Shows
Medical Trauma SupportFrom Psychologist to Patient: What Medical Trauma Taught Me About Healing with Dr. Rachel AllenIn this deeply personal and validating episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, host Sarah Stasica welcomes psychologist Rachel Allen for a heartfelt conversation about healing from medical trauma—both as a professional and as someone with lived experience.Rachel shares her journey through a traumatic birth and her role as a caregiver during her husband’s cancer diagnosis, highlighting the emotional weight of being unseen in medical systems. Sarah and Rachel explore what it means to feel safe in your body again, how to build supportive care systems, and the importance of sitting in discomfort to acce...2025-06-2047 minMedical Trauma SupportChildhood Medical Trauma: Consent, Nervous System Healing & Community Support with Kelsey WesleyIn this powerful episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica is joined by leadership and wellness consultant Kelsey Wesley for an honest conversation about the emotional complexities of childhood medical trauma.Kelsey shares her lived experience of undergoing multiple childhood surgeries and how those early medical experiences significantly impacted her. Together, Kelsey and Sarah explore how medical trauma impacts not only the child—but also the parent making heart-wrenching decisions in high-stakes moments.They discuss:The emotional aftermath of childhood medical traumaThe importance of consent and agency in he...2025-06-061h 02Medical Trauma SupportThe Power of Owning Your Story: Dana’s Path Through Scleroderma and Into AdvocacyIn this powerful episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I’m joined by Dana Hammerstrom, a journalism student at USC, who shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, as a child. Dana opens up about the medical trauma she experienced — from frightening medical experiences and painful treatments to the emotional impact of being a young child facing a complex chronic illness.Together, we explore how childhood medical trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, especially when it’s misunderstood or minimized. Dana also discusses how revisiting her medical history through the le...2025-05-2338 minMedical Trauma SupportHealing After Infant Loss: A Mother's Journey Through Grief, Movement, and Medical TraumaIn this heartfelt episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, host Sarah Stasica speaks with dancer and choreographer Allison Thomas about her powerful healing journey after the devastating loss of her infant. Together, they explore the deep layers of medical trauma, infant loss, and the complex emotions of grief, and how movement—especially dance—became a transformative outlet for Allison's healing.Allison shares how her body carried both her pain and her path toward recovery. Through somatic practices, breath awareness, and nervous system support, she began to process her trauma and reconnect with her inner wisdom. The epis...2025-05-0938 minMedical Trauma SupportInfertility & Medical Trauma: Finding Healing Through Mindfulness and Support with Dr. Emily GuarnottaIn this powerful episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica is joined by Emily Guarnotta, clinical psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health, for an honest conversation about the often-unspoken emotional and medical trauma of infertility. Emily shares her personal experience with postpartum depression and how it led her to create a supportive space for others navigating infertility and perinatal mental health challenges.Together, they explore the deep isolation and anxiety that can come with fertility treatments and medical interventions, and the crucial role that mindfulness, breathwork, and community support play in the healing process. Whether...2025-04-2132 minMedical Trauma SupportDetoxing Stress: Lymphatic Support for Trauma Healing with Leah LevitanIn this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, host Sarah Stasica welcomes Leah Levitan, certified lymphatic therapist and founder of Lymph Love Club, for an empowering conversation about lymphatic system health and its vital role in healing after medical trauma.Leah shares her personal story of how her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis led her to explore the world of lymphatic drainage, somatic healing, and nervous system regulation. Together, Sarah and Leah discuss how the lymphatic system supports detoxification, immune function, and trauma recovery—especially for those living with autoimmune conditions or recovering from chronic illness and...2025-04-1850 minMedical Trauma SupportTapping into the Wisdom of Your Body to Heal with Devon HornbyIn this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, we explore the wisdom of the body with Devon Hornby, a manual therapist and Chinese medicine practitioner at Tao Health Clinic in Austin, TX. We discuss how somatic awareness, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed healing can help rebuild trust and safety within the body. Learn why there is no wrong place to start your healing journey, how slowing down fosters deep healing, and why you have more agency in your recovery than you realize. Tune in for expert insights on befriending your body, accessing its innate wisdom, and using somatic...2025-04-0437 minMedical Trauma SupportBefriending the Body with Jenn Wooten of Via SomaticIn this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, Sarah Stasica and Jenn Wooten discuss the profound impact of medical trauma on the nervous system and the importance of