Why does healing sometimes feel like going backwards?

In this episode of Experts Explain Trauma, Lisa Tickel and Dr. Tammy unpack the messy middle of healing—the stage where progress feels unclear, old patterns resurface, and grief shows up in unexpected ways.

They explore why grief is central to recovery, how healing shifts relationships, and why adjusting expectations is key to moving forward with compassion.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your healing journey, this conversation will bring clarity and reassurance that you’re not alone.

✨ Join Lisa’s healing community to connect with others walking the same path → https://womenshealingcommunity.carrd.co/

✨ Take the next step with Lisa’s 6-week Healing Workshop → https://healingworkshop.carrd.co/

Connect with Dr. Tammy Oluyori

Website: https://drtammyoluyori.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tammy.oluyori

Ebook: Staying Rooted (https://drtammyoluyori.com/staying-rooted/)

00:15 Understanding the Messy Middle of Healing

03:04 The Role of Grief in Healing

06:12 Navigating Relationships During Healing

09:14 The Complexity of Grief

12:08 The Impact of Trauma on Healing

15:06 Expectations and Reality in Healing

18:07 Identifying and Sitting with Grief

21:03 The Ripple Effect of Trauma

23:58 The Importance of Support Systems

26:51 Living Gracefully Through Grief

29:50 Final Thoughts on Healing and Grief

35:13 Navigating Grief and Motherhood

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What’s the difference between narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)? And why does that distinction matter for healing?In this episode of Experts Explain Trauma, Lisa Tickel sits down with trauma recovery expert Tim Fletcher to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health today: narcissism.What part of this conversation stood out most to you? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!00:00 Understanding Narcissism: Traits vs. Disorder02:53 The Impact of Complex Trauma on Narcissism05:45 The Cycle of Narcissistic Behavior08:55 Recognizing Narcissistic Relationships11:58 The Challenges of Leaving a Narcissist14:55 Building Leverage Against Narcissism18:06 Healing from Narcissistic Relationships30:08 Understanding Narcissistic RelationshipsAbout Tim Fletcher:Tim Fletcher is the founder of RE/ACT (Recovery Education for Addictions and Complex Trauma). Known for his practical, no-fluff teaching style, Tim helps people understand complex trauma, addiction, and mental health with clarity and compassion.A former engineer and pastor turned trauma educator, Tim draws from his own family’s experiences with mental illness and addiction, as well as decades of counseling work. His groundbreaking insights—like the 12 Basic Needs and 60 Characteristics of Complex Trauma—have helped thousands understand why they feel broken, and how to heal with the right tools and support.Tim is passionate about helping people break free from destructive cycles and rebuild their lives from the inside out—with safety, support, and practical steps forward.🔗 Connect with Tim: Website: timfletcher.ca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TimFletcher Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @TimFletcherCo

JOIN THE HEALING COMMUNITY HERE: https://womenshealingcommunity.carrd.co/

Is your body holding onto weight as a trauma response?

In this episode of Experts Explain Trauma, psychologist Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms joins Lisa to unpack a question many trauma survivors ask:

“Could my weight struggles actually be my body’s way of protecting me?”

If you’ve dealt with emotional eating, binge eating, or long-term body image struggles after trauma, this conversation is for you. Dr. Jessica breaks down the nervous system science behind weight gain, how trauma rewires our eating habits, and why compassion and curiosity are essential for healing.

In this video:

– Why trauma survivors may hold onto weight as protection

– How binge eating becomes a nervous system regulation tool

– The role of cortisol, safety, and emotional suppression

– Why healing begins with body awareness, not shame

– How to stop making weight your enemy and reconnect with your body

Whether you’re in recovery from trauma, CPTSD, disordered eating, or simply trying to heal your relationship with food—this episode brings insight and hope.

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👇 Comment below: Did this resonate with your healing journey?