What lies beyond the diagnostic labels of trauma? Today, on "Mastering Momentum," Dr. Jan Newman sits down for Part 2 of her conversation with Dr. Michael Gomez, a distinguished trauma specialist and clinical psychologist. Dr. Newman and Dr. Gomez discuss the intricacies of diagnosing trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the importance of understanding the uniqueness of each person's journey. Listen in as they discuss the path to healing including the transformative potential of evidence-based trauma therapy, creating a safe therapeutic relationship, addressing trauma with hesitant survivors, and the three-phase approach to trauma treatment. Tune in as Dr. Gomez and Dr. Newman offer their invaluable insights into trauma diagnosis, therapeutic approaches, and the journey to reclaiming one's life after trauma.

What You'll Learn

● [06:44] Dr. Gomez introduces the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing PTSD and discusses the limitations of standardized diagnostic labels

● [11:52] Understanding trauma as a toxic exposure and the importance of screening and validation in trauma evaluations

● [16:15] Differentiating between acute stress, performance-related stress, and burnout as responses to trauma and stress

● [19:23] Exploring the concept of "being" versus "doing" in trauma therapy

● [22:09] The significance of evidence-based trauma treatment and the three-phase approach based on Judith Herman's model in "Trauma and Recovery"

● [27:10] Understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and establishing safety and stability in phase one of trauma treatment

● [30:05] The importance of finding the right fit in a trauma therapist

● [33:08] Dr. Gomez shares the three main goals of trauma therapy: (reducing the impact, addressing the experiences, finding positive meaning

● The three phases of trauma therapy

● [41:56] The importance of pushing through fear to facilitate personal growth

● [46:12] What to do when a trauma survivor is unwilling to talk about their trauma during therapy, using an example of a young boy named Billy

● [50:35] The need to differentiate harmful secrets from healthy boundaries

● [55:10] Dr. Gomez reflects on the worth and value of being a trauma specialist and helping others on their healing journeys

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For full show notes and resources visit https://drjannewman.com/podcast/episode-14-trauma-and-high-performance-part-2-healing-trauma-with-dr-michael-gomez