Mindful Matters

Mindful Matters Podcast host, Elaine Clark, speaks with Dr. Christopher Willard, (Psy. D.) a clinical psychologist, author and consultant based in Massachusetts. He has spoken in thirty countries, and has presented at two TEDx events. He is the author of over 18 books, including Alphabreaths (2019), Growing Up Mindful (2016) and How we Grow Through What We Go Through. (2022). His thoughts on mental health have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, mindful.org, cnn.com, and elsewhere. In this episode, he speaks to us about his latest book and the connection between self-compassion and personal transformation. Episode Highlights:- His new book "How We Grow Through What We Go Through"- Post-Traumatic Growth vs Post-Traumatic Stress- The power of posture- How our physiology influences our psychology- "Name it to tame it"- The science behind physical touch - The importance of self-compassion- The language of addiction- Examples of self-compassion practices  For more information about Christopher Willard please visit https://www.drchristopherwillard.com/To purchase "How We Grow Through What We Go Through"https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Through-What-Self-Compassion-Post-Traumatic/dp/1683648900 

Mindful Matters Podcast host, Elaine Clark, speaks with Veronica Foster, Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of clinical experience providing individual, family, couples and group therapy. In this episode, Veronica speaks to us about safe and empowered relationships and her personal/professional experience of Marriage and Family Therapy.  Episode Highlights:- Veronica's personal journey towards Marriage and Family Therapy - Her personal experience of marriage and relational conflict- Mindfulness practices to stay grounded in conflict- Establishing healthy relational boundaries - How to find the right Marriage and Family Therapist- 3 important lessons to get the relationship you want - The art of listening Email: veronicafostermft@gmail.comWebsite: https://theseawithin.me/Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/veronica-foster-mft-santa-cruz-ca/360769Harm Reduction: https://www.harmreductiontherapy.com/Veronica's Book Recommendations- Growing Yourself Up: How to bring your best to all of life's relationships- The Truth About Love: The Highs, the Lows, and How You Can Make It Last Forever- Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love- Rock the Boat: How to Use Conflict to Heal and Deepen Your Relationship- Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems- Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind - and Keep - Love

Mindful Matters Podcast host, Elaine Clark, speaks with Menaka Raman-Wilms, writer and journalist based in Toronto. Menaka is the host of The Decibel, the daily news podcast from The Globe and Mail and she is the author of "The Rooftop Garden". In this episode, Menaka shares insights into the process of creating her novel. Episode Highlights:- Menaka's creative writing journey   How creative projects build us at a deep level - The creative process - Starting & finishing creative projects - Perfectionism and procrastination - Insights from her book "The Rooftop Garden"- Loneliness as a theme in the book - A major take away from her book To purchase "The Rooftop Garden" by Menaka Raman-Wilmshttps://harbourpublishing.com/products/9780889714380The Decibel Podcast - The Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/the-decibel/Menaka Raman-WilmsTwitter: @menakarw

Mindful Matters Podcast host, Elaine Clark shares updates within the Blu Matter community and insights about the research on loneliness. Highlights - Listeners in 106 countries worldwide - Loneliness is as lethal as cigarettes- The importance of healthy social connections & vulnerability - Ingredients for friendship - The social nervous system - Upcoming on the Mindful Matters Podcast 

Mindful Matters Podcast host, Elaine Clark, speaks with Blake D. Bauer, the International Bestselling Author of "You Were Not Born To Suffer". Blake is a world-renowned teacher and speaker with an extensive background in psychology, alternative medicine, nutrition, traditional healing, and mindfulness meditation. Blake speaks to us about overcoming  suffering and adversity. Episode Highlights:- Insights from his book "You Were Not Born To Suffer"- Blake's personal healing journey - Stuck energy, blood, emotion, & trauma - We choose between self-respect or self-pity- How to recognize a victim mentality in ourselves - Taking personal responsibility for how we're not valuing ourselves - Generational trauma and how we can begin to heal - 2 important steps we can take in our healing journey- The importance of forgiveness - Giving and receiving "good healthy love" - The Butterfly metaphor For more information about Blake Bauer https://www.unconditional-selflove.com/Free 65 page sample of the bookhttps://go.unconditional-selflove.com/free-pdf-download-2To purchase the book click here Social Media:Twitter: @BlakeBauerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlakeBauer1/Instagram @blakedbauer

Mindful Matters Podcast host, Elaine Clark, speaks with Dr. Pat Boulogne, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Coach, Chiropractor, Speaker, and Author of the #1 bestselling book, "Why... Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired?: Find Out Now". In this episode, she speaks to us about how we can use Functional Medicine as a way to take back our health & happiness. Episode Highlights:- Insights from her book "Why... Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired?"- Your health continuum- Major reasons why people get sick- Trauma, toxins & thoughts- Why mindset is so important- Food is information, not just calories- The 3 brains: Primitive, Mammalian & Conscious- Making changes stick- Nutritional intelligence & overeating- Knowledge is power when applied- How to use her book as a guideFor more information about Dr. Pat Boulognehttps://healthteamnetwork.com/To purchase the book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Are-You-Sick-Tired/dp/1734185597To contact Dr. Pat Boulogne https://meetdrpat.as.me/waysft Social Media:Instagram: @drpatboulogneFacebook: @Dr Pat Boulogne - Functional - LifeStyle Medicine Expert CoachTwitter: https://twitter.com/drpatbLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpatboulogne/Contact Usinfo@blumatterproject.com

Mindful Matters Podcast host, Elaine Clark, speaks with Judy Wilkins-Smith, a  world-renowned author, motivational speaker and a highly regarded organizational, individual, and family patterns expert. In this inspiring episode, Judy shares insights from her new book, “Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint: A Powerful Guide to Transformation Through Disentangling Multigenerational Patterns” and how we can identify and shift our unconscious, inherited patterns that are no longer serving us. Episode Highlights:- Judy's book "Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint"- Why transformational healing can be so difficult - The scientific evidence of emotional DNA- What we can learn from emotional DNA - What is systemic work & constellation- Our unconscious loyalties - Aligning the head and the heart - Meta Patterns and how they affect us- The meta pattern of “doing ok”- How we can build our own constellation For more information about Judy Wilkins-Smith please visithttps://judywilkins-smith.com/To purchase the book, "Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint: A Powerful Guide to Transformation Through Disentangling Multigenerational Patterns"https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Your-Emotional-Blueprint-Multigenerational-ebook/dp/B09JS9RXBV For more information about the Constellation Meditations, please visithttps://judywilkins-smith.com/product/meditations-duo/Contact Usinfo@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Mindful Matters Podcast host Elaine Clark is joined with Dr. Sara Lazar, neuroscientist, Ted Talk speaker and co-author of "Meditation and Psychotherapy".  In this episode, Dr. Lazar speaks to us about how practicing mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can reshape our brain. Episode Highlights:- Dr. Lazar and her research - What neuroplasticity is - Why exercising the brain in a new way is so beneficial - How mindfulness and meditation can reshape the brain - The brain regions of the default mode network and their function- A wandering mind is an unhappy mind- How mindfulness can soften the critical mind - Benefits of mindfulness & meditation - The best kind of mindfulness & meditation to practice - How long we need to meditate in order to experience benefits - Dr. Lazar's upcoming research- How stress changes the brain For more information about Dr. Sara Lazar please visit https://scholar.harvard.edu/sara_lazar/homehttps://scholar.harvard.edu/sara_lazar/our-researchContact Usinfo@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Mindful Matters Podcast host Elaine Clark is joined with Catherine Moore, registered clinical counsellor with a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. In this episode, Catherine speaks to us about adoption, complex trauma and somatic healing. Episode Highlights:- Catherine's experiences as an adoptee, an adoptive and a multi role mother in a blended family- Catherine's book, “Connections: Stories of Adoption and Reunion"- How the wound of abandonment might feel for adoptees - Some of the ways early separation from biological parents shows up for the developing child and adult- How somatic therapy can help support someone with early abandonment wounding - How we can support someone who has been adopted - What "Mindful & Heartful Therapy" is For more information about Catherine Moore, please visit https://catherinemoore.ca/Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Mindful Matters Podcast host Elaine Clark, is joined by Canada's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Carolyn Bennett, who speaks to us today about the government's plan to create national standards for mental health and addiction and the priorities of her new mandate.Episode Highlights:- Why Minister Bennett is passionate about Mental Health - The importance of integrative health care - Why we need to get mental health care back into the public health care system- Why more and more people are willing to share that they're struggling with their mental             health - Wellness Together Canada (WTC) online platform- The PocketWell app- The importance of Trauma-Informed Care- Priorities for Minister Bennett's mandate For more information about Carolyn Bennett, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/government/ministers/carolyn-bennett.htmlSocial Media:Instagram: @carolyn.bennett.stpaulsContact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Nicola Mosley, registered social worker who employs an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens, speaks to us today about the Trauma Center-Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) technique and her upcoming training program with the Blu Matter Project Community on June 3-5th 2022, Trauma Center-Trauma Sensitive Yoga: Foundations for Facilitators. Episode Highlights:- Nicola's personal journey specializing in trauma sensitive care- What complex trauma and developmental trauma is - What does it mean to be "triggered"- The parts of the brain involved when we are triggered - How we can use the TCTSY technique to strengthen interoceptive awareness - The 20hr Trauma Center-Trauma Sensitive Yoga: Foundations for Facilitators program To register for the Trauma Center-Trauma Sensitive Yoga: Foundations for Facilitatorshttps://blumatterproject.com/index.php?route=information%2Fcommerce2&nav=detailsFor more information about Nicola Mosley and her 100hr trauma informed training, Mindful Movement classes, and private practice offerings, please visit https://www.traumasensitiveyogawest.ca/For more information about the 300hr Certification in TCTSY through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment: https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/trainingsContact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Description:Audriana is a physiotherapist working at IRP Health, which is currently the only multidisciplinary pain management clinic in Canada catering exclusively to military veterans, RCMP, and first responders. She is the principal investigator in a current research study looking at the benefits of a physiotherapy assisted exercise program on symptoms of PTSD and chronic pain. In this episode, she speaks to us about incorporating a biopsychosocial lens for treatment and trauma informed care. Episode Highlights:- Audriana's personal journey specializing in trauma informed care- What PTSD is & symptoms experienced - How we can begin to heal from trauma responses   - The importance of "titration" when working with the body - Best practices for healing chronic pain - The Biopsychosocial Model and why it's important - The importance of socialization & shared experiences in recovery & healing - The IRP Health Clinic For more information about Audriana Monteiro, please visit:https://rehab-and-performance.thinkific.com/courses/yoga-foundationsSocial Media:Instagram: @audrianaphysioContact Usinfo@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Dylan Sessler is a mental health coach, professional speaker, podcast host of The Dylan Experience, entrepreneur, combat veteran, and author of the book, Defy the Darkness: A Story of Suicide, Mental Health, and Overcoming Your Hardest Battles. In this episode, he speaks to us about how we can confront our shadow and our inner demons. This conversation is a great starting point for anyone looking to own their healing journey and share their story.Episode Highlights:- Dylan's personal journey - How our shadow can show up in our lives- The importance of confronting our shadow- How we can confront our shadow & our "inner demons" - Insights from Dylan's book "Defy the Darkness" - Lessons from Dylan's writing journey For more information about Dylan Sessler, please visit: https://dylansessler.com/For more information about Dylan's book, "Defy the Darkness: A Story of Suicide, Mental Health, and Overcoming Your Hardest Battles", please visit: https://dylansessler.com/defy-the-darknessContact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Karden Rabin, Co-Founder of the Chronic Fatigue School, and the Founder of Stress School & Boundless: Integrative Wellness Center, specializes in mind-body related disease and disorders. He speaks to us about the power of somatic healing and brain retraining. Episode Highlights:- Karden's personal journey - What somatic experiencing is and how it can be supportive - How we can re-establish the feeling of sensation within the body - What "Brain retraining" is- Managing fear & the stress response - Why healing is considered subjective  - The Chronic Fatigue School For more information about Karden Rabin, please visit: https://www.kardenrabin.com/For more information about The Chronic Fatigue School, please visit: https://www.chronicfatigueschool.com/Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Dr. Anne Wagner is a clinical psychologist and treatment development researcher based in Toronto, Canada. She is the founder of Remedy, a mental health innovation community, and Remedy Institute, Remedy’s home for research. She is the principal investigator of the pilot trial of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD + MDMA, and the randomized controlled trial of Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD + MDMA. Anne collaborates on numerous projects with other researchers, spanning across the fields of psychedelics, trauma, couples therapy, HIV, and the experiences of women. She speaks to us today about how MDMA might be a part of relational healing. Episode Highlights:- Dr. Anne Wagner's personal journey and her experience of psychedelics in a therapeutic context - Why psychedelics are considered "a non-specific amplifier of the unconscious"- How MDMA might be a part of relational healing - Why psychedelics are not a “one dose miracle cure”- Why psychedelics are considered contextual - Remedy Centre & Remedy Institute For more information about Dr. Anne Wagner, please visit: https://integration.maps.org/anne-wagner/For more information Remedy Centre & Remedy Institute, please visit: https://remedycentre.ca/https://www.remedyinstitute.ca/Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Dr. Christiane Wolf is a physician turned mindfulness and compassion teacher and teacher trainer. She is an authorized Buddhist teacher in the Insight (Vipassana) meditation tradition, teaching classes and retreats worldwide. Christiane shares insights from her latest book, "Outsmart Your Pain – Mindfulness and Self-Compassion to Help You Leave Chronic Pain Behind", a transformative guide to finding relief with mindfulness.Episode Highlights:- Dr. Christiane Wolf's personal journey - Insights from her book "Outsmart Your Pain”- The meaning behind "All pain is real pain" - The 3 components of pain - The difference between acute & chronic pain- How we can "outsmart our pain" - How somatic practices can support pain reduction- Therapeutic benefits of physical touch - The connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & chronic painFor more information about Dr. Christiane Wolf, please visit: https://www.christianewolf.com/For more information about her book, Outsmart Your Pain - Mindfulness and Self-Compassion to Help You Leave Chronic Pain Behind, please visit: https://www.christianewolf.com/outsmart-your-pain/ Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Andrew Penn, MS, NP, PMHNP-BC is a University of California San Francisco trained psychiatric nurse practitioner, nationally-recognized speaker on psychedelic assisted therapy and cannabinoids in psychiatry and a co-founder of the Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurses (OPENurses). Andrew completed extensive training in psychedelic assisted therapy and has worked as a study therapist on a phase 3 MDMA-assisted therapy protocol for PTSD and is Co-investigator on a study of psilocybin assisted therapy for major depression. He speaks to us today about psychedelic-assisted therapies. Episode Highlights:- What Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is- The parts of the brain affected by traumatic experiences- "Window of Tolerance" after trauma - The history of MDMA and psychedelics - MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD- How psychedelics can be seen as a "quick fix" - Why psychedelic medicine is considered contextual - Psilocybin assisted therapy for major depression- The default-mode network vs the task-positive network- Barriers in this field of psychedelic researchFor more information about Andrew Penn, please visithttps://www.andrewpennnp.com/Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurseshttps://www.openurses.org/Laboratory https://psychedelics.ucsf.edu/Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

