Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health

Trauma is a complex phenomenon that goes beyond just the stereotypical "big" events. It encompasses a wide range of experiences, including what some might consider smaller stressors. In its broader definition, trauma includes any experience that overwhelms us, whether it's too much, too soon, too much for too long, or too little for too long.

Moreover, it is vital to recognize that the impact of trauma is not limited to mental health but also has a profound physical effect on the body. To foster a more trauma-informed society, we must create a supportive and sensitive environment where people can receive the understanding and care they need to heal.

In this episode, we want to help listeners gain valuable insights into the transformative power of trauma-informed care and bottom-up approaches to mental health. We'll explore success stories, practical techniques, and ways to overcome stigma, all to foster a deeper understanding of how these approaches can bring about positive change in individuals' lives. The discussion also touches on the importance of recognizing and understanding trauma, the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the significance of having a safe and supportive person or environment to process trauma. Tune in today as we embark on this enlightening exploration, providing valuable insights and empowering knowledge.

Today, we're joined by Kerry Whiteley, a pre-licensed professional, counselor, facilitator, and engaging speaker guiding individuals on a journey of uncovering hidden strengths, rewriting narratives, processing trauma, and honing new skills. With a unique blend of Somatic Integration and Processing, Mindfulness-based CBT, EMDR, Complex Trauma Treatment, and an array of other transformative techniques, Kerry's approach is a wellspring of healing. Kerry firmly believes in the unconquerable human spirit, showcasing the resilience that empowers individuals to conquer even the most daunting circumstances.

"The broad definition of trauma is anything that is too much too soon, too much for too long, or too little for too long." – Kerry Whiteley

Show Highlights:

(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer, highlight, and introduction

(00:03:01) Welcoming today's guest, Kerry Whiteley.

(00:06:00) Who is Kerry Whiteley?

(00:11:28) Reconsider the diagnosis approach.

(00:13:44) The importance of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

(00:15:52) What truly is trauma?

(00:19:58) The Adverse Childhood Experiences 

(00:22:12) The Body Keeps the Score

(00:23:49) What does it mean to be trauma-informed?

(00:28:51) This episode is powered by Speaks to Inspire, the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Speaks 2 Inspire works with colleges and universities to create and implement safe, comprehensive programs for campuses nationwide.

(00:29:36) How can educators create a safe place for their students?

(00:32:25) Introduce journaling as a therapeutic practice

(00:36:32) Exploring trauma-informed care

(00:39:42) How can EMDR transform trauma?

(00:43:15) Not all therapists are created equally.

(00:46:55) How has Kerry's counseling impacted people's lives?

(00:51:20) How can we eradicate mental health stigma?

(00:54:38) What is mental health to Kerry Whiteley?

(00:56:20) Where to connect with Kerry?

(00:59:13) If you need that support for your mental health, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now. For local and national resources, go to http://www.speaks2inspire.com/resources. Join the Unlearn the Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity. 

Key Takeaways:

"Everyone experiences some level of trauma, and that trauma affects not just our mental state and psychological state, but it manifests within the body as well." – Abraham Sculley

"Trauma is anything that overwhelms the system, and the nervous system can't seem to get regulated." – Kerry Whiteley

"When we have an adverse childhood experience, it's been linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. The higher your ACE score, the higher your chance of suffering from psychological or medical problems in adulthood." – Kerry Whiteley

"If you had somebody supportive and secure to process and hold you through that, that could mitigate the effect of trauma. We can truly experience almost anything if we have someone to navigate it with us." – Kerry Whiteley

"Being a teacher in a school doesn't ensure that a student will watch it, walk into your classroom, and feel safe. It was something about your presence." – Kerry Whiteley

"I want to be mindful of what I say so that it's not triggering for anyone." – Abraham Sculley

"Life doesn't have to be the way that it's always been for you." – Abraham Sculley

"If we can step back and give people space to have their own experience and be potentially that supportive soft place to process things, I feel like that would make a difference." – Kerry Whiteley

"Mental health is developing an intimate relationship with yourself, getting to know who you are from the bottom up." – Kerry Whiteley

Connect with Kerry via the following:

· Website: https://maitricounselingcenter.com/

· Email: kwhiteley78@gmail.com

. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwhiteley78/

. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-whiteley-36b40315a/

. CTA: Mental Health Resource List: https://speaks2inspire.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PDF-Mental-health-resources-Created-by-Speaks-2-Inspire.pdf

Unlearn the Lies About Mental Health is Hosted by Abraham Sculley.

· Contact Speaks 2 Inspire to learn about S2I programs: https://speaks2inspire.com/services/.

· Mental health resources for students: https://speaks2inspire.com/resources/.

· Connect with Abraham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrahamsculley/.

· Order a copy of Unlearn the Lies at https://amzn.to/32B2jRh.

· Join the Unlearn the Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.

• 14 Ways to Support Your Students' Mental Health [free guide] - https://bit.ly/mentalhealthguide4

This episode is powered by Speaks 2 Inspire, the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Speaks 2 Inspire works with colleges and universities to create and implement safe, comprehensive programs for campuses across the nation. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Crisis Text Line by texting "Home" to 741741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255.