Trauma-Informed Healing for High Achievers: Polyvagal Tools, Burnout, and Authentic Growth with Elizabeth Ormes

Connie Warden interviews licensed clinical professional counselor Elizabeth Ormes, who has 28 years’ experience and owns Actualizing Your Best Self, working primarily with high achievers struggling with burnout, perfectionism, and disconnection. Ormes explains her level two trauma professional certification as extensive continuing study to better serve trauma survivors, and describes SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol) and RRP (Rest and Restore Protocol), sound-frequency tools based on Dr. Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory that support nervous system regulation and help clients feel safe enough to go deeper in therapy. She shares a case example of an Ivy League–educated lawyer who, after months using SSP and RRP with therapy, became less catastrophizing and more attuned to bodily needs. They discuss common signs overachievers need help, the “sandwich generation,” brain maturation near age 30, and parting encouragement to seek support, stay curious, and embrace authenticity, including Ormes’ July 17 virtual Independent Women’s Conference appearance.

Learn more about Elizabeth on her Website, Linkedin, YouTube, Instagram

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:00 Trauma Certification Explained

04:38 Polyvagal Tools SSP RRP

09:08 Client Success Story

11:32 When High Achievers Hit a Wall

13:00 Life in the Sandwich Generation

17:01 Letting Loved Ones Choose

21:52 Shedding Layers and Greatness

22:33 Hopeful Parting Advice

25:28 Conference Plug and Closing

Check out my website