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PLEASE NOTE: This is a helpful conversation that deals with adult topics. We would recommend our listeners be 18 and over for this conversation.
All of us are experiencing a heightened awareness to situations in the world that feels traumatizing to our soul. But what happens to us when we experience trauma? And how can we walk alongside someone who has, or is, experiencing trauma?
Today our host Kaylene talks with Bianca Neff, founder of Petra Peacebuilders and a humanitarian worker, about trauma and how it affects each of us in our soul and body. The conversation is informative and helpful for anyone that has experienced trauma; has someone in their life that has experienced trauma; or just want to learn more about how to help trauma victims.
Terms and concepts mentioned in podcast
Traumagenic - describing or relating to the dynamics by which a traumatic event (e.g., childhood sexual abuse) may have long-term negative consequences, including the development of a mental disorder.
Post traumatic growth - Post-traumatic growth helps people find a new sense of personal strength and a new focus on helping others.
Trauma can alter brain functioning in many ways, but three of the most important changes appear to occur in the following areas:
1. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), known as the “Thinking Center.”
2. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), known as the “Emotion Regulation Center.”
3. The amygdala, known as the “Fear Center.”
How do we help someone in trauma?
Never assume you know the right thing for that person – everyone is different and experiences trauma differently
Don’t force someone to talk about something if they don’t want to.
Be present
Ask them what they need – just ask questions
Listen
They need belonging, community, love
**Parker J. Palmer mention - Let Your Life Speak discusses his depression
2. Learn about trauma and find resources (Be ready for when they are ready)
Learn the process of healing – do your research
Find a referral to give when needed
**If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255 or WEBSITE
Special Guest Bianca Neff
Bianca is the daughter of an American father and a Basque mother from the historically conflict-ridden region of northern Spain. She is a humanitarian coach, credentialed as an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Her academic background in Conflict Resolution and Cultural Anthropology, combines with her coaching credentials and expertise in global transitions to uniquely qualify her to help lead the current movement toward peacebuilder resilience. She serves as Founding Director of Petra Peacebuilders.
Bianca has been active in global humanitarian work for 20 years, beginning in Latin America in the 1990s as an interpreter for English-speaking professionals. She then moved into cultural anthropology in Central Asia (the ‘–stan’ countries) and Arabic-speaking North Africa, helping development expats in understanding and respecting their local context. Her grassroots work in various nations combines with her experience at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva (UNOCHA), affording her an exceptionally broad perspective on the global non-profit enterprise.
Bianca has lived in Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Morocco, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. She is a dual citizen of Spain and the United States. She is also a Rotary Peace Fellow, and a two-time Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. She runs Petra Peacebuilders from Malaga, Spain.
RESOURCES
Moment to Breathe - Old Maps no Longer Work by Joyce Rupp
**If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255 or WEBSITE
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