healing Podcast

Episode Summary In this powerful and paradigm-shifting conversation, Melissa Hiemann sits down with Dr. Tina Vitolo—licensed clinical social worker, rebel educator, and founder of The Black Sheep Therapist—to explore how therapists can ethically integrate spiritual, somatic, and alternative healing modalities into clinical practice. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite “fit” within traditional mental health systems… this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Tina shares her journey of challenging outdated frameworks in the therapy world and reveals how practitioners can move beyond fear, confusion, and rigid rules—without losing their license or integrity. Together, Melissa and Tina explore what it really means to be an embodied practitioner, how innovation happens in healing, and why the future of mental health lies in integration—not separation. What We Cover in This Episode: What it means to be a “Black Sheep Therapist” and why it’s a gift The hidden limitations within traditional mental health systems The truth about “evidence-based practice” (and what therapists often misunderstand) Whether you can legally and ethically integrate modalities like: Astrology Somatic work Energy healing Breathwork Why therapists fear losing their license—and what’s actually true How to use informed consent, language, and transparency as protection The difference between therapy vs. separate coaching/healing businesses How to integrate alternative modalities within a clinical container The importance of embodiment vs. just learning techniques Why innovation in healing is essential for better client outcomes    Key Takeaways You are licensed—not the modality you use Ethical practice is about transparency, competency, and client choice Evidence-based practice is broader than most therapists think Integration (not separation) is the future of healing Your lived experience and embodiment matter just as much as your training   About Dr. Tina Vitolo Dr. Tina Vitolo is a licensed clinical social worker, rebel educator, and founder of The Black Sheep Therapist—a global community for clinicians who feel called to practice outside the traditional mold. With nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, Tina helps therapists ethically integrate spiritual, somatic, and complementary practices into their work—without fear. She is the creator of the Innovative Practitioner Accelerator (IPA) and author of The Black Sheep Therapist: Integrating Spiritual and Energy-Based Modalities into Clinical Practice.   Connect with Dr. Tina Website: https://www.theblacksheepguide.com Facebook Community: Black Sheep Therapists: Embracing Unconventional Practices in Mental Health https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1G4FWJ6oxo/ Instagram & TikTok: @theblacksheeptherapist  Special Offer: Tina is offering a free ebook download of her book from April 13–15. https://theblacksheepguide.com/book-optin-page

EPISODE SUMMARY In this solo episode, Melissa Hiemann — co-founder of The Centre for Healing and author of Root-Cause Therapy: A Method for True, Lasting Change — shares the story behind her new book, the methodology that took 12 years to develop, and why she believes true, lasting healing can only happen when we address the root, not the symptoms. From her own personal journey through narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, and substance use, to opening a clinic and training practitioners across the world, Melissa unpacks what makes Root-Cause Therapy different from conventional talk therapy and coaching — and why so many people stay stuck even after years of working on themselves. Whether you're on your own healing journey, already in practice, or curious about training in RCT, this episode is for you. ABOUT MELISSA HIEMANN Melissa Hiemann is a trauma-informed healer, certified practitioner trainer, and co-founder of The Centre for Healing — a globally recognised training organisation dedicated to bringing root-cause healing to practitioners and clients worldwide. Melissa is the creator of Root-Cause Therapy and the author of two books, including her latest, *Root-Cause Therapy: A Method for True, Lasting Change*. She is also the co-creator of the Trauma-Informed Manifestation Course and a Trauma-Aware Parenting Course. The Centre for Healing celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2026. LINKS & RESOURCES  📖 Get the book: thecentreforhealing.com/rctbook 🌐 Find an RCT Practitioner near you: thecentreforhealing.com/directory🎓 Explore RCT Practitioner Training: thecentreforhealing.com/ 🎙️ Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Guest: Stacey Webb Author of Embodied Grace and creator of the Embodied Grace Card Deck With a unique background as a former detective, Stacey Webb now guides individuals toward self-compassion, embodied presence, and intuitive trust. Her work supports people in expanding their sense of safety, releasing self-criticism, and stepping fully into themselves with grace. Stacey is the author of three books, with her newest offering, Embodied Grace, inviting readers into a deeper relationship with themselves through softness, awareness, and inner support. In this episode, we explore Stacey’s journey from detective work to the healing space, the realities of writing a book, and what it truly means to embody grace in everyday life. ✨ Key Takeaways The reality of writing a book Writing a book is a deeply transformative process that often requires more patience, resilience, and personal evolution than we initially expect. What “embodied grace” really means It’s about allowing yourself to be supported—by the divine, the universe, or your higher self—and expressing that through grounded presence, humility, and self-love. Healing people-pleasing patterns Moving beyond people-pleasing and weak boundaries often involves addressing deeper fears, such as abandonment and rejection. The power of curiosity over judgment Self-awareness rooted in curiosity (rather than criticism) creates space for real healing and lasting transformation. Small acts of self-love matter Gentle reminders, support systems, and daily acts of compassion toward yourself can significantly shift how you show up in your life. 📚 Resources Mentioned Embodied Grace (book) Embodied Grace Card Deck 🔗 Connect with Stacey Website: https://www.staceywebb.com.au/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_staceywebb/ 

EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Melissa sits down with Josie Cowley and Andrea Crabtree — holistic counsellor and social worker/therapist respectively — to explore why psychoeducation is one of the most powerful things a practitioner can offer their clients. The conversation digs into the real challenges therapists face when precious session time gets eaten up by foundational explanations, and how Josie and Andrea set out to solve that with their video series, Why Do I Feel This Way? From nervous system regulation and subconscious patterns to generational trauma and the power of self-compassion, this episode is packed with insight — whether you're a practitioner wanting to deepen your work, or someone on their own healing journey trying to understand themselves better. KEY TAKEAWAYS Psychoeducation changes everything in the therapy room. When clients arrive already understanding their nervous system and emotional patterns, practitioners can spend less time teaching and more time doing the actual healing work. Josie shared that when a recent client hadn't watched the videos beforehand, she felt the gap immediately — there simply wasn't enough time to cover the education and hold proper space for the work. Co-regulation requires space and slowness. A rushed session affects more than just content — it affects the felt sense of safety in the room. When practitioners aren't scrambling to explain foundational concepts, they can slow down, attune, and offer the kind of regulated presence that is, in itself, deeply therapeutic. You don't have to believe every thought you have. Andrea spoke beautifully about how many of us grew up in a culture that treats thoughts as facts. One of the most liberating shifts the course offers is helping people notice their thoughts with curiosity rather than being pulled into every spiral — not to stop the thoughts, but to build the capacity to sit with them compassionately. Generational trauma explains so much. Josie spoke about how often clients carry pain that isn't even theirs — inherited stress, fear, and patterns passed down through family lines. Understanding this can bring enormous relief, shifting the narrative from "something is wrong with me" to "I'm carrying something that was never mine to carry." Self-awareness reduces shame. A recurring theme throughout the episode was how understanding why we feel the way we do removes the shame around it. Our survival responses, emotional patterns, and nervous system reactions make sense in context — and once people understand that, healing becomes possible. The course supports practitioners too. Whether you're newly qualified and building your language, or a seasoned practitioner looking for a fresh way to explain core concepts, the series offers a shared framework that works across modalities. It also now carries 10 CPD points with both the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the CPD Group. It doesn't replace therapy — it amplifies it. As Andrea put it, this resource creates hope and reduces shame. It's a complement to the deeper work, not a substitute for it. ABOUT JOSIE & ANDREA Josie Cowley is a holistic counsellor with a Diploma of Counselling from AIPC, accredited with the Australian Counselling Association and certified in Crisis Support with Lifeline. She blends evidence-informed counselling with Root Cause Therapy, the Emotion Code, EFT, Reiki, and trauma-informed coaching. Before entering the counselling space, Josie spent 29 years as a hairdresser — an experience she credits as foundational, where the salon chair became a natural safe space for people to be heard. She lives in Ocean Grove with her husband, two sons, and five small horses. Andrea Crabtree is a therapist, social worker, and former lawyer whose consistent thread across every career has been people. Certified in Embodied Processing, Trauma-Informed Manifestation, and Root Cause Therapy, and a Reiki Master with several years of experience in energy healing with animals. Andrea works primarily outdoors facilitating equine-assisted therapy, where her herd of five horses participate entirely at liberty. Having lived in both Honduras and Japan, she brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to her work. Together, Josie and Andrea created Why Do I Feel This Way? — Exploring Your Inner World, a 16-video psychoeducation series available through The Centre for Healing. LINKS & RESOURCES 🌐 Course (Practitioner):thecentreforhealing.com/mbf-landing-page-practitioners 🌐 Josie & Andrea's website: livelifeempowered.com.au 📧 Get in touch: hello@livelifeempowered.com.au  

Dr. Node Smith, ND is a Canadian naturopathic doctor, author of Witness & The Four Behaviors, and founder of TEAL Holistic. His work sits at the intersection of nervous system regulation, somatic awareness, and conscious development—where health, psychology, and spirituality meet the realities of everyday life. Node primarily works with thoughtful, self-aware individuals who have already invested deeply in therapy, personal growth, mindfulness, or spiritual practice, yet still find themselves feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or dysregulated under stress. Rather than offering more techniques, productivity hacks, or mindset reframes, his work invites a deeper shift: moving away from fixing or managing symptoms toward developing real nervous system capacity through embodied presence. Grounded in both clinical practice and lived experience, Node views kindness and honesty not as abstract ideals, but as practical biological forces for healing. His perspective reframes anxiety, burnout, and chronic stress—not as problems to eliminate—but as meaningful signals pointing toward deeper integration, emotional maturity, and a more authentic relationship with the body. In conversation, Node offers a calm and nuanced approach to topics such as emotional intelligence, nervous system safety, spirituality and psychology, and what it truly takes for insight to translate into lasting change. His work is less about self-improvement and more about learning how to live skillfully—especially when life is uncertain, uncomfortable, or demanding. Resources & Links 📖 Witness & The Four Behaviors https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Four-Behaviors-Honest-Self-Healing/dp/B0CWMP1GBP/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1  🎓 Witness 12-Week Course https://www.tealholistic.com/witness-course  🌐 Website https://www.tealholistic.com  📲 Instagram @drnodesmith

Ava is the director of Functional Spirituality and the popular yoga and meditation centre Spanda School in Fremantle, W.A. She is a philosopher with a degree from the University of Sydney, retreat leader, business owner and somatic therapist. Her deepest passions are non-dual philosophy, community healing and looking at the impacts of spirituality. Her business has been offering meditation training and silent retreat to thousands of students over the past 10+ years. Ava's path started with a fervor for awakening and non-duality. However over the years her path has matured with a more functional approach. Her work now considers the wide-spread complex trauma that lies at the heart of almost every obstacle to happy, healthy and connected living, and marries profound mystical approaches with nervous system regulation.She has trained with Paul Muller-Ortega (Blue throat yoga), NARM (complex trauma), Cecily Milne (yoga detour), the Centre for Healing to name a few. Ava is predominantly known for her thriving yoga studio, silent retreats in nature and the phenomenal teachers that emerge from her yoga and trauma-informed certifications. She lives in beautiful, rural Western Australia with her family and animals. She has recently teamed up with The Centre for Healing to offer courses and an Instructor Training on Trauma-Informed Meditation.   TI Meditation Instructor Training:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/ti-meditation-instructor  Meditation Instructor Training Webinar:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/mit-pre-training-registration  Short Course - Foundations of TI Meditation:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/trauma-informed-meditation-foundations  Free 7 Day Meditation Challenge:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/offers/92J8TtBk/checkout 

