Shows
The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Creativity Rewires Your Nervous System with Adam Roa➡️ Get the full episode breakdown at Biology of Trauma® Podcast - Episode 160: How Creativity Rewires Your Nervous System with Adam Roa What if the key to healing isn't more therapy—but creativity? Adam Roa's poem "You Are Who You've Been Looking For" reached over 250 million people. But before that poem existed, Adam spent 25 years emotionally shut down. He didn't remember his childhood sexual abuse until age 30. His journey reveals why creativity creates neurological safety for emotions that were once too overwhelming to feel. Creativity isn't about talent—it's about pattern disruption. When you turn pain into a poem or p...
2026-02-1055 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhat Do Soul Contracts Have to Do With Healing Trauma?➡️ Get the full episode breakdown at Biology of Trauma® Podcast - Episode 157: Why Spiritual Insight Alone Can't Heal Trauma with Marie Damasio She understood her grief completely. After her son Tristan died from brain cancer, Marie Damasio dove deep into spiritual work—soul contracts, Akashic records, the meaning behind her loss. She found peace. And her body stayed stuck. You'll hear more on: [00:00] Soul contracts and capacity for resilience [01:12] Cellular energy and critical line of overwhelm [03:32] When spiritual insight arrives but the body stays stuck [10:34] Why we stay frozen in identities that no longer serve u...
2026-01-2054 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Saying No Feels Like Danger: The Nervous System Truth What if the reason we can't say no isn't a willpower problem—but a nervous system problem? In Part 2 of this raw, unscripted conversation, Dr. Aimie Apigian and her friend Jalon Johnson go deeper into what actually happens inside our body when we try to set a boundary. This isn't theory—it's two people sharing what it felt like to rehearse conversations for days, to brace for rejection, and to genuinely believe the world might end if they said no to family. From the realization that we've been having hour-long arguments with people entirely in our...
2025-12-1212 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieFrozen in Success: The Biology of Staying Stuck in Survival with Dr. Aimie ApigianMany high-achieving people look successful on the outside while part of them remains frozen in childhood survival patterns. Through the Biology of Trauma® lens, I share how trauma disrupts the natural flow and movement of life—and the healing roadmap that takes us from stuck to truly alive. If we've ever wondered why we can reach every external goal and still feel disconnected from our own life, this episode explains why. I share Elena's story, a 45-year-old Chief Operating Officer whose autoimmune diagnosis revealed what her body had been holding for decades. When her thirteen-year-old daughter had tho...
2025-12-0242 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieFamily Boundaries and Dysfunction: How to Stay True to Yourself Around Family with Jalon Johnson What if the hardest part of our healing journey isn't the inner work—but showing up to family gatherings after we've changed and our family hasn't? In this raw, unscripted conversation, Dr. Aimie Apigian sits down with her friend Jalon Johnson to talk about something most healing resources won't touch: the exhausting reality of being around family when we're no longer willing to play the role they expect. This isn't a polished teaching episode—it's two people figuring out in real time how to navigate people-pleasing, unspoken guilt, and the mental gymnastics of anticipating everyone's reactions while tryi...
2025-12-0114 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy You Crave Sugar When Overwhelmed: The Biology of Freeze & Avoidancediv]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown"> What if your sugar cravings, need to clean, urge to call a friend, or desire to put on a movie while working aren't just procrastination—but your nervous system desperately trying to help you avoid drowning in emotions th...
2025-11-2214 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHealth Avoidance and Oxidative Stress: The Dangerous Feedback Loop What if the reason you keep saying "I'm fine" isn't about denial or stubbornness—but about your nervous system being programmed to avoid looking at problems because looking feels too dangerous? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian explores the powerful story Dr. Tom O'Bryan shared about Ray—a beloved janitor who said "I'm fine" for three years until the day he finally agreed to testing, pulled over on his way home, and died. This tragic story reveals something critical about trauma: avoidance isn't just psychological, it's a biological survival response. And it's creating a dangerous feedback loop...
2025-11-1327 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Hidden Biology of Holding On: Toxins, Trauma & True FreedomOur bodies hold onto trauma, toxins, and pain for biological reasons—not willpower. Dr. Aimie Apigian shares her bathtub breaking point and the 3-phase Biology of Trauma® framework that changed everything: how to prepare, open channels, and safely release what our nervous systems have been protecting us from. After her third collarbone break in a 2017 car accident, Dr. Aimie found herself back in depression, chronic fatigue, and developing chronic pain—despite years of therapy and functional medicine work. Crying in a bathtub, she realized her body wasn't broken; it was scared to let go. This episode reveals her d...
2025-11-1147 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Insecure Attachment Blocks Dopamine Response (& How to Repair It)What if the reason connection feels so hard isn't about willpower or awareness—but about your brain literally not getting the dopamine reward that makes relationships feel joyful and worth pursuing? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian dives into groundbreaking 2009 research that revealed something shocking: mothers with insecure attachment showed almost no dopamine response to their own babies' faces—whether smiling or crying. This isn't about not loving their children; it's about their brains not experiencing the biological reward that makes caregiving feel naturally joyful. This episode explores why attachment rupture and addiction are so d...
2025-11-0714 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieUnderstanding Your Relationship with Goodbyes and ClosureWhat if your struggle with goodbyes isn't just about being emotional—but reveals something deeper about how you've been protecting yourself from grief? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian shares one of her most personal stories about transformation: how her lifelong pattern of avoiding goodbyes led to carrying decades of unprocessed grief, and how learning to stay present through endings completely changed her life—and became the foundation for the 21-Day Journey. This episode explores the hidden costs of emotional avoidance, why goodbyes can feel unbearable, and how learning to feel complete with experiences is e...
2025-10-2409 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieUnderstanding the Freeze Response and Brain FogWhat if the brain fog you're experiencing isn't just tiredness—but your nervous system's way of disconnecting you from an unbearable reality? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian answers a question from Rachel, a therapist in Seattle, about why the freeze response is associated with brain fog. Many people think of the freeze response as simply paralysis, not understanding the sophisticated biological mechanisms happening at the cellular level. This episode dives deep into the freeze response—when it happens, why it happens, and the brain inflammation that creates the disconnection and fog we experience. Unde...
2025-10-1012 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Stress Isn't Trauma: How to Spot Overwhelm and Start Healing Your Nervous System with Dr. Aimie ApigianWhy does brain inflammation happen during the freeze response? How do you explain the difference between stress and trauma to patients? What's the single most important starting point for nervous system regulation? This episode answers these critical questions while revealing why emotional eating isn't a willpower problem and introducing the simple three-day tracking tool that changes everything for healing. You'll discover the critical line of overwhelm - that invisible threshold where stress becomes trauma - and learn practical strategies you can implement immediately to support your nervous system and begin the repair process. In this episode...
