Shadow Work Class - Somatic Therapy Lens

Guest: Tom Ahern — Counsellor, Author & Fellow Traveller on the Path Book: Sitting on the Other Side (2026) Website: ahern.blog About the Episode Ryan from TCFH sits down with Tom Ahern, counsellor and author, to discuss his latest book, Sitting on the Other Side (2026). A collection of personal reflections written between 2021 and 2024, the book explores psychotherapy, anxiety, grief, love, and what it means to live a meaningful life. Drawing on his experience of returning to therapy as a client while learning to sit on the other side of the room as a therapist, Tom reflects on the complexities of healing, vulnerability, and the human experience. What began as a book about overcoming OCD and anxiety gradually evolved into a deeper exploration of anxiety as a defence against the overwhelming realities of existence. The death of Tom’s beloved dog, Steve, brought these questions into sharp focus, prompting him to confront loss, mortality, ambition, and the desire for external validation. In this conversation, Ryan and Tom explore what it means to navigate life’s uncertainties, sit with grief, and find meaning in the experiences that shape us.

About Natalee Hudson Natalee Hudson (Mbe.HolCounsMedTeach.)Founder, Principal & Head Teacher at the Australian Meditation & Holistic Counselling College Natalee Hudson is a passionate advocate for holistic wellbeing who has dedicated her career to uplifting, empowering, and supporting others. With over 25 years of experience in the community services sector, she has made a meaningful impact across the holistic field and is a dedicated mentor to aspiring professionals. Throughout her career, Natalee has supported people through a wide range of life experiences and challenges, including grief and loss, alcohol and drug-related issues, mental health struggles, trauma recovery, and significant lifestyle changes. Her approach is grounded in compassion, understanding, and a genuine commitment to helping people navigate difficult seasons of life. Through her work, Natalee continues to inspire hope, encourage resilience, and empower others to create meaningful change. Connect with Natalee Australian Meditation & Holistic Counselling College: https://www.amhcc.com.au/  Contact Natalee:https://www.amhcc.com.au/contact-8

Why Trauma-Informed Is More Than a Buzzword The term "trauma-informed" is everywhere, from job listings and clinic websites to corporate wellness programs. But when it's used as a marketing phrase or a compliance checkbox, it loses its true meaning. In this free class, Ryan Hassan and Matt Kay, Co-Creators of Embodied Processing, explore what it truly means to be trauma-informed. They unpack why understanding the nervous system, working with the body—not just the story—and embodying trauma-informed principles as an ongoing practice are essential for genuine healing. Over the past decade, Ryan and Matt have dedicated their work to making trauma education practical, compassionate, and accessible. Through The Centre for Healing, more than 130,000 people have completed their free Trauma-Informed Certificate Course. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of trauma, this class is the perfect place to begin. In This Class You'll Learn The difference between trauma-informed as a marketing label and trauma-informed as a lived practice. Why repeatedly talking about trauma can sometimes be retraumatising—and what to do instead. How traumatic imprints become stored in the nervous system and later manifest as anxiety, addiction, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and relationship challenges. The three levels of trauma-informed work, from foundational awareness through to practitioner-level skills. Three practical principles for working with trauma: Finding a resource. Welcoming the parts of yourself you've disowned. Safely turning toward bodily sensations. Why being trauma-informed doesn't mean abandoning healthy boundaries or tolerating harmful behaviour. Who This Class Is For This class is ideal for: Coaches, therapists, practitioners, and helping professionals wanting a deeper understanding beyond certification. People working in mental health, education, healthcare, social work, or community services. Anyone on their own healing journey who has realised that insight alone isn't enough for lasting change. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 — Ryan and Matt share their personal healing journeys04:07 — What you'll learn in today's class04:30 — Why "trauma-informed" has become a buzzword09:23 — What trauma-informed is not16:32 — What trauma-informed truly means18:35 — Why compassion and healthy boundaries go hand in hand23:55 — Understanding trauma: the nervous system, orphaned parts, and painful narratives34:27 — Talking about trauma vs. working with trauma36:01 — The three levels of trauma-informed practice37:43 — Three foundational principles: all parts are welcome, and you're not broken43:29 — Principle One: Finding a resource51:27 — Principle Two: Welcoming the orphaned parts55:53 — Principle Three: Safely turning toward sensation and understanding the Window of Tolerance58:47 — The Embodied Processing Flowchart and your next steps59:49 — Live Q&A Ready to Go Deeper? If this class resonates with you, continue your learning with our free Trauma-Informed Certificate Course the starting point for thousands of students around the world. If you're ready to become a certified trauma-informed practitioner, our Embodied Processing Practitioner Training provides a comprehensive framework for working with trauma safely, effectively, and compassionately. You can also explore our Embodied Processing Pre-Training Webinar to learn more about the certification pathway. Learn more at: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/ Much love, The Centre for Healing Team

Awakening, Embodiment & Trauma with Daniel Wald and Matt Kay Join Matt Kay and Daniel Wald for an intimate, kitchen-table conversation exploring the nature of awakening, embodiment, trauma, anger, and the lifelong process of integrating realization into everyday life. Daniel is a senior teacher of VortexHealing® Divine Energy Healing, an energy healing and awakening modality facilitated by divine intelligence. Matt is the Co-Creator of Embodied Processing at The Centre for Healing. Throughout this open and honest conversation, Matt and Daniel share personal stories, insights, and the challenges they've encountered along the spiritual path. Together, they explore the common pitfalls that can arise before and after awakening, how unresolved trauma and emotional patterns continue to surface, and the profound role consciousness plays in healing and transformation. Daniel also reflects on his own journey, sharing how childhood experiences shaped his adult life and how those wounds were gradually processed and integrated following a fundamental awakening. Together, they inquire into deeper existential questions surrounding life, death, identity, and what lies beyond our personal belief systems—pointing toward the direct experience of Truth and the ongoing invitation to embody that realization with authenticity, presence, and compassion. Whether you're exploring spirituality, trauma healing, or personal transformation, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into living from a place of greater awareness and wholeness. Learn More About Daniel Wald & VortexHealing® 🌐 VortexHealing® Divine Energy Healinghttps://www.vortexhealing.org/ 🌐 Daniel Waldhttps://danielwald.com/about/ Explore Matt Kay's Work Embodied Processing Practitioner Traininghttps://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing Awakening Support Groupshttps://www.mattkay.com.au/awakening-support Devotional Inquiry Skool Communityhttps://www.skool.com/devotional-inquiry-5039/about?ref=f3f4f99c5d77470dadab5bb3f80b4bf9

Awakening & Embodiment with Ric Weinman and Matt Kay Join Matt Kay and Ric Weinman for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the nature of awakening, embodiment, and spiritual transformation. Ric is the founder of VortexHealing® Divine Energy Healing, an energy healing and awakening modality guided by divine intelligence. Matt is the Co-Creator of Embodied Processing at The Centre for Healing. Together, they dive into topics including awakening, embodiment, self-inquiry, devotion, and the unfolding journey beyond identification with the personal ego. Throughout the conversation, Matt and Ric share personal stories, insights, and lived experiences, reflecting on what led to their own profound awakenings and how those experiences continue to shape their lives and work today. Whether you're exploring spirituality, personal growth, or deeper states of consciousness, this episode offers valuable perspectives on living with greater presence, authenticity, and awareness. Learn more about Ric Weinman and VortexHealing®: 🌐 https://www.vortexhealing.org/ Explore Matt Kay's offerings: Embodied Processing Traininghttps://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing Awakening Support Groupshttps://www.mattkay.com.au/awakening-support Devotional Inquiry Skool Communityhttps://www.skool.com/devotional-inquiry-5039/about?ref=f3f4f99c5d77470dadab5bb3f80b4bf9

Show Notes SummaryPodcast Title: What Children Really Need: Attachment, Daycare & Divorce with Erica KomisarIn this powerful episode of The Centre for Healing Podcast, Melissa Hiemann is joined by Erica Komisar, psychoanalyst, author, and thought leader in the fields of parenting, attachment theory, child development, and divorce. Together, Melissa and Erica explore what children truly need from their parents in today’s increasingly dysregulated world. This conversation looks beyond surface-level parenting strategies and opens up a deeper discussion around attachment, emotional presence, nervous system regulation, daycare, divorce, and the impact of a parent’s unresolved trauma on their children. Melissa also shares reflections from the trauma-aware parenting work she and Tara have created through The Centre for Healing, highlighting the importance of helping parents understand not only their child’s behaviour, but also their own nervous system, attachment wounds, and emotional patterns. This episode is especially relevant for parents, therapists, practitioners, educators, and anyone wanting to understand how early relationships shape emotional wellbeing across a lifetime. In this episode, we explore: Erica’s number one piece of advice for parents today Why attachment is foundational to healthy emotional development How daycare can impact a child’s developing nervous system and attachment needs How single mothers can navigate secure attachment while also needing childcare and support What parents can do if childcare is necessary The relationship between physiology, brain chemistry, emotional regulation, and attachment How parents with developmental trauma can begin to regulate and connect with their children The emotional impact of divorce on children Why parent education before having children may be essential The modern cultural pressures affecting parents and children How trauma-aware parenting can help break intergenerational cycles About Erica Komisar Erica Komisar is a psychoanalyst, author, and parent guidance expert known for her work in attachment, child development, parenting, and divorce. Her work supports parents in understanding the emotional needs of children and the vital role of secure attachment in lifelong mental health. Resources Mentioned Erica Komisar: @ericakomisar https://www.instagram.com/ericakomisar/Erica’s nonprofit: Attachment Circles - https://www.attachmentcircles.org/Erica’s new book: The Parents Guide to Divorce https://www.ericakomisar.com/the-parents-guide-to-divorce The Centre for Healing’s trauma-aware parenting course explores attachment, nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and how parents can begin healing intergenerational trauma while creating deeper connection with their children. Explore the course here - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/trauma-aware-parenting  

Shadow work isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about meeting every part of yourself with curiosity and compassion. In this conversation, we explore shadow work through the integrated lenses of Buddhist philosophy, Jungian psychology, Toltec teachings, and somatic therapy. The shadow is understood as the repressed, denied, or disowned aspects of the self—emotions, traits, fears, and survival patterns that often operate unconsciously. Somatic therapy brings these insights into the body, emphasizing nervous system responses, felt sense awareness, and gradual capacity building for holding difficult experiences. Through allowing, curiosity, and embodied presence, shadow material can be integrated rather than suppressed.   Learn more about the Embodied Processing Practitioner Training here:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing  

SHOWNOTES In this deeply insightful episode, Ryan Hasson sits down with Rebecca Barnes from the UK to explore the profound transformation of motherhood through the lens of matrescence, trauma-informed care, and embodied healing. Rebecca shares her personal and professional journey — from working in residential childcare supporting traumatised children to becoming a certified Trauma-Informed, Seasons of Matrescence™ Educator & Guide, and Embodied Processing Practitioner. Together, Ryan and Rebecca unpack the emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual shifts that occur in motherhood, and why so many mothers feel unsupported during this life-changing transition. This conversation offers a compassionate and honest look at grief, identity loss, nervous system regulation, societal pressures, and the importance of creating spaces where mothers can truly be seen, supported, and understood. About Rebecca Barnes Rebecca is the founder of Becoming the Mother. She is a certified Trauma-Informed, Seasons of Matrescence™ Educator & Guide, and Embodied Processing Practitioner. Above all, Rebecca considers her most sacred and important role to be being the mother to her four beautiful children. Rebecca spent many years working in residential childcare supporting children with histories of trauma. Alongside her extensive study of matrescence, trauma, and nervous system regulation, she also brings lived experience through multiple matrescence transformations of her own. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What matrescence is and why understanding it changes the way we view motherhood Rebecca’s journey from hairdresser to embodied processing practitioner The “Seasons of Matrescence” framework and how mothers move through emotional seasons Why grief, rage, sadness, and fear are normal parts of motherhood How unresolved trauma impacts parenting, relationships, and identity The systemic gaps in support for mothers and families Why compassion is more healing than judgment when working with parents and children How embodied processing supports nervous system regulation and emotional healing The importance of practitioners doing their own healing work  Key Takeaways Motherhood is not just a role — it is a full developmental transformation. Many emotions experienced in motherhood are normal responses, not signs that something is “wrong.” Healing happens when emotions are safely processed instead of suppressed. Nervous system regulation and embodied practices can support deeper emotional healing. Supporting mothers early and compassionately has ripple effects for future generations. Practitioners who do their own healing work are better equipped to support others. Resources & Links Website: https://becomingthemother.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingthemother/ Book a call with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebecca-becomingthemother/30min  

Why You Suffer There are 2 forms of suffering in this existence of being human; Necessary & Un-necessary We find the vast majority of people are stuck in unnecessary suffering.So let's talk about it... Presented by the creators of Embodied Processing, Ryan Hassan & Matt Kay. Join us to discuss:  - What is Suffering - Suffering and Trauma - Dissatisfaction/Deficiency - Craving and Aversion - Stored Suffering - NS states - Inner conflicts - Relationship to Suffering - Suffering vs Pain - Veils/Beliefs - Inner Unification and Resolution Whether you’re working with clients now or are on a personal journey of healing (or both), this class is sure to add value to your life. When we understand the body, the nervous system & its adaptations we can remove shame and create true transformation in our lives. We look forward to seeing you in the class. More info on the Somatic Therapy EP here: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing

In this wide ranging discussion Daniel Maté speaks with Ryan Hassan & Matt Kay (creators of Embodied Processing) about the interesting dynamics between adult children and their parents. Daniel goes in depth around the challenges and healing he has had with his father Gabor Maté. Also the need to move away from the term 'boundaries' and more into an attitude of working out what environment we need to create in order for us to thrive as humans. It's a relationship dynamic that isn't discussed very much in this context. We hope you enjoy the discussion and can take some value for your own life. Here are recordings of 2 Hello Again workshops facilitated by Daniel & Gabor Maté:Hello Again 2016Hello Again 2022 Get in touch with Daniel:Walk with Daniel - https://www.walkwithdaniel.com/ Daniel Maté website - https://www.danielmate.com/ Lyrics to Go on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyRD8upUhMmCsiQvkFYKQlQ Daniel Maté instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danielbmate/ Daniel Maté twitter - https://twitter.com/danielbmate