Most addiction treatment models focus on behavioral change. And yet, many of these models fail at helping people fully recover from their addiction. Perhaps it is time to try something different? Applying NARM® to addiction brings focus to areas that behavioral interventions miss, like understanding the role of trauma, attachment, relationships, and shame. Addressing these areas has a profound impact on addiction recovery.

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth invites James McNinch, LCSW and PhD candidate, addiction specialist, to introduce NARM-AC™ (also known as NARMA™), the NeuroAffective Relational Model® - Addiction Centered, an approach he co-developed alongside Dr. Laurence Heller, the creator of NARM. Emily and James explore the evolution of NARM-AC and its application at Grata House, the premiere drug and alcohol treatment center located in Thousand Oaks, CA, where James serves as clinical director.

About James McNinch:

James McNinch, LCSW, is an experienced addiction treatment and trauma clinician with 16 years of experience. He is a NARM-AC Co-Founder who facilitates the creation of addiction treatment programs at the world’s most elite treatment centers, including the Grata House where he is the Clinical Director. James is writing the NARM-AC Workbook and Treatment Model Book with Dr. Laurence Heller for publication by North Atlantic.

Learn More:
Grata House

To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma

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The Complex Trauma Training Center:

https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com

View upcoming trainings:

https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/

The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD).

CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal.

The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care.

We want to connect with you!

Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter

YouTube

Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter

While many clinical modalities are designed for helping clients in individual therapy, trauma therapists are often looking for modalities that can better support their groups. One therapist was inspired to take NARM principles and apply them to group therapy. Her experience transformed how she thinks about the therapeutic group dynamic and the expanded role the NeuroAffective Relational Model plays in supporting those healing from complex trauma.

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily invites Pamela Kraus, LCPC, MBA, to share her process for and evaluation of using NARM in a group setting. The pair also discuss the value of adopting a "beginner's mindset" when applying NARM in ways that might be new to us.

About Pamela Kraus:

Pamela Kraus, LCPC, MBA, is a psychotherapist in private practice and passionate about helping her clients address unresolved complex trauma (developmental, relational and attachment trauma.) These challenges may be contributing to a negative sense of self, relationship struggles, or other difficulties in their lives.

Pamela is a NARM Master Therapist and an EMDR Certified Therapist. A portion of the clients she works with are challenged (in their own or others' lives) by the dynamics of addiction and/or engaged in the journey of recovery. She works with individuals, couples, and families (adult children and their parents), and conducts psychotherapy groups from time to time.

Pamela is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a master’s degree from DePaul University. She also has an MBA and had a previous career doing qualitative research and consulting for corporations wanting to have greater insight into people’s feelings, motives, behaviors, and lifestyles. Pamela works in downtown Chicago and Evanston, IL and also conducts some telehealth therapy sessions.

Learn More:

Website

To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma

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The Complex Trauma Training Center:

https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com

View upcoming trainings:

https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/

The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD).

CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal.

The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care.

We want to connect with you!

Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter

YouTube

Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter

There's a growing body of evidence suggesting that practices like weight lifting can support trauma-affected individuals on their healing journeys.

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily is joined by Mariah Rooney, LCSW, co-founder of Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting, the one-of-a-kind non-profit program dedicated to the training and education of trauma-informed movement practitioners as well as research on the healing potential of weight lifting. The pair discuss the program's structure, the neuroscience behind it, and how Mariah’s extensive participation in social justice practices led to its creation. Mariah also shares some case studies that highlight the positive impact that weight lifting has on a trauma-impacted individual's resilience, sense of agency, and interoceptive awareness.

About Mariah Rooney:

Mariah Rooney, MSW, LCSW (she/they) is the co-founder and co-director of Trauma Informed Weight Lifting, a program of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. She is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating the complex challenges that arise as a result of traumatic stress, attachment trauma, intergenerational trauma, and dissociation in children and adults. She is also an adjunct professor in the graduate School of Social Work at Winona State University, and a trauma-informed care consultant who supports systems change and capacity building efforts in systems of all sizes and types. As a previous Fellow at the Trauma Center at JRI she received extensive training in trauma and supported various project and research efforts.

Additionally, Mariah is a movement practitioner and somatic coach with extensive training in trauma-sensitive and culturally-informed yoga and meditation practices through Warriors at Ease, Prison Yoga Project, Insight Prison Project, Mind Body Solutions, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Her writing and research has explored trauma-informed considerations for personal trainers and fitness spaces, posttraumatic outcomes among combat veterans with histories of interpersonal violence, trauma-sensitive education, and inclusive practices for LGBTQIA+ clients in fitness and weight lifting.

Learn More:

Trauma Informed Weight Lifting

Instagram

Website

To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma

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Are you a mental health professional looking to deepen your clinical expertise in healing complex trauma? We are thrilled to announce our 2025 NARM Therapist Trainings designed to provide you with transformative training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model.

Visit the website to learn more about upcoming trainings and to register

The Complex Trauma Training Center:

https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com

The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD).

CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal.

The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care.

We want to connect with you!

Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter

YouTube

Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter