In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson sits down with Dr. Emily Bashah to discuss trauma and the effects it can have on a person's life.
They cover the different stages of trauma, ways psychologists treat it, and effective practices you can use to work on trauma yourself.
- Emily starts the conversation by defining trauma from a clinical perspective.
- Paul and Emily agree that you cannot treat PTSD if the person is still in a traumatic environment.
- Emily describes the physical changes in a person's brain after experiencing a traumatic event.
- According to Paul, no two traumas are the same - never compare a person's trauma to someone else's. Trauma often comes down to its impact on the individual.
- Paul explains that it's possible for people to hang on to their trauma, especially if it's meshed into their identity.
- Paul and Emily talk about the effects of failure on a person's self-worth.
- According to Emily, a person's brain that was rewired by trauma can be rewired again through healing and therapeutic experiences.
- Paul goes through the three basic elements of motivation:
- You have to challenge yourself.
- You need someone who will encourage you.
- You must see growth and be able to measure it.
- According to Emily, not all trauma is bad or needs to be fixed - you can lead a happy and fulfilling life without needing therapy.
- Paul shares ways to help someone who grew up in a traumatic environment.
- Talking to people about their trauma starts with trust, and you cannot build trust without giving people the truth.
- Paul and Emily go through the seven ideals of healing trauma.
- Emily describes the power of changing your story in trauma healing - you are the story you tell yourself. You are either a victim or a victor of life.
- Paul and Emily share their opposing thoughts on trauma and discuss whether forgiveness is the correct response to trauma.
Mentioned in This Episode:
optamerican.com
Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency When Politics Fail You by Dr Emily Bashah and Hon Paul Johnson
Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, Sexy, and Smart―Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley et al