2025-10-0726 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieBRCA Gene Carriers: How Nervous System Dysregulation Affects Breast Cancer RiskWhat if having the same gene as your sister doesn't mean you'll have the same outcome? What if trauma and nervous system dysregulation could be the difference between expressing a genetic disease—or not? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian answers a question from Rachel in Texas, who discovered she carries the BRCA gene mutation. Despite making the same lifestyle changes as her sister—who also has the mutation—Rachel developed breast cancer while her sister remained healthy. Why? Dr. Aimie reveals the biological mechanism that connects nervous system dysregulation to genetic expression: oxidative stress...
2025-10-0316 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Does My Body Hold Trauma? Dr. Aimie Apigian Reveals How Chronic Fatigue, Autoimmunity & Weight Gain Have An Emotional TriggerYou push through exhaustion, telling yourself it's just stress. Your body sends signals you can't ignore: chronic fatigue, unexplained pain, digestive issues, mood swings. What if these are messages about the emotional wounds that remain unresolved from your past? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Partha Nandi for a conversation on chronic health issues, share five key insights that transform how we understand trauma's biological impact. This episode gives you the core concepts from the new book, The Biology of Trauma, about how trauma impacts your body, your own biology maintains the survival state and...
2025-09-2335 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieTrauma, Immunity, and Healing: How Your Body Renews in 90 DaysWhat if healing from trauma wasn't just about your nervous system, but also your immune system? What if science could show us that your body is capable of renewal—faster than you think? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, founder of the Institute for Functional Medicine and one of the leading voices in integrative health. Together, they discuss why trauma isn't just psychological—it's biological, affecting the nervous, immune, and metabolic systems in ways that can keep people stuck in cycles of fatigue, pain, and emotional struggle. Dr. Blan...
2025-09-1917 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Trauma Therapy Made Me Sicker: The Missing Biology Behind Emotional HealingWhy does trauma therapy sometimes make you feel worse physically? What if the key to healing isn't just changing your mindset, but understanding your cellular capacity for stress? When you dive into trauma work without addressing your biology first, you might be opening Pandora's box in ways that overwhelm your body's ability to cope. Dr. Aimie Apigian discovered this the hard way - developing multiple health conditions including autoimmunity and chronic fatigue while doing "cutting-edge" trauma therapy. Her physical reactions to emotional healing led to a groundbreaking understanding: trauma isn't just stored in your mind, it's living...
2025-09-1220 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology of Trauma: Why Your Body Holds On When Your Mind Has Healed with Dr. Aimie ApigianIn this special reverse interview episode, my friend and colleague Steven Wright from Healthy Gut interviews me about the core concepts from my upcoming book, The Biology of Trauma. Steven understands the somatic work, the parts work, the biology, the capacity, and the overwhelm from his own healing journey, making this conversation uniquely insightful. I share stories I haven't told anywhere else - including my keto diet disaster during surgery residency that became my first clue about the biology of trauma. We explore why I rewrote this book seven times, how I discovered I had all three...
2025-09-0949 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieDoes Somatic Healing Work: How Mind-Body Healing Can Change 30 Years of Chronic Illness In 6 WeeksMany people struggle with chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to cure. They've tried medications, supplements, therapy, and self-care practices, yet still find themselves needing daily naps just to function. They can't understand why their body seems to be working against them instead of healing, or why they feel so disconnected from the energy they once had. In this episode, you'll meet Kecia, whose story reveals what's possible when we finally address trauma where it lives - in the nervous system. After 30 years on medical disability and needing daily three-hour naps...
2025-09-0235 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy You Always Feel Responsible for Everything: Hidden Signs of Complex PTSD from Childhood with Dr. Tian DaytonMany adults struggle with patterns they can't explain: feeling responsible for everything, working harder than everyone else without realizing it, or getting triggered by chaos even when their current life is stable. They might find intimacy difficult, feel disconnected from their emotions, or notice their nervous system going into overdrive in situations that don't seem threatening. What they don't realize is that these patterns often trace back to growing up in chaotic environments where they had to become the adult in the room as a child. The truth is, when children are forced to take on adult...
2025-08-2641 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Strong People Get Sick: The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Chronic IllnessBeing praised for strength or handling everything so well might seem like a positive thing. But what if those compliments aren't celebrating resilience, but actually highlighting stored trauma masquerading as strength? Being called resilient might be one of the most dangerous compliments you've received. True resilience flows from safety and support, but trauma resilience is your nervous system running on emergency biology that will eventually make you sick. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind the difference between healthy resilience and trauma resilience. She explains why the child who never complains...
2025-08-2218 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Hidden Difference Between Stress and Trauma In How The Body Keeps ScoreMost people think stress and trauma are just different points on the same scale. But what if that belief has kept people stuck in cycles of chronic illness, autoimmune flare-ups, and emotional overwhelm? Many people are doing everything "right." They're eating well, exercising, going to therapy, yet they still struggle with gut issues, brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue that won't go away. They can't understand why their body seems to be working against them instead of healing. In this episode, Dr. Aimie reveals the crucial difference between stress and trauma, and why understanding this distinction...
2025-08-1936 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Your Brain Shuts Down Over Cereal and What to Do About ItHave you ever been so mentally drained that even choosing breakfast cereal felt impossible? It's not just that you're being indecisive. It's decision fatigue, and it's your nervous system's way of saying your nervous system capacity is running low. Think of nervous system capacity like an internal energy bank account. Every decision, big or small, is a withdrawal. When that account is empty, even simple choices can feel like climbing a mountain. Your brain hits "insufficient funds," and suddenly you're overwhelmed. In this Biology Behind It mini episode, Dr. Aimie responds to a listener w...
2025-08-1518 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology of Overwhelm: Why Small Demands Feel ImpossibleMany people feel constantly exhausted and easily overwhelmed, even when they're doing everything "right". They're eating well, exercising, and trying to manage stress. They can't understand why small things overwhelm them so much or why they always feel so tired and stressed. One simple email or a broken appliance can completely derail their day, leaving them feeling like they're barely keeping it together. In this episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian explains how your body doesn't react to stress based on what's happening to you. It actually reacts based on whether you have enough energy left to handle it.
2025-08-1227 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Hidden Trauma Behind Autoimmune Disease: Why Your Body Feels Unsafe to Be YouWhy does autoimmunity often target high functioning women? Why do so many people with autoimmune diseases also feel stuck in emotional overwhelm, exhaustion, and self-doubt? In this Biology Behind It mini episode, Dr. Aimie answers a powerful question from Maya, a therapist working with clients who have autoimmune conditions, and dives deeper into how past trauma affects the body and can lead to immune problems. Dr. Aimie breaks down how hidden stress patterns, mitochondrial damage, and emotional self-beliefs can create the perfect storm for autoimmune diseases. She shares practical ways to support...
2025-08-0818 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieAutoimmunity and Childhood Trauma: How Your Immune System Reflects Your PastMany people with autoimmune conditions like lupus, Hashimoto's, or rheumatoid arthritis feel discouraged, confused and frustrated. They've been told there's nothing they can do except manage symptoms for the rest of their life. But what if autoimmune disease is associated with childhood and a sign that the body has been living in survival mode for too long and that recovery is possible? In this episode, Dr. Aimie explains the real nervous system root causes of autoimmune diseases and why rewiring your nervous system, stored trauma, and emotional pain can help your body recover. She shares her own...
2025-08-0539 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Do Babies Who Cry It Out Get Anxiety and Addiction Later in Life?Ever wondered why some adults struggle with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed even in safe situations? The answer might trace back to something as common as being left to cry it out as a baby. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie dives deep into the biology behind how early childhood experiences, including seemingly normal parenting practices, can program our immune cells for danger and create lasting brain inflammation, explaining the long-term effects of crying it out on mental health. Responding to a listener's question about brain inflammation in babies, Dr. Aimie reveals...
2025-08-0119 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieDo Babies Who Cry It Out Get Anxiety and Addiction Later in Life?The truth is, early parenting choices, like sleep training and letting babies cry it out, can affect how their brain and body develop for years to come. Many well-meaning parents follow these popular methods, only to see their kids later struggle with anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues that seem to come out of nowhere. That's because early attachment and nervous system development shape a child's mental health in ways we don't always see. Everything that happens in the first years of life, from how you respond to your baby's cries to how connected they feel, helps build...
2025-07-2937 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Why Empaths Get Stuck in Grief and How to Move Through ItDo you feel like your body is always on high alert? Does emotional stress lead to a racing heart, skin breakouts, or stomach problems? If you're an empath or highly sensitive person (HSP), you might be experiencing mast cell activation, and it's more common than you think. In this episode, Dr. Aimie explores the hidden biology behind why sensitive people get sick from stress. Here's what's happening: Your body has special immune cells called mast cells. They act like security guards. But after trauma or chronic stress, these cells can become overreactive. They can treat everyday experiences...
2025-07-2518 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Empaths Get Stuck in Grief and How to Move Through ItHighly sensitive people and empaths often feel like they're drowning in grief while others seem to handle loss with ease. They absorb emotions from everyone around them, feel overwhelmed by everyday environments, and find themselves reaching for things they know aren't good for them just to numb the pain. But what if that sensitivity is actually a person's greatest strength? In this episode, Dr. Aimie reveals why highly sensitive people experience grief so differently and how understanding your nervous system's unique needs can transform your relationship with both sensitivity and loss. She shares her own vulnerable story...
2025-07-2234 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Why Stress Doesn't Cause Chronic Pain And What Really DoesYour mind says you're safe, but your body still feels tense, overwhelmed, and stuck in danger mode. Why does this happen? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why mental and emotional healing doesn't always translate into physical healing. You'll learn how trauma gets "stuck" in your nervous system, why your body can keep sending danger signals even when your mind feels better, and practical ways to help your body feel safe enough to recover. Your nervous system works like a dashboard, constantly checking if you can handle what's happening or...
2025-07-1817 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Stress Doesn't Cause Chronic Pain and What Really DoesChronic pain affects millions of people who've been told their symptoms are just from stress. They've tried relaxation techniques, stress management, and lifestyle changes, but nothing really seems to work. They're left feeling stuck, exhausted, and frustrated that their body just won't heal. But why does the body stay in pain even when the injury has healed? In this episode, Dr. Aimie look at what most people believe about chronic pain. Instead of blaming stress, she shows how chronic pain actually comes from trauma stored in the body, and explores what's really going on and...
2025-07-1538 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Why You're Still Stuck in Survival ModeHave you or your clients ever felt exhausted, anxious, or even physically ill after a therapy session? Or wondered why emotional breakthroughs sometimes leave you feeling worse before you feel better? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie answers EDMR therapist Rebecca's question about why people sometimes get physical symptoms after making progress in therapy, and shares simple strategies to help prevent this from happening. She goes into the biology behind how your nervous system is constantly deciding whether you're safe or in danger, and why digging into painful memories or feelings can make your body...
2025-07-1116 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy You're Still in Survival Mode (Even After Years of Therapy and Healing Work)Many people get stuck on their healing journey. They feel lost and confused. They've spent years in therapy, tried meditation, read all the books but still feel like they're just surviving instead of truly living. This is way more common than we would like to believe, and quite discouraging for those dealing with stress, burnout, or old emotional wounds. Even when you know you're safe, your body might still feel like it's in danger. That's because healing isn't just about mindset, it's about your nervous system. And most healing methods skip the steps your body...
2025-07-0834 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: How Attachment Drives Anxiety, Autoimmunity and Chronic IllnessWhat if the autoimmune condition you're dealing with today was actually programmed into your immune system decades ago during childhood? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie answers a listener's question about the biological mechanisms connecting early attachment trauma to autoimmunity, and most importantly, what to do about it. She goes into the biology behind how childhood fear literally programs your immune system at the cellular level, creating a biological foundation for autoimmune conditions that can emerge years or decades later, often triggered by additional stressors like accidents, infections, or major life events. You'll...
2025-07-0420 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Attachment Trauma Drives Anxiety, Autoimmunity & Chronic IllnessMany people push others away while desperately craving connection. Others battle chronic pain, digestive issues, or autoimmune conditions that seem to have no clear cause. But why is this? The answer often lies in unresolved childhood attachment trauma, specifically the experiences we had before we had words to make sense of them. This is why someone can have what looks like a good childhood but still struggle with anxiety, digestive problems, chronic pain, or autoimmune issues as an adult. The body remembers what the mind has forgotten. In this episode, Dr. Aimie breaks...
2025-07-0142 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Why the Body Is Wired for DangerYour nervous system's main job isn't to make you happy. It's to keep you safe. That's why, even after the danger is over, your body can still act like it's under threat. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind how trauma gets stuck in the body and why it's so hard to "just move on." You'll learn how something called the body trauma loop keeps your system in survival mode, and how the brain's ability to learn (neuroplasticity) can actually lock in trauma patterns over time. In this episode, you'll hear...
