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Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Podcast- A Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy - Episode 29- Christine Dickson-On the Path Coaching; Setting Positive Intentions; Addiction & Pathalogical Relationships

Episode 29- Christine Dickson-On the Path Coaching; Setting Positive Intentions; Addiction & Pathalogical Relationships

08/14/23 • 97 min

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Podcast- A Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy

Welcome to episode 29. I am so thrilled to share my conversation with Christine Dickson. Get ready to be inspired; hopeful, and think deeply about your Pathway in Life.
"Christine Dickson is a Transformational Mentor, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Equine Assisted Coach. She works with people to map out their vision and reframe their limiting belief systems to create radical shifts in their lives.
She has a solid background in working with people moving away from addiction and pathological relationships, supporting their quest to live a more free and purposeful life. Her ideal client is a fellow traveler who has come to a crossroads and dares to walk in the direction of their hearts longing.
A self-described “Late Bloomer”, she traveled a slow but steady path to rewrite her subconscious conditioning and take responsibility for her own life. By becoming more self-aware and intentional she was able to propel herself into taking meaningful action and change course. Now, she helps others do the same. What does your heart long to bring forth into the world? When that small inner voice whispers to you what you know to be true, do you listen?"
Some key topics, quotes, or points:

  • Everything you have done in life is building toward something
  • Childhood adaptive brilliance- living inside other people's nervous systems for survival- a way of "being" to stay safe
  • Being primed for repeating non-adaptive behaviours
  • Everything that happens to you is an opportunity to see......What is the Gift within the event.......even if is a traumatic event
  • I am responsible for my decisions- it doesn't serve me to not take responsibility
  • You have 2 choices- you can either be angry at what happened or you can LIVE....but you can't do both- holding anger will eat away at any future happiness
  • Fear- can be a good motivator
  • Once you say "Yes" to create a new life- do the work- the Universe sends things your way
  • I'm just going to start...what is the worst that can happen
  • The dreaded...."I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH"
  • Malibu Addiction Centre- what is the root cause of the coping mechanism
  • The power of your Mindset- overcoming anxiety, fears, worries
  • Just keep showing up.....keep moving forward
  • Subconscious mind- the only thing it is afraid of is the UNKNOWN
  • The best thing anyone can do is to be really really interested in their own process-observe self from a distance
  • Addiction- often a child or partner of someone with a personality disorder or pathological disorder
  • "Love Bombing"
  • Pathological Relationships- Addiction link- you can leave without "leaving" by drinking or taking drugs
  • Addiction in Families- "often a dance of interactions" like a "supporting cast in a movie."
  • Christine's Work- "On the Path"- helping people work out their life purpose
  • "Survivor......the problem with being a survivor is that you have to create situations you need to survive in order to show your skills."
  • I choose to Thrive
  • The fear of not stepping fully into being ourselves- always holding a bit back
  • Equine work- people typically trust animals quicker than they do humans.
  • Horses help us tap into something primal- help us open up more for exploration
  • Your Internal Family Systems play out in front of you with the horses- like the embodiment of a part right in front of you.

Books
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A great podcast with Christine- check out The Journey On Podcast-

Support the show

Please support my work by sharing this episode with a friend or colleague:)

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Welcome to episode 29. I am so thrilled to share my conversation with Christine Dickson. Get ready to be inspired; hopeful, and think deeply about your Pathway in Life.
"Christine Dickson is a Transformational Mentor, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Equine Assisted Coach. She works with people to map out their vision and reframe their limiting belief systems to create radical shifts in their lives.
She has a solid background in working with people moving away from addiction and pathological relationships, supporting their quest to live a more free and purposeful life. Her ideal client is a fellow traveler who has come to a crossroads and dares to walk in the direction of their hearts longing.
A self-described “Late Bloomer”, she traveled a slow but steady path to rewrite her subconscious conditioning and take responsibility for her own life. By becoming more self-aware and intentional she was able to propel herself into taking meaningful action and change course. Now, she helps others do the same. What does your heart long to bring forth into the world? When that small inner voice whispers to you what you know to be true, do you listen?"
Some key topics, quotes, or points:

  • Everything you have done in life is building toward something
  • Childhood adaptive brilliance- living inside other people's nervous systems for survival- a way of "being" to stay safe
  • Being primed for repeating non-adaptive behaviours
  • Everything that happens to you is an opportunity to see......What is the Gift within the event.......even if is a traumatic event
  • I am responsible for my decisions- it doesn't serve me to not take responsibility
  • You have 2 choices- you can either be angry at what happened or you can LIVE....but you can't do both- holding anger will eat away at any future happiness
  • Fear- can be a good motivator
  • Once you say "Yes" to create a new life- do the work- the Universe sends things your way
  • I'm just going to start...what is the worst that can happen
  • The dreaded...."I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH"
  • Malibu Addiction Centre- what is the root cause of the coping mechanism
  • The power of your Mindset- overcoming anxiety, fears, worries
  • Just keep showing up.....keep moving forward
  • Subconscious mind- the only thing it is afraid of is the UNKNOWN
  • The best thing anyone can do is to be really really interested in their own process-observe self from a distance
  • Addiction- often a child or partner of someone with a personality disorder or pathological disorder
  • "Love Bombing"
  • Pathological Relationships- Addiction link- you can leave without "leaving" by drinking or taking drugs
  • Addiction in Families- "often a dance of interactions" like a "supporting cast in a movie."
  • Christine's Work- "On the Path"- helping people work out their life purpose
  • "Survivor......the problem with being a survivor is that you have to create situations you need to survive in order to show your skills."
  • I choose to Thrive
  • The fear of not stepping fully into being ourselves- always holding a bit back
  • Equine work- people typically trust animals quicker than they do humans.
  • Horses help us tap into something primal- help us open up more for exploration
  • Your Internal Family Systems play out in front of you with the horses- like the embodiment of a part right in front of you.

Books
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A great podcast with Christine- check out The Journey On Podcast-

Support the show

Please support my work by sharing this episode with a friend or colleague:)

Previous Episode

undefined - Episode 28- Somatic Experience, Polyvagal Theory and SSP for Trauma - Panel discussion with SE Experts

Episode 28- Somatic Experience, Polyvagal Theory and SSP for Trauma - Panel discussion with SE Experts

Welcome to Episode 28. What I really enjoy about hosting this podcast is the opportunity to meet authentic people passionate about their work and who are open to sharing their knowledge with you. In this episode, I speak with 6 .....yes 6 skilled Somatic Experience (SE) practitioners. To be honest I was a little concerned about how it would flow with 6 people but I feel it resulted in a wonderful conversation. Please listen in as I speak with Paula Scatoloni, Laura Moorehead, Kate Appleton, Melinda Cornish, Katie McClain, and Leah Dawang about Somatic Experience therapeutic work and supporting clients with an integrated model of SE and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
This team of practitioners can be thanked for their work in developing a set of Guidelines for Unyte which inform SE practitioners about how to integrate the SSP to facilitate deep somatic healing work.
You will hear as they each discuss their unique approach and their commitment to an integrated SE and SSP model to help in the healing process.
Some of the topics touched on include:

  • What is Somatic Experience - the main premise
  • Peter Levine- SE Founder- his thinking in developing the SE Approach
  • Priority of the practitioner for self-regulation
  • Shock trauma explained
  • Exploring the somatic completion of an event that was not completed in a trauma
  • SSP expands the "relational field" to help the nervous system work through stored stress
  • SSP resourcing the nervous system to enhance expansion
  • SSP helps the relational connection- somatic patterning of early attachment and bonding
  • Somatic scaffolding of the attachment system
  • OT sensory tools
  • SSP, Focus, SE, and Parts work
  • SSP and resonant frequencies in the body
  • Developing agency and control
  • SE, SSP, and Touch work
  • Touch work to help anchor the sense of safety in the body- a gentle hand over the adrenals or occiput
  • working with children should involve the whole family
  • 6 views of what is the gift that the SSP brings to helping clients
  • Kate Appleton..." a potent experience....opens a portal to safety without language..."

