What would it look like to befriend your nervous system—to meet your responses with curiosity and discover what helps you feel more grounded?

In this episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear welcomes clinical psychologist Dr. Kaitlin Harkess for a hopeful conversation about anxiety, overwhelm, and reconnecting with the body.

Dr. Kaitlin Harkess explores how trauma can shape our physical responses, why body awareness sometimes feels uncomfortable, and how we can begin gently. Together, they discuss the window of tolerance, the role of movement, and why a practice that helps one person—or helps us one day—may not be what we need another time.

You’ll also hear an introduction to “notice, name, and tame” and a guided paired-breathing practice that brings breath and movement together.

At the heart of the conversation is an encouraging reminder: noticing is meaningful progress, and needing a different approach doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Dr. Kaitlin N. Harkess, PhD, is the author of The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management, host of the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast, and founder of the holistic therapy practice Wisdom for Wellbeing.

Connect with Dr. Kaitlin Harkess:
https://drkaitlin.com
Instagram: @drkaitlin

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https://traumameetsrecovery.com

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@traumameetsrecoverypodcast

If this conversation resonates, follow the podcast and share the episode with someone who might appreciate it.

This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized mental health or medical care.

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with J.S. Park, MDiv, BCC — hospital chaplain, author, and grief & trauma educator — for a conversation about identity, family, culture, grief, and the stories we carry.

J.S. reflects on growing up between cultures, losing connection to parts of his Korean language and identity after a painful childhood experience, and the ways therapy has helped him recognize what he once considered “normal.” He also shares why healing can be lifelong work while still being possible. mark-joon-01 mark-joon-01

Together, they explore family dynamics, grief, intergenerational trauma and treasure, and what it means to reconnect with parts of ourselves that may have become harder to reach.

J.S. also shares insight from his work as a hospital chaplain and his upcoming book, We Are Made of Us: Uncovering Our Hidden Family Dynamics, Rewriting Our Stories, and Returning to Ourselves, releasing October 20. J S Park Promo

Whether you’re navigating family history, identity, grief, or simply trying to better understand your own story, this conversation offers a reminder that healing does not require erasing where you came from.

Connect with J.S. Park:
Website: jspark3000.com
Instagram & Threads: @JSPark3000
Facebook: J.S. Park J S Park Promo

Connect with Trauma Meets Recovery:
https://traumameetsrecovery.com

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear:
https://drmarkmcnear.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system.

Be kind and gentle with yourself.

A new season. New voices. More opportunities for connection, understanding, and hope.

As Trauma Meets Recovery begins its second season, Joe Schweighardt, LPC, joins Dr. Mark McNear for a special conversation reflecting on the journey so far and looking ahead to what’s next.

Together, they revisit the lessons and meaningful moments of Season 1, explore why healing is an ongoing journey rather than a destination, and discuss the importance of compassion, connection, and finding hope along the way.

Dr. Mark McNear also shares personal reflections on his own recovery and the encouragement he’s received from listeners and guests.

With new voices, diverse perspectives, and more conversations ahead, Season 2 continues the mission of creating a space where stories of trauma meet stories of recovery.

Whether you’re returning or discovering us for the first time, welcome.

Be kind and gentle with yourself.

Visit traumameetsrecovery.com to explore previous episodes and connect with us.

Connect with Trauma Meets Recovery:
https://traumameetsrecovery.com

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear
https://drmarkmcnear.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system.