In this episode of Be Well with Dr. Michelle Greenwell, I welcome award-winning author and self-help expert Faust Ruggiero, M.S. for a compassionate and practical conversation about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD. Drawing from more than forty years of professional experience, Faust helps listeners understand how trauma can affect the body, mind, and emotions at the same time—and why healing requires more than simply trying to forget what happened.

Understanding PTSD as a Whole-Person Experience

PTSD is often described through memories, flashbacks, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. However, the experience of trauma can also be held through patterns of protection in the nervous system, changes in trust, difficulty feeling safe, emotional disconnection, exhaustion, and a sense of being unable to move forward.

During our conversation, Faust explains that PTSD exists on a spectrum. He introduces five distinct expressions: the normal stress response, acute stress disorder, uncomplicated PTSD, complex PTSD, and comorbid PTSD. This distinction can help people recognize that there is no single way trauma appears and no single path that every person must follow.

Understanding the type and pattern of stress a person is experiencing can create language for what may previously have felt confusing or isolating. It can also open the door to appropriate professional care, supportive relationships, practical tools, and renewed hope.

Faust Ruggiero and The Fix Your PTSD Handbook

Faust is the author of The Fix Yourself Empowerment Series and one of the most frequently interviewed self-help authors in the world. His new book, The Fix Your PTSD Handbook, offers a structured and empowering approach to understanding trauma and reclaiming a greater sense of control.

Rather than presenting healing as a quick or linear process, Faust emphasizes practical steps, compassionate self-understanding, and the importance of connection. For someone who feels isolated, even a small act of reaching toward another person may become the beginning of change.

You can learn more about Faust Ruggiero and his books at www.faustruggiero.com.

A Five Element Perspective on Trauma

In the podcast, I also introduce the Five Element Wheel as one way to notice how trauma may influence the whole person.

• Water relates to fear, survival, safety, and our reserves of energy.
• Wood relates to direction, movement, frustration, anger, and the ability to move forward.
• Fire relates to joy, connection, communication, and the heart.
• Earth relates to nourishment, grounding, worry, and the experience of being supported.
• Metal relates to grief, breath, release, and letting go.

This perspective does not replace diagnosis, counselling, or medical support. Instead, it can offer another language for self-awareness. When a person notices fear, grief, anger, disconnection, or worry, these experiences can be approached with curiosity rather than judgment.

Returning to the Heart Through Tea and Intention

For this episode, our featured tea is SoulTEA Harbour from the Cape Breton Tea Company. The blend highlights licorice root and stinging nettle, inviting a pause for nourishment, grounding, and presence.

“Balance and Flow is possible when we open to be present for our true heart’s desires. Come home to your heart.”

A tea ritual does not erase trauma. What it can do is create a small, intentional moment in which we slow down, breathe, notice what is present, and offer the body a different experience. These moments of awareness can become part of a wider collection of supportive choices.

Continue with the Emotions & Healing Series

This conversation with Faust is an important part of a broader exploration of emotional wellbeing. The Emotions & Healing Series offers additional conversations and tools for understanding the emotional wisdom of the body, the Five Elements, and the ways awareness can support meaningful change.

For those navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, emotional overwhelm, or patterns of protection, the series can provide a supportive next step. Each episode offers another perspective, allowing listeners to build a personal toolbox rather than searching for one technique that must do everything.

Support Through Greenwell Center Programs

The programs offered through the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health bring together movement, mindfulness, breath, intention, creative expression, and BioEnergetic Wellness. These approaches are designed to help people increase awareness, explore possibility, and discover practical tools that can be woven into daily life.

Support may begin with something simple: noticing the breath, gently moving the body, setting an intention, sharing in community, or recognizing a small change in how the body responds. The goal is not to force an outcome, but to create conditions in which the person can discover what supports greater balance, connection, and forward movement.

Explore current offerings and resources through the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

Artfilled Wellness: Healing in Community

For those who feel drawn to a more immersive experience, the Artfilled Wellness: Cape Breton Island Energy & Arts Immersion Retreat offers an opportunity to explore wellbeing through movement, music, intuitive art, nature, poetry, sound, tea rituals, and community.

The retreat is not about escaping life for a few days. It is about living within experiences that encourage curiosity, belonging, creativity, awareness, and the possibility of seeing yourself differently. For someone who has spent a long time in protection or survival, supportive community and creative engagement may open a gentle doorway toward reconnection.

Healing Is Not a Straight Line

Trauma may create patterns that once helped us survive. Healing invites us to notice when those patterns are no longer serving the future we want to create.

There may be moments of progress, uncertainty, rest, frustration, courage, and renewed connection. The process is personal, and no one should feel pressured to heal according to someone else’s timeline.

PTSD is not your identity. It is an experience your system has carried. With appropriate professional care, compassionate support, practical tools, and opportunities for awareness, new possibilities can emerge.

Listen to the full conversation with Faust Ruggiero on Be Well with Dr. Michelle Greenwell, and continue exploring the resources that help you feel informed, supported, and less alone.

This article and podcast are intended for education and general wellness support. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, psychotherapy, counselling, or emergency care. Anyone experiencing severe distress or symptoms of PTSD is encouraged to seek support from a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.

The post Healing the Imprint of Trauma: Understanding PTSD and Returning to the Heart first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

About this episode…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of “Be Well with Dr. Michelle Greenwell,” where we delve into holistic wellness, personal empowerment, and the tools to live a balanced and vibrant life. In this special episode, we’re thrilled to host the effervescent Leonie Dawson, a best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and the creative genius behind the My Shining Year Workbooks.

The episode titled “Big Glorious Dreaming” invites listeners to explore the boundless possibilities of dreaming big and making those dreams come true. Leonie Dawson is renowned for her infectious enthusiasm, unique blend of creativity, spirituality, and pragmatic approach to achieving one’s goals. She has helped thousands of people worldwide to set and achieve their most ambitious dreams.

In this episode, Leonie shares her journey, wisdom, and practical strategies to inspire and empower you to embrace your dreams and turn them into a glorious reality.

Here are more details:

1. The Art of Dreaming Big: Leonie discusses the importance of dreaming big and how to cultivate a mindset that welcomes boundless possibilities. Discover how to unlock your potential by nurturing your inner vision and daring to dream beyond the ordinary.

2. Creating with Purpose: Leonie shares her insights on aligning your passions with your purpose. Learn how to channel your creative energy into entrepreneurial ventures that not only succeed, but also resonate with your core values, and bring joy and fulfillment.

3. Overcoming Obstacles: Leonie talks about the challenges she has faced on her journey and the strategies she employed to overcome them. Gain practical advice on navigating obstacles and setbacks, and learn how resilience and perseverance can turn challenges into stepping stones to success.

4. Mindfulness and Self-Care: Dr. Michelle Greenwell and Leonie delve into the significance of mindfulness and self-care in maintaining a balanced and healthy life. Explore various practices that support mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, ensuring you stay vibrant and energized.

5. Inspiring Stories: Be inspired by Leonie’s personal stories and experiences, as well as those of the people she has influenced. These stories highlight the transformative power of dreams and provide a roadmap for your own journey of self-discovery and achievement.

6. Practical Tools and Resources: Leonie offers a wealth of practical tools and resources to support your big glorious dreaming. From guided meditations to journaling prompts, these resources are designed to help you take actionable steps toward your goals.

7. Building a Supportive Community: Learn about the importance of community and connection in your journey. Leonie emphasizes the value of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support and uplift you. Discover how to build a supportive network that fosters your growth and success.

Why Should you Listen?

“Big Glorious Dreaming” with Leonie Dawson on “Be Well with Dr. Michelle Greenwell” is more than just an episode; it’s an invitation to embark on a transformative journey. Leonie’s authenticity, joy, and practical wisdom make this a must-listen for anyone looking to infuse their life with creativity, purpose, and boundless potential. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative soul, or someone seeking inspiration and empowerment, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you dream big and achieve your goals.

Join Dr. Michelle Greenwell and Leonie Dawson for an uplifting and enlightening conversation that will leave you inspired to embrace your dreams and live your life to the fullest. Tune in to “Be Well with Dr. Michelle Greenwell” and let “Big Glorious Dreaming” be the catalyst for your next big adventure. Your dreams are within reach, and the journey starts now. The Tea highlighted in this show from the Cape Breton Tea Company is Nova Scotia Harvest. Michelle explores the essence of apple and green tea and how it supports the body and developing a wellness plan that includes tea to support the body, mind, and spirit.

Vodcast

Podcast

You can find Leonie Dawson at:

https://www.leoniedawson.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-dawson-27824675/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonie_dawson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leoniedawsonauthor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoddessLeonie

https://leoniedawson.com/academy/

You can learn more about Dr. Michelle Greenwell’s programs at www.greenwellcenter.com. Tea can be found in the shop at www.capebretontea.ca.

The post Big Glorious Dreaming with Leonie Dawson first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.