Dr. Kirsten V. Harrison: Insights from a Trauma Psychologist & Board-Certified Expert in PTSD
- Evolution of trauma psychology—from taboo topics to mainstream research
- Early academic influences at UCLA, Georgetown, Harvard
Podcast
Overview
In this heartfelt conversation, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with renowned trauma psychologist, PTSD expert, and author Dr. Kirsten V. Harrison about her journey through trauma psychology, her groundbreaking work with near-death survivors, and her impactful book I, Shauna. This episode shines a light on compassion, creativity, hope, and the transformational power of healing.
00:01:06 — How did your studies shape your perspective on trauma and healing?
• Evolution of trauma psychology—from taboo topics to mainstream research
• Early academic influences at UCLA, Georgetown, Harvard
• Interest in near-death experiences and correlations with trauma survivors
• Positive changes in the field encouraging openness and support
00:02:04 — Was there a defining moment early in your career?
• Personal connection: witnessing trauma in her high-school sweetheart
• The loss of her brother and how it broadened her understanding
• Attending conferences with near-death survivors
• Discovery of resilience, survival, and post-traumatic growth
00:03:12 — Common misconceptions about trauma recovery
• The challenge of false memory syndrome
• Importance of perception over factual detail in healing
• Need for compassionate witnessing and presence
• Shift from validating “facts” to supporting nervous system regulation
00:04:33 — What links trauma to creativity and resilience?
• Many trauma survivors express extraordinary creativity
• Children often manifest trauma in creative, non-verbal ways
• Creativity as a survival and expression tool
00:05:28 — Signs of unresolved trauma
• Trauma’s biopsychosocial nature
• Hidden symptoms among overachievers and high-functioning individuals
• Unresolved trauma emerging during crises or life transitions
• Importance of awareness and seeking help
00:07:19 — Insights from near-death experiences
• Human psyche’s resilience in extreme adversity
• Parallels between dissociation in trauma and near-death accounts
• Transformative positivity, love, and hope post-experience
• Using near-death insights to support trauma survivors
00:08:53 — Unique challenges in complex PTSD & DID
• Childhood trauma and PTSD in cancer survivors
• Internal self-helpers in dissociative identity disorder
• Energetic shifts and inner guidance in therapy
00:10:09 — Trauma and spiritual awakening
• Survivors as spiritual teachers
• Role of synchronicity and energy in recovery
• Deep learnings from individuals on society’s margins
00:11:19 — Protecting a therapist’s emotional well-being
• Importance of self-care and preventing compassion fatigue
• Taking time off and setting boundaries
• Modeling self-care for clients
00:12:29 — Is healing ever complete?
• Healing as a lifelong, spiral process
• Acute trauma can dissipate, but growth continues
• Real-life examples of resilience and post-traumatic gains
00:13:31 — Evolution of trauma psychology
• Growing recognition of spirituality in healing
• Advances in brain research and sensory therapies
• Importance of listening to the body in trauma resolution
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Dr Kirsten V Harrison: LinkedIn
Enjoyed this podcast?
Dr. Kirsten V. Harrison draws an inspiring parallel: Near death experiences & trauma survivors both describe leaving their bodies, entering a new realm. Coming back with LIGHT and hope. The soul is resilient. Share your thoughts in the comments and spread these insights with friends!
Would you love to give us 5 stars? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people to keep them in the know as we talk to leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay in the know, and hear from emergent high achievers and experts.
Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.
You can find us at:
Website: www.tbcy.in
Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06
Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD
Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/
YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq
Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast
Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB
Thanks for listening!
Profile
Evolution of trauma psychology—from taboo topics to mainstream research
Early academic influences at UCLA, Georgetown, Harvard
Interest in near-death experiences and correlations with trauma survivors
Positive changes in the field encouraging openness and support
