The Centre for Healing Podcast

Why You Suffer There are 2 forms of suffering in this existence of being human; Necessary & Un-necessary We find the vast majority of people are stuck in unnecessary suffering.So let's talk about it... Presented by the creators of Embodied Processing, Ryan Hassan & Matt Kay. Join us to discuss:  - What is Suffering - Suffering and Trauma - Dissatisfaction/Deficiency - Craving and Aversion - Stored Suffering - NS states - Inner conflicts - Relationship to Suffering - Suffering vs Pain - Veils/Beliefs - Inner Unification and Resolution Whether you’re working with clients now or are on a personal journey of healing (or both), this class is sure to add value to your life. When we understand the body, the nervous system & its adaptations we can remove shame and create true transformation in our lives. We look forward to seeing you in the class. More info on the Somatic Therapy EP here: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing

Interview with co-author of The Myth of Normal, Daniel Maté Ryan & Matt, co-creators of Embodied Processing had the pleasure of recording a conversation with Daniel Maté.Daniel is co-author with his father Gabor of the new groundbreaking book The Myth of Normal; Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture. In this wide ranging discussion Daniel talks openly about:- Bringing such an important book to life- How the book has been received & how his life has changed since- What healing actually can look like on an individual & collective level- His own healing process (involving a Mexican immigration jail)- The strains & healing in the relationship with his father Gabor- Whether we should be hopeful or pessimistic about our future as a society We hope you enjoy the chat as much as we did! Get in touch with Daniel & Gabor:Walk with Daniel - https://www.walkwithdaniel.com/ Daniel Maté website - https://www.danielmate.com/ Lyrics to Go on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyRD8upUhMmCsiQvkFYKQlQ Daniel Maté instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danielbmate/ Daniel Maté twitter - https://twitter.com/danielbmate Gabor Maté website - https://drgabormate.com/ Gabor Maté twitter - https://twitter.com/DrGaborMate

