EMBODY with Michelle Major

In this weeks episode, Michelle, explores the theme of consent, boundary rupture and repair.   ***TRIGGER WARNING*** Please note there are references to the types of boundary ruptures we might experience.  For example, sexual, domestic/emotional abuse, control, stalking, and harassment so please mind yourself and take breaks if you need to.  Michelle has been conscious about the choice of words so...

In this weeks episode, Michelle, talks about embracing cycles as we prepare to transition from the summer months to term time again. Michelle shares: Why transitions take time and need space Why the rhythm and routine are supportive for our nervous system Term time is not just for our children  Why September feels like January September's offerings for personal and professional development  R...

In this episode, Michelle, shares 6 important questions for clients to ask potential professionals when seeking out emotional support.  Sadly there is a lot of misinformation and misrepresentation on social media which can cause confusion and misplaced credibility. Here are the 6 key questions explored in this conversation: 1)  Are they a member of a Professional Body with an explicit code of cond...

On this week's episode, Michelle, shares the hope and optimism of how we can renegotiate trauma to live a more vibrant, whole and authentic life! As always, please mind yourself whilst listening and take breaks or seek support if you feel triggered. Michelle share's: The story of 'Nancy' - a client of Dr Peter Levine's back in 1969 who inspired further trauma research and...

In this weeks episode I am joined by Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist and Play Therapist, Siobhan Wilson.  Siobhan is also the owner of Roe Valley Therapy Centre in Limavady and just so happens to be one of my closest friends! Siobhan and I met back in 2005 during our Counselling Skills course in Limavady College.  We sat beside each other on the first week and we've been beside each ot...

This week I am= joined by Alex Greene, who began studying the mind body connection in Hawaii in 2000 through Zen meditation and traditional martial arts.   This lead to a curiosity in structural bodywork.  Alex found that becoming certified in bodywork was the 'missing ingredient' in his practice at that time.  This lead to further comprehensive trainings in understanding the systems of...

In this episode, Michelle, is joined by Birth Doula, Sara Benetti.  Sara is passionate about protecting the birth experience and supporting women throughout their pregnancy so they feel empowered to create a birth plan of their choice. During this rich and warm conversation, we discuss: The role of a Doula  The benefits a Doula can bring to the birthing experience  Why birth has become overly medi...

I am beyond excited to bring you season 2 of EMBODY - launching on Monday 17th July.   Make sure you're following the feed so you don't miss an episode!   Here's a little sneak peak at some of the interesting and informative topics myself and my guests will be discussing during season 2: Pregnancy Birth Early Developmental Trauma  Attachement Styles  Memory & the brain  Sexualit...

To celebrate our 10th episode and end of our first season of EMBODY, Michelle shares one of her most favourite and popular embodied relaxation practices!  (For obvious reasons, please do not drive whilst listening to this). In today's modern and busy world, embodied relaxation is a gentle and safe way to reconnect to the body, inviting all parts to release tension and stress.   It offers rest...

In this episode I am joined  by Carol Smyth, who is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), La Leche League Leader, author, and CBT Therapist based in Northern Ireland. Carol shares my passion for the nervous system and neuroscience - weaving both into her educational materials and in her private practice. We chat about: The earliest days of becoming a new mum and how diffic...

This is episode, Michelle, explores the polarisation of our wellbeing world and why we need a more integrative approach to healing, especially when working with the nervous system.   Michelle shares: What is polarisation? Examples of the types of polarisation that exists in wellbeing, for example, mindset, meditation, yoga, somatic's A trauma-lens view on polarisation How her own existential...

In this episode, Michelle, shares the difference between stress, trauma and the impact this has on the nervous system.   Please mind yourself during this conversation.  Even the word trauma can be activating for our nervous system. Michelle discusses: How short-term stressors impact the nervous system When stress develops into chronic stress The difference between stress, chronic stress & trau...

On this episode I am joined by Julie Preston, Founder of TruYou Yoga Wellness, Senior Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance Professionals UK), Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Kirtan Leader and Trauma Informed Holistic Coach. We dive deep in this conversation!   Julie openly shares the pivotal moments in her life that changed the trajectory of her career, health and love life!  From from living in London with a st...

In this episode, Michelle, shares why our nervous system can have a big emotional response to something that is deemed 'routine' and how our mind will want to constantly over-ride the somatic self. Michelle discusses: *  Why boundary ruptures can make these routine appointments more challenging; *  Even though we know in our mind that we need these life-saving procedures, our body might...

Welcome to part 2 of my conversation with Lisa de Jong.  I really enjoyed these conversations.  I hope they resonate and touch you too.   In this episode we discuss : The stages and seasons of our menstrual cycle  Why rest is so important  All the different ways we can rest when we are busy What self-care looks like when we are connected with our menstrual cycle Compassionate care for self How bur...

In this episode I am joined by Lisa de Jong, a Health Coach specialising in the menstrual cycle, chronic pain & trauma.  Lisa works with clients on a 1-2-1 basis and also offers an accredited training course.  Lisa also hosts the 'From Pain to Power' Podcast. Lisa shares her personal story of endometriosis and how the challenges of getting a proper diagnosis inspired her to seek out...

In this episode, Michelle, shares some insight into becoming more visible and the nervous system.  Sharing our voice, taking up more space, and sharing our professional expertise, views and opinions can feel exposing, especially when you are a woman. Every time we wish to seek out a new job, a promotion, professional development, a new course or training, it requires our nervous system to match wh...

In this episode, Michelle, explores why embodiment is so hard in today's modern culture.  "We don't have enough real life mirrors in our society reflecting back to us what it's like to be deeply human so we feel more more seen, heard and understood." We need to change the mental health conversation from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?...

Hello!  And a very warm welcome to the EMBODY podcast with me, your host, Michelle Major.  I'm so delighted to connect with you on here.  I'm passionate about breaking the stigma attached to women's mental health and wellbeing through a trauma-informed lens. Join me and my guests for a wide range of interesting and informative conversations where we discuss what it really means to b...