In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck speaks with Tiffany Freer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDRIA Approved Trainer and Consultant. Tiffany shares her deep expertise in using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy with children and adolescents, drawing from her experience in community mental health and the foster care system. Their conversation explores how trauma, both big and small, can impact a child’s development and emotional regulation, often leading to internalized beliefs of self-blame and unworthiness. Tiffany discusses the nuances of adapting EMDR for young clients, the importance of building positive memory networks, and how therapeutic storytelling can support healing, particularly for adopted children. Together, Nicky and Tiffany unpack the power of EMDR to address complex trauma and the vital role of a skilled, attuned therapist in guiding children and families toward lasting transformation.

Takeaways:

• Childhood trauma can have lasting effects into adulthood.
• EMDR requires modifications when working with children.
• Concrete tools are essential for engaging children in therapy.
• Children can experience dysregulation similar to adults during therapy.
• Small traumas can have significant impacts on self-worth.
• Memories are stored state-dependently, affecting emotional responses.
• EMDR helps synthesize maladaptive and adaptive memory networks.
• Building positive memory networks is crucial in therapy.
• Therapeutic storytelling can be effective for adopted children.
• Many people experience trauma that they may not remember until later in life.
• Therapists should not act as fact-checkers but rather support clients in their journey.
• Children often internalize negative experiences, leading to self-blame.
• EMDR helps clients process trauma by alternating between past and present memories.
• The effectiveness of EMDR can vary based on the individual's prior experiences with trauma.
• Finding a qualified EMDR therapist is crucial for effective treatment.
• Therapists should be aware of the importance of resourcing clients before diving into trauma work.
• Children's memory networks are shorter, allowing for quicker reprocessing in therapy.
• Building a trusting relationship with clients is essential for effective therapy.
• Therapists must accept the limitations of their role in a child's healing process.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

support@nickyYyoga.com

Connect with Tiffany:

https://greenwoodcounselingcenter.com/

https://emdroftherockies.com/

Keywords: EMDR, child therapy, trauma, mental health, childhood trauma, EMDR consultant, therapeutic techniques, emotional regulation, memory processing, attachment theory, childhood, therapy, mental health, healing, memory, internalization, therapist, counseling

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Christine Peine joins us to explore the healing potential of therapeutic art. Christine is a Holistic Business Coach and Therapeutic Art Facilitator who supports entrepreneurs feeling stuck or creatively drained, helping them reconnect with their true selves and rebuild their businesses with clarity and purpose. With a Master’s in Art Therapy, Christine integrates polyvagal theory, somatic practices, and parts work into her unique approach.

She shares her personal journey from burnout to discovering the power of art as a tool for healing and transformation. We dive into how creativity, body awareness, and nervous system regulation work together to support emotional well-being. Christine also guides listeners through an accessible art exercise, inviting connection with the inner child and the body’s innate wisdom. This inspiring conversation offers a fresh perspective on creativity—not as a talent, but as a vital part of healing and self-discovery.

Takeaways:

• Therapeutic art is about expressing inner feelings, not creating perfect art.
• Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system affects our emotions.
• The body holds wisdom that can guide us in healing.
• Art can help make subconscious feelings visible.
• Engaging in creative practices can reconnect us with our inner child.
• Movement and breath are essential for regulating our nervous system.
• Therapeutic art can be done with simple materials at home.
• Self-discovery through art is a personal journey.
• Creativity is vital for mental health at any age.
• Listening to our intuition can lead to meaningful creative expression.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

support@nickyYyoga.com

Connect with Christine:

https://christinepeine.com/

https://www.christinepeine.com/courses/conscious-clarity-practice

https://www.instagram.com/create.with.christine/

Keywords: art therapy, therapeutic art, polyvagal theory, self-discovery, inner child, creative expression, mental health, emotional regulation, healing through art, mindfulness

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck welcomes Nicola Navon, a relationship communication and leadership coach, to explore the magnetic dance between masculine and feminine energies and how they shape our most intimate connections. Drawing from over a decade of experience in psychology and communication, Nicola shares how her signature framework, The Union Method, helps individuals and couples cultivate deeper connection, trust, and fulfillment—both in the bedroom and beyond.

Together, Nicky and Nicola dive into the often-unspoken dynamics that influence desire, vulnerability, and the expression of needs. They unpack the power of embodied communication, the role of polarity in creating passion, and the ways in which our attachment styles influence the way we relate. This heart-centered conversation invites listeners to reflect on the inner balance of their own masculine and feminine energies, offering a fresh perspective on cultivating intimacy, reigniting passion, and creating relationships that feel whole, alive, and deeply connected.

Takeaways

• Understanding the balance of masculine and feminine energies is crucial for deeper intimacy.
• It only takes one person to understand energetics to shift the relationship dynamics.
• Vulnerability is key in expressing desires and needs in relationships.
• Women often need to step into their feminine to allow men to step into their masculine.
• Communication should be playful and inviting rather than controlling or nagging.
• Expressing desires requires a strong masculine core to voice them effectively.
• The fear of rejection impacts both men and women in expressing intimacy.
• Creating passion involves inviting partners to take the lead in a subtle way.
• Seduction can be a powerful tool in igniting desire in relationships.
• Acknowledging and appreciating partners' efforts fosters connection and balance.
• Finding healthy attachment starts with self.
• Navigating relationship dynamics requires understanding of attachment styles.
• Loneliness is a common human experience that needs addressing.
• Passion thrives on polarity and contrast in relationships.
• Creating excitement in long-term relationships is essential.
• Communication is key to intimacy and connection.
• Expressing needs is crucial to avoid resentment.
• Wholeness in oneself is necessary for healthy relationships.
• The process of intimacy should be prioritized over end goals.
• Exploring new experiences together can reignite passion.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

support@nickyYyoga.com

Connect with Nicola:

https://www.nicolanavon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nicolanavon/

Keywords: masculine, feminine, intimacy, relationships, communication, balance, passion, dynamics, energetics, connection, attachment styles, relationship dynamics, intimacy, communication, passion, wholeness, masculine and feminine energy, loneliness, fulfillment, reigniting passion