logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
50m 55s

Autoimmune and Complex Trauma

Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof
About this episode

Autoimmune diseases are often labeled as "illnesses of the unknown." The medical field has yet to identify the root cause of these conditions, which are frequently considered incurable. However, a significant aspect might be overlooked: the role of trauma. Histories of abuse, trauma, and even early relational trauma during infancy are crucial factors in understanding the complex environment where autoimmune diseases may develop, and the role the nervous system regulation can play in the healing of autoimmune diseases.

 

In today’s episode, our hosts Elisabeth and Jennifer sit down with functional mobility specialist and neuro-coach Anna Gieselman. After being diagnosed with Lupus at 36, Anna embarked on a multifaceted healing journey, utilizing therapy, medicine, and nervous system regulation to manage her autoimmune disease. Anna brings her expertise to this rich discussion about what autoimmune diseases really are and their characteristics, how shame and inflammation is linked, and how emotional processing and nervous system regulation is the key to healing autoimmune diseases, and much more.

 

Humans are multidimensional beings, and when it comes to dis-ease, if we take a holistic approach, we are not just masking the symptoms with medication, but we are viewing these symptoms as clues to something deeper within us, wanting to finally be healed. Autoimmune disease is not a life sentence, although it may never fully go away, we can work with our bodies to create harmony and regulation in the body so we can reach a state of safety and ease.

 

If you or someone you know is living with an autoimmune disease, don’t miss this insightful episode—and be sure to share it!

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Anna’s journey with Lupus

  • What is autoimmune disease and its characteristics

  • Elisabeth’s history of trauma and autoimmune disease

  • The underlying relational component of autoimmune disease

  • Boundaries as an inherent part of our human experience

  • The link between shame and inflammation

  • Working with the body and nervous system to create safety

  • The impact of emotional processing on the health of the body

  • How self expression is a sign of healing

  • Why neuroplasticity needs more “reps”

Connect with Anna Gieselman by heading to her website here: https://www.beyondfunctional.net/

 

Check out Anna Gieselman on Instagram and TikTok here: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_functional/

https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondfunctional

 

Contact us about private Rewire Neuro-Somatic Coaching: https://brainbased-wellness.com/rewire-private-neuro-somatic-coaching/

 

Learn more about the Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching program and sign up for the fall cohort now! https://www.neurosomaticintelligence.com

 

Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com

 

Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired

 

Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846

 

FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired

 

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Trauma Rewired podcast  is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. 

We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  If someone’s life is in danger, immediately call 911. 

We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available.  We don’t warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It’s very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren’t responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast.

We  invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don’t verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization.

We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. 

We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional.

The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. 

Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. 

We’ve done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com 

All rights in our content are reserved

 

Up next
Jul 7
What is Parentification? A nervous system deep dive
Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ What if the invisible responsibilities you carried as a child are still shaping your adult life? In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore parentification—a hidden form of chil ... Show More
36m 50s
Jun 30
Fear Memory, The Brain, And The Roots of PTSD
Why do some people develop PTSD after trauma while others recover? What if it’s not about the trauma itself, but the state of your nervous system when it happens? In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we’re joined again by Matt Bush, founder of Next Level Neuro and a lead educator i ... Show More
43m 47s
Jun 23
Overstimulated, Overwhelmed, Misunderstood; ADHD through the Neurosomatic Lens
When we think of ADHD, we often define it as a list of symptoms: distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity. But what if this view is incomplete? What if ADHD is not a deficit at all, but an intelligent set of adaptations your nervous system made to survive in a world that didn’ ... Show More
49m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
Understanding Overwhelm as a Trauma Response with Dr. Aimie Apigian
In this conversation, Monique Koven and Dr. Aimie Apigian discuss the topic of overwhelm and how it relates to trauma and our nervous system. They explore the concept of overwhelm as a trauma response and the ways in which our body tries to protect us from it. They also discuss t ... Show More
35m 22s
Mar 2022
An Introduction to EMDR Therapy
EMDREye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR for short, is defined as a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.Kelly O’Horo joins Dr. Fedrick on this episode of Calm, Cool ... Show More
10m 29s
Feb 2025
Why 80% of Autoimmune Diseases Happen to Women & Solutions From a Renowned MD
In this episode, you will learn why 80% of autoimmune diseases happen to women and the solutions to take back control of your health. Today, Dr. Sara Szal, a Harvard- and MIT-trained MD with over 25 years of clinical experience will share what is happening in your body when strug ... Show More
1h 24m
Dec 2023
412: Broken Trust: The Impact Of Betrayal Trauma + How EMDR Can Help With Marcken Volmy LMHC, NCC
Welcome back to Therapy Chat. This week I interviewed author, EMDR-Certified therapist and Consultant In Training Marcken Volmy, LMHC about how EMDR can help with betrayal trauma and the impact of broken trust. We explored how betrayal by trusted figures and institutions can shat ... Show More
37m 31s
Mar 2025
Talking about Trauma won't heal you
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Talking about trauma doesn’t heal trauma. For a lot of people, it makes them feel much worse especially if you have PTSD. This is one thing that sets human brains ap ... Show More
22m 17s
Aug 2024
Trauma Healing : Living In Your Head To Moving Into Your Body With Deb Dana
You cannot to heal from Trauma until you gently learn to become friends with your nervous system. May survivors have adapted to trauma by shutting down or disconnecting from their feelings and sensations.This makes sense when you live in a dangerous and threatening environment. H ... Show More
30m 22s
Sep 2022
Don’t Accept Suffering as Normal – Dr. Gabor Maté : 977
IN THIS EPISODE OF THE HUMAN UPGRADE™ … you’ll learn to define what’s really “normal” when it comes to your health. You’ll explore how today’s culture stresses the body, burdens the immune system, and undermines emotional balance. And why Western medicine often fails to treat the ... Show More
48m 4s
Mar 2025
Treating Nervous System Dysregulation: Somatic Healing for CPTSD w/ Irene Lyon
Explore how a lifetime of chronic stress and fear can lead to nervous system dysregulation, and how somatic healing can help rewire our responses to trauma. Dive into this episode to uncover the transformative power of understanding and healing our deepest unseen wounds.Irene Lyo ... Show More
1h 13m
Dec 2024
Working with Your Parts: Complex PTSD, Dissociation, and Hypervigilance with Elizabeth Ferreira
Somatic therapist Elizabeth Ferreira joins the show to discuss complex trauma, dissociation, and working with challenging emotions. Forrest and Elizabeth start by exploring the relationship between Internal Family Systems and somatic therapy, including how we can apply a somatic ... Show More
1h 21m
Dec 2024
The Power of Acceptance & Commitment (ACT Therapy) with Dr. Diana Hill (252)
Transform conflict into connection with ACT Dr. Diana Hill and co-host Dr. Ann Kelley explore the power of process-based therapy to improve relationships and wellbeing. Through various methods like the 6 principles of ACT, the understanding of values, and the family body analogy, ... Show More
1h 1m