Understanding Trauma and Addiction
Episode Overview
Dr. Christy Gibson shares insights on trauma and addiction. The ACEs study reveals trauma's widespread impact on health. EFT and Matrix Reimprinting as healing methods. Psychological safety is crucial in workplaces. Personal experiences shape trauma recovery paths.
"The ACEs study was one of the single biggest risk factors for every illness we try to intervene as physicians."
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, host Veronica engages in a compelling discussion with Dr. Christy Gibson, a trauma therapist and author of 'The Modern Trauma Toolkit.' The conversation delves into the intricate relationship between trauma and addiction, highlighting how these issues are deeply intertwined. Dr. Gibson, with her extensive background as a family physician and trauma therapist, sheds light on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, a pivotal research project that revealed significant correlations between childhood trauma and various health outcomes.
The ACEs study surveyed over 10,000 individuals to assess the impact of childhood adversities such as abuse and neglect. Dr. Gibson explains that the findings were groundbreaking, showing a direct link between high ACE scores and increased risks of numerous health issues, including addiction. Despite the gravity of these findings, Dr. Gibson notes that traditional medical training often lacks the tools to address trauma effectively. Dr.
Gibson shares her journey into trauma therapy, emphasizing the effectiveness of techniques like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Matrix Reimprinting in treating trauma-related conditions. She describes how these methods have transformed her practice, enabling her to address the root causes of trauma and facilitate healing for her patients. The discussion also touches on the concept of psychological safety in the workplace, an area where Dr. Gibson actively contributes through her organization, Safer Spaces Training.
She stresses the importance of creating environments where individuals feel safe and supported, particularly those dealing with trauma. Listeners are encouraged to explore Dr. Gibson's work further through her book and online platforms, where she continues to advocate for trauma awareness and effective treatment methods. The episode concludes with Veronica expressing her admiration for Dr. Gibson's dedication to lifelong learning and her impactful contributions to the field.