In this episode, Sex Therapist, EMDR trained Trauma Specialist, and Clinical Sexologist, Holly Wood, helps us understand sexual trauma and the healing process.   Episode Highlights:- Holly Wood's personal journey- The difference between sexual violence, sexual assault & sexual trauma- Physical, psychological and sexual side effects after a sexual boundary rupture- Hypersexuality vs. hyposexuality- The intersection of sexual trauma & eating disorders- Research-proven modalities to support healing- How partners can support each other in the process of post traumatic growthFor more information about Holly Wood, please visit https://thehollywoodsexologist.com/Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

In this episode, David Cooley talks to us about the Restorative Relationship Conversation model and how it can provide a template for working with interpersonal conflict.Episode Highlights:- David Cooley's personal journey  - Origins of the Restorative Relationship Conversation model- The role attachment issues play in relationship conflict- The importance of developing a "secure attachment"- How conflict is an opportunity for self-growth & self-awareness- How to approach conflict in a healthy way David Cooley https://www.restorativerelationship.com/Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/ 

Dr. Erin Wiley, Naturopathic Doctor, and the Owner and Clinic Director of one of Toronto’s leading integrative health clinics, the Integrative Health Institute, speaks to us about the importance of quality sleep for our mental health and well-being. Episode Highlights:- Dr. Wiley's personal journey to Naturopathic Medicine - How stress & lack of sleep disrupt the gut-brain connection- How quality sleep supports our nervous system - Effective strategies to prepare for quality sleep - Sleep trackers & how they work Dr. Erin Wileyhttps://erinwiley.com/For more information about the Integrative Health Institute please visit,  https://www.integrativehealthinstitute.ca/Contact Us info@blumatterproject.comhttps://blumatterproject.com/