Understanding Trauma and Polyvagal Theory | Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, mental health therapist, Kendrique Coats, MS, ALMFT [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendrique-coats-bb6b2876] interviews Trauma Expert and Founder of Trauma Therapist Institute [https://www.traumatherapistinstitute.com/], Rebecca Kase [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-kase], MSW, LCSW, RYT.
In this episode, Rebecca [https://www.vnsociety.org/provider/rebecca-kase-lcsw/]breaks down trauma in a way that’s clear, grounded, and understandable. We talk about the two parts of trauma, how trauma responses actually work, and what happens in the nervous system after someone experiences stress or overwhelm.
Rebecca highlights that not all trauma looks the same and explains the differences between Big T versus Little T trauma. Rebecca then shares her perspective on Polyvagal Theory and some of the current misconceptions.
This conversation also challenges the idea that trauma is just “in the past.” Trauma lives in the nervous system and the body, and you can’t heal it by talking alone. We touch on what this means in therapy, why people often feel stuck, and how practices like movement and journaling can support regulation.
Finally, we zoom out to the bigger picture, how chronic stress and collective trauma impact not just individuals, but entire communities. When people are constantly in fear or survival mode, it changes how we connect, care, and show up for each other.
If you’re interested in trauma, nervous system regulation, and Polyvagal Theory, this episode gives you a deeper, more practical understanding of what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Check out previous episodes:
Mental Health In the Black Community| The Black Men's Perspective: https://open.spotify.com/episode/640miQDFD5qHMI0Hqo0HBy?si=vNQ5uJPxRsWzmStJURZjxA [applewebdata://7CC9EB65-20F4-4F4A-A587-BF6155A6C969/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0https://open.spotify.com/episode/640miQDFD5qHMI0Hqo0HBy?si=vNQ5uJPxRsWzmStJURZjxA]
Women in College Sports and Athlete Mental Health |Fionna Hatton, Worcester State University Hockey
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ci21vYhFKfAd4tD8vLHf1?si=tcPUf-aUS1m1auYhM4pRoQ [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ci21vYhFKfAd4tD8vLHf1?si=tcPUf-aUS1m1auYhM4pRoQ]
An athlete's battle with cancer and mental health | Gabby Orlet, Grand Valley State Volleyball
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hnZ... [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hnZ...%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]
About Kendrique Coats [https://lifestance.com/provider/therapist/il/bloomington/kendrique-coats/]: is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Illinois. Kendrique is also the athlete mental health advisor for the Illinois High School Association. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth.
Intro Music: 1080 Pale- Fool me Twice
*I do not own the rights to music. The music is free and is not being used for profit.*
Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.