Nicole Merges is the founder of Brightsol Wellness and the creator of Roots to Rise: Release, Reclaim, Rise, a 90-day transformational program designed to help purpose-driven women get out of their own way to uncover the root cause of what’s keeping them stuck, release old patterns, and rise into a life aligned with their deepest truth and power. As a Root Cause Therapist, certified trauma-informed manifestation coach, minister, chaplain, plant-based certified coach, and member of the Tarot Mysticism Academy, Nicole blends deep spiritual wisdom, root cause therapy, energy healing, and practical manifestation tools to help her clients break free from cycles that no longer serve them. Download the FREE Harmonious Life Tracker below to follow along:  https://mailchi.mp/75f19ff565ff/harmonious-life-tracker-download  Book a FREE Clarity Call https://brightsolwellness.practicebetter.io/#/68a143affb48893091c598b5/bookings?step=services    Connect with Nicole via email: brightsolwellnessllc@gmail.com    Connect With Nicole On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.merges/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemerges/   Substack: https://substack.com/@nicolemerges  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleMerges   Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/brightsolwellness  

Trauma-Aware Parenting — A Conversation with Tara Russell & Melissa Hiemann In this heartfelt and honest episode, Melissa Hiemann and Tara Russell — co-creators of the Trauma-Aware Parenting Course — open up about the real journey of parenting while healing your own inner child. They share candid life updates and reflections on the messy, beautiful balance of raising kids while managing work, health, and personal growth. Tara speaks vulnerably about how becoming a parent led her to explore embodied processing and somatic awareness practices that completely changed the way she relates to her children. Together, they explore how trauma shapes our parenting patterns, why nervous-system regulation is the foundation of connection, and how self-awareness helps us move from reactivity to presence. This conversation is both deeply personal and profoundly practical — a reminder that every step we take toward healing ourselves brings healing to our families, too. If you’re ready to parent with more presence, compassion, and confidence, learn more about the Trauma-Aware Parenting Course here: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/trauma-aware-parenting Connect with Tara here - https://www.creatingmindfulminds.com/ Follow Tara on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/centred.in.connection/

In this episode of The Centre for Healing Podcast, Mel sits down with Valery Alignment—a multidisciplinary practitioner, mentor, and teacher—for a heartfelt, wide-ranging conversation that feels like two friends having coffee. Together, they explore what it really means to live and work as a trauma-informed practitioner, especially when your life is full (motherhood, business, healing work) and your nervous system is your most important tool. Key topics & takeaways (bullet points) Adult friendships and why healing can change your social circle Why practitioners must develop stronger boundaries (time, energy, identity) Pricing and charging as a nervous system and values conversation (not hourly worth) Agency and sovereignty: trauma-informed work means respecting the client’s deeper “yes/no” Nervous system + energetics: two expressions of the same system (the “antenna”) The myth of “love and light” and why anger can be constructive and healthy React vs respond: creating a pause before action “You are the niche”: competition narratives dissolve when you embody your unique signature Mentorship matters: self-awareness grows, but blind spots remain Valerie’s program: The Holistic Human (Practice mastery, self-mastery, intuition mastery) Guest bioValery is a holistic teacher, guide, and founder of Valery Alignment. Her work sits at the intersection of applied psychology, spirituality, emotional development, and energetic mastery. She supports practitioners, self-healers, and leaders in understanding human patterns, dismantling internal blocks, and aligning their lives and work with truth, integrity, and purpose. Valery is the creator of The Holistic Human and PostureCraft™️, and teaches through systems she has lived, tested, and embodied—bringing depth, clarity, and structure to inner work beyond trends or surface-level healing. Links: Website: https://www.valeryalignment.au/ VA IG: https://www.instagram.com/valery.alignment/ PC IG: https://www.instagram.com/posture_craft/ The Holistic Human, designed to support practitioners to deepen their skills and self-mastery through three pillars:https://www.valeryalignment.au/the-holistic-human-2026 Trauma-Aware Parenting - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/trauma-aware-parenting Find out more about The Centre for Healing and explore our trainings here - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/

Show Notes: Healing with Pets and Humans Guest: Fabienne Wydler In this heartfelt conversation, we explore the powerful and often overlooked relationship between humans and their animal companions—and how healing can unfold on both sides of the leash. Key Takeaways: Our pets often mirror unresolved emotions, unexpressed needs, and weakened boundaries in their human companions, gently holding space for what wants to be seen and healed. Deepening your connection and attunement with your pet can offer profound insights into your own emotional world, supporting personal growth and transformation. Animals provide a non-judgemental, emotionally safe presence—particularly supportive for neurodivergent children who may find it easier to express themselves with animals than with people. Behavioural challenges in pets (such as anxiety, aggression, or destructiveness) often point to deeper emotional or relational dynamics within the human–animal bond. Healing the root cause can create lasting change for both. Resources Mentioned: Fabienne Wydler’s website: fabiennewydler.com Free booklet on emotional mirroring: Available for download via Fabienne’s website Connect with Fabienne: Instagram: @healingwithfabienne YouTube: Heal With Animals Facebook Group: Heal With Animals

Podcast Episode: Exploring and Inquiring into Parts Guests: Ryan Hassan & Matt Kay Episode Overview In this insightful episode, Ryan Hassan and Matt Kay guide listeners through the fascinating world of parts work, explaining how different aspects of ourselves form, interact, and influence our behaviours. They share practical tools for relating to these parts with curiosity and compassion, as well as embodied techniques for deeper self-exploration. Key Topics Covered 1. Understanding Parts What are "parts" and how do they form? How parts develop as coping mechanisms during childhood experiences and challenging environments. Understanding internal conflicts and self-sabotaging behaviours that arise when parts are in opposition. 2. Relating to Parts Adopting a compassionate and curious approach to your parts. Welcoming all parts of yourself—even those you may dislike or want to suppress. Recognising that parts are aspects of yourself, not separate entities. 3. Embodied Inquiry Exploring parts through embodied inquiry, a somatic, felt-sense method. Sample inquiry questions: When did this part first emerge? How has it served or sabotaged you? What does it believe about you or the world? What does it need, and what would happen if it weren’t present? Key Insights & Takeaways Parts are often created as survival mechanisms, helping maintain autonomy and connection, particularly after developmental trauma or a lack of safety and empathy. Healing involves integration and wholeness, where all parts are acknowledged and understood. Cultivating the ability to compassionately witness your parts and respond to their needs with empathy is crucial for personal growth, individuation, and lasting healing. Resources & Next Steps Embodied Processing (EP) provides a structured approach to exploring and working with parts. Click the Embodied Processing free pre-training here - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing-pretraining For personalized guidance, consider reaching out to Ryan, Matt, or a certified EP practitioner.

Episode Overview In this insightful episode, Ryan Hassan and Noel Haarburger explore the inner critic—its origins, mechanisms, and how it influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Listeners are guided through understanding the difference between a healthy conscience and an unhealthy inner critic, learning strategies to engage with it, and cultivating self-compassion and personal resilience. Key Topics Covered Understanding the Inner Critic Also referred to as the inner judge or superego. Plays a role in shaping self-perception and behavior. Origins and Development Often rooted in childhood experiences and early survival strategies. Cultural expectations and societal norms can amplify the inner critic. Inner Critic Dynamics Interaction with the “victim” part of the self and coping strategies. Contradictory demands that often create internal conflict. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Conscience Healthy conscience guides ethical behavior and personal growth. Unhealthy inner critic fosters guilt, shame, and self-judgment. Futility and Pervasiveness Inner critic demands are often impossible to satisfy. Can manifest in multiple areas of life, creating chronic stress. The Myth of Necessity Belief that high achievement requires a harsh inner critic is false. Self-Compassion Central to countering the inner critic. Involves developing the “adult self” to nurture, protect, and guide the inner child. Key Insights & Takeaways The inner critic often begins as a childhood survival mechanism. Cultural and societal pressures compound its intensity. Awareness and observation of the inner critic is crucial for transformation. The inner critic is contradictory, leading to emotional and physical exhaustion. Effective strategies include: Using humor and paradox to disrupt its patterns. Practicing assertiveness to set boundaries with internal judgments. Cultivating self-compassion and an adult self to respond rather than react. Practical Conclusions & Actions Daily Dialogue: Regularly engage in conversations with the inner critic to understand its motivations. Dual Awareness: Develop the capacity to observe the inner critic without fully identifying with it. Origin Exploration: Reflect on situations that trigger the inner critic and their roots. Defend & Disengage: Learn to protect yourself while maintaining compassion for the inner critic and the self. Listen and Learn: This episode provides actionable guidance for anyone looking to transform the impact of their inner critic, reduce internal conflict, and cultivate a more compassionate, empowered self.

Understanding Boundaries and Boundary Setting Episode Summary In this insightful episode, Noel Haarburger and Ryan explore the art of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. They discuss why boundaries matter, how they are shaped by early experiences, and offer practical strategies for cultivating strong, flexible boundary skills. Whether you tend to be overly accommodating or struggle with rigidity, this episode provides tools and perspectives to help you navigate relationships with confidence and authenticity. Key Topics Covered The Cell Membrane Analogy: Understanding boundaries as flexible yet protective, like a cell membrane. Boundary Extremes: Recognizing patterns of being too accommodating versus overly guarded. Anger and Assertiveness: How integrating these emotions supports effective boundary setting. Early Attachment and Trauma: How childhood experiences influence boundary patterns in adulthood. Practical Exercises: Saying “yes” and “no” with clarity Visualizing personal boundary spaces Role-playing real-life boundary scenarios Insights and Takeaways Healthy boundaries are a cornerstone of personal growth, yet many struggle to establish and maintain them. Suppressing anger or assertiveness can create resentment and emotional blocks; embracing these emotions is essential. Self-awareness, emotional integration, and vulnerability are crucial for reclaiming your capacity to set boundaries. Boundary work is relational—surrounding yourself with supportive people enhances your growth. Sustainable boundary development requires ongoing self-reflection, self-compassion, and challenging limiting beliefs. Resources Mentioned Gabor Maté – Exploring the link between boundaries, anger, and physical health. Book: When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté Connect with Us Join the Healing Hub membership for ongoing support and resources: The Healing Hub  For questions or enquiries, email: support@thecentreforhealing.com.au

Episode Overview In this episode, we explore the transformative approach of trauma-informed parenting. We discuss how to understand trauma, create a safe and attuned environment for your children, recognize and address projected trauma, and implement a practical trauma-informed parenting blueprint to support both you and your child’s emotional growth. Key Takeaways Trauma isn’t only about external events—it’s also about the internal impact on the individual. Children’s stress responses require co-regulation, not simply “self-soothing.” Authenticity and attachment can sometimes be in conflict, leading to suppressed emotions. Projecting our unresolved trauma onto our children is common but can be worked through. Awareness of unconscious parenting beliefs and patterns is essential for meaningful change. Integrating difficult emotions, such as anger, in a healthy way is important. Maintaining your sense of identity beyond being a parent helps prevent burnout and resentment. Key Topics Covered Understanding trauma, emotional imprints, and the stress response Creating a space of safety, attunement, and authenticity Recognizing and addressing projected trauma Implementing a trauma-informed parenting blueprint Actionable Steps Deepen your understanding of trauma, the stress response, and nervous system regulation. Create a safe, attuned, and authentic environment where your children can thrive. Notice when you might be projecting your own trauma and take steps to address it. Apply a trauma-informed parenting blueprint, including: Identifying emotional triggers and unconscious beliefs Integrating difficult emotions in a healthy way Preserving your identity beyond parenting Seek support, continue learning, and grow as a trauma-informed parent. Recommended Resources Embodied Processing (EP) Practitioner Training  – for deeper trauma work and personal development Awareness by Anthony de Mello V for Vendetta (movie) The Shift (movie)

Episode Overview: In this episode, Ryan Hassan and Matt Kay dive into the transformative world of somatic therapy and share practical insights on how to run an effective session. They explore why working with the body—not just the mind—is essential for addressing trauma, emotional imprints, and deep-seated patterns. Key Topics Covered: Why traditional cognitive approaches alone often fall short in resolving trauma Understanding the body’s role in processing emotions, sensations, and trauma imprints The concept of the “royal road to transformation”—accessing deeper layers of conditioning through the body How the nervous system, survival responses, and pre-verbal imprints influence our behavior and emotional life A step-by-step process of an Embodied Processing session: Resourcing Exploring the qualities of the experience Finding the origins of imprints Processing sensations and emotions Integration and completion Insights Shared: Trauma is stored in the body and nervous system, not just in the mind Developing the ability to stay present with uncomfortable emotions and sensations is key—rather than trying to fix or remove them Approaching inner experiences with curiosity, acceptance, and befriending—instead of resistance—is essential for transformation The body holds invaluable information and access points that cognitive approaches alone cannot reach Conclusion & Recommendations: Embodied Processing (EP) is a powerful modality for addressing trauma, emotional imprints, and facilitating lasting transformation. The EP training program provides: Comprehensive step-by-step training Ongoing support and mentorship Lifetime access to materials for continued learning and application Resources & Links: Center for Healing: www.thecentreforhealing.com.au  Embodied Processing (EP) Training Program: Explore EP  Connect with Us: Email: support@thecentreforhealing.com.au 

Show Notes Summary In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Melissa connects with trauma-informed practitioner and author Sonia Skewes to explore her powerful journey from hairdressing and community work to creating a deeply healing practice in Penguin, Tasmania. Despite waking up with a cold, Melissa followed her higher self’s guidance and went ahead with the interview- resulting in an authentic, soulful exchange about healing, self-worth, and empowerment. Key Topics Discussed Sonia’s Personal Journey – From creative beginnings to mental health support work, and how her lived experiences shaped her path as a trauma-informed healer. Healing Money Trauma & Shame – How early conditioning and inherited scarcity beliefs impact women’s relationship with money, and how somatic tools like sway testing can release these blocks. Sonia’s New Book: Whoever Said It’s Just Money, Honey – A transformational guide for women to heal inherited money shame and reclaim their worth. Melissa and Sonia discuss practical ways to share this work through free meditations and community resources. Closing Reflections – Sonia’s beautiful reminder to “be the change you wish to see in the world” and an open invitation to visit her peaceful sanctuary in Penguin, Tasmania. About Sonia: Sonia Skewes is a Root-Cause Therapy Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Manifestation Coach, and lifelong creative who began her journey as a hairdresser — working with transformation long before she called it healing. Now based in Tasmania, she blends lived experience with powerful subconscious tools to help others break cycles and create lives that feel aligned, expressive, and free. With warmth and grounded creativity, Sonia supports those ready to reclaim the parts of themselves that were lost along the way. Connect with her at www.soniaskewes.com.auSocial media https://www.instagram.com/soniaskewesintegrativetherapy/Get her book here https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FYNHFW1Q?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

SHOWNOTES Chronic illness is what set Rosalie on her path to study Embodied processing and Somatic therapy as she spent over 10 years searching for answers and ways to find relief, so as a therapist she has a deep passion for holistic healing and the transformational journey toward wholeness.  “I’m endlessly fascinated by the complexities of life , how our experiences shape us, how our bodies remember, and how healing becomes possible when we honour all parts of ourselves. Rooted in a trauma-sensitive approach, my work is deeply informed by an understanding of the nervous system. I’ve seen firsthand how automatic responses and dysregulation can influence our behaviours, trigger patterns, and even contribute to chronic illness.  This insight became super personal as I navigated my own difficult path through MCAS and histamine intolerance . Debilitating conditions that challenged me, but ultimately led me home to myself. Through my own healing journey, I’ve gained profound insight into the mind-body connection, and now, it’s my mission to support others in finding that same freedom. I help people reconnect with their inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and cultivate a sense of peace, acceptance, and safely within. I believe healing is not just about symptom relief, it’s about transformation, abundance, and coming back to wholeness. My greatest joy is walking alongside others as they reclaim their truth, step back into their power, and return to living in their full capacity  I work with Chronic illness and specialise in MCAS and hormonal affected conditions such as adrenal fatigue,  perimenopause and menopause”   Website: https://templeofbeing.com.au/  Email: hello@templeofbeing.com.au  IG: https://www.instagram.com/temple.of.being/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/rosaliemariemason/   

