Episode #13: Trauma and High Performance Part 1: Understanding Trauma with Dr. Michael Gomez

Trauma affects us all, shaping our histories and influencing our interactions with the world.

As Eugene O'Neill eloquently expressed in "Long Day's Journey into Night, "None of us can help the things life has done to us. They're done before you realize it. And once they're done, they make you do other things, until at last everything comes between you and what you'd like to be, and you've lost your true self forever."

That's not the way your story has to be, there is hope.

By acknowledging these traumatic experiences, you are taking the first step towards reclaiming your true self.

In this episode of "Mastering Momentum," Dr. Jan Newman sits down for part one of her candid conversation with Dr. Michael Gomez, a clinical child psychologist and expert in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Dr. Newman and Dr. Gomez delve into the complexities of trauma, exploring its various forms, and discussing its effects on high-achieving professionals in high-stress fields like healthcare and law enforcement.

Dr. Gomez offers his insightful analogies that help listeners grasp the profound impact of trauma and the coping mechanisms individuals employ, the significance of sharing your story in the healing process, and the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma responses within different professions including the need for interventions to support professionals facing trauma-related stress.

What You’ll Learn   

• [06:14] Introduction to Dr. Michael Gomez and his expertise in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy

• [11:58] Understanding trauma as a toxic exposure, and the importance of screening and validation in trauma evaluations

• [20:34] Understanding dissociation as a safety mechanism of the brain to protect individuals from overwhelming stress or trauma

• [24:15] Exploring the significance of telling your story and processing trauma to foster healing

• [27:44] Dr. Gomez shares the three main goals of trauma therapy (reducing, addressing, and finding positive meanings)

• [29:49] Trauma is like a virus: Dr. Gomez likens secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue to a virus, with burnout as an immune-compromised state

• [32:45] Trauma-related stress and its impact on high-achieving professionals

• [37:13] The importance of addressing the impact of chronic invalidation and childhood trauma on professionals in high-stress environments

• [38:48] Dr. Gomez discusses the challenges faced by high achievers who may excel outwardly, while suffering internally due to unresolved trauma and the importance of recognizing burnout

• [42:12] Understanding trauma responses in high-achieving individuals and the concept of allostatic load

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For full show notes and resources visit https://drjannewman.com/podcast/episode-13-trauma-and-high-performance-part-1-understanding-trauma-with-dr-michael-gomez