Becoming Trauma-Informed

Lee Cordell

Welcome to Becoming Trauma Informed- The podcast where Dr. Lee and TLC bring you expert advice and strategies to understand what trauma is, how it affects our daily lives, and what we can do about it!

Dr. Lee is a DNP-prepared adult nurse practitioner a clinical trauma professional. She is an expert in helping people understand how past painful experiences affect their bodies & brains- and how to change their future for the better!

T. Lee Cordell, aka TLC, is Dr. Lee's co-host and partner (in business AND life!) He brings his research and historian experience to the podcast, helping us make connections and understand how history repeats itself.

Our podcast is explicit because we talk about lots of triggering and adult content (and we cuss on occasion!) so this is a content warning- listen with care & be gentle with yourselves.

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EducationEducation
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness
Self-ImprovementSelf-Improvement
Mental HealthMental Health
Alternative HealthAlternative Health

Episodes

S5E9: Small Steps, Big Shifts: Lessons learned on our 3 Year Anniversary
Sep 25 2024
S5E9: Small Steps, Big Shifts: Lessons learned on our 3 Year Anniversary
Send us a textLearn More about Healing Centered Business School HEREIn this episode adapted from Dr. Lee's latest live in our Becoming Trauma Informed Facebook Group, Dr. Lee reflects on the lessons learned from running the Institute over the past three years, celebrating its anniversary. Key insights include the importance of understanding and maintaining personal capacity, the significance of boundaries, and the necessity of focusing on what is within one’s sphere of influence. The discussion also covers how small, consistent steps can lead to significant impacts, the importance of receiving support and working within a community, and the concept of sufficiency and reciprocity in relationships, particularly in business and personal life. Through the episode, Lee showcases how things can get much better than one might think possible by making aligned choices and understanding one's boundaries and needs.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:39 The Importance of Capacity and Integrity01:09 Internal and External Alignment02:36 Understanding and Setting Boundaries08:19 The Power of Small Actions14:21 The Necessity of Community and Support21:11 Reciprocity and Sufficiency in Relationships27:32 Understanding the Root of Unmet Needs28:49 Personal Struggles and Health Challenges29:52 Realizing the Need for Self-Care32:40 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Needs34:30 The Impact of Boundaries on Relationships36:35 Lessons in Reciprocity and Sufficiency38:21 Navigating Emotional Challenges46:30 Invitation to Join the Journey50:04 Gratitude and Future Outlook Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S5E8- Finding Clarity & Simplicity in Business with Brittany Bowman
Sep 18 2024
S5E8- Finding Clarity & Simplicity in Business with Brittany Bowman
Send us a textLinks from today's show--Join Brittany's Facebook Group (and get decluttering workshop updates) HERETune in to Girl Boss Red Flags Podcast HEREBook a Healing Centered Biz Exploration Call with Team ITPS HEREIn this engaging episode, Dr. Lee & TLC welcome Brittany Bowman, Simplicity & Clarity Strategist, who shares her personal and professional journey of learning to balance mentorship and personal values in entrepreneurship. The episode highlights the risks of harm and re-traumatization in business settings,  and the necessity of creating psychologically safe environments. Brittany delves into the importance of trusting intuition, making informed decisions, and allowing clients to discover their unique paths. She also previews an exciting upcoming decluttering workshop in the Institute's Trauma Club space.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:14 Brittany's Role and Expertise05:20 Hiding in Business Due to Trauma16:10 Navigating Entrepreneurship and Intuition28:04 The Importance of Regulated Pace in Business40:28 Challenges of Paid Mentorship Programs50:52 Owning Mistakes and Embracing Vulnerability51:37 Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities53:21 Embodying Values in Business Practices58:40 The Importance of Choice in Mentorship01:02:20 Addressing Unfulfilled Promises01:04:52 Curiosity and Questioning in Mentorship01:09:54 The Impact of Trauma-Informed Coaching01:20:14 Creating Psychological Safety in Business and Personal Life01:33:27 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Workshop Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S5E6: Full Capacity: Centering Mutual Beneficial Healing & in Marriage & Business
