Empowered Through Compassion: EMDR and IFS Informed Therapy

This Is Us- Overcoming Trauma Together

Families Overcoming Trauma – This Is Us
NBC’s This Is Us has resonated deeply with audiences, largely because of its heartfelt portrayal of family, trauma, and healing. The show masterfully illustrates how each family member carries their own pain while remaining connected through love, resilience, and acceptance. It reminds us that healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about learning to live with it, together.
In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree, whose journey is a testament to this very idea. When her daughter, Cecilia, was diagnosed with childhood leukemia at just three years old, Laura searched for guidance—a book, an expert, a roadmap. When she realized that no such book existed, she wrote it herself: The Cancer Parent’s Handbook: What Your Oncologist Doesn’t Have Time to Tell You. Through her experience, she uncovered the tools and insights necessary not just to survive, but to thrive during an overwhelming and terrifying time.
As Laura and I reflected on This Is Us, we found so many parallels between the Pearson family’s story and her own. The show depicts the way trauma weaves itself into the fabric of a family, shaping identities and relationships in unexpected ways. It also highlights the power of connection—how, even through grief, loss, and struggle, love can be an anchor.
Trauma and the Nonlinear Journey of Healing
One of the most powerful elements of This Is Us is its nonlinear storytelling. Much like real-life healing, the past continuously intrudes on the present. The audience is transported through different points in time, seeing how early wounds manifest in adult struggles. We watch as Kevin searches for love and self-worth, Randall seeks meaning in his biological roots, and Kate finds healing through music and motherhood. Their journeys are messy, imperfect, and deeply human.
At the heart of the series is a pivotal moment—the loss of Jack Pearson, the beloved yet flawed father figure. The show builds up to this revelation, allowing us to witness how his absence shapes each family member in distinct yet connected ways. In a similar way, families facing trauma must navigate their own nonlinear paths, piecing together meaning and strength as they go.
Holding Space for Pain and Hope
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that has three prongs of healing-- the past, the present, and the future. This Is Us reflects this process beautifully, showing how the past and present exist simultaneously, influencing each other in ways we don’t always recognize-- impacting the future as well.
Laura’s story is a profound example of how trauma and hope can coexist. While no parent would ever choose the experience of childhood cancer, Laura chose how her family’s story would be written. She didn’t deny the pain, but she also didn’t let it define their lives. Instead, she created moments of normalcy, love, and connection amid the fear.
Defining Our Narrative
The final season of This Is Us centers around the decline of Rebecca’s health, bringing the family together once more in the face of loss. Yet, rather than being consumed by grief, they embrace their love for one another. It is in these moments—where vulnerability is met with compassion—that true healing and connection happens.
This is the lesson Laura embodies: even in heartbreak, loss, and tragedy, life doesn’t have to be only about pain. Life can be about something so much more. We can hold space for both sorrow and joy. We can choose to show up, to embrace imperfection, and to construct the narrative that we want to-- one that is rooted in love and family connection.
Trauma can break us, or it can unite us. The powerful and aligned message of both Laura’s journey and This Is Us is this: we can walk through whatever life brings us with magnanimity, with courage, and with hope. And at some point, I promise, our heartfelt laughs will be there as well!
For more information on Laura, visit lauradekrakerlangreebook.com or follow her on Instagram at @laura_dekraker_langree.

Athena Phillips, Back to the Future, and Trauma

Welcome to this episode, where I am thrilled to be speaking with Athena Phillips about dissociation, the difference between coaching and therapy, and Back to the Future. 
Athena shares how IFS and EMDR can be complementary, but caution is needed when using EMDR with dissociative clients.
Coaching and therapy have distinct roles, and in her business Athena has found a very symbiotic relationship between coaches and therapist for clients. 
We speak about Back to the Future, and some of the ways this movie represents trauma healing. We even bring in current world events, and how societal disconnection reflects challenging but potentially transformative period of collective growth.
Enjoy this wonderful episode, and if you would like to find out more information on Athena, check out her company here:
https://traumacenternw.com/
 

Jennifer Blanchette Burn out and Severance

Therapist Burnout – A Systemic Issue, Not a Personal Failure
 
🎬 Pop Culture Connection: Severance – A dystopian take on work-life balance
How our ‘work part’ is at risk of burnout when it is not given the emotional support and care that it needs.
 
📊 Burnout by the Numbers:
60-66% of workers report feeling burnout
30-70% of therapists experience burnout (especially post-pandemic)
Some exploitive telehealth companies pay a s low as $30/hour
 
🛑 Signs of Burnout
Emotional depletionCompassion fatigueMental health strugglesShame & isolation
 
Why Are Therapists at High Risk?
High emotional demandsExploitative telehealth practicesCultural pressure to and shame around feeling depletedFinancial stress (student debt, low pay)
 
How to Recover & Prevent Burnout
Take real breaks to reset your nervous systemAvoid toxic work environments (consider local practices over telehealth)Try digital minimalism (set screen boundaries)Seek support – burnout is NOT a personal failureGive yourself permission to leave your job, (even the profession), if necessary
 
💡 Join the Conversation:🗣️ Have you experienced burnout as a therapist or in another helping profession? Share your story in the comments or on The Therapist Burnout Podcast!
🔗 More resources at DrJenBlanchette.com

Ned Johnson and Bringing Compassionate into Schools and Test Prep

A re-uploaded version.
Welcome to this new episode. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ned Johnson, a wonderful educator, author, and speaker. He is an expert in helping teens and tweens navigate the transition to adulthood, by bringing them the tools they need to be both successful and happy. 
Ned has found that some of the leading causes of poor test performance is the stress and pressure that youths feel to get good grades, and perform well. What is the solution? Can the solution really be as simple as helping youth feel connected, getting them to appreciate their inherent self-worth, and having more fun? Check out this episode to hear some of Ned's insights into this important and fascinating topic!
Check out Ned's amazing services at PrepMatters
Check out Ned's wonderful Podcast "PrepTalks" here
Find Ned's books here

Jan Broberg, Embodiment of Hope, Faith and Charity

I had the honor of sitting down with the Jan Broberg on my podcast.
We spoke about her powerful story, the real-life events behind Peacock’s hit series A Friend of the Family, and how she turned unimaginable trauma into a message of hope, resilience, and healing.
Jan's spirit is inspiring, as she uses her voice and story to encourage others to tell theirs. This episode shows how light can come from darkness.
You can watch A Friend of the Family on Peacock.
For more information, check out https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/
Here you can find her amazing podcast: https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/podcast/
Find out more about her retreats: https://liveinthe90.com/
 
 
#JanBroberg #AFriendOfTheFamily #Podcast #Healing #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #Peacock
 

Rebecca Kase on EMDR, Polyvagal and Parts Work

It was a pleasure to speak with Rebecca Kase this week on EMDR, Polyvagal and Parts work. She had so many interesting things to share, and I hope you enjoy this episode.
 
Warmly,
David
 
Find out more about Rebecca here:
 
https://www.rebeccakase.com/
 
https://www.traumatherapistinstitute.com/
 
You can find her book here:      Books by Rebecca Kase
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Squid Game Fixed Audio

Here is my second upload for this episode.
My AI attempts were not successful, so I edited this one myself.
Sorry for any confusion.
 
It was such a pleasure to speak with Victoria Anderson, a friend and classmate from IFS-Level one training.
We speak about our experience, and then we compare it to... yep, the Squid Game.
Luckily our experience was nothing like the Squid Game, except for some nerves when we started the class. 
We speak about some of the parts (that we are constructing) inside some of the fictional characters of Squid Game.
If you want to find out more about Victoria, please check out her website at:
https://www.centeredselftraumatherapy.com/
 
Warmly,
David

Andrew Dobo Discusses the Hero's Journey and EMDR

In this episode, Andrew Dobo joins me to speak about EMDR, the Hero's journey and Jung.
It was such an honor to have a conversation with Andrew who is a well respected EMDR trainer and an accomplished author. 
His books include, "The Hero's Journey: Integrating Jungian Psychology and EMDR Therapy"
and, "Unburdening Souls at the Speed of Thought: Psychology, Christianity, and the Transforming Power of EMDR."
Check out Andrew Dobo's Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@drandrewdobo
He is the founder of EMDR Trainers. Find out more about this organization here: https://emdreducators.com 
He has so much wisdom to share, and his passion for EMDR really comes through in this conversation!
 

Sandra Paulsen-- A Leader in EMDR, a Healer, and an intuitive Songoma

It was such an honor to speak with Sandra Paulsen, and to learn from her wisdom. In the podcast, Sandra shared how she went to see a traditional healer, known as a Songoma. This healer turned to Sandra and said, "Why come see me? You are Songoma too!"
We dive into EMDR, and Sandra even shares some of her thoughts on IFS therapy. Sandra shared how she definitely uses parts work, but sees this through the lens of Ego States.
We speak about some of Sandra's amazing books, which include:
"When There Are No Words: Repairing Early Trauma and Neglect From the Attachment Period With EMDR Therapy"
"Looking Through The Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients"
"The Beauty and Burden of Autism: Illustrated Guide and Workbook in Color"
"Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Towards an Embodied Self"
"Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapies and the Drum"
Of course, we also speak about the incredible cartoons and art of Sandra that are throughout her informative and beautiful books!
You can find out more about Sandra Paulsen on her website at:
www.paulsenpsychology.com 
Check out Sandra's Etsy's shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/SandraPaulsenPhDArt 
 
 
 
 

Thomas Zimmerman, Comparing Four Blinks with EMDR

On this episode we are speaking with Thomas Zimmerman, Ms.Ed., LPCC, is a mental health therapist who practices in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.
He is an EMDR therapist, consultant and trainer.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, consultant, and trainer.
He is a writer, podcaster as well.
Check out his new book, "EMDR with Complex Trauma" on Amazon.
Check out his Podcast here: www.emdrpodcast.com  
Here is his website: www.emdrtom.com 
Here is his facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/EMDRResources
We also speak about Thomas' brilliant 4 blink method of Flash.
This is based on an intervention created by Philip Manfield, and you can find out more about Philip on his website:  www.philipmanfield.com