Listen or watch to hear Julie share her story and experience, as well as some of the self-care and healing tools she wishes other survivors knew about.

The post An Interview with Julie Wallach appeared first on Survivors.org.

Linda discusses the significance of power dynamics when it comes to sexual violence, something that exacerbated the violence she was experiencing at work. She also describes her success with a new and unique treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder known as stellate ganglion block (SGB).

The post An Interview with Linda Vester appeared first on Survivors.org.

The post Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD with Dr. Eugene Lipov appeared first on Survivors.org.

Learn More About The Guest

Sheel Bhuta

“In 2012, my body went on strike and I was bedridden. In being forced to slowdown, I became acutely aware of my intuitive & healing gifts. I traveled the world to progress my gifts, be healed and learn healing. Now, I have healed my depression, anemia, asthma, gallstones and reversed some of the damage caused by Multiple Sclerosis. I have struggled and now my whole purpose is to ease the suffering in others. I want my methods of healing to be fun, accessible and relatable. I am here to prove that you do not need to be a hippie to be happy. I will help you create serenity in every environment you are in. “

—Sheel Bhuta‘s Official Bio

The post An Interview with Sheel Bhuta appeared first on Survivors.org.

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Denise Bossarte

“Denise Bossarte is an award-winning author, poet, photographer and artist whose passion is inspiring others. Her self-help book Thriving After Sexual abuse is a multiple award winner with recognition from Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. Denise’s short stories and poems have been published in several anthologies and literary magazines: Journey into Art, the engine(idling, Written Tales Chapbook Volume XI, Muleskinner Journal Glitches. Her daytime job in IT helps to keep the household running. She enjoys writing, exploring new art forms, and teaching contemplative photography workshops. She lives in Texas with her husband and literary cat, Za’ Ji.”

–Denise Bossarte’s Official Bio

The post An Interview with Denise Bossarte appeared first on Survivors.org.

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Allison Kratz

“Allison Kratz is a corporate attorney. Since graduating from American University Washington College of Law in 2018, Allison has become a member of the bar in Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Allison has a passion for serving her community and advocating for marginalized communities. She has been fortunate to work alongside many nonprofits over the years. She currently volunteers as an ambassador for PAVE | Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment to address sexual violence and empower survivors and works with local organizations like the So Much to Give Cafe.

Professionally, Allison currently works to educate publicly traded companies on the importance of website accessibility to provide persons with disabilities access to the financial markets.”

–Allison Kratz’s Official Bio

The post An Interview with Allison Kratz appeared first on Survivors.org.

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Dr. Thema Bryant

“Dr. Thema Bryant, a renowned psychologist, author, professor, sacred artist, and minister, weaves psychology, spirituality, and social justice, as she illuminates paths to healing, liberation, and love, by leading the way in creating healthy relationships, healing traumas, and overcoming stress and oppression.

Dr. Thema completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Duke University and her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical Center’s Victims of Violence Program. Upon graduating, she became the Coordinator of the Princeton University SHARE Program, which provides intervention and prevention programming to combat sexual assault, sexual harassment, and harassment based on sexual orientation. Currently, a tenured professor at Pepperdine University, Dr. Thema directs the Culture and Trauma Research Laboratory and imparts wisdom to future generations of healers and leaders, fostering a culture of compassion and social justice.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Thema’s influence extends far and wide. Her role as the former president of the American Psychological Association in 2023 underscores her commitment to advancing the field of psychology and advocating for mental health equity. Through her podcast, The Homecoming Podcast, a mental health podcast to facilitate the journey home to your authentic self, she offers a sanctuary for those seeking to create healthy relationships, heal traumas, and overcome stress and oppression. As a sacred artist, Dr. Thema’s artistic expressions, from written word to dance, invite readers and audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Her forthcoming book, Matters of the Heart (February 4, 2025; Penguin Random House), empowers readers to connect with themselves and to others, exploring topics such as: control issues, emotional unavailability, practical activation activities, case studies, and teaching how to shift mindset and patterns around romance.

Dr. Thema is a global psychologist who served as a representative of the American Psychological Association to the United Nations. The organization International Psychology gave Dr. Thema an award for Contributions to Global Psychology and Gender for her lifelong work in Africa and the African Diaspora. Dr. Thema’s bestselling book, Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole Authentic Self, has been translated into Turkish and Portuguese. In addition to being honored for her contributions to media psychology, mentoring, and scholarship, Dr. Thema was presented with the Silverman Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Justice in Psychology as well as the Society of Indian Psychologists’ Distinguished Allyship award for her commitment to indigenous communities.

Dr. Thema’s position as an ordained elder with the African Methodist Episcopal Church exemplifies her dedication to a holistic approach to emotional wholeness. A beacon of hope in our world, Dr. Thema inspires us to embrace our authentic selves, heal our wounds, and to cultivate meaningful connections.”

-Dr. Thema Bryant’s Official Bio

The post An Interview with Dr. Thema Bryant appeared first on Survivors.org.

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Jon Vaughn

Jonathan Vaughn is a hospitality industry entrepreneur, strategist, and leader with expertise in launching and growing start-up companies, raising capital, negotiating vendor contracts, providing staff augmentation services, and managing projects. He has negotiated multi-million-dollar tax credit incentives with several municipalities across the United States.

