When Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Forgot

In this episode of Voices of Adoption, hosts Donna Pope and Nathan Gwilliam welcome Laurie James, author and somatic relationship coach, who shares her transformation story chronicled in her memoir "Sandwiched" about overcoming a lifetime of feeling like an outsider.

Guarded Hearts

Growing up, Laurie sensed an unexplained distance between herself and her adoptive mother despite clear signs of love. This puzzling dynamic remained a mystery until a car ride conversation with her aging father in her 40s revealed the truth behind her mother's guarded heart.

Double Tragedy

Laurie learned she was the third attempt at bringing a daughter into their home. Her adoptive mother had endured the stillbirth of a baby girl, followed by the heartbreak of losing another adopted daughter when the birth mother changed her mind months later. These devastating losses created a mother too wounded to risk full attachment again.

Ultimate Betrayal

Years later, Laurie's husband secretly searched for and contacted her birth mother despite her clear wishes against reunion. This violation by the person meant to protect her triggered deep abandonment wounds and ultimately contributed to the end of their 26-year marriage.

Medical Pandora

After her divorce, Laurie's health collapsed dramatically. Mysterious symptoms landed her in the hospital twice before a friend introduced her to Somatic Experiencing Therapy. Through this body-based healing approach, she discovered that adoption trauma had been stored in her nervous system for decades and learned practical tools for regulation and recovery.

Transform loneliness into lasting connection. Tune in to discover the process that helped Laurie heal decades of trauma and find her tribe. Don't miss future episodes that could change your adoption journey. Join thousands of "Voices" finding healing, hope, and community through the Voices of Adoption, today and SUBSCRIBE.

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