Recommended Books
Books by Stanly Kellerman- Father of Somatics
The Gifts of the Body- Johnathon Bowan
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing- Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry
Nurturing Resilience: Helping Clients Move Forward from Developmental Trauma-An Integrative Somatic Approach by Kathy L. Kain and Stephen J. Terrell
The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk
To contact the panel members please see below:
Paula Scatoloni- [email protected]
Laura Moorehead - [email protected]
Kate Appleton - [email protected]
Melinda Cornish - [email protected]
Katie McClain - [email protected]
Leah Dawang - [email protected]
If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague.
Questions or comments - [email protected]

Support the show

Please support my work by sharing this episode with a friend or colleague:)

Next Episode

undefined - Episode 30- SSP for Kids- Pediatric Experts discuss the SSP

Episode 30- SSP for Kids- Pediatric Experts discuss the SSP

Welcome everyone to episode 30.
Today's conversation is focused on the SSP for Kids. In my work supporting families with children who are experiencing challenges, whether that be neurodevelopmental or mental health-related; I have observed significant improvements following the SSP. I am also privileged to receive a lot of feedback from pediatric-focused therapists on the improvements they observe because of the SSP. So I wanted to help build awareness both for practitioners working with children or for any families listening who are experiencing challenges. As you will hear the SSP offers hope and evidence-based improvements across psychosocial-biophysiological systems.

Today I am speaking with two senior-level clinicians, each with over 30 years of experience in pediatric therapy. I am honored to know them both as colleagues and good friends. Doreen Hunt, Occupational Therapist is the co-owner of Children’s Therapy of Woodinville, Seattle USA. Irena Woodward, Occupational Therapist, is the owner of Family Connections in Sydney Australia. Both have extensive training beyond the Safe and Sound protocol and I will include their contact details at the end of the podcast.

Some of the Key Points:

  • Doreen discusses the case of an adolescent female who had significant mental health challenges- hospitalized for self-harm and had begun auditory hallucinations- after the first 30 min of SSP, her hallucinations stopped.- Listen in for more to this story.
  • Irena discusses a young female with Functional Neurological Disorder and eating disorder- initially on nasogastric tube feedings- over SSP repeats was able to eat regular foods.
  • SSP impacting the integrated social engagement system to see improved intake for feeding difficulties
  • SSP for infants - micro premi or failure to thrive
  • SSP and vagus stimulation and resulting bowl and bladder awareness in a young child
  • SSP to improve facial expressivity- connection to attachment
  • More harmonious family life after SSP
  • SSP and improved emotional intelligence
  • SSP and increased feelings of happiness in kids
  • SSP and improved vocal quality and inflection
  • SSP with improvements in gross and fine motor skills
  • We discuss the neurobiology of Safety
  • SSP with resulting improvements in family dynamics
  • Improvements in global development
  • Importance for the family to nourish a sense of safety

I hope you enjoyed this episode and found the information helpful. It would be a great honor if you could share this episode with a colleague, friend, or family member. Knowledge is power and sharing this episode may help someone who is struggling.

A big thank you to those who sent in questions. My apologies if I did not get to yours. We do plan to record a follow-up session in early 2024 targeted to specific questions around SSP implementation so if you have any questions or suggestions please email me [email protected] or message me via the Safe and Sound Protocol Podcast FB group.

Doreen, Irena, and I, support clients globally. I will list contact details in the show notes and our SSP FB page.
But to contact Irena- contact [email protected]
Doreen at- [email protected]
Myself- [email protected]

My next guest is the esteemed Dr Sue Carter, founder of Oxytoxin, the Social bonding hormone and wife to Dr Stephen Porges. I look forward to sharing that with you. Sending you kindness and self-compassion until next time. Take care, Joanne.

Support the show

Please support my work by sharing this episode with a friend or colleague:)

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