Change You Choose

In my quest to heal trauma and PTSD symptoms I (not so quickly) discovered that talking about the past over and over (and over!) wasn't going to get the job done. Once I realized this I set out on a quest to find alternative methods. I found several that worked for me and eventually came out of recovery 100% free of symptoms. Where are you on your quest for freedom? If you're feeling like it's time to try something new (and you'd really love to approach healing in the privacy of your own home) then holistic psychologist, Trecye Montoya, may have created just the right program: Handwriting Formation Therapy. On today's episode of Changing Direction radio Treyce shared: her own trauma and resulting mental health issues her 27+ years of working as a professional in the mental health arena an overview of handwriting formation therapy, how it works and why success stories of clients Treyce Montoya is the founder of Written Escape Clinics International which is now home of many certified and licensed therapists. She hasw also signed reality show contracts for her HFT program and, if all goes as planned, it will be appearing on a major network near you this fall. She says.... Using all of my knowledge, skills, and experience, I help clients see the light in even their darkest moments. With my quirky personality and zany “bottom line” approach, I help educate audience members and clients alike about the need to trust their inner guidance and to learn to communicate with their inner child. My sometimes controversial style energizes, motivates, and inspires others by providing a unique sense of empowerment. I am the author of 20 books including my most recent Loving My Inner Mean Girl (autobiography) which  was chosen the “Best Memoir of 2013” and, because of my own experiences, I have become a powerful, compassionate, sought-after inspirational speaker. For more information visit Treyce Montoya here and watch this video about the science of handwriting formation therapy:

When you get hip to the idea that there's a LOT of uncomfortable healing work to be done after trauma and in the presence of PTSD one of the most important things to deal with immediately is the fear surrounding the recovery process. How do you access a sense of bravery to do that, and sustain a brave attitude throughout the journey to freedom? My guest for today's radio show is an expert in learning to become brave. A mom facing forty and realizing she had to let go of the anxiety created by trauma in her own life, Patty Chang Anker went on an odyssey  to learn how to be brave -- and she succeeded! Today she shared her thoughts with me about: the role of choice in reshaping your life how to get started in creating a sense of bravery the burden of the anxious person 3 ways to to reign in your anxiety how to change your story (and why you really need to) how to know which way to go when you change direction Fave quote (there were so many!): "I didn't want my life to get smaller and smaller ... it's all about changing direction and choosing to be different."   Patty Chang Anker is the author of the memoir Some Nerve: Lessons Learned While Becoming Brave  (Riverhead Books), which Oprah.com calls “downright inspiring,” is a  Parents Magazine “Mom Must-Read” and is “a lesson plan in courage 101″ (Better Homes & Gardens). She blogs forPsychologyToday.com‘s Anxiety section, Babble.com’s Reinvention series, and her own award-winning Facing Forty Upside Down.  Her work has appeared in O Magazine, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, the WallStreetJournal.com, iVillage, The Huffington Post and in numerous other publications and websites. She has been named a  Good Housekeeping “Blogger We Love” and a “Top 25 Funny Mom” on Circle of Moms.

During my PTSD years I had pain in just about every part of my body, especially my back. But my trauma didn't involve a back injury. So, why was I so extremely uncomfortable? Our bodies hold stress in a variety of ways and places. On today's episode of Changing Direction radio Dr. Jack Stern offers holistic ideas for non-surgical relief from back pain caused by trauma and PTSD. In our conversation we covered: where back pain comes from how physical pain relates to trauma how the mind creates pain in the body successful survivor treatment stories 3 tips for holistic relief Dr. Stern's personal non-surgical relief story Jack Stern, M.D., Ph.D., is on the clinical faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College and a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery. He is co-founder of Spine Options, New York’s first and only facility committed to non-surgical care of back and neck pain. Dr. Stern has been on the front lines of back pain treatment and research for over four decades. He practices and lives in Westchester County, NY.

