Episode Summary
Dr. Scott Lyons explains why trauma is not about the event, it is about what it does to a body. He walks through co-regulation, why safety can stop feeling safe, and the one thing any caring adult can do differently tomorrow: play.
In This Episode
00:00 Cold open
00:15 Welcome and episode framing
01:15 What "somatic" actually means, in plain language
04:45 What the body carries: trauma in the body, not the event
05:45 Memory, temporal collapse, and lifebooks
10:15 An ordinary Tuesday for a child: oxytocin, vasopressin, and why safety doesn't always feel safe
15:15 Why play and movement undo learned helplessness
22:10 Co-regulation, grounding before a visit, and "Mommy needs a moment"
32:50 Behavior is communication, and where CASA volunteers connect the dots
34:50 Hope, and the one thing to do tomorrow
37:30 Reflection and close
About Our Guest
Dr. Scott Lyons is a holistic psychologist, founder of The Embody Lab, and author of Addicted to Drama. He hosts The Gently Used Human podcast.
Resources and Links
Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others
National CASA/GAL Association for Children
About the Show
By Their Side: Advocating for Children in Foster Care is produced by Voices for CASA Children. Season 3, "Understanding Every Voice in the Room," features practical, human conversations with professionals and people with lived experience. Hosted by Micaela Tracy. New episodes biweekly.
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of VOICES or its affiliates. Content Warning: This episode may include discussions of sensitive topics that could be triggering for some listeners.
Voices for CASA Children | By Their Side: Advocating for Children in Foster Care
