In this powerful episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark sits down with Dr. Christopher Willard—author, Harvard Medical School professor, and global leader in mindfulness and trauma-informed care.

Dr. Christopher Willard discusses addiction, early sobriety and a life-changing experience with Thich Nhat Hanh to becoming a global leader in mental health, sharing his powerful journey—and what actually helps people heal.

We dive into:

• Why mindfulness can feel hard after trauma

• How trauma impacts the nervous system

• The role of self-compassion in recovery

• Simple, practical tools you can use daily

Recovery is possible.

A grounded, honest conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself—and why that changes everything.

Listen now @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

If you constantly feel responsible for others, struggle to set boundaries, or carry deep shame you can’t explain — complex trauma may be at the root.

In Episode 2 of Trauma Meets Recovery, we explore the connection between CPTSD (Complex PTSD), codependency, boundaries, and toxic shame, drawing from the teachings of Tim Fletcher, a leading voice in complex trauma recovery.

Complex trauma often creates patterns of people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, and feeling responsible for other people’s emotions. These patterns are deeply tied to shame and survival strategies developed in childhood.

In this episode we discuss:

• How CPTSD shapes codependent patterns

• Why shame becomes a core wound in complex trauma

• The connection between trauma and people-pleasing

• Why boundaries can feel so difficult for trauma survivors

• What recovery and healing can actually look like


If you’ve ever felt like you lose yourself in relationships, struggle to say no, or carry a sense of shame you can’t explain, this conversation may help you better understand the impact of complex trauma — and the hope that recovery brings.

Healing is possible.

🎙 @TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast ​

Trauma is inevitable — but healing is possible.

In this premiere episode of The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast, Dr. Mark McNear and Joe Schweighardt, LPC, discuss trauma recovery, nervous system dysregulation, Brainspotting EMDR, somatic therapy, and the power of story work in healing trauma.

If you’re struggling with emotional wounds, past trauma, or feeling overwhelmed in your nervous system, this mental health podcast offers practical tools, clinical insight, and hope.

When trauma meets recovery, healing begins.

Learn more & explore resources: traumameetsrecovery.com