Interview with Dr. Alisha Guthery: From Surviving to Healing: A Conversation on Safety, Presence & Healing

Life After: From Surviving to Thriving

In this episode, we explore the heart of trauma work—not by focusing solely on the events themselves, but on the lasting impact they leave in our bodies. Trauma disconnects us from the present moment, often leaving us feeling unsafe in our own lives. But what if healing begins with reclaiming our ability to be fully present?

Together, we’ll talk about how practicing presence can gently rewire the effects of trauma and expand our sense of safety—one moment at a time. Whether the trauma is political, interpersonal, or institutional, the common thread is the loss of safety and connection. This episode is an invitation to begin rebuilding those foundations, slowly and kindly, from the inside out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It's about really understanding and kind of figuring out the parts of your life that you are escaping because of the trauma.
• Practice doing something differently and notice how you feel.
• When we have our trauma lens on, we see what the trauma allows us to see, and we don't see anything else. We don't see the possibility or the opportunity.
• Everything survivors do is the skill of surviving. Sometimes surviving works against our ability to imagine. I call it being cloaked. If you weren't cloaked, then you would have to see. And it's so painful to see.
• Generational trauma is through missed opportunity of connection. So, because I was traumatized, I was now lost in attunement to my child. And so, it's missed opportunity of connection, missed opportunity of regulation, missed opportunity of co-regulation, missed opportunity of deep attunement to a child who really deserves all my attention. And when I am too traumatized to be able to attune, then the impact on them is great on their nervous system. And so to me, that's one way through attachment, that's one way that that trauma continues. Because now I've reshaped my child's nervous system by not attuning. Well, and then the great thing that we also have just as humans is the ability to continue to grow, have neuroplasticity, nothing is ever not changeable, really.

BEST MOMENTS

That stubborn decision — to keep getting up — saved me more times than I can count.

Life life’s all the time. Even under the best of circumstances, it's stressful.

I wonder if you could imagine that you’re not the problem.

We are here to care for and be in relationship with others.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

If you’re struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you’re not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.

You can find Alisha at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-guthery-phd-ma-lmhc-71033a15/

Website: https://www.alishagutherycounseling.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving:

https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site

ABOUT THE HOST

Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.

Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she’s used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!

Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast “Life After: From Surviving to Thriving”, Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.

CONNECT & CONTACT

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Email: [email protected]