Show Notes
In Today’s Episode
In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody sits down with Kristen Wooten, a licensed professional clinical counselor and brain health coach, to explore the connection between trauma, brain health, ADHD, head injuries, and emotional well-being. Kristen explains how therapies and approaches such as EMDR, neurofeedback, the DART method, and brain-injury recovery protocols can support nervous-system regulation, resilience, and overall brain function.
Key Take Aways
- EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories. Kristen explains how bilateral stimulation allows clients to process traumatic memories in a more grounded way rather than simply retelling the story cognitively.
- Neurofeedback focuses on training and regulating the brain and nervous system. Kristen describes how neurofeedback may help with resilience, calmness, sleep, emotional regulation, focus, and the intensity and frequency of meltdowns.
- Brain injuries can sometimes present as mood or behavioral issues. The conversation highlights why asking about concussions, whiplash, and other head injuries can be important when evaluating symptoms such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or addiction.
- Building resilience can be an important step before trauma processing. For people who aren’t ready for EMDR, Kristen discusses neurofeedback, grounding, mindfulness, and other resilience-building skills that may help the nervous system become more regulated.
- Lifestyle factors matter for brain health. Nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle choices are discussed as important components of supporting the brain and maintaining the benefits of brain-focused therapies.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Brain Health
Melody introduces Kristen Wooten and her work in clinical counseling, trauma, brain health, EMDR, DART, and neurofeedback.
01:00 – Kristen’s Journey Into Trauma Therapy
How Kristen transitioned from general clinical counseling into trauma-focused work after recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches.
03:00 – Understanding EMDR and Trauma Processing
What EMDR is, how bilateral stimulation works, and how it can help reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories.
06:00 – How Neurofeedback Supports the Nervous System
An introduction to neurofeedback and how brain training can support nervous-system regulation, resilience, sleep, focus, and emotional regulation.
08:00 – Neurofeedback, ADHD, and a Personal Story
Kristen shares her experience discovering neurofeedback through her son’s ADHD symptoms and how it changed their family dynamic.
11:00 – Building Resilience Before Processing Trauma
Why some clients may need to develop regulation and resilience skills before they are ready to work directly with traumatic memories.
13:00 – Neurofeedback for Children and Babies
Exploring how neurofeedback can be used across different ages, including young children and infants struggling with sleep.
14:00 – Understanding Developmental Trauma and the DART Method
Kristen explains the DART method, attachment, developmental trauma, and the healing process surrounding childhood experiences and relationships.
17:00 – The Connection Between Head Injuries and Mental Health
Why concussions, whiplash, and other head injuries can sometimes contribute to anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, and other changes in behavior or mood.
20:00 – Supporting Recovery After Brain Injury
A look at hyperbaric oxygen, nutrition, supplements, and neurofeedback as potential components of a brain injury recovery approach.
22:00 – ADHD, Addiction, and Brain Function
How ADHD and brain function may relate to impulse control and addiction, and why understanding the brain can help reduce shame around these struggles.
24:00 – Brain Injury Recovery and Hyperbaric Oxygen
Discussing research, blood flow, hyperbaric oxygen, neurofeedback, and nutritional support in the context of brain injury recovery.
25:00 – Hyperbarics, Parkinson’s, and Dementia
Exploring the potential role of hyperbaric oxygen in neurological conditions and why ongoing support may vary depending on the condition and individual.
27:00 – Lifestyle Choices That Support Brain Health
Why nutrition, exercise, and everyday habits can influence the effectiveness and longevity of brain health treatments.
30:00 – Nutrition, Movement, and Mental Health
Practical ways to connect food, exercise, supplements, and daily routines with mood, energy, and overall brain health.
32:00 – Collaboration and a Whole-Person Approach to Brain Health
Closing thoughts on combining different specialties, tools, and approaches to better support patients and address underlying factors affecting health.
Resources Mentioned
- The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
- People
- Melody
- Kristen Wooten
- Francine Shapiro
- Bessel van der Kolk
- Dr. Daniel Amen
- Rick Butts
- Scott (Genesis Hyperbarics)
- Places & Organizations
- Freedom Counseling Services
- Amen Clinic
- Genesis Hyperbarics
- American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
- Health Topics
- Brain Health
- Trauma & PTSD
- EMDR
- Neurofeedback
- ADHD
- Head Injuries & Concussions
- Addiction
- Nervous System Regulation
- Mental Health
- Developmental Trauma
- Attachment
- Sleep
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Nutrition & Lifestyle
- Brain Injury Recovery
- Therapies, Tools & Approaches
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Bilateral Stimulation / Tappers
- Neurofeedback
- DART Method
- Breath Work
- Mindfulness & Grounding
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Red Light Therapy
- Nutrition & Supplements
- Exercise
- Books & Resources
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- Amen Clinic brain health research and protocols
- Resources
- Freedom Counseling Services
- Genesis Hyperbarics
- Amen Clinic
- American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
Supplement Spotlight
Vitamin D / K2
Liquid – 1 fl oz
D3 5000 with K2
60 Softgels
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