ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Do you ever feel stuck in survival mode — anxious, overwhelmed, or like your body and mind just won’t calm down? In this episode, Dena Ford, LMHC, PhD, joins us to explore how mental health, generational trauma, and chronic stress impact both the mind and body.
Dena shares her personal journey into mental health, how her own experiences with trauma shaped her career, and what she’s learned working with clients facing chronic pain, caregiver stress, and life transitions like menopause. We also dive into EMDR and somatic therapy, debunk myths about trauma therapy, and discuss how lifestyle changes and self-awareness can help regulate the nervous system and support long-term healing.
Whether you’re navigating your own trauma, supporting someone else, or just curious about the mind-body connection, this conversation offers practical insight and guidance for moving from stuck in survival mode to empowered, regulated living.
00:00 Intro
04:27 Understanding Generational Trauma
06:30 The Stigma of Trauma
09:14 EMDR and Somatic Therapy
11:58 Chronic Pain and Trauma Connection
14:33 Myths About EMDR and Trauma Therapy
16:51 Balance In The Central Nervous System
18:50 Somatic Work and Body Awareness
20:47 The Interconnection of Body and Mind
24:05 Menopause Hormones and Mental Health
26:30 Reinventing Yourself Through Menopause
27:20 Neuroplasticity and Epigenetics: Taking Control
28:50 The Challenges of Younger Generations
31:24 Social Media's Impact on Mental Health
32:49 Coping as a Caregiver
40:16 Rewiring the Brain/Limbic System
42:37 Simple Modalities for Healing
Connect with Kristi Hujik:
===== Instagram - https://instagram.com/wholehealthkristi
===== Website - https://kristihujik.com
===== Work with me - https://www.kristihujik.com/coaching-offerings
===== Product discounts and links for you - https://linktr.ee/wholehealth
===== Watch On & Subscribe To My Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@wholehealthkristi13
===== Full Show Notes - https://kristihujik.com/podcast
Connect with Dena Ford:
===== Email - KeyCounselingConceptsLLC@gmail.com
Additional Resources:
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, MD: Nadine Burke Harris | Speaker | TED
Dr. Bessel van der kold, MD: Home - Trauma Research Foundation
Childhood Disrupted book by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
For more information on EMDR:
About EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association
