Wednesdays With Watson

BECAUSE YOU MATTER

Season 4 Forgiving Trauma Makers

The Road to Healing: Remembering Our First Year

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Pull up a chair, and let’s reflect on a journey that has taken us from the depths of PTSD to the heights of resilience. As your host, Amy Watson, I’ve had the privilege of guiding you through six season’s of conversations and counsel digging into the depths of pain that comes through trauma along with the highs and lows of this condition, debunking the misconceptions, and highlighting the importance of community, church, counseling, and faith in overcoming this challenge. But this retrospection isn’t just about the past. We’re also looking at an exciting future. Join me and Dr. Thomas Pettit, as we revisit our conversation on trauma, the practical exercises that can curb fear and panic, and a sneak peek into the riveting content lined up for our second season.

This episode is a journey back to the end of season one and recaps some of the impactful moments in the season.

Finding Joy in the Tapestry: The Power of the Master Weaver (Solo)

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Do you remember when, as a child, you couldn’t grasp why adults admired the abstract patterns in a piece of art? It’s through the eyes of maturity that we see the beauty in the pattern, much like the little girl in our story who finally understands the weaver’s work. The journey of faith often mirrors this experience. We face trials and tribulations that make little sense to us in the moment, yet there is an unwavering joy and strength anchored deep within us, much like the Master Weaver who creates beauty from chaos. We discuss how this deep-seated joy, even amidst sorrow and pain, is an incredible testament to the power of spiritual maturity.

Have you ever considered that you are seen, known, heard, loved, and valued? During those moments of despair and darkness when you feel invisible and unheard, remember that Jesus, the Master Weaver, is always at work. We delve into the power of His love and how it can bring healing and hope even in the most dire of circumstances. We end on the hopeful note of how our lives can glorify Jesus, if only we choose to view our life’s tapestry from the right side of the loom. And remember, you are not alone. You are a part of the grand tapestry being woven by the Master Weaver.

Reshaping the Narrative: Addressing and Confronting Domestic Violence

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How much do you really know about domestic violence and intimate partner abuse? This enlightening conversation with Dr. Katherine Jackson is guaranteed to change your perspective. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we confront the harsh realities of abuse, debunk the stigma, and bring to light the shocking statistics, particularly among young individuals. We underscore the urgency to dismantle the shame attached to such issues, to ensure they are no longer swept under the rug.

Our dialogue takes you beyond the physical aspect of abuse. We illuminate the less acknowledged forms of abuse – financial and emotional. We delve into the unique challenges posed in same-sex relationships and the impact of verbal abuse on an individual’s psychology. The topic of rushed marriages within religious establishments, specifically churches, is broached, making the connection between the institution’s high regard for marriage and the high prevalence of domestic violence amongst young adults.

But, it’s not all grim. We provide hope through trauma-informed approaches, brain science, and a holistic lens towards recovery. You’ll learn about cutting-edge therapies like EMDR, neural therapy, and brain-spotting that have the potential to rewire an individual’s mindset and behavior, and instigate a fresh start. We emphasize the power of active listening and giving practical advice without attempting to control the situation. Our goal is to equip you with vital knowledge and tools to recognize, address, and prevent domestic violence and intimate partner abuse. Let’s reshape the narrative together.

Finding Solace in Faith Amidst Domestic Abuse & Alzheimers ft. Crissy Loughridge

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Let’s embark on a profound journey together where we explore the interconnection of faith and trauma, framed within the context of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With inspiration drawn from Psalm 42 and the poignant song “Storm” by Lifehouse, we shed light on how faith can offer solace amidst the storm of abuse and violence. Our guest, the inspirational Chrissy Loughridge, joins us to share her insights and personal stories that resonate with strength, resiliency, and faith.

As the conversation unfolds, we dive deeper into the concept of ‘not yet’, reflecting on how Chrissy’s mother’s faith and fervor for justice shaped our perspectives. We invite you to find solace in the power of faith and music, as we discuss the comforting influence of the song ‘Storm’. With a raw and honest portrayal of our own struggles and healing, we extend the hopeful message that despite challenging circumstances, our lives should glorify God. Emphasizing the omnipresence of God, we navigate the inner and external taunts that life throws at us. So, prepare to draw strength and solace from our enlightening and heartfelt exchange.

The Role of Internal Family Systems in Trauma Healing with Jeremy Fox

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Journey with us into the realm of childhood trauma as we take a hard look at its persistent shadows in our adult lives. Our insightful guest, therapist and EMDR consultant Jeremy Fox, aka The Trauma Tamer, is back on the show to guide us through this complex yet crucial terrain. Jeremy drops the powerful nugget, “Your trauma is not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility”, setting the tone for this searing exploration into how the healing process begins with acknowledging our traumas, and the importance of seeking professional aid.

Navigating our way forward, we delve into the intricacies of our nervous system with Dr. Fox. We dissect the integral role of emotions, busting the myth that they rule us, and explore how they could, in fact, be signaling a dysregulated nervous system. The episode is rich with discussions on tools to calm your nervous system, and we get into detail on why those grappling with complex post-traumatic stress need to be extra vigilant.

We also unfold the connective threads between Internal Family Systems (IFS) and healing childhood trauma. Diving into our conscious self, we explore its different units and distinguish it from dissociative identity disorder. We decode the three parts of IFS – exiles, managers, and firefighters, along with the 8 C’s of IFS – compassion, curiosity, calm, clarity, courage, connectedness, confidence, and creativity. To round off, we discuss acknowledging trauma, the role of EMDR, and how social media can bolster support for EMDR therapy. Remember, your healing journey starts when you are ready. It’s never too late to start healing!