Things I Wish I’d Known with Rachael Welford

On this episode of Things I Wish I'd Known, host Rachael Welford sits down with trauma expert and Reiki master Michelle Agopsowicz to discuss the often misunderstood nature of trauma. Michelle emphasises that not all trauma is caused by one big event, but can instead be a cumulative effect of different smaller experiences throughout life. The two discuss the different ways in which trauma can manifest in a person's life, from the physical to the emotional. They also delve into the concept of forgiveness and how it can be misunderstood. Michelle shares her unique approach to healing trauma, which combines traditional counselling with mindfulness techniques and other tools she has developed over time. They discuss the various responses to threats, the importance of accepting the body's response, and the need to destigmatise trauma by acknowledging it as something that happened but can be healed.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Things I Wish I'd Known is a podcast that aims to create positive change in your life through conversation, with new episodes released every Wednesday. Host Rachael shares her knowledge, emotions, and laughs, covering everything from mental health, suicide, and spirituality to makeup and skincare. With each episode, Rachael and her guests offer practical advice to help you master your mental health and fall back in love with yourself. Join the conversation by tagging @thingsiwishidknownpod on Instagram and Facebook. For more information on Rachael, visit her website. Listen and follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or visit https://thingsiwishidknown.co.uk for all links.

Michelle Agopsowicz has a Masters in Social Work, a Bachelors in Disability Studies and is a Reiki Master. Michelle offers counselling and education opportunities from a holistic, trauma informed perspective. She aims to create wellness and balance through the integration of traditional counselling and mindfulness techniques. This approach has developed through her own journey of having an autoimmune condition, trauma, and anxiety.

She offers practices and discussions that can guide us to live a more fulfilled and authentic experience with self compassion. She believes strongly that trauma is a universal human experience that affects the body, mind, and spirit. She believes that addressing our suffering leads to a journey that is beautiful, painful and ultimately reconstructs our fundamental meaning of compassion, humanity and our place in the world.

https://linktr.ee/illuminatedpathcounselling

www.illuminatedpathcounselling.com

USEFUL LINKS: If you're struggling with mental health, reach out to these amazing charities for help:

• Black Minds Matter https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/


• addaction: https://www.addaction.org.uk/


• Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/


• Samaritans: Call for free on 116 123, or visit https://www.samaritans.org/


• Anxiety UK: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk