Nondual IFS and the power of presence | Laura Patryas | #040 Mastering Change
What happens when the part of us that wants to heal becomes the thing that gets in the way? In this episode, we speak with Laura Patryas, a nondual IFS practitioner who sees our inner parts as expressions of awareness rather than problems to fix. Laura explains how trauma disconnects us from presence and how, in both therapy and life, healing begins when we can rest in awareness rather than try to control it. She describes how nondual IFS expands traditional IFS by integrating spiritual insight, compassion and connection to the whole. “Having parts isn’t a problem. It’s just like waves on the ocean – different expressions of the same awareness.” We explore: What nondual IFS is and how it differs from traditional IFS The role of presence and awareness in trauma healing The difference between empathy, sympathy and compassion How to work with the therapist’s own “parts” during sessions How this approach supports both personal and collective healing Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2026 for more details.
--------
54:20
--------
54:20
How animation helps us talk about trauma | Quint Boa | #039 Mastering Change
How do we talk about trauma without retraumatising? Through animation might be one answer. In this episode, we speak with Quint Boa, founder of Synima, a production company creating short-form animation for mental health communication and education. Quint shares how metaphor in animation allows us to explore emotional and traumatic experiences safely, helping people engage with difficult material without being re-exposed to distressing imagery. He discusses the practical benefits too – how animation can reach wide audiences, support therapy and education, and provide a cost-effective way to open new conversations around mental health. “Animation allows us to explore emotional or traumatic experiences in a way that’s metaphorical rather than literal. That’s what makes it safe.” We also explore: The use of animation in trauma education and prevention Why metaphor supports accessibility and safety How animation can complement therapy and public health communication Quint’s example of an animation about anger and its design principles Find Quint Boa's animations here: The 'Understanding' SeriesMoment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2026 for more details.
--------
37:53
--------
37:53
Healing the family system | Louise Stanger | #038 Mastering Change
What happens when the person in crisis isn’t the only one who needs help – but the entire family system? In this episode of Mastering Change, Louise Stanger – known as “the family whisperer” – shares her trauma-informed approach to working with families in addiction recovery and crisis intervention. Louise explains that healing often begins before any formal session takes place: by preparing families, helping them feel safe, and inviting them back into connection. “The most important thing we have to do is be in connection, be open and listen to each other’s hearts, because all our hearts are different.” She describes how her work is systemic and relational meeting each family where they are and recognising the role of story, culture and spirituality in recovery. We also explore: Why interventions should be invitational, not confrontational How to meet families with empathy, not judgement The role of spirituality in recovery and resilience What it means to see the whole system – not just the symptom Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive topics related to addiction, family crisis and trauma. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2026 for more details.
--------
43:33
--------
43:33
Trauma-informed psychodrama: Giving the body a voice | Tian Dayton | #037
How can therapists help clients give voice to what the body remembers, when words fall short? In this episode of Mastering Change, Dr. Tian Dayton explores how psychodrama can become a powerful trauma-informed tool for healing. “When trauma happens, the story is held in the body – it doesn’t get fully told. In psychodrama, we give the body a chance to tell its part of the story.” Tian shares how she has adapted psychodrama for addiction and trauma, guiding clients to safely express emotions, explore body sensations and reconnect with themselves through movement and role play. She explains the importance of safety and engagement, “warming up” before entering deeper states, and allowing clients to step into roles that help them witness their story from new perspectives. We also explore: What trauma-informed psychodrama looks like in practice Giving voice to body parts that hold emotion How role work can restore empathy, connection and repair Practical guidance for using psychodrama with trauma or addiction recovery Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2026 for more details.
--------
50:22
--------
50:22
Relearning support: how the body remembers safety | Betsy Polatin | #036 Mastering Change
What does it feel like to live without support – not emotionally, but physically, in your body? This week on Mastering Change, Betsy Polatin, somatic educator and breathwork specialist, explores how trauma takes away our sense of being supported – and how to reconnect with the forces that hold us. “Trauma takes away our universal support. When we feel ourselves be supported, we don’t need to hold ourselves up on our own.” Betsy explains how clients often describe the absence of support as tension in the shoulders – and walks us through a grounding exercise to begin rebuilding that felt sense of safety. We also explore: What “support” feels like in the body How trauma changes posture and breathing patterns Reconnecting with the physical environment to regulate the nervous system The power of letting go – and allowing yourself to be held Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2026 for more details.
About Mastering Change | The trauma, mental health & wellbeing podcast
Welcome to Mastering Change, a podcast co-hosted by Emma and Araminta, where we engage in meaningful conversations centred around healing. In this series, we bring together leading experts, innovative thinkers, and emerging voices to connect knowledge with real-world impact in the areas of trauma, mental health and wellbeing. Each episode features insightful discussions with respected figures as well as promising new contributors to the field. We explore a range of topics with a focus on making this knowledge available for anyone interested in supporting their own healing journey or that of others. At Mastering Change, we understand the significance of conversation as a means of fostering understanding and growth. Our aim is to create a ripple effect, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and establishing a community where impactful voices are heard. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, we invite you to engage in thoughtful discussions that can inspire meaningful change in your practice and personal life. Join us as we explore critical insights and perspectives, encouraging a shared commitment to healing trauma.
Listen to Mastering Change | The trauma, mental health & wellbeing podcast, Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
UK