“What happens in the brain and body when you live through tremendous adversity?" That's just one of the powerful questions Mike Niconchuk asks and answers in today's episode on trauma and the power of self-agency, knowledge and love. Mike is a brain scientist, researcher, and practitioner focusing on trauma recovery in communities affected by conflict. As Program Director for Beyond Conflict’s work on Trauma and Violent Conflict, he leads the strategy and execution of initiatives focused on trauma and violence prevention in the U.S., Germany, Jordan, and Lebanon. In this profound, intimate, and honest conversation, Mike Niconchuk doesn’t mince words. He demythologizes the concept of ‘bouncing back,’ calls "science-activists" into action, and shares why he believes "nothing is more relevant than how the body responds to trauma." I reached out to Mike, because I had a deep sense that his work and vision embody the heart of "the foreseeable now." He’s acutely aware of how much potential for healing can be found in present moment-to-moment reality...at the same time that he holds this vision of the future, working with what’s possible, predictive, preventative...even in our global crises, even in this pandemic, even if the future is next week... all while he navigates the urgency of *now*. He’s the author of the Field Guide for Barefoot Psychology, a unique psycho-educational and trauma recovery program for communities affected by trauma and adversity. The Field Guide is grounded in the belief that “science is a right and self-awareness is an asset.” He describes how it all started...with a letter to his friends, and his plea for them to "hang on"... to "not let trauma win.” Somehow, he’s able to hold all these tensions of time and place, of people hurting and healing, of conflict and peace work, of the enormity of crisis and the “victory” of personal resilience in the communities he works with... and still keep his wits and his will intact. It's the way his research on dehumanization, violent conflict, and trauma so deeply interconnects with his study of social inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing...that I find deeply poignant and compelling. An unforgettable, deeply emotional, unvarnished conversation about the biology of belonging, stress and trauma responses, the power of science and storytelling, and what's possible when we center collective care, and take a "do no harm" oath with ourselves as "wounded healers" trying to reduce suffering in the world. He gives us real talk on resilience in the face of uncertainty and chronic stress, and shares his own deep vulnerability and hope around the motivating force that drives all of his work: Love. "Where we belong deeply affects how we see the world." - Mike Niconchuk PROGRAM NOTE: This conversation was recorded a few months ago. What we discuss remains relevant, timely, and ubiquitous.
A profound, illuminating, and unvarnished conversation with neuroscientist Mike Niconchuk about polarization and the biology of belonging; the power of science, storytelling, and the narrative of trauma; the constant balance between urgency and safety; and what's possible when we center collective care, and take a "do no harm" oath with ourselves as "wounded healers" trying to reduce suffering in the world.
Mike demythologizes the concept of ‘bouncing back,’ calls "science-activists" into action, and shares why he believes "nothing is more relevant than how the body responds to trauma."
Mike Niconchuk is the Program Director for Beyond Conflict’s work on Trauma and Violent Conflict. Beyond Conflict combines nearly 30 years of experience in conflict prevention, resolution, and reconciliation with the latest cognitive and behavioral science. Mike leads the strategy and execution of initiatives focused on trauma and violence prevention in the U.S., Germany, Jordan, and Lebanon. These initiatives focus on the link between neuroscience and participation in group violence and the mind-body effects of conflict, forced displacement, and violence on youth and adults.
He’s the author of the Field Guide for Barefoot Psychology, a unique psycho-educational and trauma recovery program for communities affected by trauma and adversity. The Field Guide is grounded in the belief that “science is a right and self-awareness is an asset”. First piloted in the Za’atri Refugee camp in Jordan with 160 participants, it now exists in both print and mobile app formats. In one of the largest neurophysiology studies ever conducted in a post-conflict setting, the Field Guide was determined to be effective in reducing mental health stigma, PTSD symptoms, and emotion regulation, even 3 months later.
Listen, subscribe, and share. The Foreseeable Now is hosted and produced by Lu Hanessian. Co-production and original music by KÁNO SOUND.
PROGRAM NOTE: This conversation was recorded a few months ago. Our conversation remains both timely and timeless.
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SHOW LINKS ~
Beyond Conflict https://beyondconflictint.org/
The Field Guide for Barefoot Psychology TFG) is a trauma-focused psychosocial program that uses storytelling, psychoeducation, and self-care exercises delivered across 12-15 sessions by trained peer facilitators to (1) clarify why and how adverse experiences can affect the brain, body, and social behavior, and (2) ameliorate the negative effects of stress and trauma and promote help-seeking behaviors.
WATCH:
"Program aims to help Syrian refugees recover from psychological trauma"
Some of the research mentioned in this episode:
"Why Rejection Hurts" by Naomi Eisenburger
Dr. Paul Zak
Check out these interviews, articles, and presentations featuring Mike: