In this episode of Transforming Trauma, NARM Creator Dr. Laurence Heller is joined by long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Diane Poole Heller, for an evocative conversation about trauma and spirituality. Both Diane and Larry have been students, practitioners and teachers of various psychological approaches for over 40 years, and they have also both studied various spiritual models over this time. Their spiritual work has positively impacted not only their personal lives, but also informed their professional work as therapists and teachers. As internationally respected trauma experts, they share the perspective on treating the whole person – mind, body and spirit – and on how a spiritual connection can help practitioners guide themselves and their clients in their healing process.
Diane and Larry recognize that while spirituality has not been largely accepted within psychology, it plays a significant role in people’s lives. They both acknowledge the central role of connection, including spiritual connection, for personal and collective health.
Diane frames trauma as an experience that disconnects people from themselves and the world around them. However, in the traumatic reaction, there is a captivating energy that if tapped into can fuel the transformation process towards connection. She highlights the importance of having a support system during this transformative process, whether it be a therapist, a loved one, or a higher power, in order to make the path to connection and healing more possible.
Larry adds his perspective on humanity’s spontaneous movement toward connection. He shares that people don’t truly lose connection, but rather the loss of awareness of connection. Humans are always connected to the source, and the longing for connection originates from that place. A person showing up to therapy is a bid for connection in and of itself. This source is what gives practitioners a place to guide their clients back to. From this perspective, deep healing and post-traumatic growth is possible.
We are grateful to Dr. Diane Poole-Heller and Dr. Laurence Heller for their transformative contributions to the field of trauma and their dedication to bring healing to the world. We invite you to listen to the full episode to hear more about their experiences with connection, spirituality, and the hopeful message of post-traumatic growth.
About Dr. Diane Poole Heller:
Dr. Diane Poole Heller is an established expert in the field of trauma resolution, with 30 years of experience in spiritual exploration. Dr. Heller began her work with Peter Levine, founder of Somatic Experiencing in 1989, and has served on the SE Trauma Institute teaching team since 1992. Diane has created a highly successful series of media resources and as a dynamic speaker and teacher, Diane has been featured at international seminars and conferences. Diane is co-author of the book Crash Course as well as numerous articles in the field. Diane is also president of Trauma Solutions, a psychotherapy training organization.
Learn More:
Trauma Solutions Experiential Training for Clinicians
Book – The Power of Attachment: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships
Book – Crash Course: A Self-Healing Guide to Auto Accident Trauma Recovery
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