EPISODE SUMMARY In this solo episode, Melissa Hiemann — co-founder of The Centre for Healing and author of Root-Cause Therapy: A Method for True, Lasting Change — shares the story behind her new book, the methodology that took 12 years to develop, and why she believes true, lasting healing can only happen when we address the root, not the symptoms. From her own personal journey through narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, and substance use, to opening a clinic and training practitioners across the world, Melissa unpacks what makes Root-Cause Therapy different from conventional talk therapy and coaching — and why so many people stay stuck even after years of working on themselves. Whether you're on your own healing journey, already in practice, or curious about training in RCT, this episode is for you. ABOUT MELISSA HIEMANN Melissa Hiemann is a trauma-informed healer, certified practitioner trainer, and co-founder of The Centre for Healing — a globally recognised training organisation dedicated to bringing root-cause healing to practitioners and clients worldwide. Melissa is the creator of Root-Cause Therapy and the author of two books, including her latest, *Root-Cause Therapy: A Method for True, Lasting Change*. She is also the co-creator of the Trauma-Informed Manifestation Course and a Trauma-Aware Parenting Course. The Centre for Healing celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2026. LINKS & RESOURCES  📖 Get the book: thecentreforhealing.com/rctbook 🌐 Find an RCT Practitioner near you: thecentreforhealing.com/directory🎓 Explore RCT Practitioner Training: thecentreforhealing.com/ 🎙️ Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Melissa sits down with Josie Cowley and Andrea Crabtree — holistic counsellor and social worker/therapist respectively — to explore why psychoeducation is one of the most powerful things a practitioner can offer their clients. The conversation digs into the real challenges therapists face when precious session time gets eaten up by foundational explanations, and how Josie and Andrea set out to solve that with their video series, Why Do I Feel This Way? From nervous system regulation and subconscious patterns to generational trauma and the power of self-compassion, this episode is packed with insight — whether you're a practitioner wanting to deepen your work, or someone on their own healing journey trying to understand themselves better. KEY TAKEAWAYS Psychoeducation changes everything in the therapy room. When clients arrive already understanding their nervous system and emotional patterns, practitioners can spend less time teaching and more time doing the actual healing work. Josie shared that when a recent client hadn't watched the videos beforehand, she felt the gap immediately — there simply wasn't enough time to cover the education and hold proper space for the work. Co-regulation requires space and slowness. A rushed session affects more than just content — it affects the felt sense of safety in the room. When practitioners aren't scrambling to explain foundational concepts, they can slow down, attune, and offer the kind of regulated presence that is, in itself, deeply therapeutic. You don't have to believe every thought you have. Andrea spoke beautifully about how many of us grew up in a culture that treats thoughts as facts. One of the most liberating shifts the course offers is helping people notice their thoughts with curiosity rather than being pulled into every spiral — not to stop the thoughts, but to build the capacity to sit with them compassionately. Generational trauma explains so much. Josie spoke about how often clients carry pain that isn't even theirs — inherited stress, fear, and patterns passed down through family lines. Understanding this can bring enormous relief, shifting the narrative from "something is wrong with me" to "I'm carrying something that was never mine to carry." Self-awareness reduces shame. A recurring theme throughout the episode was how understanding why we feel the way we do removes the shame around it. Our survival responses, emotional patterns, and nervous system reactions make sense in context — and once people understand that, healing becomes possible. The course supports practitioners too. Whether you're newly qualified and building your language, or a seasoned practitioner looking for a fresh way to explain core concepts, the series offers a shared framework that works across modalities. It also now carries 10 CPD points with both the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the CPD Group. It doesn't replace therapy — it amplifies it. As Andrea put it, this resource creates hope and reduces shame. It's a complement to the deeper work, not a substitute for it. ABOUT JOSIE & ANDREA Josie Cowley is a holistic counsellor with a Diploma of Counselling from AIPC, accredited with the Australian Counselling Association and certified in Crisis Support with Lifeline. She blends evidence-informed counselling with Root Cause Therapy, the Emotion Code, EFT, Reiki, and trauma-informed coaching. Before entering the counselling space, Josie spent 29 years as a hairdresser — an experience she credits as foundational, where the salon chair became a natural safe space for people to be heard. She lives in Ocean Grove with her husband, two sons, and five small horses. Andrea Crabtree is a therapist, social worker, and former lawyer whose consistent thread across every career has been people. Certified in Embodied Processing, Trauma-Informed Manifestation, and Root Cause Therapy, and a Reiki Master with several years of experience in energy healing with animals. Andrea works primarily outdoors facilitating equine-assisted therapy, where her herd of five horses participate entirely at liberty. Having lived in both Honduras and Japan, she brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to her work. Together, Josie and Andrea created Why Do I Feel This Way? — Exploring Your Inner World, a 16-video psychoeducation series available through The Centre for Healing. LINKS & RESOURCES 🌐 Course (Practitioner):thecentreforhealing.com/mbf-landing-page-practitioners 🌐 Josie & Andrea's website: livelifeempowered.com.au 📧 Get in touch: hello@livelifeempowered.com.au  

Ava is the director of Functional Spirituality and the popular yoga and meditation centre Spanda School in Fremantle, W.A. She is a philosopher with a degree from the University of Sydney, retreat leader, business owner and somatic therapist. Her deepest passions are non-dual philosophy, community healing and looking at the impacts of spirituality. Her business has been offering meditation training and silent retreat to thousands of students over the past 10+ years. Ava's path started with a fervor for awakening and non-duality. However over the years her path has matured with a more functional approach. Her work now considers the wide-spread complex trauma that lies at the heart of almost every obstacle to happy, healthy and connected living, and marries profound mystical approaches with nervous system regulation.She has trained with Paul Muller-Ortega (Blue throat yoga), NARM (complex trauma), Cecily Milne (yoga detour), the Centre for Healing to name a few. Ava is predominantly known for her thriving yoga studio, silent retreats in nature and the phenomenal teachers that emerge from her yoga and trauma-informed certifications. She lives in beautiful, rural Western Australia with her family and animals. She has recently teamed up with The Centre for Healing to offer courses and an Instructor Training on Trauma-Informed Meditation.   TI Meditation Instructor Training:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/ti-meditation-instructor  Meditation Instructor Training Webinar:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/mit-pre-training-registration  Short Course - Foundations of TI Meditation:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/trauma-informed-meditation-foundations  Free 7 Day Meditation Challenge:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/offers/92J8TtBk/checkout 

Trauma-Aware Parenting — A Conversation with Tara Russell & Melissa Hiemann In this heartfelt and honest episode, Melissa Hiemann and Tara Russell — co-creators of the Trauma-Aware Parenting Course — open up about the real journey of parenting while healing your own inner child. They share candid life updates and reflections on the messy, beautiful balance of raising kids while managing work, health, and personal growth. Tara speaks vulnerably about how becoming a parent led her to explore embodied processing and somatic awareness practices that completely changed the way she relates to her children. Together, they explore how trauma shapes our parenting patterns, why nervous-system regulation is the foundation of connection, and how self-awareness helps us move from reactivity to presence. This conversation is both deeply personal and profoundly practical — a reminder that every step we take toward healing ourselves brings healing to our families, too. If you’re ready to parent with more presence, compassion, and confidence, learn more about the Trauma-Aware Parenting Course here: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/trauma-aware-parenting Connect with Tara here - https://www.creatingmindfulminds.com/ Follow Tara on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/centred.in.connection/

Show Notes: Healing with Pets and Humans Guest: Fabienne Wydler In this heartfelt conversation, we explore the powerful and often overlooked relationship between humans and their animal companions—and how healing can unfold on both sides of the leash. Key Takeaways: Our pets often mirror unresolved emotions, unexpressed needs, and weakened boundaries in their human companions, gently holding space for what wants to be seen and healed. Deepening your connection and attunement with your pet can offer profound insights into your own emotional world, supporting personal growth and transformation. Animals provide a non-judgemental, emotionally safe presence—particularly supportive for neurodivergent children who may find it easier to express themselves with animals than with people. Behavioural challenges in pets (such as anxiety, aggression, or destructiveness) often point to deeper emotional or relational dynamics within the human–animal bond. Healing the root cause can create lasting change for both. Resources Mentioned: Fabienne Wydler’s website: fabiennewydler.com Free booklet on emotional mirroring: Available for download via Fabienne’s website Connect with Fabienne: Instagram: @healingwithfabienne YouTube: Heal With Animals Facebook Group: Heal With Animals

Episode Overview In this insightful episode, Ryan Hassan and Noel Haarburger explore the inner critic—its origins, mechanisms, and how it influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Listeners are guided through understanding the difference between a healthy conscience and an unhealthy inner critic, learning strategies to engage with it, and cultivating self-compassion and personal resilience. Key Topics Covered Understanding the Inner Critic Also referred to as the inner judge or superego. Plays a role in shaping self-perception and behavior. Origins and Development Often rooted in childhood experiences and early survival strategies. Cultural expectations and societal norms can amplify the inner critic. Inner Critic Dynamics Interaction with the “victim” part of the self and coping strategies. Contradictory demands that often create internal conflict. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Conscience Healthy conscience guides ethical behavior and personal growth. Unhealthy inner critic fosters guilt, shame, and self-judgment. Futility and Pervasiveness Inner critic demands are often impossible to satisfy. Can manifest in multiple areas of life, creating chronic stress. The Myth of Necessity Belief that high achievement requires a harsh inner critic is false. Self-Compassion Central to countering the inner critic. Involves developing the “adult self” to nurture, protect, and guide the inner child. Key Insights & Takeaways The inner critic often begins as a childhood survival mechanism. Cultural and societal pressures compound its intensity. Awareness and observation of the inner critic is crucial for transformation. The inner critic is contradictory, leading to emotional and physical exhaustion. Effective strategies include: Using humor and paradox to disrupt its patterns. Practicing assertiveness to set boundaries with internal judgments. Cultivating self-compassion and an adult self to respond rather than react. Practical Conclusions & Actions Daily Dialogue: Regularly engage in conversations with the inner critic to understand its motivations. Dual Awareness: Develop the capacity to observe the inner critic without fully identifying with it. Origin Exploration: Reflect on situations that trigger the inner critic and their roots. Defend & Disengage: Learn to protect yourself while maintaining compassion for the inner critic and the self. Listen and Learn: This episode provides actionable guidance for anyone looking to transform the impact of their inner critic, reduce internal conflict, and cultivate a more compassionate, empowered self.

Episode Overview In this episode, we explore the transformative approach of trauma-informed parenting. We discuss how to understand trauma, create a safe and attuned environment for your children, recognize and address projected trauma, and implement a practical trauma-informed parenting blueprint to support both you and your child’s emotional growth. Key Takeaways Trauma isn’t only about external events—it’s also about the internal impact on the individual. Children’s stress responses require co-regulation, not simply “self-soothing.” Authenticity and attachment can sometimes be in conflict, leading to suppressed emotions. Projecting our unresolved trauma onto our children is common but can be worked through. Awareness of unconscious parenting beliefs and patterns is essential for meaningful change. Integrating difficult emotions, such as anger, in a healthy way is important. Maintaining your sense of identity beyond being a parent helps prevent burnout and resentment. Key Topics Covered Understanding trauma, emotional imprints, and the stress response Creating a space of safety, attunement, and authenticity Recognizing and addressing projected trauma Implementing a trauma-informed parenting blueprint Actionable Steps Deepen your understanding of trauma, the stress response, and nervous system regulation. Create a safe, attuned, and authentic environment where your children can thrive. Notice when you might be projecting your own trauma and take steps to address it. Apply a trauma-informed parenting blueprint, including: Identifying emotional triggers and unconscious beliefs Integrating difficult emotions in a healthy way Preserving your identity beyond parenting Seek support, continue learning, and grow as a trauma-informed parent. Recommended Resources Embodied Processing (EP) Practitioner Training  – for deeper trauma work and personal development Awareness by Anthony de Mello V for Vendetta (movie) The Shift (movie)

Show Notes Summary In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Melissa connects with trauma-informed practitioner and author Sonia Skewes to explore her powerful journey from hairdressing and community work to creating a deeply healing practice in Penguin, Tasmania. Despite waking up with a cold, Melissa followed her higher self’s guidance and went ahead with the interview- resulting in an authentic, soulful exchange about healing, self-worth, and empowerment. Key Topics Discussed Sonia’s Personal Journey – From creative beginnings to mental health support work, and how her lived experiences shaped her path as a trauma-informed healer. Healing Money Trauma & Shame – How early conditioning and inherited scarcity beliefs impact women’s relationship with money, and how somatic tools like sway testing can release these blocks. Sonia’s New Book: Whoever Said It’s Just Money, Honey – A transformational guide for women to heal inherited money shame and reclaim their worth. Melissa and Sonia discuss practical ways to share this work through free meditations and community resources. Closing Reflections – Sonia’s beautiful reminder to “be the change you wish to see in the world” and an open invitation to visit her peaceful sanctuary in Penguin, Tasmania. About Sonia: Sonia Skewes is a Root-Cause Therapy Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Manifestation Coach, and lifelong creative who began her journey as a hairdresser — working with transformation long before she called it healing. Now based in Tasmania, she blends lived experience with powerful subconscious tools to help others break cycles and create lives that feel aligned, expressive, and free. With warmth and grounded creativity, Sonia supports those ready to reclaim the parts of themselves that were lost along the way. Connect with her at www.soniaskewes.com.auSocial media https://www.instagram.com/soniaskewesintegrativetherapy/Get her book here https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FYNHFW1Q?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Show Notes Guest: Dr. Talia Steed Author | Coach | Spiritual Teacher | Former Medical Doctor Dr. Talia Steed supports others through a holistic approach to health — integrating science and spirituality to bring balance to the body, mind, and soul. Areas of Expertise Mind–Body Symptoms / Chronic and Unresolved Health Issues Empaths & Highly Sensitive People Women’s Health — from PMS to Pregnancy to Menopause Mental Health — Anxiety, OCD, and Major Life Transitions Career & Relationship Counselling Spiritual Awakening — Guidance for those on the path of higher consciousness About Her Book: Choosing the Witness Self “In this way of being, we can make contact with pure awareness — awareness beyond thoughts, beyond feelings, beyond sensations in the body. This is the essence of spirituality: discovering that you are the witness to the experiences of your life. Nothing more, and nothing less.” — Dr. Talia Steed, Choosing the Witness Self Episode Highlights Dr. Talia’s journey from medical doctor to spiritual teacher — and what led her to question the limitations of the Western medical model. The power of taking responsibility for your own healing rather than waiting for others to “fix” you. Understanding the Witness Self — the observing awareness beyond thoughts and emotions. How to integrate the Witness Self with the human ego mind. Dr. Talia’s personal experience with OCD and depression, and the lessons learned through her own healing process. The role of meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices in cultivating deeper self-awareness. Exploring a holistic approach to wellbeing — recognising the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit. Connect with Dr. Talia Steed Website: www.drtaliasteed.com  Instagram: @bodi_alchemy  Facebook: Bodi Alchemy  Her Book Choosing the Witness Self: Illuminating the Illusions of the Ego Mind Available now — learn more on her website.

In this episode, Ryan and Matt dive deep into the world of developmental trauma — exploring how early life experiences shape our nervous system, relationships, and sense of self. They break down what developmental trauma looks like, why it’s not officially recognised in the DSM, and how it can show up in subtle yet powerful ways throughout life. Matt also shares personal reflections, giving a lived perspective on the impact and healing process. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Introduction to Developmental Trauma Different types of trauma: acute, developmental, pre-conscious, genealogical, and collective Why developmental trauma deserves more attention 2. The Importance of Developmental Trauma Matt’s personal journey and experiences The gap in formal recognition despite its widespread impact 3. Attachment & Authenticity Why attachment is a survival instinct How children adapt — often at the cost of authenticity — to maintain connection The role of rupture and repair in building resilience 4. Stages of Developmental Trauma Infancy (0–3 years): Safety vs. danger through attachment Early Childhood (3–7 years): Core beliefs about self and the world Socialisation (7–18 years): School, peers, and relational experiences 5. Symptoms of Developmental Trauma Relational patterns: people-pleasing, over-independence Emotional dysregulation: shutdown or overwhelm Difficulty trusting self and others Struggles with identity, being alone, or accepting emotions like anger and sadness 6. Healing Developmental Trauma Creating healthy relational dynamics Building capacity and a sense of safety Exploring identity and early attachment wounds Somatic processing and stress release The importance of finding the right practitioner More info on the Somatic Therapy EP here:https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing

Show Notes Title: Deb Mackay and Melissa Hiemann discuss the various aspects of health, wellness, and parenting, particularly in relation to neurodiversity. SummaryDeb's journey to healing and supporting others Deb shares how her experience with her three children diagnosed on the autism spectrum led her to explore alternative healing modalities beyond traditional therapies. She discovered the importance of addressing the nervous system and taking a whole-body approach to wellness. This journey ultimately transformed Deb's own life and inspired her to help others, particularly women and parents, through her work in root cause therapy, somatic processing, and nutrition. The limitations of diagnostic labels and the need for holistic care Deb discusses her concerns about the overuse of diagnostic labels, particularly for neurodevelopmental conditions like autism. She believes that many children are misunderstood and mislabeled due to a lack of understanding about the role of the nervous system, environment, trauma, and other underlying factors. Deb advocates for a more comprehensive, integrative approach that looks at the whole person rather than just treating symptoms. Incorporating scent, spirituality, and somatic practices Deb explains how she integrates the use of scent, her Christian faith, and somatic practices in her work. She discusses the powerful way that scent can bypass the conscious mind and access the subconscious, helping to create "glimmers" of safety and comfort. Deb also shares how her spiritual beliefs have deepened through her healing journey and how she helps Christian women address limiting beliefs through practices like breath work, prayer, and tapping. Generational healing and breaking cycles Deb emphasises the importance of doing inner work to break generational patterns and cycles, both for herself and for the children and families she supports. She shares how her own healing journey has allowed her to respond to her children and parenting situations with more compassion, presence, and flexibility, modelling the change she wants to see. Upcoming programs and resources Deb provides an overview of the various programs and resources available through her Soul Roots Therapy practice, including self-paced and live courses, as well as specialised offerings for Christian women and parents of neurodiverse children. She encourages listeners to explore the options that best suit their needs. Recap and closing thoughts Deb and Melissa conclude the conversation by emphasizing the importance of allowing the healing process to unfold naturally, without forcing it. Deb encourages listeners to focus on building the foundational skills and capacity to sit with themselves, as the rewards and transformations that follow can be profound and lasting. Bio Deb Mackay is the founder of Soulroots Therapy, where she helps women worldwide reconnect with themselves and heal on every level body, mind, and spirit grounded in her Christian faith. As a Root-Cause Therapy Practitioner, Somatic Embodied-Processing Facilitator, Natural Perfumer, and Psychiatric Nutrition Coach, Deb takes a whole-body approach that embraces the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. She blends the power of scent with somatic practices, frequency medicine, and nutritional support to help break generational cycles, release limiting beliefs, and build lasting emotional and spiritual resilience rooted in Christ. You can connect with Deb here;Website - https://www.soulrootstherapy.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soulrootstherapy Courses mentioned - Renew your mind https://www.soulrootstherapy.com/renewingyourmind, Scent somatics, https://www.soulrootstherapy.com/scents-somatics Embodied Processing - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/embodied-processing Root-Cause Therapy - https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/root-cause-therapy-certification-1