#94 Processing Trauma As We Parent; An Interview with Cath Counihan

Cath Counihan is a Somatic Trauma Therapist and Mother of twin daughters. Cath trained at the Metanoia Institute in London, completing a Masters of Science in Integrative Psychotherapy. She has trained in EMDR, Transforming Touch, Polyvagal Theory and is completing her Somatic Experiencing Training.

Specialising in childhood trauma, parenting after developmental & childhood trauma and generational healing so we can shift cycles of dysfunction for ourselves and our families, Cath is passionate about ALL of us learning to meet our needs, repattern our nervous systems, heal our shame and stop self-abandoning.

She hosts a popular weekly podcast 'Grow Yourself Up' and she lives in London with her husband and twin daughters. 

Cath is someone whom I've followed the work of for years and I deeply appreciate what she does. — You can HEAR the smile on my face as I begin the podcast.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: from 35 minutes 30 seconds to 36 minutes 30 seconds Cath speaks about her Father's alcoholism.

*And from 55 minutes to 59 minutes Cath speaks about her birth experience; premature labour, an anxious pregnancy and a cascade of interventions, episiotomy and more.

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about Cath and what led her to the work she does today
• why story behind and reason why Cath's podcast is called 'Grow Yourself Up'
• breaking down shame and embarrassment
• my experience of being ostracised and subsequently reparenting myself
• the depths that parenthood can take us to
• the power of bibliotherapy (LOVE discovering this word!)
• our dream to take part in a flash mob!
• Polyvagal theory and the autonomic nervous system
• what contributes to (the incredibly valid) rage in motherhood
• bedtime rage, meeting our own needs and f**k self-abandonment
• relationships and what we can each be holding from our past
• *Cath's experience of birthing her twins
• more care and reverence is needed over birth — and towards OURSELVES
• how DEEPLY affected by motherhood both Cath and I feel, and you may be too

Themes: trauma healing, psychotherapy, alcoholism, narcissistic abuse, matrescence, motherhood, birth, autism and ADHD.

We mention Molly Caro May and her book 'Body Full Of Stars', Stephen Porges, Deb Dana, Minna Dubin (on the podcast soon!), Eve Rodsky, Dr Sophie Brock, Tamu Thomas, Matt Fray (whom I mention 53 minutes in).

To learn more about Cath see here on her website: cathcounihan.com. And to connect with Cath on Instagram click here. Do check out her brilliant podcast called 'Grow Yourself Up'.

At the end, I read a poem written by Jess Urlichs.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.