Autism, identity & fighting the system | Katherine Uher | #015 Mastering Change
“Only 10 years ago people didn’t know that girls could be autistic,” says Dr. Katherine Uher in this week’s episode of Mastering Change. As an openly autistic psychotherapist, Dr. Uher works with those experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem and complex trauma – often shaped by a lifetime of feeling "othered." Her research explores the impact of systemic trauma, especially how institutions often misunderstand, pathologise or erase the needs of neurodivergent people. She speaks from both professional and lived experience, which she shares in the episode. “As a society, our perception of normal is rigid and we are wary of differences.” Dr. Uher’s research challenges how neurodivergent people are storied and judged by professionals. She argues that many neurodivergent people struggle with their sense of self are because their identities have been shaped by other people’s opinions of what’s right and wrong. In this episode we discuss: How Dr. Uher’s personal journey shaped her academic research The danger of pathologising differences How neurodivergent behaviours are misunderstood How neurodivergent people are taught to conform The long-term emotional toll of masking What it means to grow up “other-referencing” instead of self-referencing This was a poignant conversation, and we’re grateful to Dr. Uher for speaking so candidly about her own journey – and the wider struggles of navigating a world not designed for neurodivergent people. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, a clinician, therapist, educator or ally, this episode is essential listening. Don't forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the illustrious Canadian physician and world-renowned addiction expert Gabor Maté on next week’s episode! Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.
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PTSD, nightmares and the dream completion technique | Dr Justin Havens | #014 Mastering Change
Most of us think of nightmares as something children experience, but in fact 2-8% of the adult population suffer from persistent, trauma-related nightmares. Dr. Justin Havens is on a mission to change that, sharing in this week’s episode of Mastering Change, his breakthrough dream completion technique. “You can resolve persistent traumatic nightmares in one session, in as little as 20 minutes,” he tells us as we discuss PTSD, anxiety and nightmares. “We're not removing memories. We're changing the way people feel about those memories.” A clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, Dr. Havens has trained hundreds of Ukraine therapists in this novel technique to help those with PTSD nightmares. He explains that trauma isn’t always about the event itself, but the way it’s represented for the person in the present. His technique works to change the perception and emotional intensity of a memory – a method that’s delivering rapid results across clinical and community settings. Research into nightmares has been few and far between and while sleep is a hot topic in public discourse, traumatic nightmares are seldom discussed or understood. We hope then that this conversation brings reassurance to anyone navigating their impact. Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.
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Play as a tool for connection | Debi John | #013 Mastering Change
Why is it that play – something so natural to children – becomes so elusive for adults? This week on Mastering Change, we speak to Debi John – founder of Play Healing CIC and a self-described “play pollinator” – about the science, spirit and social value of play. In the modern digital age where we feel increasingly stressed and overstimulated, play is more important than ever. Debi is on a mission to help adults reconnect with creativity, expression and their nervous system through play – as well as bond with children. “There’s pressure to be constantly jovial and playful with children, but it can feel fake. And I don’t think children need us to be like that.” In this open and honest conversation, Debi breaks down what it means to play and how it isn’t just a parenting technique or a child’s pastime – it’s a vital nervous system state, and an act of self-compassion. “Play is that ventral vagal state – the optimum state of performance – that we actually want to be in as adults.” We discuss: Why adults are afraid of play and why that needs to change Why play can feel pressuring, not freeing, especially for parents The difference between forced playfulness and authentic emotional presence How heartbreak, anxiety and creative expression are all linked How “play-fuelling” your life can help you find clarity, calm and connection How comparison kills joy which kills the desire to explore and play Whether you’re a parent, practitioner or simply someone feeling disconnected from joy, this episode might just reframe the way you see play – and how you play – forever. Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.
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Parenting gender diverse children | Rachel Hulstein-Lowe | #012 Mastering Change
“People say ‘it’s just biology’ but it’s more complex than we think.” Confusion and misinformation reigns around gender issues so in this episode we speak to Rachel Hulstein-Lowe – an expert in gender diversity and parent coach. As a parent of a non-binary child herself, Rachel advocates for young people navigating identity and is determined to bring a spotlight onto the needs of these children and families. “When a young person says, ‘this is who I am’ our number one job is to believe them.” In this episode, we discuss: The spread of misinformation around gender and sex and common misconceptions The need in Western society for binary and why it exists That it’s ok to not have all the answers; to sit in the discomfort What it means to really listen to children and how we can bridge build Rachel’s lived and learned experience as a professional and as a parent Closing the gap between professional knowledge and lived experience The political climate surrounding trans and gender-diverse youth and its impact on wellbeing Where to channel good intention and how to do it right Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.
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How loneliness and purpose determine your wellbeing | Leo Pruimboom | #011 Master Change
“Genes don’t control your life – your life controls your genes,” says Dr. Leo Pruimboom in the eleventh episode of Mastering Change. A clinical psychoneuroimmunologist, researcher and pioneer in systems-based medicine, Dr. Pruimboom is challenging everything we think we know about trauma, disease, genes, psychology and mental health. In this episode we discuss: Why most autoimmune diseases are misnamed (and aren’t autoimmune diseases at all) How loneliness rewires our organs The power of purpose – and how purpose of life intervention can shrink tumour size by 50% That genes do nothing on their own: it’s our environment or choice that activate or silence them The importance of spontaneous neural activity – and how doing nothing is medicine “You can take a human being out of nature, but you can’t take nature out of the human being.” Dr. Pruimboom makes a compelling case for the role of environment, connection, and behavioural agency in reversing modern illness. As he explains, we’re currently living in – and desperately trying to adapt to – a world we’re not made for. But thankfully, we have the capability to adapt: he reports the research showing that 120mins in nature per week can down regulate our blood pressure. Find out more by listening the whole conversation. PS. You can watch Dr. Pruimboom live at this year’s Transform Trauma Oxford by Masters Events – Europe's largest trauma conference. His talk, Everything is Everywhere at the Same Time will explore how the intricate connections between cells, organs and the environment shape mental health, emphasising the importance of relationships at every level of life in maintaining wellbeing. More info and Early Bird Tickets are here: https://mastersevents.com/oxford-2025/ Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast Follow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltd Visit mastersevents.com/oxford-2025 for more details.
About Mastering Change | The trauma, mental health & wellbeing podcast
Welcome to Mastering Change, a podcast co-hosted by Emma and Araminta, where we engage in meaningful conversations centred around healing. In this series, we bring together leading experts, innovative thinkers, and emerging voices to connect knowledge with real-world impact in the areas of trauma, mental health and wellbeing. Each episode features insightful discussions with respected figures as well as promising new contributors to the field. We explore a range of topics with a focus on making this knowledge available for anyone interested in supporting their own healing journey or that of others. At Mastering Change, we understand the significance of conversation as a means of fostering understanding and growth. Our aim is to create a ripple effect, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and establishing a community where impactful voices are heard. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, we invite you to engage in thoughtful discussions that can inspire meaningful change in your practice and personal life. Join us as we explore critical insights and perspectives, encouraging a shared commitment to healing trauma.
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