Trauma Is Real

In this episode of Trauma Is Real, Sarah is answering some listener questions about trauma, worthiness, anxiety, parenting, and building relationships. The conversation highlights that healing is a journey that often requires support and connection with others. Questions answered in this episode: ​ "I've been through a lot growing up, and sometimes I feel like I'm too 'damaged' to have a healthy r...

In this episode of  The Trauma is Real , Dr. Adrienne Kennedy shares her powerful journey from child welfare and education to becoming a DJ, exploring how music, joy, and community play vital roles in healing. With over two decades of experience, she challenges the label "at-risk youth," advocating instead for "strategically undervalued," and underscores the impact of consistent mentorship—es...

In this episode of Trauma is Real, Sarah speaks with Dr. Lori Desautels about the significance of applied educational neuroscience and its impact on educators and students. The conversation explores the importance of understanding adult nervous systems, the challenges of navigating compliance in educational settings, and the shift from behaviorism to a more trauma-informed approach. In this episod...

Welcome back to Trauma Is Real! In this conversation, Sarah is speaking with Nick Prefontaine about his profound journey of healing from a traumatic brain injury sustained during a snowboarding accident at the age of 14. He discusses the pivotal moments that contributed to his recovery, including the importance of support, trust, energy, and persistence, encapsulated in his STEP system. Nick empha...

"Play is the intervention, not the reward."​ In this episode, ​Sarah is speaking with occupational therapist Kelsie​ Olds about the importance of understanding children's perspectives through play. ​​They highlight how sensory processing and imaginative play support learning, emotional regulation, and healing​,​ as well as its role in coping with trauma​. Kelsie is an occu...

In this episode of Trauma Is Real, Sarah is joined by Octavia Raheem to explore the profound importance of rest in healing from trauma. They discuss how pausing and being present can create a collective ripple of rest that fosters safety and ease. Octavia shares her insights on the challenges of slowing down, the impact of trauma on the body, and the necessity of curiosity over judgment in self-re...

​Welcome back to another episode of Trauma is Real! In this conversation, Sarah is speaking with Nkem Ndefo about exploring and defining inner safety, liberation and healing. ​Nkem Ndefo, MSN, CNM, RN, is the founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit . She is a skilled practitioner, dynamic speaker, and valued strategist. She is known for her unique ability to connect...

Welcome back to Trauma Is Real! In this episode, we’re speaking with Stephen Terrell about healing in relationship. Terrell is a leading expert in the field of Developmental Trauma and Adoption and is recognized around the world for his work in Developmental Trauma and Healing.  He understands Developmental Trauma from the inside out and the outside in.  Terrell has performed more than 3...

​Robert Jordan says, "the oak tree stiffened with the wind and broke, but the willow tree bent when it needed and survived." In the first episode of season 2, we're talking to the incredible Annie Brook! Annie Brook,  Ph. D, LPC, MSME (ISMETA), Body-Mind Centering teacher, is a therapist in high regard in the Somatic community. Her unique experiential approach gets lasting results. In 2001, A...

Welcome back! This week’s episode is brought to you by YOU! Sarah is joined by podcast producer Asatta, for a round of listener-submitted questions about trauma-responsive care. Then stick around because Sarah makes a special podcast related announcement.  Thank you all for your listenership and engagement! We got so many questions, we will definitely do another episode like this again. Still...

“Remembering is almost as effective as doing… when you remember you bring back what your nervous system has experienced.” Well listeners, this week’s episode can only be described as a Dream Come True. This week Sarah chats with one of the G.O.A.Ts of trauma-responsive care, Deb Dana ! Deb Dana is a clinician, consultant, author, speaker, and founding member of The Polyvagal Institute . Sarah and...

“We don’t need to know every piece, we just need to be taking in the information” Welcome back to another great episode! On this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with  Occupational Therapists and owners of Holding Space Collaborative, Breanna Lynch and Kristen Brokamp! Sarah, Breanna and Kristen all discuss the role Occupational Therapists play in trauma-responsive care and how important it is...

“Choice is a byproduct of a brainwave state.” Welcome back to another great episode! On this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with Bryan Post to talk about his work as one of America's foremost experts in trauma, adoption, and behavior and how it relates to her 4th Core Conviction of trauma-responsive care: Trauma symptoms are survival strategies.  Bryan and Sarah discuss the role of the amygd...

“I’m shifting from… and I’m shifting towards…” We’ve got such a great episode lined up for you all this week, Listeners! On today’s episode, Sarah unpacks her 5th Core Conviction of trauma-responsive care with Special Guest and her new bride, Anna Gagliuffi! Anna works as a Purpose Coach, Graphic Designer and hosts her own podcast, Life is a Remembering Game. Sarah and Anna discuss the 5th Core Co...

“What if instead of seeing trauma symptoms as mere dysfunctions, or abnormalities, we view them as ingenious survival strategies?” Welcome back to the show! On this episode, Sarah unpacks Core Conviction #4 of trauma-responsive care by going over familiar trauma symptoms and discussing what could be happening to elicit that response. She also highlights a few Things to do and Ways to be if you are...

Welcome back! This week Sarah unpacks Core Conviction #3 of trauma-responsive care. She also highlights a few Things to do and Ways to be if you are truly convicted that perceived threat and real threat feel the same in the body (37:16).  We’re loving the feedback we’re getting so far from you all! If you have a question about something you heard on the show, email Sarah and she’ll answer you...

Welcome back folks! This week Sarah is talking you through Core Conviction #2- Regulation is a Practice. Sarah opens the episode by going over a few terms to know (7:08) then she answers listener submitted questions (16:20).  Mentioned in this episode: Stephen Terrell - (13:48) ' Nurturing Resilience ': Bruce Perry PhD - (14:27) Breathing techniques - (21:09) Mindful meditation technique...

Welcome back! Dive into Core Conviction #1 of trauma-responsive care with your host, Sarah Buffie. Mentioned in this episode: Ace Study - (11:13) Nadine Burke Harris, M.D - (14:09) Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’ Ted Talk Book: 'The Deepest Well' Also noted in this episode: Peter A. Levine, Ph. D Pat Ogden, PhD David A. Treleaven, PhD Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy The Safe...

Welcome to Trauma Is Real! In this premier episode, host Sarah Buffie shares the origin story of her 5 Core Convictions of trauma-responsive care (11:45), and what exactly led her to create Soul Bird Consulting. Sarah also provides a sneak peek at what’s to come this season and breaks down what the 5 Core Convictions are (16:26) and why You will care about them. Have a question about something you...

Introducing Trauma Is Real, a podcast dedicated to exploring host Sarah Buffie’s 5 Core Convictions of trauma-responsive care. This show aims to deepen understanding of how trauma impacts the brain, body, and behavioral patterns, and how knowledge of the 5 Core Convictions can be integrated into daily interactions.  Tune in beginning July 2nd!