Illuminating Trauma: Feminist Perspective

When Susan Pease Bannit transitioned away from her established psychotherapy practice, she brought to light the intricate layers of psychological trauma. Her narrative is more than just a personal tale; it serves as an essential beacon for anyone entangled in the grips of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative disorders and the haunting shadows of ritual abuse. The latest episode of our podcast features Susan’s profound insights, where she unravels the complexities of trauma and discusses her pivot towards embracing a multifaceted approach to healing, incorporating the mystique of Reiki.

Susan’s dialogue about the challenging treatment of individuals subjected to ritual abuse by governmental and other institutions reveals the stark reality of those most deeply affected by trauma. Her critique of contemporary claims of trauma stresses the importance of recognizing psychological trauma as a multi-dimensional wound that necessitates an equally comprehensive treatment strategy. This complexity is what Susan passionately dissects, offering an understanding that delves deep.

The episode explores the realm of reincarnation—a concept that is often met with scepticism in Western culture but is an integral part of Eastern and indigenous traditions. This introduces a dynamic contrast in perspectives, as Susan’s own experiences with past life regressions add an intriguing layer to the discussion. Moreover, she addresses the emergence of her book which serves as an anthology of healing approaches and philosophies from female therapists. This groundbreaking work not only provides a voice to women in a field historically dominated by men but also represents a collection of varied healing practices that empower and bring understanding to those on their path to recovery.

As the episode progresses, we hear about Susan’s journey with Reiki, an energy healing technique that she was initially sceptical about but later found to be incredibly powerful in addressing trauma. Her stories about the non-dual nature of Reiki—how it transcends typical realities and cannot be used for harm—highlight the transformative potential of this practice. The origins of Reiki with Usui Sensei’s enlightenment in Japan are recounted, adding a historical context to its modern application in trauma healing.

Misdiagnosis of PTSD as a personality disorder, particularly among women, are confronted head-on. Susan sheds light on the dire implications of such missteps, which often result in a lack of appropriate support for those seeking help. As the episode wraps up, we’re promised a continuation of the conversation with more dialogues with the contributors of the anthology and an exploration of the partnership with The View Magazine—a platform dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in the justice system.

This podcast episode is a testament to the resilience found in the voices of women overcoming trauma and the multifaceted nature of therapy. As we look forward to engaging with the stories and insights from various therapists in upcoming episodes, the commitment to mental health and justice remains steadfast. It’s a journey of light and darkness, of healing and understanding, all interwoven in the dance of recovery from trauma.