2025-06-2714 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Your Body Is Wired for Danger: Understanding Trauma's Impact on Your Nervous SystemWhen was the last time that you truly felt so safe that you had no anxiety, no fear, or insecurity for the future? Many people feel like they're always waiting for disaster to strike. Their body stays stressed even when nothing bad is happening. If this sounds like you or those you help, here's why it happens and what you can do about it. The answer lies in understanding how early life experiences wire our nervous system for survival rather than safety. When we get overwhelmed and can't find our way...
2025-06-2431 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: How Your Nervous System Decides What's Safe and Why It Matters for HealingEven if you've done years of therapy, learned to manage your emotions, and built self-awareness, your nervous system might still be stuck in survival mode. But why is this? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind how oxidative stress at the cellular level can keep your body trapped in a trauma response. No matter how much mindset work you've done! She breaks down how unresolved biological stress sends ongoing danger signals to your nervous system, fueling anxiety, overwhelm, and chronic dysregulation. You'll hear more about: Why trauma isn't...
2025-06-2016 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieNeuroception Explained: How Your Nervous System Decides What's Safe and Why It Matters for Healing"Neuroception is what determines our response to everything in any moment of our life. It is not based on reality. It is based on one's perception." – Dr. Aimie Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to stick to healthy habits, even when you know they'll help you feel better? Or why those you help can't seem resistant to their treatment plan? The truth is, it's not about willpower or motivation. Deep inside the body, there's an invisible security system constantly asking one question: "Am I safe right now, or am I in da...
2025-06-1741 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieBiology Behind It: Why the Mind & Body Can't Heal Without OxytocinWhy is it that sometimes the things that are supposed to help us feel calm actually make us feel more anxious instead? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores why this happens, expanding on her conversation with Dr. Sue Carter from Episode 125. She answers therapist Sarah's question about why some people struggle with relaxation techniques and reveals the surprising science behind it. You'll hear more on: Why oxytocin is called "nature's fire extinguisher" and how it helps you heal How oxytocin and vasopressin work together (not against each other!) Why past difficult experiences can make...
2025-06-1315 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Forgotten Hormone: Why the Mind & Body Can't Heal Without Oxytocin with Dr. Sue CarterMany people spend years in therapy and still struggle to feel truly safe in relationships. But why is this? The answer lies in the body. You can understand your trauma, but still feel unsafe. Oxytocin helps turn that understanding into actual feelings of safety in your body. Known as nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory, oxytocin plays a vital role in regulating the nervous system, forming secure connections, and shifting the body out of survival mode. In this episode, Dr. Aimie is joined by world-renowned oxytocin expert Dr. Sue Carter to discuss how this hormone holds the...
2025-06-1041 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Grief and Gut HealthDid you know that it's impossible to have gut issues without feeling grief and regret, and equally impossible to hold grief while maintaining a healthy gut? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores the powerful connection between constipation and grief, expanding on her discussion in Episode 124. She answers a listener's question about remaining stuck in grief work despite months of therapy, and how chronic constipation might be the barrier preventing emotional healing. You'll hear more on: How grief triggers a biological trauma response that directly impacts digestion The effect constipation has on your nervous system Ho...
2025-06-0621 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieGrief and Gut Health: Is It Just Emotional or Something More?"Your gut cannot hold grief and regret and stay a healthy gut. It's impossible, and it's impossible to have gut issues and to not feel grief and regret." – Dr. Aimie Grief isn't just an emotional process, it's a biological experience that can deeply disrupt your gut health, nervous system, and overall well-being. In this episode, Dr. Aimie explores the gut-brain axis and how emotional trauma like grief gets stored in the body, often leading to digestive issues and nervous system dysregulation. Discover how grief affects the vagus nerve, diaphragm function, and the enteric nervous system—your...
2025-06-0339 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Light, Sleep and Habits to Heal Your Nervous SystemWhat if your inability to change habits and reactions wasn't about lack of willpower or being lazy, but was actually about your body not having enough energy to make the change? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why so many people feel stuck in old patterns or habits, expanding on her conversation with Katie Wells from Episode 123. She answers a question from Jessica, a therapist, about why her clients intellectually understand their problems but can't seem to make changes stick and feel drained after therapy. Dr. Aimie explains how trauma...
2025-05-3016 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieLight, Sleep and High-Impact Habits To Heal Your Nervous System"I said to my body, 'I want to be your friend.' And it took a deep breath and said, 'I've been waiting our whole life for this.'" – Katie Wells Doing the inner work isn't just emotional, it's biological. In this episode, Dr. Aimie is joined by Wellness Mama founder and health journalist Katie Wells to talk about the high-impact habits with light, sleep, and movement can help support nervous system regulation and emotional healing In this conversation, you'll learn why trauma is actually an energy problem, how your environment may be silently working ag...
2025-05-2739 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Shutdown Before StressDid you know that your body could literally be "rusting from the inside out" when stuck in trauma? This biological reality explains why so many develop chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and other mysterious health conditions. In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why trauma creates chronic illness, building on her discussion from Episode 122 about addressing trauma stored in the body. She answers a listener's question about why her clients seem to struggle with chronic health issues and what can actually be done about it. You'll learn more on: What oxidative stress is...
2025-05-2713 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieShutdown Before Stress: The Misstep in Trauma Healing That Often Gets MissedHealing begins when we stop pushing and start listening to what our body is trying to tell us. In this episode, Dr. Aimie walks through the science of how trauma is stored in the body and what that means for the sequence of healing, and what can go wrong when we don't follow the steps in the right order.. You'll learn the key differences between stress and trauma responses, why therapy can sometimes leave you feeling worse, and how to work with your body's natural healing process instead of against it. Dr. Aimie...
2025-05-2034 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieFinding Your Why: How to Break Free from Burnout and Build Meaningful Work with Dr. Eric Arzubi"I was more afraid of regret than I was of failing." — Dr. Eric Arzubi Imagine having a corner office on Wall Street by age 30, but feeling like something important was missing. In this episode, Dr. Aimie sits down with Dr. Eric Arzubi, who had this exact experience. Despite his success, he felt a deep pull toward something more meaningful. That pull eventually led him to leave finance behind, become a psychiatrist, and take on the challenge of transforming mental health care in Montana through trauma-informed telehealth. Dr. Arzubi shares his inspiring journey of wa...
