Training Your Brain & Body to Thrive During Stress with Dr. Elizabeth A Stanley (172)

by | Mar 29, 2022 | Brain Science, Episodes, Guest Interviews, Mindfulness, Personal Growth, Trauma | 0 comments

Show Notes

Guest Dr. Elizabeth Stanley knows stress reduction – she had developed a program used by the US military called Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training. Co-host Dr. Ann Kelley and Dr. Stanley discuss practical strategies that will help you build resilience, recover from trauma, heal and thrive.

“…One of the biggest gifts we each give the world around us is our own self-regulation – our own presence. Only from a self-regulated place are we able to contribute to the collective…”

Dr. Elizabeth A. Stanley has dedicated years to understanding her own traumatic experiences and extended her knowledge to others through research and teaching, including her work developing the Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT)® (utilized by the United States military).

There are many factors that contribute to the way in which we manage stress. From early developmental experiences to the lessons we learn within our culture – how we process and manage our experiences during stress and trauma plays a large role in the way we navigate the world around us. Too often we go on autopilot and ignore the impact of stress and trauma on our body. This can have a devastating impact on us personally, but also on our relationships.

Thrive even under stress

“…we kind of divorce trauma and write it off as that's what happens with weak people or people who can't handle it. So people who are really suffering that way don't really want to admit it to themselves or to anyone else because that somehow reflects on them that they're broken or wrong or weak or powerless in ways that really isn't true. Stress and trauma are actually a biological continuum, but we've divorced it this way…”

Join our Therapist Uncensored online community as a TU Neuronerd and help support getting this content out to the world.

For deeper dives into topics and extra episodes, join our online community for as little as $5 a month and get deep-dive content, ad-free feed, Ask Me Anything sessions, discounts on anything we produce, and unique study opportunities. 

About Dr. Elizabeth Stanley 

Elizabeth A. Stanley, Ph.D., is an associate professor of security studies at Georgetown University. She is the creator of Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT)®, taught to thousands in civilian and military high-stress environments. Stanley is also an award-winning author and U.S. Army veteran with service in Asia and Europe, she holds degrees from Yale, Harvard, and MIT. She’s also is a certified practitioner of Somatic Experiencing, a body-based trauma therapy.

 

 

Time Stamps

1:08 – Background on Dr. Stanley's life

5:09 – The creation of her mindfulness-based training Program

6:16 – How culture plays a role in toxic/overworked environments

22:01 – The window of stress explanation

23:20 – Three pathways that can make the window narrow

45:49 – Three principles of mindfulness

47:57 – The biggest “Pay Off Habit” recommendations

56:20 – Implementing mindfulness regulation strategies into the military

Resources

Dr. Elizabeth A. Stanley's Website

“Widen the Window: Training Your Brain and Body to Thrive During Stress and Recover from Trauma” – Purchase

“Mindfulness-Based Mind-Fit Training” – Online Courses

Optimizing the Caveman Within Us” – Dr. Elizabeth A. Stanley's TedTalk

Training your brain to thrive show notes

Recent Episodes

Bonus – Amplify Your Voice: Reflections on Mental Health & Meaningful Practice (270)

Bonus – Amplify Your Voice: Reflections on Mental Health & Meaningful Practice (270)

Let’s get real about revitalizing the therapy landscape

Ann Kelley and Sue Marriott are back for a one on one episode, and sharing their personal reflections on
mental health, community, and the evolving challenges clinicians face today. From the tension between accessibility and sustainability in therapy, to the influence of corporate models – they discuss the need for creativity in the field. Emphasizing connection, curiosity, and professional growth, they introduce exciting opportunities, updates, and even a new series focused on inclusivity – inviting listeners to find and amplify their unique voice in the mental health space.

read more
Smartphones: The Truth About Their Impact on Mental Health with Dr. Jean Twenge (269)

Smartphones: The Truth About Their Impact on Mental Health with Dr. Jean Twenge (269)

