Mastering Change | The trauma, mental health & wellbeing podcast

• How childhood trauma causes chronic illness – and how to heal it | Oliver Barnett | #007 Mastering Change

  Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.

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• How The First Moments of Life Shape Our Mental Health | Jaclyn Ruggiero | #006 Mastering Change

  "We’re saving lives in the NICU, but we need to start asking – what kind of lives are we shaping?" On average, we remember nothing before the age of 3.5. And when we consider which childhood experiences have shaped us as adults, we overlook the most significant of all: our own birth.  This week on Mastering Change, we speak with Texas-based neonatologist Dr. Jaclyn Ruggiero, an expert in premature birth and infant trauma, to explore the profound impact of early-life experiences on human development. Dr. Ruggiero discusses how trauma, stress and medical interventions in infancy influence long-term health outcomes, highlighting critical issues in neonatal care. She shares: How NICU experiences shape both babies and parents. The importance of kangaroo care and early skin-to-skin contact. The systemic changes needed to empower mothers and educate medical staff. This episode is essential listening for parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in neonatal care, trauma, and attachment. Tune in now! 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. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.

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• The Art of Healing: The Intersection of Psychotherapy, Art & Science | Aleksandra Vancevska | #005 Mastering Change

  ‘90% of communication is nonverbal’ so the adage goes. In this week’s episode of Mastering Change, we explore this idea with Gestalt counsellor, group therapist and neuroscientist Aleksandra Vancevska. 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.We dive into the intersection of psychotherapy, science, and art – unpacking how creativity helps externalise and process difficult experiences. As Aleks explains, art therapy allows us to choose what serves us and to ‘leave what’s not ours, or what’s not necessary, on the painting.’ "Psychotherapy begins where science stops” Science is powerful, but it doesn’t have all the answers. As Aleks highlights, art, therapy, and human connection are what fill in the gaps. She explains that, when it comes to healing, not everything can be controlled or measured – this is where psychotherapy is key. ‘Being in the pain – and accepting it – is important and that’s what is sometimes neglected,’ she says. In the episode, we also discuss: Current society’s erosion of creativity and cultural traditions that connect us (e.g. eating, cooking, crafting, dancing together) How creative practices are needed to release trauma from the body How people who grow up in adversity can still choose life and build meaningful, fulfilling futures. The need to redefine vulnerability and model vulnerable dialogue (particularly in the workplace) Aleks’ passion for her work shines through in this conversation, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about the fusion of psychology, science, and creativity as a pathway to healing and growth. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.

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• The Science of Sleep | Heather Darwall-Smith | #004 Mastering Change

  When we think of sleep disorders, we tend to imagine insomnia or sleep apnoea. But did you know there are over 80 different sleep disorders? This week, we spoke to sleep expert and UKCP-registered psychotherapist Heather Darwall-Smith on the complexities of sleep. Heather, author of The Science of Sleep, holds an MA in Core Process Therapy and has studied sleep medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy at the University of Oxford.  One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was the toxicity of sleep-shaming culture. As Heather highlights, there’s a misleading belief that a perfect sleep routine exists and that everyone should strive for it. In reality, sleep is deeply personal and influenced by biology, culture and lifestyle. It’s about what feels right for you. 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. We also discuss: 💬 How we need to feel safe in order to sleep 💬 How traumatic experiences disrupt natural sleep cycle and why feeling safe is key to restorative rest. 💬 The rise of sleep disorders (such as sleep apnoea) 💬 How sleep disorders effect couples and their relationships 💬 The unregulated sleep supplement market and what to be wary of Heather’s passion for sleep medicine and her compassionate, science-backed approach make her an invaluable voice in this space. Her insights were both reassuring and thought-provoking – have a listen for yourself! 🔔 New episodes released every Tuesday – available on all streaming platforms, subscribe now!  Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.

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• Ancestral Trauma. How it shows up and how to heal it | Dr Ameet Aggarwal | #003 Mastering Change

  In this episode of Mastering Change, Dr. Ameet Aggarwal, a Family Constellations Therapist, Naturopathic Doctor, and Gestalt Psychotherapist, unpacks the complex relationship between trauma, physical health, and mental well-being. Dr. Aggarwal explains how anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are often rooted in hidden causes such as leaky gut, inflammation, liver toxicity, adrenal fatigue, and even ancestral trauma.  Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive topics related to trauma, mental health and distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. He shares his holistic approach to healing, combining psychotherapy, homeopathy, and natural remedies to address both personal and generational trauma. Dr. Aggarwal also offers practical insights from his online course, where he provides homeopathic remedies for liver detox, gut health, and adrenal balance—essential steps for improving mental health. This episode sheds light on the mind-body connection, offering actionable tips for listeners to take charge of their mental and physical health. Topic and Key Points: Root Causes of Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, and mental health problems can stem from hidden factors such as trauma, leaky gut, inflammation, liver toxicity, adrenal fatigue, and ancestral trauma. Healing Methods for Trauma: Dr. Aggarwal discusses the importance of healing personal and ancestral trauma using Family Constellations Therapy, homeopathy, and natural remedies. Homeopathic Remedies for Mental Health: He shares some of the homeopathic remedies from his online course that help with liver detox, gut health, adrenal balance, and overall mental well-being. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.

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