2025-05-1340 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Why You're Antidepressants May Not Be WorkingDid you know that, according to research, only 50% of people experience relief from antidepressants? Why could this be? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie explores why antidepressants often fail to provide relief for many people, expanding on her discussion in Episode 120. She answers a listener's question about what may be causing her to continue to experience brain fog and feeling flat despite increased medication dosage. You'll hear more on: What is really driving the mental health epidemic The five steps of how the body experiences a trauma response The missing piece...
2025-05-0818 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhy Antidepressants Don't Work for Everyone: The Hidden Role of Trauma in Anxiety and DepressionAre you or those you work with struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or emotional numbness, even when lab tests come back "normal"? In this episode, Dr. Aimie looks at how unresolved trauma stored in the nervous system can drive physical and emotional symptoms which are often mistaken for depression, anxiety, or autoimmune issues. Through the real life story of Michelle, a teacher who no longer felt like herself, you'll learn about the five-step trauma response everyone follows, and why conventional approaches often miss the mark. Whether you're a practitioner seeking deeper insight into...
2025-05-0635 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Transforming Trauma into Joy & PurposeHow can a single moment impact your life? Can that moment still affect you not only emotionally but physically years later? In this mini-episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind how trauma gets physically stored in the body, expanding on her conversation with Gregg Ward from Episode 119. She unpacks Greg's story of accidentally causing a fatal car accident at age 18 and how this moment shaped his entire life path and physical health. You'll hear more on: How trauma physically show ups in the body during the freeze response The 3...
2025-05-0216 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieTransforming Trauma Into Joy & Purpose with Gregg WardWhat happens when a single moment changes the direction of your entire life? Can regret become a force for good? In this episode, we'll hear one man's journey through the aftermath of accidentally causing his high school sweetheart's death in a car accident at 18 years old and how that trauma has shaped his entire life. Dr. Aimie is joined by Gregg Ward who shares how this terrible accident caused his greatest pain while also pushing him to become a better person. He describes how the trauma showed up in his body, his methods for trying...
2025-04-2935 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: How to Navigate Your Own Chronic Illness & Healing JourneyAre you a practitioner struggling to balance patient care with your own health needs? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie looks at the biology behind the Spoon Theory and how practitioners can manage their own health while helping others heal. She answers a listener's question about why she feels drained after certain client sessions and the actionable steps she can take to keep her energy levels up. Dr. Aimie's will build on her conversation with Helga Byrne from Episode 118, where they discussed navigating professional responsibilities while managing personal health challenges. You'll hear more o...
2025-04-2517 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Practitioners Can Navigate Their Own Chronic Illness and Healing JourneyAre you trying to work caring for others while navigating your own chronic health symptoms? In this episode, we'll take a look at one woman's decade-long battle with a chronic illness and the actions she took to build and maintain her practice. Helga Byrne, worked years in corporate, but wanted a more meaningful life. Becoming a licensed therapist, she spent years struggling with a chronic health issue without having an answer. Eventually, it was discovered it was chronic Lyme disease, but that didn't bring an overnight solution. How do we manage being a professional in...
2025-04-2240 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: How Movement Can Heal Stored Trauma, Grief & EmotionsCan your body be stuck in trauma or grief? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie is answering a listener's question about why her physical symptoms are still bothering her a year after a loved one's death. She dives into why the normal approach to self care won't work and how creating safety can allow the trauma and grief to move through the body instead of staying stuck. Dr. Aimie goes into the biology behind why movement is needed for overwhelming grief and trauma, building on her conversation with Paul Denniston from episode 117. She shares more on why "...
2025-04-1814 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Movement Can Heal Stored Trauma, Grief and Emotions with Paul Denniston"Emotions need motion" - Paul Denniston Grief is an emotion that many of us try to avoid. But what happens when we don't let it out? In this episode, we explore how hidden grief can get stuck in the body, causing tight shoulders, stomach pain, and nonstop anxiety. Paul Denniston, founder of Grief Yoga, joins Dr. Aimie to explain that grief doesn't simply disappear when ignored. Instead, it hides in our muscles and body, making them hurt or feel uncomfortable.This conversation sheds light on how movement and even laughter can let the feelings out...
2025-04-1544 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: The Body Keeps ScorePreventing people from moving when something terrible happens is what makes trauma a trauma. In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie dives into the biology behind why not being able to move (either physically or internally) can create trauma. She looks more closely at the moment in the trauma response that she calls "hitting the wall" - the pivotal point where we feel powerless and our physiology shifts from a stress response to a trauma response. Dr. Aimie also explains that our neuroception (nervous system's perception) determines whether we take action or shut down, and this...
2025-04-1116 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System with Dr. Bessel van der KolkIn response to overwhelm, the body tries to keep one safe in different ways. Sometimes our body feels so shaken and shocked that it makes our mind need to disconnect from the pain of it. This is called dissociating. Yet, the body still remembers what happened. The impact to our biology doesn't go away just because we don't understand or remember something. The impact is how the body keeps track of everything from out past. When we understand that our body is reacting because it is still holding onto something from the past, it can help us...
2025-04-0836 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: 3 Biochemistry Findings Behind Mood & Mental Health StrugglesAre you or someone you know feeling stuck in trauma patterns despite years of therapy and personal work? In this mini episode, Dr. Aimie is answering a question about whether there might be a biological component hindering a persons attachment repair progress. Dr. Aimie will buliding off of her conversation with Dr. Jason Loken in Episode 115. She'll be diving deeper into the 3 common biochemical imbalances that can keep people trapped in nervous system dysregulation. You'll hear more about: How under-methylation works and it's symptoms How a copper excess can create a toxic...
2025-04-0716 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biochemistry Behind Mood & Mental Health Struggles with Dr. Jason LokenAre you or those you help seemingly doing all "right things" but still feeling stuck? That competitive drive, those controlling tendencies, or that persistent anxiety might actually be rooted in our biochemistry. In this episode, Dr. Aimie sits down with Dr. Jason Loken to explore how hidden biochemical imbalances can create patterns of depression, anxiety, and behavioral challenges that talk therapy alone cannot resolve. Dr. Loken shares how under-methylation, a copper-zinc imbalance, and pyroluria can fundamentally affect your physical and mental well-being. They'll also discuss why certain traits run in families, how a copper-zinc imbalance...