Mr. Vaughn has produced hospitality events integrating premium sponsorships at multiple venues including Super Bowls, celebrity golf tournaments, and company launch events. He has spearheaded worldwide media and public relations campaigns featuring globally-recognizable icons in sports, entertainment, and media. Vaughn has also structured media property licensing deals.

Vaughn was an award-winning college and professional athlete who played for the University of Michigan and in the National Football League (NFL) with the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers, concluding his professional football career in NFL Europe.

When over one-thousand people sued the University of Michigan for sexual abuse perpetrated by a doctor on faculty spanning several decades, Vaughn was one of very few to do so publicly– making it clear that he is Jon Vaughn, not John Doe. He has been among the most courageous and outspoken critics of his alma mater and has served as an unwavering champion of survivors.

Vaughn currently resides in the Dallas suburb of Frisco.

The post An Interview with Jon Vaughn appeared first on Survivors.org.

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Sochil Martin

Sochil Martin is a Mexican American woman who was born and raised in the megachurch La Luz Del Mundo (LDM), just like generations of her family before her. It wasn’t until Sochil became an adult that she realized she had been groomed to sexually serve the leader of the church, known as the Apostle.

At 30 years old, Sochil escaped the church with her husband and daughter and has become an outspoken advocate against LDM and for survivors of sexual violence. Sochil was awarded PAVE’s Shattering The Silence Award in 2022 and was featured in the HBO Documentary, UNVEILED: Surviving La Luz del Mundo — Exposing Sins Within a Megachurch.

The post Sochil Martin on Surviving Religious Sexual Violence appeared first on Survivors.org.

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Eva LaRue

“Long known and well respected as an actor on popular shows like CSI: Miami and All My Children, Eva LaRue has earned Emmy and NAACP nominations for her portrayal of strong women.  Eva has kept busy with other notable works over the years in TV and movies, and recently added writing and producing to her resume.

In her spare time, Eva is an avid travel enthusiast and a passionate activist.  She lives in Los Angeles with her daughter, Kaya, and 2 spoiled dogs.”

-Eva LaRue’s Official Bio

The post Eva LaRue: Surviving Stalking appeared first on Survivors.org.

Guided vs. Unguided Meditation

Guided meditation is meditation that is led by someone else, either in-person or via a recording. Unguided meditation is meditation done without leadership, done in the presence of others or alone. Unguided meditation may be done in silence or to calming sounds such as singing bowls or gentle music. For those who are in a more difficult situation or are new to meditation, it is often easier to begin with guided meditation. However, many feel that unguided meditation can lead to a deeper meditative state.

Tips For Unguided Meditation

For this meditation, it’s encouraged that you:

• Find a comfortable position in a place where you will not be disturbed
• Silence your phone and other electronics
• Take deep, slow, and paced breaths
• Acknowledge your thoughts, but let them roll past you
• Avoid self-judgement
• Remember that meditation is a practice

What are Singing Bowls?

Also known as Tibetan Singing Bowls, these bowls are often made of metal or crystal and come in a variety of sizes. They are gently tapped, struck, or brushed with a small mallet or finger, causing the bowl to produce a resonant sound that reverberates. Singing bowls are a type of sound healing that has existed in Tibetan, Buddhist, Himalayan, and other cultures for centuries. They are still a popular practice today, often used in meditation or sound baths.

Research has found that singing bowl meditation can reduce anxiety, tension, depression, anger, and fatigue. While also improving heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.^1,2 Researchers aren’t certain why singing bowls and other forms of sound healing are effective, but there is evidence to suggest sound waves may have positive and observable interactions with human brain waves.³

Sources

1. Seetharaman, R., Avhad, S., & Rane, J. (2024). Exploring the healing power of singing bowls: An overview of key findings and potential benefits. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 20(1), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2023.07.007
2. Goldsby, T. L., Goldsby, M. E., McWalters, M., & Mills, P. J. (2017). Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(3), 401–406. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216668109
3. Goldsby, T. L., & Goldsby, M. E. (2020). Eastern Integrative Medicine and Ancient Sound Healing Treatments for Stress: Recent Research Advances. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 19(6), 24–30.

The post Crystal Frequency Meditation appeared first on Survivors.org.

Guided vs. Unguided Meditation

Guided meditation is meditation that is led by someone else, either in-person or via a recording. Unguided meditation is meditation done without leadership, done in the presence of others or alone. Unguided meditation may be done in silence or to calming sounds such as singing bowls or gentle music. For those who are in a more difficult situation or are new to meditation, it is often easier to begin with guided meditation. However, many feel that unguided meditation can lead to a deeper meditative state.

Tips For Meditation

For this meditation, it’s encouraged that you:

• Find a comfortable position in a place where you will not be disturbed
• Silence your phone and other electronics
• Take deep, slow, and paced breaths
• Acknowledge your thoughts, but let them roll past you
• Avoid self-judgement
• Remember that meditation is a practice

The post Guided Meditation for Relaxation appeared first on Survivors.org.