The Gifts of Trauma

Hosted and produced by J'aime Rothbard Follow and Subscribe to The Gifts of Trauma on Apple Podcasts Follow and Subscribe to The Gifts of Trauma on Spotify  If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or yearn for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, Rhonda's transformative journey is a powerful testament to both the power of self-discovery and the healing potential that lies within each of us. Her story is a compelling reminder that by confronting our fears, embracing self-compassion, and seeking support, we can unlock our true potential and live authentically. The deeply personal experiences she shares with grace and deep vulnerability, ignite a beacon of hope, inspiring us to embark on our own journeys of self-discovery and healing.  Inspired by the teaching of Dr. Gabor Maté, Rhonda embarked on a profound exploration of her inner self, uncovering the root causes of her emotional pain and discovering the coping mechanisms that she had developed to deal with that pain. Through this courageous process, Rhonda realized that true transformation begins with self-recognition, a pivotal moment when she saw herself for who she truly is. This self-awareness allowed her to explore her diagnosis of CMS, a neuromuscular disorder and permanent disability, and confront the intense fear that had been running her life. With curiosity and non-judgment she was able to unveil the origins of her emotional barriers and deep-seated beliefs, which led to a movement of emotional healing. Rhonda's journey was not a solitary one. She learned the invaluable lesson of asking for help and sharing her experiences with others, learning to be with her emotions, and fostering a sense of support. Plant medicine served as a powerful tool for internal exploration, helping her confront those emotions and facilitate her awareness and healing process. Perhaps most profoundly, Rhonda realized that her true beauty and worth were not defined by her physical appearance, ability, and disability, but by her capacity to connect with others from a place of inner beauty and compassion. This connection to herself empowers her to embrace her authentic self while navigating the challenges of disease, societal expectations (and her own), and experience liberation from the constraints that these expectations impose. As a practicing psychotherapist, Rhonda’s approach is rooted in her own profound experience of uncovering the implicit memories, stories, and beliefs that unconsciously drove her behavior. By courageously delving into her own inner world, she realized the power of self-recognition in catalyzing lasting change.   If you're seeking a path to self-acceptance and emotional liberation, Rhonda Nelson's story is a shining example of the transformative power that lies within each of us. It invites us to embrace the courage to confront our own inner barriers, and uncover our own authenticity, connection, and inner beauty. Rhonda is a Psychotherapist | Master Practitioner in Clinical Counseling and Qualified Clinical Supervisor. She is also a Plant Medicine Integration Specialist, Compassionate Inquiry founding facilitator, private mentor, and certification reviewer. Compassionate Inquiry is the foundation upon which she works, integrating other somatic modalities in which she is fully trained including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic EMDR Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). She also draws from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Hakomi and the Polyvagal Theory. In 2014 she came across the work of Dr. Gabor Maté and began a dedicated self-exploration using his books, teachings, and recommended readings. With these and an introduction to plant medicine work she journeyed toward physical, mental, and emotional transformation. In 2017, she joined Gabor’s original team of plant medicine practitioners to provide processing and integration support to retreat participants abroad. She continues this profound work in groups and with individual clients.    Publicly hailed by Gabor as one of his best students Rhonda covers a range of therapeutic support including addiction, stress, illness, sexual abuse, and childhood development. As a supervisor and speaker she provides trauma-informed talks and workshops to communities and organizations. In collaboration with the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, Rhonda co-led and authored a province-wide research project on addiction in a booked entitled Mothers, Addiction, and Recovery; Finding Meaning Through the Journey. Her equally passionate and recent contributions include collaborating on the development of the delivery and launch of the CI Professional Online Training and Internship/Mentorship Programs. Her love of creating continues in her work and personally with fellow writing enthusiasts, music-making, journaling, and songwriting. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband and their dog.  Resources: Website: Contact Rhonda NelsonBridgewater HealingBook: Mothers, Addiction, and Recovery: Finding Meaning through the JourneyPoem: Timing ToastServices: Walk With Daniel     Alberta Parent Child Assistance ProgramGabor's Article: Deep Ayahuasca Healing and the Truth of Who You ArePodcasts: Psychedelics, Addiction and the Healing Power of Compassion with Rhonda Nelson  

Interview by Rosemary Davies-Janes and Kevin Young Produced by J'aime Rothbard Subscribe to The GIfts of Trauma on Spotify  Subscribe to The Gifts of Trauma on Apple Podcasts “Nobody should believe that they are damaged goods or beyond healing...  there's nothing wrong with you fundamentally. Everything you feel or believe is wrong with you is actually a response to life experiences and the wounds that you carry can be healed.”  These words from renowned trauma expert Gabor Maté conclude a profound and enlightening discussion. For over 25 years, Gabor has been on a mission to educate the world about the profound impact of trauma. From his roots as a medical doctor to his work with addicts in Vancouver's Downtown East Side, his journey has been one of unwavering dedication to understanding and healing the wounds of the human experience. In this exclusive interview, you'll have a front-row seat as Gabor shares his unique perspective, honed through decades of hands-on experience and tireless research. Discover the wisdom that has captivated audiences around the globe, from sold-out conferences in London to intimate gatherings of therapists seeking to deepen their practice. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a trauma survivor, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition, this interview will challenge your assumptions and open your eyes to the transformative power of compassionate inquiry. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened by Gabor's compelling perspectives in this inaugural episode of The Gifts of Trauma Podcast. Gabor Maté is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of five books published in nearly 40 languages, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. For his ground-breaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. His most recent book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture is a New York Times and international bestseller. His next book, co-written with his son Daniel, will be Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Adult Children and Their Parents, based on their popular workshop. Listener Resources Website:  drgabormate.com Books: The Myth of Normal (2022)In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts (2009)Hold On to Your Kids (2005)When The Body Says No (2004)Scattered Minds (1999) Movies: Where Olive Trees Weep (2024) The Wisdom of Trauma (2021) In Utero (2015)Podcast: The Tim Ferriss Show #298 Dr Gabor Maté -- New Paradigms, Ayahusaca, and Redefining Addiction  Courses:  Compassionate Inquiry Training ProgramsReclaiming Authenticity Healing Trauma & Addiction for Individuals & Families A Masterclass For Healers

This is a teaser episode of The Gift of Trauma with Luke Sniewski, interviewed by Kevin Young.    Through his transformative journey, Luke describes his path of self-discovery, unraveling the root causes of his addiction and learning to cultivate genuine intimacy.   Be sure to catch this episode when it releases by subscribing now and following The Gifts of Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you receive your podcasts.    CLICK HERE to follow The Gifts of Trauma on Apple Podcasts    CLICK HERE to follow The Gifts of Trauma on Spotify   

Here's a teaser episode of The Gift of Trauma with Stephen Brown, interviewed by Kevin Young.  Drawing from his first-hand experiences growing up amidst the complex divisions of Northern Ireland, Stephen provides profound insights into overcoming trauma, finding inner peace, and embracing compassion. Be sure to catch the full episode as soon as it releases by subscribing now and following The Gifts of Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you receive your podcasts.  CLICK HERE to follow The Gifts of Trauma on Apple Podcasts    CLICK HERE to follow The Gifts of Trauma on Spotify 

Coming on June 13!  The Gifts of Trauma is a weekly podcast that features personal stories of trauma healing and the gifts revealed on the path to authenticity. Join us to hear what it was like for our guests to live with the tension of trauma, and what happened when they turned inward with compassionate curiosity. These highly relatable stories illustrate how they transformed their trauma generated fear, anger, pain or shame triggers into understanding, acceptance and love. Be sure to subscribe now and receive our first show, featuring Gabor Maté!