Getting stuck in trauma and PTSD recovery is a very common experience. You're moving along, thinking you're headed for a soft landing in resolving some therapeutic issue and then, whack! -- you slam into a wall that leaves your head spinning. Dazed and uncomfortable you might find yourself feeling blocked or stalled and unsure how to get yourself back into motion. On today's episode of Changing Direction I interviewed UNstuck expert, Remy Chausee, for her success-guaranteed advice on how to move out of those sticky places and back into the flow of recovery. In our conversation we covered: what makes you get stuck the role of resonance in keeping you stuck -- and setting you free how to get unstuck the role of reverence in helping you move forward 1 super simple unstuck exericise 3 steps to start getting yourself unstuck today Rémy Chaussé  is quite possibly America’s 1st UNstuckologist! She has x-ray vision for seeing the trouble-spots that exist in every sticky situation, and the creativity to transform it instantly. She is the best-selling author of “Living Life As An Exclamation Point!” and creator of The Get UNstuck Revolution!™ for extraordinary women with big-ass dreams who are ridiculouslyunsatisfied with status quo! Rémy has been featured on the Business Beware Show on FOX Business, the On the Edge Show (a CBS affiliate), Smart Money Talk Radio (an NBC affiliate), and The Women’s Information Network. If you feel stuck and you’ve tried everything, then tune in to her podcast at http://GetUNstuckExpertCafe.com for weekly inspiration.  

Trauma perceptions are usually based on victimhood, a sense of powerlessness and a feeling of foreboding, lack of safety, zero control and fear about the future. Yuck! In healing we work hard to rewire those types of perceptions so that we create lasting change and ways to reduce anxiety, stress, panic, fear, grief, sadness and a slew of other yuck-factor feelings. On today's show I was joined by Robert Rudelic, founder of PowerTapping.com to discuss the power of perceptions, plus: how changing your perceptions can increase your healing quotient. In our discussion we covered: a full definition of "perception" how perceptions change --- and change you in the process the power of your story tapping: what it is and how it helps reduce anxiety, stress, etc. One of my fave quotes: "You can't change an experience, but you can change your perception." Whoo-hoo! With that kind of truth so much change is always possible. Robert Rudelic  is the co-founder of Impax Sports Therapy and PowerTapping, LLC located in San Francisco, California. He is an acclaimed Instructor formerly with the National Holistic Institute, is a sports therapist, pain specialist and medical researcher whose experience encompasses over twenty five years of clinical practice, teaching seminars and workshops and peak performance coaching. Robert has created dramatic results for thousands of people and his work has been the subject of many articles published in the field of health and fitness. Robert’s media appearances drives up ratings and is frequently featured in “The Best of ...” programming.

"What is Complex PTSD and can it be healed?" Those are two of the most prevalent and loaded questions I hear often from survivors and caregivers. In honor of National Survivor Month (June) and National PTSD Day (June 27) we're kicking off the month with the answers to these critical questions. To explore the real facts I brought in one of my favorite experts, Trauma Therapy Coordinator for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, Megan Ross. Together we covered how to: define C-PTSD identify types of trauma that lead to C-PTSD differentiate C-PTSD from PTSD in terms of symptoms plan a treatment approach for recovery During our conversation Megan said something I really adored. Actually, it gave me goose bumps because I love hearing it! When I asked if it's possible to recover from C-PTSD she said, "I think anything can be healed." She then launched into a terrific outline of how those positive gains can be made. If you're interested in what's possible for life after trauma, then I know you'll love hearing her thoughts. Megan Ross, LPC, R-DMT, GL-CMA, Trauma Therapy Coordinator at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.              

