{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F58fad237-1d31-4ef9-aa51-1395ca7a3b66","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Mind Over Matter: Rethinking Bipolar, PTSD & Children\u2019s Mental Health with Richard Tierney","description":"In this episode of Mind Over Matter, Richard Tierney offers an alternative framework for understanding trauma, bipolar-like symptoms, PTSD and children\u2019s emotional development. He emphasizes feelings as adaptive survival responses (fight/flight/freeze), argues against prematurely pathologizing normal childhood emotions, and teaches practical identity-separation exercises designed to reduce retraumatization. Richard also critiques over-reliance on labels and long-term diagnostic dependency and offers recovery exercises grounded in narrative reframing and spiritual meaning. This conversation is for parents, clinicians, survivors, and anyone curious about non-traditional approaches to resilience and recovery.\nAbout the Guest :\nRichard Tierney \u2014 author and founder of Trauma Recovery Anonymous \u2014 is an Irish-born trauma educator based in Thailand. He develops programs for children and adults focused on emotional literacy, identity separation techniques, and reframing trauma narratives to support recovery and resilience.\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nFeelings as signals: anxiety, anger, sadness and dissociation function as adaptive responses intended to protect us (fight/flight/freeze).\n\n\nDon\u2019t rush to label normal development: many childhood experiences (separation anxiety, friendship loss, first romantic disappointments) are developmental and do not always require clinical diagnosis.\n\n\nLabels vs. lived experience: diagnostic labels can help access care, but can also unintentionally shape identity and dependency\u2014balance clinical input with context and agency.\n\n\nAddress the roots and the present: Richard stresses reframing trauma by distinguishing the younger wounded self from the present adult self to reduce re-enactment patterns.\n\n\nPractical exercise: write two autobiographies (current self vs younger self) to clarify differences in responsibilities, resources and context.\n\n\nReframing reduces retrauma: giving the past back to the younger self lessens present-day emotional reactivity and helps focus on daily goals and responsibilities.\n\n\nCommunity fit matters: finding social groups or \u201ctribes\u201d that match temperament (introvert/extrovert) eases chronic relational stress.\n\n\nIntegrate supports: combine narrative/spiritual approaches with evidence-based clinical care where appropriate\u2014consult licensed professionals for diagnosis and treatment decisions.\n\n\nHow listeners can connect with Richard Tierney\u00a0\u00a0:\n\n\nEmail: appointments@traumarecoveryanonymous.com\n\n\nBooks: Healing Any Trauma Memory and How to Live Stress and Anxiety-Free 24 Hours a Day (available on major platforms)\n\n\nPrograms referenced: Trauma Recovery Anonymous, Healing Any Trauma Memory and the children\u2019s program\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\u00a0\u00a0\nMedical Disclaimer\u00a0\u00a0:\nThis podcast and its content are for educational and informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard in this podcast.\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a s","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/f5e0dd22-67b6-47ee-9cda-03355850cb4a/zdjkyi5qcgc.jpg"}