The Trauma-Informed Lawyer

This episode explores the following subject matter: Understanding genocide and its impacts on mental health, Colonial trauma and its intergenerational effects, Torture, humiliation, and brutality as mechanisms of psychological harm, The limits of Western individualistic approaches to trauma, Community as medicine: collective care and resilience, Liberation psychology as a framework for healing and resistance, The role of solidarity in addressing collective suffering, Revolutionary love as a practice of resistance and survival. Key Themes: Collective trauma vs. individual trauma, Structural violence and mental health, Dignity, identity, and survival under oppression, Healing in community. Notable Insights: Suffering, oppression and torture in Gaza cannot be separated from political reality Mental health frameworks must account for collective experiences and ongoing oppression—not just past events Collective healing practices are essential in contexts of mass trauma Solidarity is not symbolic—it has real psychological and material impact

In this powerful inter-generational conversation, I am joined by Leslie Priscilla of Latinx Parenting, along with Ally Hrbacek, Mariana Trujillo-Lezama, and Claudia Lezama. Together, we explore parenting, power, and the ways harm toward children has been normalized through culture, control, punishment, and adult supremacy. We reflect on the patterns we inherit, the courage it takes to break cycles, and what it means to raise children with autonomy, dignity, and respect. We also speak to a deeper truth: children are not just ours to raise—they are our teachers, mirrors, and healers. This episode is about re-parenting ourselves, transforming our relationships with children, and understanding why the liberation of children is essential to any vision of healing or justice. Content Warning: This episode also discusses topics including unhealthy parenting practices, hitting children, and the abuse or mistreatment of children.

In this episode, Myrna sits down with James, the founder of Soma Reset Toronto and the creator behind the widely followed TikTok account Nervous System Care Toronto, where millions have discovered his grounded, accessible teachings on regulating the nervous system. Together, they explore what it truly means to come home to your body — not as a cliché, but as a disciplined, loving practice rooted in somatic science, safety, and self-compassion. James shares how he developed his approach to nervous system care, why so many people feel disconnected from themselves, and the gentle methods he uses to help clients re-pattern stress responses that have been decades in the making. This conversation moves between the deeply practical and the deeply human: -how the body stores survival responses -why regulation is relational -what healing looks like when we honour slowness -the power of simple, daily practices that build resilience from the inside out Whether you're a practitioner, a survivor, or someone curious about why soma-based work resonates across millions online, this episode offers insight, clarity, and a reminder that healing the nervous system is not a trend — it's a return to who we were before the world asked us to shut down.

In this episode, Myrna sits down with Angela Sterritt, award-winning journalist and author of the bestselling memoir Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls. Angela shares her powerful personal story of hope, survival, her path into journalism, and the responsibility she carries when amplifying stories from Indigenous communities. Together, they explore the intersections of trauma, colonialism, and healing, as well as the role storytelling plays in truth, accountability, and justice. This conversation is both deeply personal and broadly relevant—it shines a light on systemic issues while also honouring the strength of Indigenous women and girls who continue to rise above violence. attempted erasure and unrelenting racism. You can buy Unbroken here: https://greystonebooks.com/products/unbroken?srsltid=AfmBOoqhuCNYtQusjdLaUrhMK40ubfBurFr4fRpCXe7mfEIpHuc6w42K and to learn more about Angela Sterritt, please visit her website at: https://angelasterritt.com/ To watch the panel with Angela from the 2025 Justice as Trauma Conference, please visit Myrna's video library: https://www.myrnamccallum.co/video-library

In this episode, I speak with Jordan Assaraf, a personal injury lawyer who served as co-counsel for the plaintiffs in the Ukraine Airlines case. Jordan shares how this case has helped him adapt his approach to working with clients experiencing trauma. We discuss the unique challenges of representing victims and their families in high-profile mass litigation, the emotional weight of seeking justice after tragedy, and why a trauma-informed approach is critical in cases involving profound loss. Jordan also reflects on the evolution of his legal practice, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, empathy, emotional intelligence and resilience when advocating for anyone experiencing trauma, grief and loss. Our conversation sheds light on how the legal profession can better support survivors and why the willingness to adapt is essential for trauma-informed advocacy.

Heather Hart, host of the I'm Human Too podcast and Spokane area therapist stops in to chat with me about psychedelic assisted therapy. For more info on psychedelic assisted therapy or to find a therapist, visit maps.org and https://firesideproject.org/ And be sure to check out Heather's podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/imhumantoo/episodes/Introducing-Im-Human-Too-with-Heather-Hart-e2hgom5 Please also check out: www.myrnamccallum.co/jat2025 for info about my upcoming conference, where Heather will be speaking on how psychedelics are studied and used to heal trauma.

Robert Seymour Wright is a queer, African Nova Scotian Social Worker and Sociologist whose 35year career has spanned the fields of education, child welfare, forensic mental health, trauma, sexual violence, and cultural competence. Robert was recently a keynote speaker and panelist at the Justice as Trauma 2024 conference in Vancouver and left an insightful and inspirational impact. Listen now to hear how racial trauma informs the Black experience, the Indigenous experience and the racialized experience - and how stress (namely caused by racism) cannot just be resolved or remedied in one lifetime. For more on Robert and his work, please visit: http://www.robertswright.ca/ AND remember you can see him at our next Justice as Trauma Conference 2025 in Vancouver from March 17-19. See www.myrnamccallum.co for updates or subscribe to email notifications so you can grab an early bird rate when registration opens!

Dimple Dhabalia began her career as a lawyer but after a stint at the Attorney General's office in Denver, she found her calling as an asylum officer. Working for almost two decades at the crossroads of the government and humanitarian sectors, Dimple found her job fulfilling, but it also led to vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and burnout. This episode explores mental health issues resulting from workplace demands and the exposure to the trauma of others - and the inspirational work of Dimple Dhabalia.

Today's episode is a special one. I am sharing an episode of Ben Perrin's podcast, Indictment: the Criminal Justice System on Trial which can be found here: https://indictment.simplecast.com/ In the most recent episode of Indictment, Ben shares Harold Johnson's final public talk - and what a gift it is to listen to Harold one more time. For more info on the Justice as Trauma Conference, please check out: www.justiceastrauma.ca Below is a copy of Ben's show notes from the original Indictment episode: Powerful. Unflinching. Visionary. Hear Indigenous lawyer and author Harold Johnson (1957-2022) deliver his final public lecture powerfully indicting the Canadian criminal justice system and making an impassioned case for Indigenous justice. A member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Harold was a Harvard-trained Crown prosecutor and criminal defence lawyer who quit practising law because of the harm it was causing Indigenous people. Instead, he devoted the rest of his life to advocating for Indigenous justice and developing and implementing initiatives to bring healing and restoration in Indigenous communities. This special episode was recorded live on November 8, 2021 at the UBC Peter A. Allard School of Law in Vancouver as Harold spoke to the entire first year class. Harold Johnson passed away three months later on February 9, 2022. His legacy and words live on. Content Note: discussion of trauma, intimate partner violence, violence, suicide, death by impaired driving, substance use, colonial violence against Indigenous people including residential schools and incarceration. There is also mention of sexual violence. Click here for mental health support resources if you need support. Harold's book include: Harold Johnson, Peace and Good Order: The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada Harold Johnson, Firewater: How Alcohol Is Killing My People (and Yours) Order your copy of Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial (Aevo UTP, 2023). Visit www.benjaminperrin.ca for the latest news and upcoming events. Thank you to Joan Johnson for permission to share this lecture.

Natalie Gutierrez, author of The Pain We Carry, Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color, is a critical POC voice in a wellness space dominated by white trauma experts. Through her personal lens and professional lens as a Puerto Rican complex trauma therapist, Natalie explains how historical and cultural trauma is experienced by Black people, Indigenous people and People of Colour - and how cultural burdens and legacies inform our relationships and internal family systems. Natalie is remarkable and you can catch her among a line-up of powerful presenters at the upcoming Justice As Trauma conference, in Vancouver from April 3-5, 2024. Please visit https://www.myrnamccallum.co/justiceastrauma for details - and don’t forget to order her book, The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color.

Kisâkihitin, nitanis means "I love you, my daughter" however many of my people also accept the interpretation, "I love you, my girl". This is a personal story about my mom and I. Her name was Judy Marilyn McCallum. This story is my contribution to National Truth and Reconciliation Day, 2023. One day - maybe - this story will be published among other stories in a book. CW: I cover topics including suicide, sexual assault, child abuse, physical violence, residential school, Indian hospitals, medical experimentation and addiction. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

What does it mean to be visible in a job where you need to remain impartial? Today on the show, I speak with Michael Sonberg, a retired NYC judge who was one of the founding members of the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges. We talk about Michael’s experiences as an openly gay judge and how the Association is helping to build community for LGBTQ2S+ members of the judiciary all over the world. We may be at the end of Pride Month, but pride and solidarity are a year-round practice.