understanding this relationship for healing. There is so much wisdom in the body but it takes nervous system capacity to be able to turn toward the body. When we can increase our nervous system capacity, it allows us to turn in and befriend the body. Jenn shares her expertise in somatic practices to heal the nervous system and the Via Somatic methodology, emphasizing self-regulation, resilience, and the significance...2025-03-2155 minMedical Trauma SupportMedical Trauma and Anger with Dr. Sacha McBainIn this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I speak with Dr. Sasha McBain about medical trauma and the emotions that often go along with it. We particularly focus on anger because it is such a common experience for those of us who have experienced medical trauma. We discuss Sasha's journey into this field, the psychological impact of medical experiences, and the importance of addressing trauma in healthcare settings. We also address the need for systemic change in healthcare to better support patients and their families. In this conversation, Sacha McBain, PhD, and I explore the complex emotions...2025-03-0741 minMedical Trauma SupportHolistic Healing for Medical Trauma with Kim Humphrey of Vibrational BodyIn this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Humphrey, an Austin based speech therapist, yoga teacher, sound healer and all around magic person, about her personal journey through medical trauma and how it led her to healing practices that she now shares with others. Kim shares her medical trauma experiences and the emotional toll of her medical journey, and we talked about the importance of finding words to describe medical trauma. We explored the role of yoga in healing, how yoga nidra helps with finding peace, and the connection between...2025-02-2742 minMedical Trauma SupportDr. Christen Mullane's Medical Stress and Trauma Workbook Release!In this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I welcome back Christen Mullane to discuss her new book, Medical Stress and Trauma: A Mindfulness-Based Approach To Reclaiming Safety And Empowerment. Our conversation explores the themes of safety, empowerment, and the importance of understanding medical stress for patients, caregivers, and providers. Christen shares insights on how her workbook can serve as a tool for healing and reflection, and everyone can benefit from its content, regardless of their role in medical trauma or stage in the healing journey. The episode also includes an experiential exercise on safety, highlighting the significance...2025-02-1239 minMedical Trauma SupportHow to Heal from Birth Trauma with Shelley Freeman, MS, LCMHCIn this episode of the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, I’m joined by Shelley Freeman, MS, LCMHC, to explore three transformative pathways to heal from birth trauma: building a supportive community, engaging in somatic practices, and exploring therapy.
Together, we discuss the power of connecting with others who truly understand your experience, how somatic practices can help regulate your nervous system and create a sense of safety in your body, and why therapy can be a powerful tool for processing and releasing trauma.
Whether you're in the thick of postpartum struggles or reflecting on your ow...2025-01-2439 min
Medical Trauma SupportBirth Trauma and Postpartum Mental Health with Shelley FreemanIn this engaging conversation with Shelley Freeman, we delve into the often-overlooked postpartum period following birth trauma. We explore the emotional toll of trauma and shame and how they contribute to postpartum mood disorders. We also emphasize the vital need for “mothering the mother”—providing compassionate, gentle care to support recovery and emotional well-being. Whether your birth experience was recent or many years ago, this episode offers an insightful look into the hidden struggles of postpartum life and the power of nurturing support systems.2025-01-1739 minMedical Trauma SupportBirth Trauma Part One with Shelley Freeman, MS, LCMHCJoin us for episode one of a three part series on birth trauma. I talk with Shelley, a therapist who works with moms, about the prevalence of birth trauma, some factors that increase the likelihood of birth trauma and how healing is possible.
Click here to learn more about the four week birth trauma group.
Shelley's website.
Shelley's IG page
Medical Trauma Support on Instagram.
Medical Trauma Support website2025-01-1035 minMedical Trauma SupportHow Susan's Medical Trauma Led to Post Traumatic GrowthIn this episode, Susan shares her medical trauma healing journey. She has so many beautiful strategies that I think could be helpful to the many people who are really struggling with medical trauma. We discuss Somatic Experiencing, re-entering the medical system after trauma, the importance of support and gratitude filled medication rituals. One of the biggest things that stood out to me in this conversation is the sense of empowerment and agency that Susan was able to tap into on her journey of healing. I hope that this episode is helpful to you and please share it with anyone...2024-12-2836 minMedical Trauma SupportNaming Medical Trauma as a Part of the Healing Journey with Erin Bradshaw of Healthcare Revolution CollectiveI was so lucky to get to talk with Erin Bradshaw of Healthcare Revolution Collective and talk about how just being able to name medical trauma is an important part of healing. We also discuss protective factors to prevent medical trauma and how important it is to validate someone's experience of trauma. We also offer ideas for how to support yourself and others in the medical system.