Trauma nutrition (clearing the brain fog and optimizing body function) isn't part of the clinical approach to healing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other post-trauma reactions -- but it should be. In all the years of my "healing rampage" no one spoke to me about how the brain needs glucose and the right sources for that, or how not having it would dramatically affect brain function thereby increasing my PTSD symptoms and making recovery work even more difficult that it already was. Now I'm healed and seeing the benefit of a huge change in my nutrition I can't help wishing someone had told me all those years ago that simply changing my eating habits would change my symptoms. I didn't have the benefit of knowing how nutrition cures symptoms of depression, brain fog and lack of concentration, but you do! The question is, what will you do with your nutrition when you have simple tips for how to improve it and thus improve how you think, respond and react? Imagine how your life would be different if you could reduce insomnia, stress and anxiety and increase feelings of calm, control and resilience. If that appeals to you, take a listen to my conversation with Christine Toriello in which we covered: the dangers of self-medicating with highly refined and caffeinated foods and beverages emotional eating key nutrients your brain and body need for optimal functioning practical tips for easily getting the nutrients you need through easy nutrition change MEET MY GUEST: Christine Toriello is a military spouse and a successful entrepreneur working from home along the beautiful Maine coast. A former mechanical engineer, Chris has a passion for sports and fitness. As a worldwide trainer and nutritional expert, Chris has mentored and coached individuals, families, businesses, non-profit and sports organizations to perform at their peak with optimal nutrition. She also teaches marketing and branding of an elite performance nutrition product line to help others expand their brand and develop a viable passive income stream. Find more at RelivingMaine.com.

The love mindset -- do you have it? If you think that since your trauma it's impossible for you to feel, give, connect to or deserve a source of love.... well, you're just plain wrong. We frequently feel that way because, among other reasons, we don't know how to transform negative beliefs about ourselves in the midst of post-trauma symptoms. My guest on today's show, Vironika Tugaleva, has some advice for you: Specifically, in our conversation today she outlined a three-step process for creating a love mindset -- that can dramatically impact the strength and progress of your recovery -- that I know you'll be able to do. And it all comes from two great sources (1) Vironika's own personal triumph over trauma (including eating disorder and addiction), (2) her incredible book, The Love Mindset (which you can access a free sneak peek of on her site). In our conversation today Vironika and I covered: her rock bottom moment, plus what she said to herself and what she did to start reducing symptoms including anxiety, flashbacks, physical pain and hallucinations what goes wrong with a survivor's relationship to herself after trauma the difference between your thoughts and reality 3 things to know that help you access a healing mindset MEET MY GUEST: Vironika Tugaleva is an author, speaker, people lover, reformed cynic, and the modern-day person’s guide to love and spirituality. She will help you love yourself, gain peace of mind, and trust your inner voice. You’re invited to read more about Vironika and her inspiring book The Love Mindset. Connect: http://www.vironika.org

"How to stop anxiety, flashbacks and panic?" That's a question I hear allllll the time. Every single one of us has to face the quest for answers we can make work. You know how it feels to be caught in that critical moment when everything feels like chaos -- including your mind, brain and emotions. In that state of amped up survival mode it seems impossible to imagine that you can actually reclaim control and stamp out those unwanted responses. The truth is, as my guest Megan Ross made so abundantly clear, you absolutely can reclaim control in moments you most need it by building up your mindfulness muscle. In this episode Megan and I covered: a simple definition for mindfulness how to use it to shift from inaction to action how to use mindfulness to stop anxiety, flashbacks and panic 2 authentic examples of survivors who made this process work -- me and Megan both shared our successful experiences! how to get started using this tool in your recovery Megan Ross, LPC, R-DMT, GL-CMA, Trauma Therapy Coordinator at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.

Let's just say it out loud: Healing after trauma often brings on a big bout of bout of sadness, grief and despair that often leads you to a need for discovering how to treat depression. But there are scientifically proven ways to increase happiness, health and prosperity throughout the recovery process. On today's episode best-selling author and expert, Cynthia Sue Larson, shared with me practical ways (supported by scientific proof) that you can boost your resilience. Together we covered: A definition of the quantum realm How the quantum realm affects you every day The energy shift involved in a quantum leap How you can use the quantum realm and leaps in your trauma recovery Two exercises you can do today to a) make a quantum leap, b) pull yourself out of depression. MEET MY GUEST: Cynthia Sue Larson is a best-selling author, life coach, and inspirational speaker who optimizes life possibilities with quantum physics principles. Known as "The Quantum Optimist," Cynthia helps people discover their many possible selves and jump into their favorite lives while staying focused on the question "How good can it get?" Cynthia is featured in numerous TV and radio shows including the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, Coast to Coast AM, and BBC. Her latest book is Quantum Jumps: An Extraordinary Science of Happiness and Prosperity. Learn how consciousness changes the physical world with Cynthia's popular RealityShifters ezine at: www.realityshifters.com

Is there life after death? Sandra Champlain has the answer and share it with me on this show. If you're a trauma survivor you've looked death in the eye at some time. Regardless of whether that was a psychological death, spiritual or physical death the idea of a part of yourself ceasing to live is a common part of the survivor experience. When survival's at stake there isn't time to consider how you feel about the idea of death and what lies beyond. Afterward, however, the question can linger. Answering the question (and sharing the proof she's discovered from 15 years worth of research), Sandra Champlain chatted with me about life after death, fear (and what we learn from it), plus how she knows for sure that while the physical body may cease to live your essence still carries on. MEET MY GUEST: Sandra Champlain is a top graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. She owns The Kent Coffee and Chocolate Company in Connecticut and travels with world-class race car teams providing hospitality in the American Le Mans and Grand-Am series. However, her fear of dying and skepticism led her on a 15-year journey to discover the undeniable proof of life after death and the reason we experience grief. After the death of her father, she created "How to Survive Grief," a free audio that was quickly heard by thousands worldwide. Armed with this powerful information that has reduced pain and saved lives, she realized a book must be written. In January 2013, "We Don't Die - A Skeptic's Discovery of Life After Death," was published. It has become a #1 best-seller in the United States and Canada. It has been rated one of the top grief and motivational books on Amazon.

First responders have an incredibly tough job: their role centers on the task of bearing witness and responsibility for traumatic events. At the end of the day anyone with a conscience, or as Jay Davies calls it, "compassion", would walk away carrying the burden of pain. This terrifically human firefighter joined me to discuss depression, anxiety, symptoms of PTSD and how heal. In our conversation we covered: Jay's personal story that led to PTSD How Jay attempted to "fix" himself flashbacks, alcoholism and addiction holistic self-care to reduce triggers 4 ways to get on the path to recovery MEET MY GUEST: I'm 31 and have two children. My Daughter is six and my Son is four. Me and their Mom get along but have been divorced for three years. I have been a fireman with the Edmonton Fire Department for just about seven years now. There were three calls I responded to in 2009, 2010 & 2011, the last two within a few months of each other. They were very intimate experiences where I witnessed people's last breaths and gazes. The calls were very physically traumatic. I never fully realized the amount of carnage they caused in my life and to those around me until it was much too late. I didn't think about the calls much for almost two years after when I suddenly began getting flash backs, vivid dreams and visions etc. My ptsd went undiagnosed and untreated for years due to my own stubbornness to be seen as weak and a chink in the armour of the team. I finally sought quality, consistent help in late 2012 when I was diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety and ptsd.  There was a deep sense of denial as well. "I haven't seen enough..." was and is still is a feeling I have, though less and less. There have been quite a few bounces off rock bottom through this long hard journey. The hardest landing was last January when I found myself in my garage with the car running, going over the pros and cons of not shutting the car off. I shut it off. There are still bad days and weeks but I have come to realize they are short lived and that I am strong enough to rebound.