2025-04-0133 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: The Science Behind Why We Can't "Get Over" LossAre you or someone you know struggling with the weight of grief, feeling disconnected, exhausted, or immobilized? In this short episode, Dr. Aimie will expand on her conversation with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor from episode 114. She will dive deeper into the neurobiology of grief and its impact on the body. You'll hear more on: The three survival mechanisms of grief-related trauma Why grief can trigger overwhelming fatigue, digestive issues, and feelings of heaviness The connection between grief, the gut, and the nervous system Practical steps to support and repair the body during the grieving process
2025-03-3115 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: How Mold and Lyme Create A Sensitive and Reactive PersonalityAre you or someone you know struggling with unexplained anxiety, fatigue, or reactivity? In this short episode, Dr. Aimie dives deep into the conversation she had with Dr. Neil Nathan in episode 113 about how hidden infections like mold toxicity and Lyme disease can create a "biology of threat" within your body. She'll explore: How mold and Lyme can trigger physiological symptoms that mimic trauma responses The 3 interconnected systems that keep your body in constant threat mode Practical steps to regulate your nervous system and reduce sensitivity Ready to learn more on...
2025-03-3011 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: Unlocking Your Brain's Hidden PowerAre you ready to unlock your brain's hidden power? Today, Dr. Aimie will be taking a closer look at the key takeaways from her conversation with Dr. Greg Kelly. She will be going into the biology behind the brain's capacity and what you can do to improve yours. She'll talk about: Removing stressors that are taking up brain capacity Why creating more brain capacity is key long-term Simple tools to increase your capacity If you want to know more about how you can reduce stressors and increase mental bandwidth, listen to Epis...
2025-03-2909 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: How to Reduce Brain Fog & Mental FatigueOf all the different aspects of trauma biology, brain inflammation is the one that will hold you back when it comes to the therapy, trauma work and personal development you're trying to do. In this short episode, Dr. Aimie will share her top takeaways and action steps from episode 110 with Dr. Datis Kharrazian. She'l go into the biology behind brain inflammation in therapy and trauma work. You'll hear more on: How brain inflammation shuts the body down The 3 levels that keep your body stuck The necessary repair tools for brain inflammation R...
2025-03-2811 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: End Your Addiction NowIs your biology making it easier to fall into addiction? Today, Dr. Aimie is taking a closer look at this question and other key takeaways from her conversation with the late Dr. Charles Gant around addiction. You'll hear more on: Biological factors that may push someone towards addiction The role of the freeze response in addiction The 3 main biochemical imbalances that are seen in addiction Want to hear more about the connection between your biology and addiction? Listen to Episode 109: End Your Addiction Now: How Pioneer Work Outperforms Traditional Treatment
2025-03-2711 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Biology Behind It: How The Body Stores Trauma in the Fascia and Lymphatic SystemDid you know your body's connective tissues might be trapping trauma and toxins? In this short episode, Dr. Aimie is sharing valuable insights from her episode with Dr. Christine Schaffner. She talks about the biology behind how trauma manifests in the body through the extracellular matrix, fascia, and lymphatic system. You'll hear more on: How these connective tissues work The healing sequence to follow to start your healing journey Which system to address first when looking at stored trauma If you want to more fully understand this topic, head over to Episode 108: How The B...
2025-03-2612 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Science Behind Why We Can't 'Get Over' Loss And How to Grieve with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor" In order to think about grief, first you have to think about love and bonding, because that is what gets lost. That is what gets broken." Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor Understanding why grief feels so physical, why someone still reaches for the phone to call someone who's gone, or why certain memories can trigger intense emotions years after a loss can provide valuable insight for those helping others who are experiencing grief or for those who want to know more about grief. And today, we're diving into the neuroscience behind grief. In this episode, Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor joins...
2025-03-2541 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHidden Triggers: How Mold and Lyme Create A Sensitive and Reactive Personality with Dr. Neil Nathan"If you have a new onset of anxiety or depression that doesn't even make sense to you, think of a more physical cause." - Dr. Neil Nathan Do you have issues with focus, concentration, or even finding the word you want to use? If so, you might be dealing with the hidden effects of mold toxicity and Lyme disease. In this episode, Dr. Aimie sits down with Dr. Neil Nathan to discuss how mold toxicity and Lyme disease can create a "biology of threat" in the body that can trigger and maintain a...
2025-03-1828 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieThe Survival Paradox: The Protein That Can Cause Disease & What You Can Do About It with Dr. Isaac EliazHave you ever felt like your body is stuck in survival mode, holding onto stress and tension no matter how hard you try to let it go? What if this instinct to survive is also what drives chronic inflammation, emotional pain, and even long-term illness? Today, Dr. Isaac Eliaz joins Dr. Aimie to explore the concept of the survival paradox.This process is what keeps your body on high alert and affects everything from your energy levels to your ability to heal and can keep your body stuck in a freeze response. Together, they'll discuss the s...
2025-03-1127 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieClear Your Mind: How to Reduce Brain Fog & Mental FatigueHave you ever felt like stress is draining your energy, focus, and resilience—no matter how much you try to manage it? What if stress isn't just about what's happening around you, but about how your brain and body process it behind the scenes? In this episode, Dr. Greg Kelly joins Dr. Aimie to dive into the hidden biology of stress and uncover how it consumes your mental bandwidth, disrupts your brain's energy supply, and impacts your ability to think clearly and recover from challenges. You'll discover how your brain's prediction systems influence your stress res...
2025-02-2524 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie3 Power Stories: How to Reclaim Your Mental & Physical Health Through Biology of TraumaⓇ with Dr. Aimie ApigianAs you know, this is a very special episode. We're both at the two year anniversary and the 100th podcast episode, and what a milestone. I'm even surprised and shocked at how much content I've been able to put out into the world through this podcast, and I'm very grateful and humbled and honored that I get to do that. To celebrate this special episode, I wanted to bring in some amazing women around the world who have really been doing this inner journey and work with their nervous system. And I invited these three because they...
2024-12-0337 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieSurvival Mechanisms: How Early Attachment Trauma Shapes Your Breathing & Behavior Patterns with Dr. Aimie ApigianIn this episode, I want to teach on an important topic that is either commonly misunderstood or just missed, muscle bracing patterns that have their origins in our attachment style. I am teaching on how to recognize attachment bracing adaptations to answer the one question How does our attachment create bracing patterns in our body to protect us from pain? This is important because these same bracing patterns will affect both our breath and our freeze response - our shut down in the face of certain emotions. In this episode, you'll learn: How...
2024-11-1932 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieAuthenticity & Somatic Experiencing: How to Access Deeper Intimacy After Trauma with Dr. Peter LevineHow can authenticity help us heal from trauma and achieve deeper, more intimate relationships? Dr. Aimie Apigian is joined by Dr. Peter Levine, the pioneer of Somatic Experiencing, to discuss how trauma disrupts our connection to our authentic selves, which in turn affects our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships. Together, they will explain how we can begin to restore deep intimacy and connection with others through the practice of somatic healing. Allowing for genuine intimacy and presence in our lives after having experienced trauma. In this episode, you will learn about: How trauma...
