A Strong Heart with Compassion with Michael J. Shea

A Strong Heart with Compassion with Michael J. Shea

From New Thinking Allowed Audio Podcast by New Thinking Allowed Audio Podcast

February 12, 2026 · 1h 18m

About this episode

Michael J. Shea discusses the heart's role in emotional and physical health, shaped by his experiences with trauma and compassion.

A Strong Heart with Compassion with Michael J. Shea Michael J. Shea, PhD, holds a doctorate in somatic psychology from the Union Institute and a master’s degree in Buddhist Psychology from Naropa University. He has taught at the Upledger Institute, the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, and the International University for Professional Studies. He is a craniosacral therapist, licensed massage therapist, and educator with the Shea Educational Group that is a center for the study of the human heart. He is author of Somatic Psychology and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy – Volumes 1 through 5; Myofasical Release Therapy: A Visual Guide to Clinical Application; Myofascial Release Therapy and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: The Heart of the Practice; The Biodynamics of the Immune System: Balancing the Energies of the Body with the Cosmos; and The Biodynamic Heart: Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart. His website is sheaheart.com. Michael details how being in a terrorist bombing resulted in a near-death experience and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that shaped his understanding of the heart’s role in emotional and physical health. He describes how the…

People in this episode

Guest: Michael J. Shea

Topics covered

  • compassion
  • somatic psychology
  • craniosacral therapy
  • emotional health
  • physical health
  • near-death experience
  • PTSD

Keywords

  • heart
  • compassion
  • PTSD
  • somatic therapy
  • craniosacral therapy
  • emotional health
  • near-death experience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Upledger Institute, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, International University for Professional Studies, Shea Educational Group

Books & works: Somatic Psychology and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy – Volumes 1 through 5, Myofasical Release Therapy: A Visual Guide to Clinical Application, Myofascial Release Therapy and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: The Heart of the Practice, The Biodynamics of the Immune System: Balancing the Energies of the Body with the Cosmos, The Biodynamic Heart: Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart

Places: Union Institute, Naropa University

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