How Expressive Arts Therapy Uncovers Trauma Hidden in the Mind's Shadows

How Expressive Arts Therapy Uncovers Trauma Hidden in the Mind's Shadows

Most conversations around mental health are surface level—until now. Jewel, a voice from the Truth Table podcast, and Alynne, a trauma-informed therapist, take us deep into the messy, misunderstood world of emotional expression through art, music, and dark humor. If you’ve ever felt like traditional therapy just doesn’t cut it, this episode is your new best friend. We break down how creative outlets like poetry, dance, and even those moody songs actually deepen healing—sometimes more than talk therapy ever could. Jewel shares how she uses humor and music to cope, and Alynne reveals the surprising science behind expressive arts therapy helping us process trauma subconsciously. Plus, we get real about the digital chaos fueling mental health crises, from TikTok trends to online bullying, and why true understanding means more accountability—offline and on. You'll discover: why trauma-informed schools and safer social media policies are desperately needed, how kids are mastering digital deception with burner phones, and how social anxiety and lack of social skills are fueling a youth mental health epidemic. We also talk about the dark side of TikTok virality, the alarming rise in youth suicides, and simple ways to start creating safer spaces for vulnerable folks—even if you’re not a therapist. This episode isn’t just eye-opening—it’s a call to re-humanize mental health conversations in digital, social, and personal spaces. Perfect for educators, parents, creators, or anyone tired of fluffy advice. Because here’s the truth: healing is messy, expressive, and most definitely loud. Ready to embrace it? Guest Jewel is a conscious creator and advocate, known for her unapologetic honesty about mental health struggles. Alynne, a licensed expressive arts therapist, is passionate about trauma recovery and helping people express what words often can’t. Stay curious. Stay brave. And let’s give voice to the voiceless—loud and proud. Aylnne links: tictock:@aylnnedavis ig @alynnedavis [https://www.instagram.com/alynnedavis/] http://www.alynnedavis.com/ [http://www.alynnedavis.com/]

Overcoming Childhood Trama

The conversation covers the introduction of PsychPAL, echos childhood trauma, the impact on relationships and parenting, emotional triggers and coping mechanisms, childhood experiences and their impact on parenting, personal struggles and mental health journey, the evolution of mental health support, the impact of personal experiences on mental health advocacy, creating interactive mental health resources, addressing male mental health stigma, and Natalie's journey of resilience and advocacy. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma and abuse, the journey of empowerment and overcoming victimhood, the creation of safe spaces for healing and support, the expression of emotions through poetry and letters, the importance of authenticity and realness in conversations, the symbolism of music in mental health, and the need to break the stigma of mental health. The speakers discuss acceptance and the significance of safe spaces for individuals to heal and express themselves. "If you want to try it, go to or click the link, api.psychpal.ca/try?ref=pete [http://api.psychpal.ca/try?ref=pete] or use code PETE at checkout for 20% off." Takeaways * Mental Health Support * Overcoming Adversity Acceptance * Safe Spaces Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to PsychPAL * 05:54 Impact on Relationships and Parenting * 12:08 Childhood Experiences and Impact on Parenting * 18:02 The Evolution of Mental Health Support * 24:06 Creating Interactive Mental Health Resources * 30:12 Natalie's Journey of Resilience and Advocacy * 35:38 Understanding the Impact of Trauma and Abuse * 41:25 Expressing Emotions Through Poetry and Letters * 49:34 The Symbolism of Music in Mental Health * 57:07 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

The “Primal Five” Human Needs Everyone’s Ignoring — Until Now

The conversation covers the topics of clinical psychology, anxiety, specialization in psychology, stigma around mental health, misconceptions about mental health, conversations about mental health with children, and the impact of social media on mental health. The discussion delves into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding mental health, as well as the influence of social media on mental well-being. The conversation delves into the impact of social media manipulation, the importance of self-care and mental health, the role of behavioral choices and intentionality, and the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health. The discussion highlights the need for intentional behavioral choices, the impact of social media on mental health, and the importance of self-care practices. Additionally, it addresses the stigma and misconceptions related to mental health, emphasizing the need for understanding and support. "If you want to try it, go to or click the link, api.psychpal.ca/try?ref=pete [http://api.psychpal.ca/try?ref=pete] or use code PETE at checkout for 20% off." Takeaways * Mental Health and Well-being * Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Social media manipulation * Self-care and mental health * Behavioral choices and intentionality Chapters * 00:00 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health * 21:59 Impact of Social Media * 28:19 Behavioral Choices and Intentionality * 36:39 Mental Health Stigma and Misconceptions

From Dominatrix to Inner Peace: How Shadow Work and Kink Are Basically Twins

The conversation explores Tina's journey from being a dominatrix to becoming an existential kink coach, highlighting the transition, the impact of BDSM, the similarities between domination and coaching, taboos and misunderstandings, leaving the profession, spiritual phase, return to existential kink coaching, introduction to shadow work, understanding shadow work, and personal reflection and growth. The conversation delves into the themes of embracing discomfort and growth, a gentle approach to shadow work, overcoming mental health stigma, and the importance of mental health and self-acceptance. Tina Estrella shares insights on these topics, providing valuable perspectives on mental health and personal growth. "If you want to try it, go to or click the link, api.psychpal.ca/try?ref=pete [http://api.psychpal.ca/try?ref=pete] or use code PETE at checkout for 20% off." Takeaways * Exploring the transition from dominatrix to existential kink coaching * The integration of shadow work and its impact on personal growth Embracing discomfort * Gentle approach to shadow work Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Background * 05:17 Taboos and Misunderstandings * 14:06 Introduction to Shadow Work * 25:05 Understanding Shadow Work * 31:54 Embracing Discomfort and Growth * 37:05 Overcoming Mental Health Stigma * 45:19 Mental Health and Self-acceptance

Voice of The Voiceless: Trauma In The Workplace w Cyndi Bennett

The conversation delves into the impact of trauma in the workplace, the experience of living with DID, and the effects of trauma on one's career. It explores the challenges faced by trauma survivors in the workplace and the importance of addressing trauma to prevent its negative impact on mental health and career success. The conversation delves into the challenges of workplace stress, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-advocacy in the workplace. It highlights the impact of trauma on work life and the strategies for managing and addressing these challenges. Takeaways * Trauma in the workplace * Impact of trauma on career * Living with DID Setting Boundaries * Self-Advocacy Chapters * 00:00 Trauma in the Workplace * 24:25 Recognizing Workplace Stress * 32:55 Self-Advocacy in the Workplace