You can find out more about Erin and Healthcare Revolution Collective here. 2024-12-1641 minMedical Trauma SupportSupporting Parents When a Child Has Cancer: A Conversation with Pediatric Oncology Social Worker EllieWhen a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family enters a world of fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty. In this powerful episode, I talk with Ellie, a pediatric oncology social worker, about what emotional support really looks like for parents and caregivers during their child’s cancer treatment.We explore the vital role of caregiver support in pediatric cancer care, how social workers help families navigate resources, and what friends and loved ones can do to offer meaningful support during such an isolating time. Whether you're a parent in the thick of it or want to better su...2024-12-0231 minMedical Trauma SupportHow Deborah's Near Death Experience Impacted her Healing from Medical TraumaDeborah shares her medical trauma story and how her near death experience impacted her journey to healing and how she lives her life. This was such a beautiful experience that really felt like it was all about the importance of love and sharing love and how that can be so incredibly healing. Deborah has also started a support group in Canada for people with ostomy bags. Click here if you would like to contact Deborah about her support group.
Find out more about medical trauma and the support options we offer at the Medical Trauma Support website...2024-11-1832 minMedical Trauma SupportMy Medical Trauma Support JourneyIn this powerful episode, Matt Maxwell interviews Sarah Stasica, founder of Medical Trauma Support, about her personal journey through medical trauma as a mother—and how it led her to create a healing space for others navigating similar paths.Sarah shares how her child’s medical diagnosis and the overwhelming experience of medical procedures revealed the deep emotional and somatic impact of medical trauma—both for children and their caregivers. As a trauma-informed professional, yoga teacher, and somatic practitioner, Sarah now supports individuals and families in understanding how medical trauma affects the nervous system and what steps we can...2024-11-1148 minMedical Trauma SupportWhat Parents Need During Their Child’s Medical Journey: A Conversation with a Mom Who’s Been ThereIn this heartfelt episode, I talk with a mother whose child has undergone multiple surgeries starting at just eight months old. She shares the emotional toll of navigating pediatric medical interventions and the crucial (but often overlooked) need for parental support during these experiences.We explore how hard it is to care for yourself while you're also advocating for your child, managing appointments, and coping with the fear and uncertainty that come with medical trauma. Her story is an important reminder that caregivers deserve care too—and that self-regulation and support are key to helping both you an...2024-10-2439 minMedical Trauma SupportPreventing Medical Trauma with Integrated HealthcareIn this episode I speak with Nic Schmoyer-Edmiston, Ph.D., NCC an asistant professor in the department of counseling at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, about Integrated Behavioral Healthcare and the Enduring Somatic Threat Model and how these two topics can significantly reduce and medical trauma! You will hear a concrete call to action to help move us more towards a supportive integrated healthcare system where you get the mental health support you need before, during and after a challenging medical experience.
Find out more at our Medical Trauma Support website. We offer peer support groups as well...2024-10-1025 minMedical Trauma SupportTransforming Trauma with Matt MaxwellIt was so moving to talk with Matt Maxwell about his experience of medical trauma and how he processed it and found hope and beauty. Matt is a professional life coach, a meditation teacher, and author of How to Hold a Cockroach: A book for those who are free and don't know it. He shares his experience with cancer as a teenager and his transformative healing journey. You can find out more about Matt at: https://www.thisishearthstone.com and https://www.howtoholdacockroach.com
Find out more at our Medical Trauma Support website. We offer peer support grou...2024-09-201h 02Medical Trauma SupportSupporting Families Through Pediatric Medical Hardships with Operation Bliss Founder Jessica JesseeIn this episode, I speak with Jessica Jessee, founder of Operation Bliss, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families whose children are facing difficult medical journeys. Jessica shares how Operation Bliss provides joy, comfort, and practical support to families navigating hospital stays, chronic illness, and medical trauma.We talk about what it means to walk alongside families during some of their hardest moments—and how essential it is to offer emotional support, tangible care, and connection. From delivering custom care packages to organizing special experiences that offer moments of peace, Operation Bliss is helping families feel seen, su...2024-09-0930 minMedical Trauma SupportMedical Stress and Trauma with Christen Mullane of Gingko Leaf HealthI discuss many different aspects of medical trauma with Christen Mullane of Gingko Leaf Health. We cover topics on systemic causes of medical trauma, the grief that so many of us have to process as part of the recovery process from medical trauma and the financial implications of engaging with the medical system in the U.S.
Gingko Leaf Health
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation
National Physician Suicide Awareness Day
Undue Medical Debt
Find out more at our Medical Trauma Support website. We offer peer support groups as well...2024-08-2830 minMedical Trauma SupportMedical Trauma Support IntroductionThis short trailer gives an introduction to the Medical Trauma Support podcast and what to expect for future episodes. Find out more at our Medical Trauma Support website. We offer peer support groups as well as one on one peer support and nervous system focused trauma informed yoga with somatic practices. 2024-07-0102 min