In this conversation, Maya goes home to Israel for the first time in more than 3 years.. She explores the therapeutic process as a journey of integrating past selves. She uses the metaphor of a bus to illustrate how clients can collect and welcome parts of themselves that have been left behind, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and healing in therapy.
In this conversation, Alaska Ogden, a depth psychotherapist, shares her unique journey into the field of psychology, emphasizing her unconventional methods and focus on the unconscious. She discusses her chaotic upbringing, the impact of her mother's mental health struggles, and her experiences with homelessness as a teenager. Alaska reflects on the importance of self-love, the healing power of presence, and the role of grief in transformation. The conversation also touches on motherhood, the search for identity, and the significance of creating space for all parts of oneself to heal. Through her insights, Alaska offers a profound exploration of the complexities of mental health and the journey of becoming oneself.
About Alaska:
Alaska Ogden, is a depth-oriented psychotherapist, ritualist, and the founder of Myth & Marrow, a private practice rooted in somatic, Jungian, and soul-centered care. Her work weaves together the threads of myth, soul, ancestral lineage, ritual, and altered states of consciousness to support people in reclaiming lost parts of themselves and remembering who they came here to be. With a background in archetypal study, harm reduction, and psychedelic facilitation, Alaska brings a grounded, mythopoetic lens to the complexities of healing and transformation. Her approach honors personal and ancestral stories as maps that guide us back to wholeness.
AlaskaOgden.com
In this conversation, Barbara Kanan, a registered drama therapist, discusses the cyclical nature of trauma, healing, and creativity. She shares her personal experiences as a member of the sandwich generation, navigating the challenges of caring for her mother with Alzheimer's while raising her daughters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intergenerational wisdom, the role of creativity in healing, and the need for community support. Barbara highlights the significance of honoring cycles and rituals in life, the body's wisdom in processing emotions, and the transformative power of storytelling and art. The conversation concludes with a focus on future aspirations and the importance of finding joy amidst life's challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Trauma as a Natural Part of Life
02:00 Navigating the Sandwich Generation
09:35 The Cycles of Grief and Healing
17:55 The Role of Creativity in Healing
28:46 Embracing the Unknown in Life Transitions
36:52 The Importance of Intergenerational Wisdom
46:39 Finding Joy Amidst Pain
55:59 Building Community and Self-Trust
01:06:05 The Body's Role in Healing
01:15:03 Reweaving Our Stories for Resilience
01:21:54 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
Keywords
trauma, healing, creativity, intergenerational wisdom, grief, community, self-trust, motherhood, resilience, life transitions
Summary
In this episode of 'How Did You Get Here?', host Maya Kruger interviews Kurtis Girard, a mental health professional and interventionist. Kurtis shares his journey from early substance use to becoming a beacon of hope in the recovery community. He discusses the challenges of sobriety, the importance of personal responsibility, and the role of mentorship in his life. The conversation delves into the complexities of addiction, the impact of high-THC cannabis on youth, and the transformative power of recovery. Kurtis also reflects on his personal experiences with loss, love, and the anticipation of fatherhood.
About Kurtis Girard
Kurtis Girard is Certified Interventionist & Behavioral Health Professional for 14 years. Struggling with addiction as a teenager and finding recovery at 19 years old. He is an advocate for recovery and the power of love, connection & kindness. He’s poured these principles into founding a new addiction treatment program for adults in Palm Springs, CA.
Chapters
00:01:09 Introduction to Kurtis Girard
00:01:50 The Journey to Recovery
00:02:45 Challenges and Insights in Sobriety
00:04:18 Understanding Resistance in Treatment
00:06:23 The Impact of High-THC Cannabis
00:11:42 Personal Responsibility and Relationships
00:19:08 Kurtis's Early Life and Substance Use
00:26:15 The Turning Point to Sobriety
00:33:26 Mentorship and Personal Growth
00:47:46 Love, Loss, and Moving Forward
Summary
In this episode, Maya Kruger reflects on her experiences as a mother, exploring themes of nostalgia, validation, and the challenges of overstimulation. She discusses the emotional complexities of parenting, the need for self-awareness, and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain personal well-being while supporting her children. Through her candid insights, Maya encourages listeners to consider their own experiences and the societal expectations placed on mothers.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Motherhood and Nostalgia
03:18 The Quest for Validation
06:11 Overstimulation and Parenting Boundaries
Keywords
motherhood, validation, parenting, overstimulation, boundaries, self-awareness, emotional health, kids, personal growth, family dynamics
Summary
In this conversation, Maya Kruger and Stephanie Mara delve into the complexities of eating behaviors, particularly focusing on binge eating and the somatic approach to understanding these behaviors. They explore how trauma, neurodivergence, and cultural influences shape our relationships with food and body image. The discussion emphasizes the importance of safety, both in the body and in relationships, and how generational trauma can perpetuate unhealthy eating patterns. Stephanie shares insights on the somatic eating method, which prioritizes body awareness and emotional regulation over traditional dieting approaches. The conversation concludes with reflections on self-discovery and the journey towards a healthier relationship with food and body.