Show Notes Guest: Dr. Talia Steed Author | Coach | Spiritual Teacher | Former Medical Doctor Dr. Talia Steed supports others through a holistic approach to health — integrating science and spirituality to bring balance to the body, mind, and soul. Areas of Expertise Mind–Body Symptoms / Chronic and Unresolved Health Issues Empaths & Highly Sensitive People Women’s Health — from PMS to Pregnancy to Menopause Mental Health — Anxiety, OCD, and Major Life Transitions Career & Relationship Counselling Spiritual Awakening — Guidance for those on the path of higher consciousness About Her Book: Choosing the Witness Self “In this way of being, we can make contact with pure awareness — awareness beyond thoughts, beyond feelings, beyond sensations in the body. This is the essence of spirituality: discovering that you are the witness to the experiences of your life. Nothing more, and nothing less.” — Dr. Talia Steed, Choosing the Witness Self Episode Highlights Dr. Talia’s journey from medical doctor to spiritual teacher — and what led her to question the limitations of the Western medical model. The power of taking responsibility for your own healing rather than waiting for others to “fix” you. Understanding the Witness Self — the observing awareness beyond thoughts and emotions. How to integrate the Witness Self with the human ego mind. Dr. Talia’s personal experience with OCD and depression, and the lessons learned through her own healing process. The role of meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices in cultivating deeper self-awareness. Exploring a holistic approach to wellbeing — recognising the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit. Connect with Dr. Talia Steed Website: www.drtaliasteed.com  Instagram: @bodi_alchemy  Facebook: Bodi Alchemy  Her Book Choosing the Witness Self: Illuminating the Illusions of the Ego Mind Available now — learn more on her website.

Episode Title: Healing from Burnout with Neena Saith Shownotes In this episode, we sit down with Neena Saith, a nervous system-informed mind-body practitioner who helps high-achieving individuals untangle the hidden patterns of long-term stress, burnout, and emotional suppression. With a corporate background herself, Neena knows first-hand what it’s like to look successful on the outside while quietly unraveling on the inside. Today, she shares how burnout manifests in the body, why traditional “push through it” approaches don’t work, and what it really takes to restore balance and return to yourself. You’ll learn: The nervous system’s role in burnout and recovery How emotional suppression keeps you stuck in stress cycles Practical ways to regulate and find stillness without “performing” relaxation Why true healing isn’t about doing more, but about creating space to come back to who you are Neena’s approach is powerful, grounded, and deeply personal—helping people regulate, restore, and reclaim their inner calm after years of living in survival mode. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly “on,” even in stillness, this conversation will meet you where you are. Connect with Neena: ✨ Contact: https://www.neenasaith.com/contact  ✨ Free Resources: https://www.neenasaith.com/free-resources

In this episode, Ryan and Matt dive deep into the world of developmental trauma — exploring how early life experiences shape our nervous system, relationships, and sense of self. They break down what developmental trauma looks like, why it’s not officially recognised in the DSM, and how it can show up in subtle yet powerful ways throughout life. Matt also shares personal reflections, giving a lived perspective on the impact and healing process. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Introduction to Developmental Trauma Different types of trauma: acute, developmental, pre-conscious, genealogical, and collective Why developmental trauma deserves more attention 2. The Importance of Developmental Trauma Matt’s personal journey and experiences The gap in formal recognition despite its widespread impact 3. Attachment & Authenticity Why attachment is a survival instinct How children adapt — often at the cost of authenticity — to maintain connection The role of rupture and repair in building resilience 4. Stages of Developmental Trauma Infancy (0–3 years): Safety vs. danger through attachment Early Childhood (3–7 years): Core beliefs about self and the world Socialisation (7–18 years): School, peers, and relational experiences 5. Symptoms of Developmental Trauma Relational patterns: people-pleasing, over-independence Emotional dysregulation: shutdown or overwhelm Difficulty trusting self and others Struggles with identity, being alone, or accepting emotions like anger and sadness 6. Healing Developmental Trauma Creating healthy relational dynamics Building capacity and a sense of safety Exploring identity and early attachment wounds Somatic processing and stress release The importance of finding the right practitioner More info on the Somatic Therapy EP here:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing