In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson sits down with Dr. Emily Bashah to discuss trauma and the effects it can have on a person's life. They cover the different stages of trauma, ways psychologists treat it, and effective practices you can use to work on trauma yourself. Emily starts the conversation by defining trauma from a clinical perspective. Paul and Emily agree that you cannot treat PTSD if the person is still in a traumatic environment. Emily describes the physical changes in a person's brain after experiencing a traumatic event. According to Paul, no two traumas are the same - never compare a person's trauma to someone else's. Trauma often comes down to its impact on the individual. Paul explains that it's possible for people to hang on to their trauma, especially if it's meshed into their identity. Paul and Emily talk about the effects of failure on a person's self-worth. According to Emily, a person's brain that was rewired by trauma can be rewired again through healing and therapeutic experiences. Paul goes through the three basic elements of motivation: You have to challenge yourself. You need someone who will encourage you. You must see growth and be able to measure it. According to Emily, not all trauma is bad or needs to be fixed - you can lead a happy and fulfilling life without needing therapy. Paul shares ways to help someone who grew up in a traumatic environment. Talking to people about their trauma starts with trust, and you cannot build trust without giving people the truth. Paul and Emily go through the seven ideals of healing trauma. Emily describes the power of changing your story in trauma healing - you are the story you tell yourself. You are either a victim or a victor of life. Paul and Emily share their opposing thoughts on trauma and discuss whether forgiveness is the correct response to trauma.     Mentioned in This Episode: optamerican.com Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency When Politics Fail You by Dr Emily Bashah and Hon Paul Johnson Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, Sexy, and Smart―Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley et al

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