Dr. Ann Kelley is joined by Dr. Jean Twenge to discuss her groundbreaking research on generational differences with a focus on how technology—especially smartphones and social media—has transformed communication, relationships, and mental health. They explore how historical shifts and longer life spans contribute to delayed life milestones and what she calls the “slow life strategy.” Dr. Twenge highlights the alarming rise in anxiety and depression among Generation Z, which is closely linked to increased screen time and reduced face-to-face interactions. Together they discuss practical steps parents can take to support healthier development and social connection. Join our Neuronerd online community www.therapistuncensored.com/join. Shownotes www.therapistuncensored.com/tu269.

read more
Bonus – The 9 Personality Patterns and the Enneagram with Dr. Dan Siegel (267)

Bonus – The 9 Personality Patterns and the Enneagram with Dr. Dan Siegel (267)

Alongside co-host Sue Marriott, Dr. Dan Siegel explores how loss, vulnerability, and connection shape personal growth and healing. He discusses the science of attachment and personality, highlighting nine
adaptive patterns that emerge from non-secure attachment. The conversation also explores how neuroscience sheds light on emotional needs, alongside Siegel’s personal reflections on his own attachment history and path as a professional. Together they unpack how neuroscience, motivation, and community impact therapy. The episode offers practical insights for clinicians, emphasizing a compassionate, non-shaming approach to mental health and the journey toward secure attachment and the feeling of wholeness.

read more
Pleasurable Sex, Gender Queerness & Life Burnout with Dr. Emily Nagoski (259)

Pleasurable Sex, Gender Queerness & Life Burnout with Dr. Emily Nagoski (259)

Dr. Emily Nagoski joins co-host Sue Marriott for a deep and insightful conversation about desire, pleasure, and the impact of societal norms on sexuality. Together they explore the evolving landscape of trans rights and healthcare, emphasizing patient-centered care and the urgent need for societal support. Through her journey as a sex educator, Nagoski advocates for deeper understanding and connection, while also sharing practical approaches to educating young people about gender and sexuality, managing stress, and finding meaning and purpose in life.

read more
Bonus – Disorganized / Unresolved Attachment with Dr. Krista Jordan (258)

Bonus – Disorganized / Unresolved Attachment with Dr. Krista Jordan (258)

This is a sneak peek of our episode with Dr. Krista Jordan – available only on our Premium Supercast and Patreon platforms. For as little as $5/month you can have access to special releases like this one, first-to-know about upcoming events and discounts and an ad-free feed.

Dr. Krista Jordan & co-host Sue Marriott LCSW CGP dive into the messy, fascinating world of the 4th attachment category – disorganized attachment. Through intimate personal stories, they describe how it shows up in therapy, relationships, and everyday life. They explore the Adult Attachment Projective (AAP) and Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), unpacking what is sometimes called disorganized, unresolved, dysregulated, dissociated attachment that can ripple through generations.Learn how dismissive strategies work so well they can stop us from growing, why feedback (and a little distress) is crucial for self-awareness, and how shame and anger are often two sides of the same coin.

read more
The Power of Liberation: Courage, Identity & Growth with Pam Benson Owens (257)

The Power of Liberation: Courage, Identity & Growth with Pam Benson Owens (257)

We’re kicking off February with a powerful conversation with the incredible Pam Benson Owens. Alongside co-host Sue Marriott, they explore what it means to live with purpose, navigate systemic challenges, and find liberation in everyday choices. Pam shares her wisdom on the role of self-care in activism, the courage it takes to engage in difficult conversations, and how fear shows up in DEI work. This episode dives deep into the intersection of personal and organizational growth, touching on themes of vulnerability, belonging, and the evolving landscape of diversity and identity. Sue and Pam also tackle honest conversations about race and privilege, the “messy middle” of personal transformation, and why pacing yourself is essential for long-term impact.

read more
Rediscovering Play for More Secure Connections with Children – and Adults (256)

Rediscovering Play for More Secure Connections with Children – and Adults (256)

Co-host Sue Marriott, with special guests, Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent, discuss the powerful role of play in child development and its therapeutic benefits. Play fosters emotional resilience, strengthens parent-child attachment, and supports positive neuroplasticity. They acknowledge the resistance some parents may feel towards engaging in play, while also providing practical strategies for parents to incorporate into their daily interactions. Learn how embracing play can nurture emotional growth and empower both children and parents in meaningful ways.

read more

What else do you want to learn today?

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This