2024-09-0631 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieFear, Attachment & Relational Trauma: Solutions For The Hyper-Sensitive Gut with Dr. Aimie ApigianAre the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) connected to trauma? In this episode, I dive into what I've been learning about a hypersensitive and hyperreactive gut looking through the lens of IBS. I answer where IBS comes from, its origins, and the REAL solutions to fixing it. Forget what you think you know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, because the truth might just shock you! You'll learn more about: Common misconceptions around IBS and mental health The specific emotion during our attachment years that is connected with IBS What "global high int...
2024-05-3030 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieUnderstanding the Trauma Connection Between Attachment, Autoimmunity, and Fatigue with Dr. Aimie ApigianWhat is the connection between attachment, autoimmunity and fatigue? The answer… your nervous system! Many practitioners have noticed there has been an uptick in those who are experiencing autoimmunity. What's causing this uptick? In this episode, I'm discussing how the nervous system, and more specifically the freeze response, is connected to attachment, autoimmunity, and fatigue. You'll hear more about: The 3 normal stress responses How the freeze response is a component of the stress response both mentally and physically How the freeze response contributes to autoimmune conditions and fatigue Why working on you...
2024-04-2648 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Attachment Shapes Our Biology and Behavior with Dr. Aimie ApigianHow do we begin to have secure attachments as adults? We develop our attachment style in childhood and there are 3 different types of attachment. But how do we know what our attachment style is and how it impacts our life? One of them, secure attachment, iI've only seen a few times in my life. The other two styles are what most of us tend to be and that's ok! But how can we move from these styles into secure attachments? That's the question I'll be answering on today's episode. You'll hear m...
2024-04-1225 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHormones: A Portal Into Our Stored Trauma with Dr. Aimie Apigian In this episode we're going to talk about women's health - specifically around how trauma affects womens' hormones. We will discuss how if you feel something is off, it probably is, the wrong advice doctors are giving about hormones, and the times in our lives when we are more prepared to deal with past traumas due to hormonal changes. We will also cover why the term "estrogen dominance" is misleading and the two main hormones that are really affecting you (and they aren't estrogen and progesterone!). For more information and links for this episode, please vi...
2024-01-1235 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieMirroring in Trauma: Mastering How You Hold and Guide Others with Dr. Aimie ApigianHow do you use mirroring when wanting to hold the container for someone to safely go into their freeze response for healing? This is the question that I answer in today's Biology of Trauma Podcast. This episode is an excerpt from one of my professional development training sessions for those who become mentors and lead the breakout groups in the Foundational Journey. During this session, I chat with those group members about what mirroring is, how to use it to excite, subside, or maintain whatever the emotional state is, and how mirroring someone's own words back to...
2023-12-2937 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieIs Neuroplasticity Good or Bad in Trauma? with Dr. Aimie Apigian In this episode, I break down neuroplasticity and discuss the role it plays in the trauma-healing journey. I discuss how our nervous system, often stuck in patterns due to prolonged symptoms, can be retrained and redirected toward a healthier, more positive state. I also share insights from professionals who have currently in the advanced level of training in my Biology of Trauma Certificate Training Program and have used this information on their clients. Ultimately, this podcast episode answers the question – how to use neuroplasticity to help you on the trauma healing journey? Head over...
2023-12-0845 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie5 Supplements That Support Trauma Healing with Dr. Aimie Apigian In this episode, I explain five important supplements and how they help our bodies respond to trauma and aid us in the trauma healing process. I guide you to what symptoms and conditions each supplement addresses so you know which supplement you should take. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted approach required for effective trauma therapy through the effective use of supplements. Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to learn more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podc...
2023-12-0146 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie5 Agreements to Keep Group Trauma Work Safe with Dr. Aimie ApigianThis week's episode of the Biology of Trauma podcast explains the "five agreements" that we teach in our 21 Day Journey course. The episode answers the question: What are the five agreements that allow us to do group trauma work safely? Want to hear more about this episode? Head over to our website to learn more!
2023-10-2734 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Quickly Can Lifelong Patterns Change? with Dr. Aimie Apigian In this episode of the Biology of Trauma podcast, we are looking at how we change lifelong patterns in our body, how long it takes to notice a shift in those patterns, and what we need to do to make those changes stick. This episode is broken down in two parts: 1) I begin with an overview of the first part of my Foundational Journey - the 21 Day Journey and what participants can expect, and 2) I welcome participants of the 21 Day Journey program to share their personal experiences and transformations. Our main question for this episode is: How quickly can l...
2023-10-1340 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieSolutions for Low Serotonin and GABA in Trauma with Trudy ScottIn this episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian and Trudy Scott delve into the complex relationship between trauma, neurotransmitters, and biochemistry. Trudy Scott, a certified nutritionist and founder of the Anxiety Nutrition Institute, shares her expertise on how low levels of serotonin and GABA can significantly affect those with PTSD symptoms. The episode aims to answer the question: What to do about low serotonin and low GABA in trauma? Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to learn more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you ag...
2023-09-2239 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieChronic Conditions: What to do When the Protocols Aren't Enough with Dr. Aimie ApigianThe reality is, most of us have a chronic health issue in addition to trauma. Trauma and health issues go hand in hand. In this podcast episode, we are diving into the important question of: What to do when the protocols aren't enough for resolving a chronic health issue? In today's episode, we will look at what happens when trauma becomes the operating system for the body and what to do about it. When a chronic health issue is present, we can go wrong! You can't out-supplement trauma, and your health professional isn't going to have the too...
2023-09-1547 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhere to Start With Trauma in a Holistic Model? with Dr. Aimie Apigian"Once we know better and have the ability to be intentional about the process, either for ourselves or our clients, it has to be a holistic integrative approach and to start the opening up in a specific way." We have talked a lot on this podcast about different ways to work on our stored trauma in the body, but the number one question is - Where do we start? Having been through my own personal journey of healing my body by addressing and releasing trauma, I learned the hard way that my body will let me know when what...
2023-09-0138 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow to Integrate Somatic and Parts Work Part 2: Mind-Body Dialogue Questions with Dr. Aimie ApigianWelcome back as we continue with part two of our series on integrating somatic and parts work. If you missed part one, go check it out in Episode 36 and then come back. In this episode, we ask the question - What are the specific mind-body dialogue questions that help us connect to a part of us associated with a body sensation? To help us answer this question, I have invited three special people to share their specific mind-body dialogue questions that have helped them connect to themselves as they notice body sensations. Want to learn m...