About Our Guest:
Stephanie Mara Fox, PhD in progress, MA, CMBEC, CHC, CYT, is a Somatic Nutritional Counselor and Mentor with a Master’s Degree in Somatic Psychotherapy. She is the creator of Somatic Eating®, a body-oriented, sensation focused therapeutic approach to eating. She’s supported women, coaches, and wellness professionals all over the world, helping them to heal from disordered eating patterns, binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, and body image concerns. She has been working for over the past decade to guide women in feeling empowered in their relationship with their food and body. Stephanie is published in the International Body Psychotherapy Journal, featured in Somatic Psychotherapy Today, VoyageDenver, Authority Magazine, and the Nutritional Wellness Summit and Somatic Healing Super Summit. She has supervised thousands of coaches, counselors, wellness practitioners, and therapists. Stephanie is on a mission to guide others into a safe and regulated relationship with food so they can go out and create their Satiated Life.
5-part Somatically Transform Your Emotional Eating Experiences: https://www.stephaniemara.com/subscribe
Websites: https://www.stephaniemara.com/
https://www.somaticeating.com/
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Fight or Flight Response in Eating Behaviors
02:59 The Somatic Eating Method: A New Approach
05:41 The Impact of Trauma and Neurodivergence on Eating
08:46 Cravings as Body Information
11:53 Binge Eating: A Protective Measure
15:01 The Role of Safety in Eating Behaviors
18:06 Generational Trauma and Food Relationships
21:02 Cultural Influences on Body Image and Eating
23:55 The Intersection of Body Image and Safety
27:05 Finding Neutrality in Somatic Work
29:42 The Role of Family and Generational Patterns
32:44 Exploring GLP-1s and Body Image
35:50 The Complexity of Body Image and Self-Worth
39:05 Navigating Relationships and Food Choices
41:43 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
44:52 Closing Thoughts on Food, Body, and Safety
Keywords
somatic eating, binge eating, trauma, body image, cravings, generational trauma, safety, neurodivergence, intuitive eating, food relationships
You can reach Maya at: https://www.overturetherapy.com
Summary:
Join Maya Kruger in this thought-provoking episode of "Themes of the Week" as she explores the intricate dynamics of emotional protection and the unseen audience in our lives. Discover how past traumas create emotional barriers, likened to a "sleeping bag," that shield us from pain but also limit our capacity for joy and connection. Maya also delves into the concept of performing for an internalized audience, urging listeners to reclaim their authenticity and live for themselves. Tune in for insights and strategies to unzip your emotional barriers and silence the critics in your mind.
Find Maya at: https://linktr.ee/overturetherapy
Find Peter Lazar at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/peter-e-lazar-rye-ny/183357
Summary
In this conversation, Peter Lazar and Maya Kruger explore the complexities of grief, loss, and resilience, particularly in the context of suicide and its impact on families. They discuss the challenges of navigating faith and spirituality after loss, the importance of parenting through trauma, and the role of technology in modern relationships. The conversation also touches on personal stories of resilience and the transformative power of music in healing.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss
01:59 Understanding Suicide and Its Impact
07:50 Faith, Forgiveness, and Jewish Perspectives
13:41 Reconnecting with God and Spirituality
16:44 Coping with Death and Mourning Rituals
19:36 Dreams, Memories, and the Afterlife
23:56 Parenting Through Trauma and Resilience
29:45 The Role of Technology in Modern Parenting
33:29 The Journey of Divorce and Co-Parenting
39:19 Family Resilience and Personal Stories
45:19 Music, Healing, and Personal Transformation
Peter Lazar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 30 years of experience in mental health and addictions treatment. In addition to maintaining a private psychotherapy practice in New York City and Westchester County, NY, as Clinical Director, Peter provides clinical and ethics oversight for Adventure Recovery clinicians and guides, and works with the executive team on clinical training, programming, and development. Over the course of his career, Peter has served as a clinician at Silver Hill Hospital and Hall-Brooke/St. Vincent’s Behavior Health. Peter worked for several years in marketing and business development in mental health residential treatment space, and is the former chair of the NY Provider Liaison Association. He recently served on the leadership and clinical teams at Freedom Institute. Peter has been a visiting lecturer at Columbia University Medical Center—Addiction Rounds, Boston College, Adelphi University’s Graduate Schools of Social Work, and the Institute for Addiction Studies at the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. He also served as adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. He lives in Westchester County, NY, with his wife and their rescue dog, Izzy; they have two beautiful young adult children.
Summary
In this reflection, Maya Kruger explores the complex relationship between parental influence and personal healing, emphasizing the importance of recognizing parental flaws without blame. She connects this to the phenomenon of radical transformation in individuals, suggesting that such shifts often stem from unmet psychological needs rather than dormant identities. The discussion encourages listeners to seek clarity in their own narratives and build resilience against external influences.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Parental Influence and Wounding
Keywords
parental influence, healing, radical transformation, identity, psychological needs, self-compassion, clarity, generational wounds
You can find Maya Kruger at: https://www.overturetherapy.com
You can Briana McWilliam at: https://brianamacwilliam.com/
Summary
In this conversation, Maya Kruger and Brianna McWilliam explore the intricate dynamics of relationships, attachment styles, and the impact of generational trauma on personal growth. Brianna shares her journey through grief, healing, and the transformative power of spirituality and plant medicine. They discuss the importance of self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and the challenges of finding healthy relationships. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's life themes and the ongoing process of personal evolution.
Chapters
00:00 Reflections on Romantic Relationships and Self-Perception
02:53 The Journey of Attachment and Personal Growth
05:44 Navigating Grief and Finding Love
08:50 The Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships
11:51 Celibacy and Self-Discovery
14:46 Plant Medicine and Healing Trauma
17:59 Spirituality and Intergenerational Healing
31:30 Embodiment and Self-Discovery
34:12 The Transformative Power of Plant Medicine
36:10 Understanding Generational Trauma
41:05 The Impact of Attachment Styles
45:57 Finding Love and Self-Acceptance
51:43 Exploring Energies and Emotional Intelligence
54:41 Life Themes and Personal Growth
58:46 Future Aspirations and Self-Reflection
Keywords
relationships, attachment, generational trauma, healing, spirituality, plant medicine, personal growth, emotional intelligence, self-discovery, love
Summary
In this reflection, Maya Kruger explores the themes of confirmation bias and the importance of embracing blank spaces for creativity. She discusses how individuals often prioritize being right over feeling better, leading to a cycle of negative self-confirmation. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for boredom and empty spaces in life to foster creativity and personal growth, encouraging listeners to reflect on their habits and make room for new ideas.
Chapters
00:00 The Desire to Be Right Over Feeling Better
02:57 Embracing Blank Spaces for Creativity
Keywords
confirmation bias, creativity, self-awareness, personal growth, boredom, mental health, emotional safety, therapy, self-discovery, mindfulness
Thank you for listening!
Contact Maya:
https://www.overturetherapy.com
Contact Ben Mushlin, LMSW:
https://www.searchlighttherapy.com
Book: Primal Wound
https://www.amazon.com/Primal-Wound-Understanding-Adopted-Child/dp/0963648004
Summary
In this episode, Ben Mushlin shares his journey from addiction to recovery, exploring the complexities of his identity as an adopted individual and the impact of generational trauma. He discusses the challenges of healing the inner adolescent, the importance of community in recovery, and the ongoing process of self-compassion. The conversation delves into the nuances of addiction as a coping mechanism and the significance of understanding one's past to build a healthier future.
Chapters
00:00 Healing the Inner Child and Adolescent
01:52 Ben's Journey: From Addiction to Recovery
09:36 The Impact of Adoption on Identity
19:12 Navigating Relationships and Parenting
28:30 Understanding Addiction as a Coping Mechanism
38:29 The Role of Community in Recovery
48:01 Finding Compassion for the Inner Adolescent
57:27 Generational Trauma and Resilience
Keywords
addiction, recovery, inner child, generational trauma, psychotherapy, mental health, resilience, attachment, parenting, self-compassion
Welcome to "How Did You Get Here?", a podcast about the intricate tapestry of generational trauma and resilience. As a licensed psychotherapist and trauma survivor herself, Maya Kruger shares her personal journey and insights, exploring the stories we inherit and the ones we choose to rewrite.
Through candid conversations and reflections, she examines the complex roles of identity, motherhood, and the transformative power of embracing our past to shape a resilient future. Join Maya as she navigates the delicate balance between fear and hope, inviting listeners to confront their own narratives and discover the strength within.
www.overturetherapy.com
