Mastering Change | The trauma, mental health & wellbeing podcast

Why are so many women only discovering their ADHD in adulthood? In this episode of Mastering Change, Dr. Samantha Hiew, founder of ADHD Girls, explores the gender bias in psychiatry and the ways in which hormones, stress and trauma intersect with neurodivergent experience. Through her own story and research, Samantha reveals how hormonal shifts and perimenopause can alter stress tolerance, why diagnosis can be a powerful act of self-recognition, and how understanding our neurobiology can transform how we see ourselves. “Diagnosis, when done right, isn’t about labels – it’s about understanding yourself, and validating your lived experience.” We explore: The gender bias shaping ADHD diagnosis in women How hormones and perimenopause affect emotional regulation The connection between trauma, autism and stress sensitivity Why every neurodivergent mind has its own truth 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-2026 for more details.

Perimenopause is often described as a hormonal shift – but what if it’s also a neurological and emotional one? In this episode of Mastering Change, Paula Rastrick, founder of The Brain-Body Method, explores how trauma, stress sensitivity and hormonal health are intricately linked. Paula explains how our stress profiles begin developing in the womb, shaped by our mother’s nervous system and early attachment experiences. Through her neuro-bio-psycho-social lens, she shows how unresolved trauma can re-emerge during perimenopause, when fluctuations in cortisol and GABA bring stress patterns to the surface. “There's a lot of talk within the trauma world of nervous system dysregulation – but I think we're not understanding the biochemical neurological aspect of that.” We explore: The brain-body connection in perimenopause How early adversity shapes stress sensitivity and hormonal response Why perimenopause can re-trigger unresolved trauma The role of cortisol and GABA in emotional regulation How nervous system awareness supports hormonal balance 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-2026 for more details.

What happens when the part of us that wants to heal becomes the thing that gets in the way? In this episode, we speak with Laura Patryas, a nondual IFS practitioner who sees our inner parts as expressions of awareness rather than problems to fix. Laura explains how trauma disconnects us from presence and how, in both therapy and life, healing begins when we can rest in awareness rather than try to control it. She describes how nondual IFS expands traditional IFS by integrating spiritual insight, compassion and connection to the whole. “Having parts isn’t a problem. It’s just like waves on the ocean – different expressions of the same awareness.” We explore: What nondual IFS is and how it differs from traditional IFS The role of presence and awareness in trauma healing The difference between empathy, sympathy and compassion How to work with the therapist’s own “parts” during sessions How this approach supports both personal and collective healing 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-2026 for more details.

How do we talk about trauma without retraumatising? Through animation might be one answer. In this episode, we speak with Quint Boa, founder of Synima, a production company creating short-form animation for mental health communication and education. Quint shares how metaphor in animation allows us to explore emotional and traumatic experiences safely, helping people engage with difficult material without being re-exposed to distressing imagery. He discusses the practical benefits too – how animation can reach wide audiences, support therapy and education, and provide a cost-effective way to open new conversations around mental health. “Animation allows us to explore emotional or traumatic experiences in a way that’s metaphorical rather than literal. That’s what makes it safe.” We also explore: The use of animation in trauma education and prevention Why metaphor supports accessibility and safety How animation can complement therapy and public health communication Quint’s example of an animation about anger and its design principles Find Quint Boa's animations here: The 'Understanding' SeriesMoment 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-2026 for more details.

What happens when the person in crisis isn’t the only one who needs help – but the entire family system? In this episode of Mastering Change, Louise Stanger – known as “the family whisperer” – shares her trauma-informed approach to working with families in addiction recovery and crisis intervention. Louise explains that healing often begins before any formal session takes place: by preparing families, helping them feel safe, and inviting them back into connection. “The most important thing we have to do is be in connection, be open and listen to each other’s hearts, because all our hearts are different.” She describes how her work is systemic and relational meeting each family where they are and recognising the role of story, culture and spirituality in recovery. We also explore: Why interventions should be invitational, not confrontational How to meet families with empathy, not judgement The role of spirituality in recovery and resilience What it means to see the whole system – not just the symptom Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive topics related to addiction, family crisis and trauma. 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-2026 for more details.