2023-08-2530 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow to Integrate Somatic and Parts Work Part 1: Mind-Body Dialogue Questions with Dr. Aimie ApigianHave you thought about how you should integrate somatic work and parts work and how that integration actually happens? Then you are in luck! That's what we are covering today. In the 21 Day Journey, we start off with parts work - what is it you are actually feeling in your body. This helps us incorporate and mix the two so we are doing somatic parts work, rather than focusing on either one on its own. Today, we will answer the question: How do we integrate the two by connecting to the part behind a body sensation and how does...
2023-08-1826 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhat are the Ways the Body Communicates Stored Trauma? with Dr. Aimie ApigianHave you noticed the difference between how your body feels during times of stress versus times of trauma? Maybe not! When we are stressed, we feel energy. We are figuring things out and getting things done. But trauma mode is different. In this episode taken from one of my Masterclasses, we are going to discuss the three surprising ways our bodies communicate trauma. Not listening to our body's "check engine light" comes at a cost, so let's dive in and see where we can make changes. Want to learn more about this episode? Head over t...
2023-07-0717 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieAttachment Adaptations From Age 0 – 6 Months with Dr. Aimie ApigianAttachment and neurodevelopment is one of those topics people ask me about all the time! Today, I'm going to let you listen in on one of my master classes on attachment. The big question we have to ask – What attachment adaptations come from age 0 - 6 months? What if we have gaps or injuries in the first six months of life? Attachment is so much more than just relationships. Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to learn more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you...
2023-06-2333 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhat is the Physiology and Neurobiology of the Trauma Response? with Dr. Aimie ApigianWe hear the word "trauma" thrown around all the time, but what does it actually mean? The answer lies in our physiology, in our neurobiology. Today, I will be discussing the foundational biological aspects of trauma you need to know to understand your trauma responses, as well as what you can do about it. Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to find out more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any m...
2023-06-1621 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Does Brain Fog and Inflammation Affect Somatic Trauma Work? with Dr. Aimie Apigian"A brain inflamed is a brain in overwhelm." Do you know how head injuries affect one's ability to do trauma work or somatic work? Do you know how to recognize brain inflammation and what kind of work that requires? Today, we are going to look at that with a first-hand account by Tori. Tori wasn't always stuck in her trauma work. She was a marathon runner, a successful accountant, and managed her health issues well enough. But after she suffered a few head injuries, the past ten years have been very difficult. We are going to answer the question...
2023-06-0225 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieDoing Trauma Work Safely: The 1 Thing You Need To Do Before Processing Your Past with Dr.Aimie ApigianHave you ever begun a trauma-healing journey, jumping straight to the healing part only to find that you have wasted time, money, and created more confusion than you solved? This is most likely because you skipped the first step. Today I will be sharing openly some of the mistakes that I've made, the lessons learned, and the main question we will focus on today: What is the one thing you NEED to do before processing trauma? Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to find out more!
2023-05-2618 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhat is The Parasympathetic State and Why Does it Matter? with Dr. Aimie ApigianWhether for you or your work, it is crucial to know what is going on in the body and nervous system. In this episode, you will learn about the vagus nerve, parasympathetic state, and its connection to stored trauma. Today, we will answer the question: What is the parasympathetic state and why does it matter? Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to find out more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat an...
2023-05-0537 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhat if You're Not Sure if You've Had Trauma? with Dr. Aimie Apigian"Trauma? I don't have trauma, right?" Have you said this to yourself or heard others say it? Today, we are going to break it down so you can figure it out. My guest today is Rhonda, a 23-year veteran of the police department from Chicago, Illinois. Rhonda will break down for us how she went from The Energizer Bunny to healing her body's stored trauma after a serious health crash with the help of my 21 Day Journey. Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to find out more!
2023-04-2128 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhich Trauma Tools Can Increase a Counselor's Revenue Without Advertising? with Dr. Aimie Apigian"Biology of Trauma helped me grow through life, not just go through life." Which trauma tools can increase a counselor's revenue without advertising? To answer this question on the Biology of Trauma™ Podcast, I have invited Manisha Bilimoria, a counselor living and working in Sri Lanka and an alumnus of my 21 Day Journey, among other courses, to share her inspiring story of her own unknown health issue, financial distress, and more importantly her willingness to do her own trauma work in order to make a difference in the pain and fear we see around us. Want...
2023-04-0733 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieHow Did This Pastor Move From Cancer, Burnout, and Depression to Living His Best Life in the Middle of a War? with Dr. Aimie ApigianHave you ever experienced a complete and intense burnout? Today on the Biology of Trauma™ Podcast, one of Dr. Aimie's Biology of Trauma™ Professionals, Marc, joins her to share his story of how a complete and intense burnout changed his life and perspective. Want to find out more information about this episode? Head to our website to learn more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physi...
2023-03-2437 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhat is the Best Way to Help Our Families Heal From Their Traumas? with Dr. Aimie ApigianToday on Biology of Trauma, we hear from Heather, a graduate of the online 21-day journey to calm aliveness. After seeing the positive impact of addressing her trauma, Heather continued with her mentor training program to lead somatic exercises and mentor others on their healing journey. In this episode, we tackle how to help your family heal from trauma. Want to find out more information about this episode? Head to our website to learn more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as me...
2023-03-1735 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieMy Story: Bring The Fight Back To Trauma Work with Dr. Aimie ApigianToday on The Biology of Trauma, I share more of my story and why I chose to work in the field of trauma. It has to do with my grandfather and my father's stories... Want to find out more information about this episode? Head to our website to learn more! Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Thi...
2023-03-1019 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWhat is My "Why?" (Part 1) with Alex Howard and Dr. Aimie ApigianToday on Biology of Trauma, Alex Howard, The founder of the Optimum Health Clinic, joins me for a Fireside chat. In this episode, I share my story of how I transitioned from working as a general surgeon to a trauma practitioner. My hope is that my journey will provide some hope and show you that there is a clear path forward through overwhelm to being your best self. Want to learn more about this episode? Head over to our website to find out more! Disclaimer: By listening to this pod...
2023-02-1025 minThe Biology of Trauma® With Dr. AimieWelcome to The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimie ApigianPeople are done dancing around the topic of trauma. They're ready to face this square-on. None of the current systems are getting to the root of the issue in the current model. Their biology has been affected on a cellular level, and that is now what's preventing the important work that they're trying to do. The Biology of Trauma podcast is the missing piece to that puzzle. It's a practical living manual for the human body in a modern, traumatizing world. Join your host medical physician and attachment, trauma, and addiction expert, Dr. Aimie as s...
2022-12-0604 min