Sep 2 2024
S5E6: Full Capacity: Centering Mutual Beneficial Healing & in Marriage & Business
Send us a textIn this episode, TLC & Dr. Lee address their seven-week hiatus, sharing the unexpected challenges that affected their schedule. They provide an in-depth discussion on communication issues, personal growth, and team changes that occurred during the summer. Highlighting their own journey of overcoming a miscommunication and learning to set boundaries, they emphasize the importance of capacity management and how their experiences have shaped the launch of their new program, the Healing Centered Business School.00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back01:16 Coping with COVID and Summer Chaos03:18 Team Changes and Unexpected Challenges05:09 The Anatomy of a Fight07:28 Cowboy Up: The Burden of Unspoken Expectations10:55 Breaking the Cycle of Codependency28:12 Redefining Sacrifice in Relationships35:59 Emotional Support and Letting Go37:18 Trauma Patterns in Relationships38:12 Research on Fights and Personal Attacks39:32 Character Descriptions and Trauma Sensitivity40:54 Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and Narcissistic Behavior45:25 Personal Growth and Self-Realization47:22 Reconnecting and Business Reflections48:55 Defining Roles and Responsibilities53:16 Vision and Strategy in Business58:08 Healing Centered Business School01:04:16 Final Thoughts and Invitation Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S5E4- Man vs. Bear: Unpacking Trauma & the Perceived Safety of Men & Women
Jun 25 2024
S5E4- Man vs. Bear: Unpacking Trauma & the Perceived Safety of Men & Women
Send us a textIn this episode, TLC & Dr. Lee delve into the sensitive issues of domestic and sexual violence, highlighting statistical data, historical contexts, and personal stories. They explore the 'Man vs. Bear' meme to draw parallels with deeper societal issues surrounding trauma and safety. The discussion extends to the emotional challenges men face, comparing it with the 'Woman vs. Tree' meme, emphasizing the need for emotional regulation and understanding inherited trauma. The importance of acknowledging and validating personal experiences is stressed, encouraging listeners to seek help, validate their feelings, and understand the significance of safety and being heard for overall well-being.00:00 Introduction and Content Warning00:59 Man vs. Bear: The Meme Explained03:18 The False Dichotomy of Either/Or Questions05:09 Personal Experiences and Research Insights06:59 Statistics and Contextual Analysis10:50 Historical and Societal Perspectives13:25 The Reality of Domestic and Interpersonal Violence15:52 Gender, Race, and Perceptions of Threat22:13 Unreported Crimes and Statistical Challenges31:04 Sexual Violence and Societal Norms38:04 The Alpha Male Myth38:48 Personal Stories and Peer Pressure40:41 Objectification and Self-Worth42:28 Emotional Safety and Vulnerability44:24 The Impact of Social Conditioning58:48 Generational Trauma and Domestic Violence01:09:48 Emotional Validation and Support Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP22: Revolutionizing Relationships through Understanding Trauma and Codependency
Dec 5 2023
S4EP22: Revolutionizing Relationships through Understanding Trauma and Codependency
Send us a textWhat if you could reshape your relationships, ensuring they're healthier, fulfilling, and less codependent? That's exactly what we're about to explore together in this episode, navigating the complex terrain of trauma and codependency. Dr Lee and her husband, TLC, open up about their personal journeys through trauma, revealing how becoming trauma-informed can dramatically shift your relationship dynamics. They break down the concepts of codependency and trauma bonding, sharing firsthand accounts of how these often misunderstood dynamics have shaped their lives. From the influence of their upbringing to the critical importance of trauma-informed practice, they shine a light on the hidden forces that may be driving your relationships.  Learn how intentional communication, distress tolerance, and a deep understanding of self-care can transform your interactions with partners, bringing peace and connection. They also challenge traditional gender roles within relationships, highlighting the societal conditioning that often leads to harmful patterns. They share their own struggles and triumphs in creating a balanced dynamic, where each person's needs are met without sacrificing their well-being.  Finally, they uncover the unexpected benefits of becoming trauma-informed, emphasizing how it can foster closer, safer relationships, regulate emotions and improve mental health. Join Dr. Lee and TLC as they delve into these poignant topics, offering practical tips and insights that could revolutionize your relationships.Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP21: The Transformative Power of Setting Things Down
Nov 28 2023
S4EP21: The Transformative Power of Setting Things Down
Send us a textWant to join us for TRIPS ™ Conference & Here to Help for the Holidays? Learn more at https://itps.kartra.com/page/TRIPSconImagine if you could expand your capacity by simply shifting the way you perceive and approach letting go? This episode dives into the truth of how honoring your capacity often requires setting things aside (even if you enjoy them) in order to do the things that you are called to do.Leadership isn’t just about leading people, it’s about knowing where your true expertise lies, and having the courage to step into it by trusting those around you to pick up the things they are good at, and allowing them to support and carry you as needed in the service of your vision. Join Dr. Lee as she navigates the journey of fine-tuning trauma-informed leadership skills. Combining kindness with truth, curiosity with compassion, and discernment without judgment, she discusses her evolution and announces the Institute's latest supportive venture – a Facebook support group over the holidays that culminates in a 3-day conference on what it looks like to be Trauma-Informed, and Psychologically Safe. If you're yearning for a transformative shift in your life, this is your chance to join us and allow yourself to be supported through this empowering journey.Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP20: Education, Identity, and the Journey of Self-Discovery with Tamara Williams Van Horn
Nov 21 2023
S4EP20: Education, Identity, and the Journey of Self-Discovery with Tamara Williams Van Horn
Send us a textLife is a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, we overcome barriers, navigate systems, and most importantly, learn to be true to ourselves. Join Dr. Lee this week as she welcomes Tamara Williams Van Horn.  Tamara is an advocate for public education and a beacon of support for marginalized students. Together they uncover the magic and possibilities that education can offer to individuals and society. Traversing personal tales of overcoming adversity to excel academically, Dr. Lee and Tamara tackle the social determinants of health, the struggles faced by those in poverty, and how these factors shape the educational landscape. They celebrate "black excellence," acknowledge the power of education and the importance of creating space for diversity within the system.  They dive deep into the whirlwind journey of college choices and academic identity, discussing the pressure to conform to societal standards and the importance of mental health in academic success. The conversation culminates in exploring personal, gender, and sexual identity, confronting societal expectations and norms, understanding the struggle of fitting in, and the power of self-acceptance.   Guest Bio: Tamara Williams Van Horn, (She/They) is the Principal Responder for Auntiecorn Leadership Strategies. Their current work seeks to deconstruct the "differences that difference makes" through engagements of somatic animation and personal, community, and cultural service and exploration. Tamara is based out of Boulder, Colorado and is looking forward to building expansive experiential collaborations with you. Tamara loves, lives, and leads with Strategic Thinking® CliftonStrengths® themes and Wisdom, Transcendence, and Leadership character strengths.  Interested in working together? Connect for dialogue at tamvanhorn@gmail.com; @TamVanHorn (Instagram) and at Auntiecorn Leadership Strategies on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuntiecornLeadership.  Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP19: Resilience, Identity, and the Art of Asking for Help: A Personal Story
Nov 14 2023
S4EP19: Resilience, Identity, and the Art of Asking for Help: A Personal Story
Send us a textAfter she launched the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety, Dr. Lee found herself caught up in the complex web of giving and receiving help. She knew she needed a perspective shift, and here's how she navigated through it all: with the help of her team and loved ones.  This week, Dr. Lee shares the candid details of her journey, revealing how it led to a deeper understanding of her own patterns around asking for help and the importance of self-care for both herself and her team. She also explores identity and its unhealthy attachment to our ability to help others. We often mix up our identity with our accomplishments and actions, a pattern which can lead to depletion and could potentially be life-threatening. Dr. Lee unravels the process of disentangling our identity from our actions, a critical step towards becoming more resilient, and thriving as opposed to just surviving. Making a difference doesn't always have to involve currency. At the Institute, we value all forms of support, even those that don't bear a price tag. Dr. Lee rounds off this week’s episode by inviting you to join us in this essential conversation on seeking and providing help joining our free 3-day event Nov 20-22, 2023, Here to Help. Click the link for more information or to register: https://institutefortrauma.com/heretohelp Support the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP18: Unpacking the Power of Getting Help as a Helper with Jenae Lyn
Nov 7 2023
S4EP18: Unpacking the Power of Getting Help as a Helper with Jenae Lyn
Send us a textHave you ever found yourself saying yes to everything, just to realize you've overcommitted? That's a narrative we're changing as I sit down with the extraordinary Jenae Lyn, head Instructor of the TRIPS™️ Certificate Program at the Institute. Together, we explore our shared experience of planning a transformation event, diving into our initial spark of inspiration, the frantic promotional phase, and the moment of reconsideration. As we chat, we're exposing the importance of creating a trauma-informed, psychologically safe space for entrepreneurs within their businesses. We're peeling back the layers of our conditioned drive to help others, even when it's not particularly beneficial. The conversation takes a deep dive into the shame that comes with not wanting to lend a helping hand, and how to understand when it's time to help ourselves instead. We're also unpacking the significance of understanding our personal capacity, the daunting task of overcoming people-pleasing, and the three core needs: physical safety, psychological safety, and joy. Jenae Lyn shares her journey from being a 'yes' person to giving herself time to weigh her options. As we navigate through the intricacies of truth, lies, and choices, we end with some helpful insights on setting holiday boundaries. It all culminates in an invitation to our FREE Here to Help event running Nov 20-22. Check it out here: https://institutefortrauma.com/heretohelp  Guest Bio:Jenae Lyn believes that heart and hustle are the keys to a life well lived. She spends her days creating meaningful moments in her human resources career and her nights unlocking human potential through coaching.She also spends her free time volunteering with one of the most untapped potential workforce groups in the country - the currently, and formerly, incarcerated. More typical pastimes include reading, snuggling her dogs, and finding opportunities to put her Spanish degree to use - and to graduate beyond playing anything other than Wonderwall on the guitar.  Connect with Jenae Lyn: FB: https://www.facebook.com/jenaelynismyname/Tiktok @jenaelynismynameInsta: @jenaelynSupport the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP17: Cultivating Pleasure: A Path to Liberation and Empowerment with Toran McGill
Oct 31 2023
S4EP17: Cultivating Pleasure: A Path to Liberation and Empowerment with Toran McGill
Send us a textHave you ever wondered about the power of pleasure? What if pleasure had the potential to be your superpower, your healing tool, your path to liberation?  Toran McGill, also known as the Pleasure Priestess, joins Dr. Lee in a stimulating conversation about embracing pleasure in all aspects of life, from dealing with grief to navigating work and relationships. They deep dive into the importance of expressing emotions and challenging societal norms. Toran shares her personal journey and how she infuses her role as the Pleasure Priestess with fun, humor, and self-permission. They also explore Toran's unique Pleasure Priestess methodology that focuses on mind, body, and soul, giving us insight on how manipulation can hinder relationships and how expressing desires without fear can be liberating. This episode invites you to reimagine the narrative of pleasure. What if it wasn’t just a reward but a resource? What if the role of consent and self-permission allowed us to cultivate pleasure in our everyday lives enabling us to embrace pleasure in its full spectrum?  Guest Bio:Toran McGill supports people in shifting from a pain and punishment paradigm into their pleasure and potency lifestyle. Reconnecting people to their soulmates - their bodies. ●     The Pleasure Priestess●     Pleasure Embodiment Coach●     Trauma Informed and Pleasure Focused Certified Sex, Love & Relationships Coach ●     Certified Men’s Sexuality Coach and Certified Tantric Sex Coach●     Body Doula ●     Luminary of Pleasure ●     Daimyo●     Poet and Author   Connect with Toran:https://thepleasurepriestess.as.me/TandAhttps://www.toranmcgill.com/https://taplink.cc/toranmcgillSupport the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP16: Beyond Traditional Methods: The Revolution of Joyful Leadership with Dana Shamas
Oct 24 2023
S4EP16: Beyond Traditional Methods: The Revolution of Joyful Leadership with Dana Shamas
Send us a textIs there more to leadership than traditional methodologies and cold, business-like environments?  Dana Shamas, an executive leadership and wellness coach, introduces us to a new way of viewing leadership: a blend of intuition, joy, and holistic techniques she uses in her coaching. Dana's transformative journey from conventional business environments to incorporating breath work, sound healing and more into her coaching style challenges the norms. Dana takes us through the often-overlooked impacts of gender norms on leadership styles. We explore how conditioned behaviours can limit our ability to lead and the vital importance of unlearning them to bring forth our inherent strengths. She walks us through the profound power of asking the right questions to truly understand our needs and desires, as well as breath work and its potential to prevent burnout. The episode draws to a close with a deep dive into emotional regulation and the indispensable role of setting boundaries in processing our feelings. Dana's insights into the power of presence and active listening promise to bring significant shifts in both personal and professional life. If you're looking to lead with heart and intuition, tune in to this transformative episode.   Guest Bio: Dana's in-depth knowledge of business and wellness allows her to introduce practical strategies and tools to improve emotional bandwidth, while her experience as an entrepreneur has taught her to master walking forward into the unknown. She loves sharing the tools you need to maintain your connection to clarity and peace, even in a chaotic and volatile world. Connect with Dana:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-shamas/@danashamascoachingSupport the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com
S4EP15: Harnessing Emotional Power for Personal Growth with Katie Macks
Oct 17 2023
S4EP15: Harnessing Emotional Power for Personal Growth with Katie Macks
Send us a textExperiencing a whirlwind of emotions? Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of existence? This week's episode offers a thought-provoking exploration into our emotional landscape. This week, Katie Macks joins us to talk about the intricacies of internal conflict and the struggle to discover our authentic selves beneath layers of shame and societal expectations. Together, we dissect the harmful norms that underpin this inner turmoil and emphasize the importance of recognizing personal triggers and maintaining emotional equilibrium, especially during times of great stress.Katie shares experiences of consciously choosing gentleness and surrender in trying times, a lesson that can be applied to all facets of life. We question the limitations of the traditional medical model in addressing emotional distress and underscore the significance of hearing out the messages behind our feelings, rather than suppressing them. The conversation then turns to the profound realization that physical health issues can often be alleviated by simply allowing ourselves to experience our emotions fully.We wrap up the episode with a discussion on the potency of staying rooted and responsive, even during times of prosperity, the influence of our emotional state on our pursuit of peace, and how body language can shape the spaces we create for ourselves and others.   Guest Bio: Katie Macks is a leadership coach with Audacious Leadership. Katie supports and guides her clients on their journey to freedom through what she coins as "inner activism", with a focus on self-love and self-approval with a plethora of tools that release trauma to unleash their joy. Connect with Katie:https://www.facebook.com/katie.mackshttps://www.instagram.com/katie_to_the_macks/https://www.tiktok.com/@katie_macksSupport the showWant to connect with us?On the web: The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety On social: Instagram Tiktok By email: hello@institutefortrauma.com