Trauma and the NICU - - life after the pain begins with learning how to live life despite the pain. For parents of premature babies this is a significant topic as the original trauma can end only to be followed by enormous stress and further traumas as preemie babies struggle to survive. Watching your baby's life hang in the balance can leave a parent feeling terrified, powerless and uncertain about how to save and protect the child in danger. After days, weeks or even months of health scares how do preemie parents handle the stress, grief, loss and complications while holding down jobs and caring for their children? Nick Hall and Joel Brens, two extraordinary preemie dads, joined me for this episode to answer that question, plus talk about: facing unexpected circumstances developing an attitude of adjustment balancing expectations with experience making the choice to make a difference transforming the pain of experience into positive and meaningful work in the world MEET MY GUESTS: Joel Brens is the proud father of a former 32 week 6 day preemie who was born at 3 lbs. 6oz. and spent 25 days in the NICU. Joel is the founder of Papas Of Preemies, an advocacy and support group focused on the experience of NICU fathers and their families. Launched in April of 2012, Papas Of Preemies was created as a platform for dads to have a safe place to share their stories and lend support to other dads. In addition to his support group, Joel has served on parents panels about the NICU experience at the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and NEO, a neonatologist conference. His son Jayden, who will be 4 this May, is working through speech and communication delays but has made huge strides through his pre-school and Early Intervention services. A stay at home dad, Joel also is a part time student, working towards a career in speech or developmental therapy. Nick Hall is the founder of Graham's Foundation. Established in 2009, Graham’s Foundation is the premier global organization for parents going through the journey of prematurity.  Graham’s Foundation offers resources, programs, and connections so parents are supported, empowered and hopeful throughout their journey.  Graham’s Foundation is committed to a world where no parent goes through the journey of prematurity alone.

We talk a lot about what happens to survivors during and after trauma and PTSD recovery, even including 4 top facts about how trauma affects your brain. No survivor, though, is ever completely alone. There are family, friends, or even compassionate strangers who witness the pain of survival and feel empathy and the urge to help. What's the toll on those who support us through the life-changing process of trauma? David Cowan is the husband of a cancer victim and joined me to talk about the role of the caregiver, plus: the difficulties of being a trauma caregiver the #1 thing a caregiver should never do the #1 thing a caregiver must always do the effects of watching a loved one struggle maintaining a relationship through trauma turning the experience into something meaningful MEET MY GUEST: David Cowan is the 60 y/o Founder-President of Ali’s Alliance and the surviving spouse of the non-profit’s name sake, Alison Arnesen Cowan.  Ali’s Alliance was created largely because of the lack navigational assistance for those looking for resources, support and timely information regarding life with Cancer for both the patient and the caregiver.  Ali’s Alliance  provides a geographically searchable database of a help, support, resources and information for caregivers and survivors at no cost to those the need the information or those that provide the services. Previously David was an active duty United States Marine, Automobile technician, scuba diving instructor, an author, photographer, independent film producer and entrepreneurial spirit. Originally from upstate NY, David grew up mostly in North Carolina and Colorado. For more information, visit: http://www.AlisAlliance.org  

How to practice mindfulness like a pro can be challenging when you're struggling with symptoms of trauma and posttraumatic stress. Slow down? Be still? Acknowledge and accept your emotions? Be in the moment? Suspend judgment? Phooey! And yet, science has proven the benefits of mindfulness to include: improves well-being by focusing on here reduces the temptations to worrying about the future relieves stress lowers blood pressure reduces chronic pain improves sleep alleviates gastrointestinal difficulties Even knowing all of the benefits, learning how to practice mindfulness like a pro can seem daunting, which is why I ask mindfulness expert, Ron Siegel, to join me for a deep conversation about how to make the practice of mindfulness as easy as 1-2-3. MEET MY GUEST Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD, is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where he has taught for over 30 years. He is a long-time student of mindfulness meditation and serves on the board of directors and faculty of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. Dr. Siegel teaches internationally about mindfulness and psychotherapy and mind–body treatment, has worked for many years in community mental health with inner-city children and families, and maintains a private practice in Lincoln, Massachusetts. He is the coauthor of Back Sense: A Revolutionary Approach to Halting the Cycle of Chronic Back Pain, which integrates Western and Eastern approaches for treating chronic back pain, and coeditor of acclaimed books for professionals, Mindfulness and Psychotherapy andWisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy: Deepening Mindfulness in Clinical Practice.