Hi, I'm Eric Jorgensen. I served 20-plus years in the Navy and now own my own business consulting in the disability space. I have been working on recovering from my childhood trauma and from abuse when I came across the book “Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health”, by Jennifer Fraser.  I had never thought about what abuse might have done to my brain and how it might be affecting my adult life. After having Jennifer on my podcast, the ABCs Disability Planning, Jennifer and I were talking and realized this is a topic many people don't know much about. We felt it would be helpful to share the research she learned about in writing The Bullied Brain.  One of the world's most highly awarded neuroscientists, Dr. Michael Merzenich says that “The Bullied Brain” is the most completely thoroughly scientific treatment of the subject on planet Earth, and those are in quotes.  We decided that to begin, we'd use my childhood and how it impacted my brain and life as our case study for Jennifer to share brain insights in ways to repair the harm done by abuse. From there, we'll branch out to other individuals and experts. We invite you to join us on this journey.New episodes will be released every other Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You were in a wasteland. And not only were you in a wasteland, but the two of them were predatory. I mean it's pretty unbelievable."Link to download the transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_DWFHwg1VYGdXogg_Erp5tZlc5VfDwWg/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117716030289987185197&rtpof=true&sd=trueJennifer Fraser is the author of "The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health". She has a PhD in Comparative Literature and The Bullied Brain is her fourth book. She draws on medical, neuroscientific, and neurobiological research to examine what happens to brains that are bullied and abused. Jennifer's an award-winning educator and works as a coach, consultant, and international presenter. Neither Jennifer nor I are mental health professionals. If you feel you need help please seek out a licensed professional in your area. We are creating these episodes to show you what is possible. There was a time when I felt broken. That I didn't fit in anywhere. I'm not going to lie and say everything is rainbows and unicorns, but my good days far outnumber my bad. It's taken a LOT of work, both on my own and with therapists. Everyone's journey is going to be different. The only constant is if you want something to change you need to take action. Link to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer sets the tone with a question she wouldn't give Eric a heads-up about. They start the podcast with this question. In Jennifer's words, she's grateful to Eric for acting like a "research subject". The question asked references our first episode. I will tell you she was shocked by what I shared and how I normalized it. She wants to know how I survived my childhood.Link to Dr. Lisa Barrett's book "How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain"John Medina's BooksDr. Lee-Anne GrayJennifer Fraser's booksEpisode TranscriptJennifer Fraser is the author of "The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health". She has a PhD in Comparative Literature and The Bullied Brain is her fourth book. She draws on medical, neuroscientific, and neurobiological research to examine what happens to brains that are bullied and abused. Jennifer's an award-winning educator and works as a coach, consultant, and international presenter. Neither Jennifer nor I are mental health professionals. If you feel you need help please seek out a licensed professional in your area. We are creating these episodes to show you what is possible. There was a time when I felt broken. That I didn't fit in anywhere. I'm not going to lie and say everything is rainbows and unicorns, but my good days far outnumber my bad. It's taken a LOT of work, both on my own and with therapists. Everyone's journey is going to be different. The only constant is if you want something to change you need to take action.Link to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jennifer does a deeper dive into topics introduced during episode 1.Topics Covered include:The mind of a psychopathStockholm Syndrome, explaining how Eric's father was able to do the things he did"learned helplessness" and a "perception of inescapability"Dr. Laura Crawshaw (The Boss Whisperer) "Taming the Abrasive Manager, How to End Unnecessary Roughness in the Workspace""Post Traumatic Growth".Link to Episode TranscriptJennifer Fraser is the author of "The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health". She has a PhD in Comparative Literature and The Bullied Brain is her fourth book. She draws on medical, neuroscientific, and neurobiological research to examine what happens to brains that are bullied and abused. Jennifer's an award-winning educator and works as a coach, consultant, and international presenter. Neither Jennifer nor I are mental health professionals. If you feel you need help please seek out a licensed professional in your area. We are creating these episodes to show you what is possible. There was a time when I felt broken. That I didn't fit in anywhere. I'm not going to lie and say everything is rainbows and unicorns, but my good days far outnumber my bad. It's taken a LOT of work, both on my own and with therapists. Everyone's journey is going to be different. The only constant is if you want something to change you need to take action.Link to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer's interview with Mark Divine (Ep. 378, "Breaking the Bonds of Abuse")Zoltán Kövecses "Emotion Concepts" "It's really hard to forgive someone who doesn't take accountability for what they do".Not enough to apologize, you also need to change your behavior."Is forgiveness unhealthy?"Exercise - see the person as childrenDo the work to rewire your brainEpisode TranscriptJennifer Fraser is the author of "The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health". She has a PhD in Comparative Literature and The Bullied Brain is her fourth book. She draws on medical, neuroscientific, and neurobiological research to examine what happens to brains that are bullied and abused. Jennifer's an award-winning educator and works as a coach, consultant, and international presenter. Neither Jennifer nor I are mental health professionals. If you feel you need help please seek out a licensed professional in your area. We are creating these episodes to show you what is possible. There was a time when I felt broken. That I didn't fit in anywhere. I'm not going to lie and say everything is rainbows and unicorns, but my good days far outnumber my bad. It's taken a LOT of work, both on my own and with therapists. Everyone's journey is going to be different. The only constant is if you want something to change you need to take action.Link to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jennifer Fraser and Eric Jorgensen discuss the process of reconstructing personal history and self-identity after experiencing childhood trauma. Jennifer suggests that when one's history and narrative were disrupted during their formative years, they must learn to construct their history independently. Sharing one's story and reflecting upon it can be cathartic and helps reinforce their personal history. The ability to think about one's thoughts and engage in metacognition is a valuable aspect of the human brain.Eric reflects on his own experiences, acknowledging that he had friends in high school and the Navy but feels he wasn't the best type of friend. Jennifer reassures him that it's natural to make mistakes and learn from them, emphasizing that the brain learns through trial and error. She acknowledges the challenges Eric faced in making friends due to lacking a natural attachment developed through healthy parenting. However, she commends his growth mindset, intellectual curiosity, and willingness to put in the effort to learn and improve himself.The conversation also touches upon the exhaustion that comes with introspective work and the importance of getting a second chance. They highlight the value of the Navy in providing individuals with a fresh start and the opportunity to evolve and change from their younger selves.Overall, the podcast explores the process of reconstructing one's personal history, the challenges faced after experiencing trauma, and the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.Link to Episode Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H9xCTPAva06d5cN0tAL7SdE65TCKEpdG/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117716030289987185197&rtpof=true&sd=trueLink to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode's focus is the significance of connection for the brain's development and survival. It highlights that the brain's ability to develop and function properly relies on social connections and how neglecting this aspect can lead to severe consequences, as exemplified by a study on children raised in poor conditions. We also touch on the brain's tendency to perceive reality based on its wiring and experiences, leading individuals to interpret the same situation differently. We explore the effects of childhood abuse on later life and the importance of authentic self-reflection and empathy. We discuss how the lack of authentic self-reflection during childhood can lead individuals to fabricate different identities to fit in and avoid harm. The text also emphasizes the significance of empathy and how it can be a powerful tool in overcoming past traumas and improving emotional well-being.Link to Episode Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jU2f8e5TxIVcF2_YzLZDd83TG3yNIRWr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117716030289987185197&rtpof=true&sd=trueLink to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, or you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Fraser and Eric Jorgensen discuss the need for a new approach to mental health that integrates neuroscience and brain science. They highlight that many individuals seeking recovery from abuse or psychological understanding often consult psychologists or psychiatrists but rarely consider brain science. They advocate for a new paradigm where brain scientists collaborate with mental health professionals to understand and address the brain's role in mental health. We emphasize the importance of brain fitness and mindfulness as tools to repair and improve brain function, acknowledging the need for individualized approaches based on trauma history.Link to the BTFA Course Jennifer mentions - https://www.duxinaroe.com/about-btfa.htmlLink to Episode Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cmEOa0wexiAX4DnBQu12J2v3WMjCm6s7/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117716030289987185197&rtpof=true&sd=trueLink to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, or you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful podcast episode titled "Unpacking Identity: Navigating Empathy, Cultural Norms, and Authenticity," hosts Eric Jorgensen and Dr. Jennifer Fraser engage in a candid dialogue. The conversation delves into complex topics such as conforming to societal norms, the interplay between empathy and upbringing, and the limitations of diagnostic labels. Eric and Jennifer explore the nuanced ways in which upbringing shapes emotional responses, emphasizing how cultural norms and personal experiences intersect to mold individual identities. The conversation challenges listeners to reconsider the role of diagnosis in defining who they are, encouraging introspection and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of identity.Link to Episode Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SiGDW1UXpRRfg9QRM_UtP_w_B3icRH39/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117716030289987185197&rtpof=true&sd=trueLink to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, or you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, hosts Eric Jorgensen and Dr. Jennifer Fraser delve into the concept of mental toughness and how it relates to individual capacity and stress responses. The conversation begins with the Eric sharing personal experiences of being admired for resilience during difficult times and questioning the glorification of mental toughness. Eric & Jennifer emphasize the importance of recognizing that people have varying capacities and stress responses based on their unique brain makeup. They discuss the implications of high-level decisions on rights and well-being and advocate for consulting mental health and educational professionals. The hosts explore the impact of stress on impulsivity, decision-making, and behavior, and offer strategies to activate the parasympathetic nervous system for replenishment, including nature exposure, exercise, connection, and mindfulness. The episode concludes with a discussion on the everyday challenges caused by depleted reserves and the importance of understanding individual limitations.Link to Episode Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/174Yu4U_5v47SmwxbBLU79SzxqwBNytjm/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117716030289987185197&rtpof=true&sd=trueLink to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, or you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigatorLink to Jennifer's website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Jennifer is available to consult or speak, or you can reach her at JenniferFraserPhD@gmail.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.For more information about Eric Jorgensen and True North Disability Planning you can find us here:Email: eric@specialneedsnavigator.usWeb: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast (ABC's of Disability Planning) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/abcs-disability-planning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanningTwitter: @NeedsNavigator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.